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Neoadjuvant intratumoral (IT) therapy could amplify the weak responses to checkpoint blockade therapy observed in breast cancer (BC). In this study, we administered neoadjuvant IT anti-canine PD-1 therapy (IT acPD-1) alone or combined with IT cowpea mosaic virus therapy (IT CPMV/acPD-1) to companion dogs diagnosed with canine mammary cancer (CMC), a spontaneous tumor resembling human BC. CMC patients treated weekly with acPD-1 (n = 3) or CPMV/acPD-1 (n = 3) for four weeks or with CPMV/acPD-1 (n = 3 patients not candidates for surgery) for up to 11 weeks did not experience immune-related adverse events. We found that acPD-1 and CPMV/acPD-1 injections resulted in tumor control and a reduction in injected tumors in all patients and in noninjected tumors located in the ipsilateral and contralateral mammary chains of treated dogs. In two metastatic CMC patients, CPMV/acPD-1 treatments resulted in the control and reduction of established lung metastases. CPMV/acPD-1 treatments were associated with altered gene expression related to TLR1-4 signaling and complement pathways. These novel therapies could be effective for CMC patients. Owing to the extensive similarities between CMC and human BC, IT CPMV combined with approved anti-PD-1 therapies could be a novel and effective immunotherapy to treat local BC and suppress metastatic BC.

Catharus ustulatus (Nuttall, 1840) (Swainson’s Thrush), a long-distance migratory songbird, spends its nonbreeding period primarily in northwestern South America and has been listed hypothetically in Paraguay. Here, we provide the first confirmed record of the species in Paraguay, documented by photographs. This find extends the known range of C. ustulatus into the Dry Chaco ecoregion, with potential implications for understanding this species’ nonbreeding distribution and habitat use.

Abstract This paper presents a novel method for identifying critical transmission lines (CTLs) in power systems subjected to cascading overload outages, leveraging the Natural Connectivity (NC) index. Unlike previous studies that employed suboptimal weights for the edges, this work introduces a new weighting strategy that enhances the effectiveness of NC in CTLs identification. The proposed Weighted Natural Connectivity-based (WNC-based) method is validated through comparisons with established methods, including the catastrophic expectation index, and the cascading failure simulation index, using IEEE test systems of 30, 39, 57, and 118 buses and the 400 kV Mexican power system. The experimental results demonstrate that the WNC-based method accurately identifies critical lines, providing a practical balance between simplicity and precision. This study challenges prior conclusions that natural connectivity is unsuitable for CTLs identification, showcasing its potential in power system applications. Furthermore, the method's applicability extends to interconnected systems, such as the integration of power transmission, gas distribution, and telecommunication networks, paving the way for future research. The WNC-based method offers a practical tool for preventing blackouts and enhancing power grid resilience, contributing significantly to the field of power system reliability and stability.

Dengue cases rose to record levels during 2023–2024. We investigated dengue in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, to determine if specific virus serotypes or lineages caused its large outbreak. We detected all 4 serotypes and multiple lineages, suggesting that factors such as climatic conditions were likely responsible for increased dengue in Colombia.

This article presents a nonlinear control strategy designed to address parametric uncertainties in an agricultural tractor system coupled to a towed implement. The controller ensures accurate tracking of lateral and yaw velocities relative to desired reference trajectories, even under the presence of parametric variations and external disturbances. The reference trajectories are derived from an “ideal” tractor model, excluding the effects of the towed implement. A High-Order Sliding Mode (HOSM) estimator is employed to provide an estimation of disturbances, which are subsequently mitigated by the controller to maintain system stability and precision. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated through Matlab-Simulink simulations, which include a double-step steer maneuver. This maneuver tests the system’s ability to handle abrupt steering changes, providing insight into the controller’s robustness and its capacity to ensure accurate trajectory tracking in demanding conditions.

Abstract The integration of alternative energy sources, storage systems, and modern loads into the distribution grid is complicating its operation and maintenance. Variability in individual generation and consumption elements dynamically affects voltage profiles, which in turn undermines efficiency and power quality. This study proposes to address this dynamical variability using an online reconfiguration approach that involves opening and closing switches to modify the grid's topology and adjust voltage levels in response to load/generation variations. Other grid optimization techniques, based on reconfiguration, typically focus on static, fully instrumented grids with predictable parameters and homogeneous changes, aiming to minimize power losses but overlooking the dynamics of variable grid elements. This study proposes a testing approach that is dependent on the estimated transient status of the grid only using a limited number of measurement units and considering the individual‐stochastic variations of loads and generators. The proposed approach was tested on the IEEE 33‐bus test feeder with up to five varying distributed generators. The results confirm that the algorithm consistently finds a reconfiguration alternative that could enhance system efficiency and voltage profiles, even in the face of dynamic load/generator behavior, demonstrating its effectiveness and online adaptability for grid operation and management tasks.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores que inciden en el comportamiento de los consumidores paraguayos en relación al comercio electrónico. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa, transversal y descriptiva, recolectando datos a través de una encuesta en formato digital realizada a un total de 404 participantes tomados a partir de una muestra aleatoria simple en el 2023. Los resultados demostraron que 48,1% apuntan a la Moda e Indumentaria como el rubro más comprado, 40,6% por Alimentos y Bebidas, 51% compra una vez al mes, 41,4% considera que realizar compras en línea es muy conveniente, 38,3% y 36,5% están de acuerdo o muy de acuerdo en encontrar mejores ofertas en línea, 49,9% expresan su fuerte acuerdo con respecto que la variedad de productos disponibles es altamente valorada, etc. Se concluye que la mayoría de los participantes señala como factores determinantes en la elección de esta modalidad a los tiempos y horarios de atención y también a las opciones de envío y entrega de las mercaderías. Finalmente, existe una constante evolución y aumento en la aceptación de los consumidores de esta modalidad a nivel local.

Abstract Classifying individuals based on metabotypes and lifestyle phenotypes using exploratory factor analyses, cluster definition, and machine-learning algorithms is promising for precision chronic disease prevention and management. This study analyzed data from the NUTRiMDEA online cohort (baseline: n = 17332 and 62 questions) to develop a clustering tool based on 32 accessible questions using machine-learning strategies. Participants ranged from 18 to over 70 years old, with 64.1% female and 35.5% male. Five clusters were identified, combining metabolic, lifestyle, and personal data: Cluster 1 (“Westernized Millennial”, n = 967) included healthy young individuals with fair lifestyle habits; Cluster 2 (“Healthy”, n = 10616) consisted of healthy adults; Cluster 3 (“Mediterranean Young Adult”, n = 2013) represented healthy young adults with a healthy lifestyle and showed the highest adherence to the Mediterranean diet; Cluster 4 (“Pre-morbid”, n = 600) was characterized by healthy adults with declined mood; Cluster 5 (“Pro-morbid”, n = 312) comprised older individuals (47% >55 years) with poorer lifestyle habits, worse health, and a lower health-related quality of life. A computational algorithm was elicited, which allowed quick cluster assignment based on responses (“lifemetabotypes”). This machine-learning approach facilitates personalized interventions and precision lifestyle recommendations, supporting online methods for targeted health maintenance and chronic disease prevention.

Captivity, frequently used in animal research, can profoundly alter brain size, cognitive abilities and activity levels. Critically, persistent exposure to stressors in captive environments can lead to chronic stress and subsequently to a range of health issues. However, the direct implications of captivity on research outcomes have not been thoroughly investigated. We examined the effects of captivity on the common shrew, Sorex araneus, a species that exhibits a profound seasonal reversible change in brain and body size. We compared wild shrews during summer and winter to assess seasonal changes in brain size and behaviour and then contrasted these findings with shrews kept in captivity for six months. Using repeated in vivo magnitic resonance imaging, we determined that the extent of seasonal brain size change was not affected by the semi-natural captive conditions. However, captivity led to increased activity levels and reduced learning motivation in the shrews, indicative of chronic stress. These results suggest that even semi-natural conditions can significantly alter the outcome of studies and these effects need to be quantified before experimentation.

The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 remains a critical challenge in biosensing technology, necessitating the development of highly sensitive and selective platforms. In this study, we present a mathematical modeling approach to optimize a MoSe₂-based Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensor for detecting the novel coronavirus at nM scale. Using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM), we systematically optimize the biosensor’s structural parameters, including silver (Ag), silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), molybdenum diselenide (MoSe₂), and thiol-tethered single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) layers, to enhance sensitivity, detection accuracy, and optical performance. The results indicate that an optimized 45 nm Ag layer, 10 nm Si₃N₄ layer, and monolayer MoSe₂ configuration achieves a resonance shift (Δθ) of 0.3° at 100 nM, with a sensitivity of 197.70°/RIU and a detection accuracy of 5.24 × 10⁻2. Additionally, the incorporation of a 10 nm ssDNA functionalization layer significantly enhances molecular recognition, lowering the limit of detection (LoD) to 2.53 × 10⁻5 and improving overall biosensing efficiency. Sys₅ (MoSe₂ + ssDNA) outperforms Sys₄ (MoSe₂ without ssDNA) in terms of specificity and reliability, making it more suitable for practical applications. These findings establish the MoSe₂-based SPR biosensor as a highly promising candidate for SARS-CoV-2 detection, offering a balance between high sensitivity, optical stability, and molecular selectivity, crucial for effective viral diagnostics.

ABSTRACT Under an adaptive hypothesis, the reciprocal influence between mutualistic plants and frugivores is expected to result in suites of matching frugivore and plant traits that structure fruit consumption. Recent work has suggested fruit traits can represent adaptations to broad groups of functionally similar frugivores, but the role of frugivore traits and within‐species variation in structuring fruit consumption is less understood. To address these knowledge gaps, we assess the presence of reciprocal trait matching for the mutualistic ecological network comprising of Carollia bats that feed on and disperse Piper seeds. We used generalized joint attribute modeling (GJAM), a Bayesian modeling approach that simultaneously accounts for multiple sources of variance across trait types. In support of frugivore adaptation to their dietary composition and suggesting niche partitioning among Carollia bats, we find differential consumption of a suite of Piper species influenced by bat traits such as body size; however, the Piper morphological traits considered had no effect on bat consumption. Slow evolutionary rates, dispersal by other vertebrates, and unexamined fruit traits, such as Piper chemical bouquets, may explain the lack of association between bat Piper consumption and fruit morphological traits. We have identified a potential asymmetric influence of frugivore traits on plant–frugivore interactions, providing a template for future trait analyses of plant–animal networks. As intraspecific trait variation is rarely included in studies on trait matching, this paper contributes to closing that important knowledge gap.

BACKGROUND: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a paraneoplastic and autoimmune disorder characterized by prominent neuropsychiatric manifestations. About 80% of reported cases occur in females, and approximately half of these patients have an ovarian teratoma. The NMDA receptor, located in the hippocampus and forebrain, plays a critical role in memory, cognition, and learning. The pathogenesis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is driven by an autoimmune mechanism in which the body produces autoantibodies (anti-NMDAR) that internalize and alter the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor, leading to decreased synaptic function and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis accounts for 54% to 80% of autoimmune encephalitis cases. First reported in 2007, two young female patients (ages 15 and 19) with ovarian teratomas exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms such as psychosis, seizures, autonomic instability, memory loss, dyskinesias, and speech disorders, all of which improved significantly after teratoma removal (Zhang et al., 2020; Lui et al., 2022). The average age of onset is 21 years, but cases have been reported in patients ranging from 8 months to 85 years. Early surgical excision of the teratoma and immunosuppression can lead to better outcomes and reduced relapse rates. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is the most common cause of encephalitis in patients under 30 years, often misdiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentations. THE CASE: We present the case of a 56-year-old female with no medical history who was admitted to the emergency room on February 15, 2023, with dysphagia, anorexia, drowsiness, nausea, muscle weakness, altered mental state, confusion, and unresponsiveness. Initially diagnosed with anxiety and major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms at Methodist Hospital in Houston, she was treated with multiple medications but showed no significant improvement. Her condition deteriorated, with worsening cognitive, psychiatric, and motor function. Upon transfer to Hospital Ginequito in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 26, 2023, further evaluation revealed cortical atrophy on MRI, macrocytic anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and primary hypothyroidism. Despite treatment for suspected HSV-associated limbic encephalitis, her condition continued to decline, leading to generalized seizures. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis was diagnosed based on positive anti-NMDAR antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. An abdominopelvic CT scan identified a mature ovarian teratoma in the left ovary, measuring approximately 891 cc. Given the strong association between ovarian teratomas and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, she underwent a left salpingo-oophorectomy. Pathology confirmed a teratoma with a mural nodule containing osseous, neural, glial, and gastrointestinal tissue. Following immunotherapy with IV methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins, as well as the surgical removal of the teratoma, the patient showed significant clinical improvement. She regained mobility and cognitive function and was stable at the one-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: In the present case, a diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis was reported, after the presence of a mature ovarian teratoma containing neural tissue. This finding is uncommon in this pathology and has been proposed as the triggering factor for the reported encephalitis. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis involves various stages of the disease, which can potentially lead to death. Due to the broad spectrum of symptoms, it can mimic other psychiatric disorders, underscoring the importance of serological examination.

Los riesgos ambientales son una preocupación para la habitabilidad del planeta. Se estima que para 2050, el 68 % de la población mundial vivirá en ciudades, y en México, el 79 % ya reside en áreas urbanas. Esta concentración poblacional enfrenta amenazas como la variabilidad climática y los efectos derivados del cambio climático, que se manifiestan en fenómenos meteorológicos extremos, incluyendo inundaciones. El índice topográfico de humedad (TWI por sus siglas en inglés) es una herramienta útil para identificar áreas susceptibles a inundaciones y planificar infraestructura preventiva. En esta investigación, se realizó un análisis diacrónico hemerográfico digital de inundaciones en Xalapa de Enríquez, Veracruz, México; modelando el TWI con datos procedentes de LIDAR para identificar zonas propensas a inundaciones. También se analizaron la marginación, el arbolado per cápita y el drenaje pluvial de la ciudad. Los resultados mostraron que, en 18 años ocurrieron 369 inundaciones en 120 colonias, afectando al 61.5 % de los habitantes. El 56 % de las inundaciones ocurrieron entre 2017 y 2022. Dos de las tres colonias con más inundaciones tienen un grado de marginación medio. El 39.8 % de las colonias tiene menos de 5 m² de arbolado por habitante, incumpliendo la legislación local, y el 56.7 % no alcanza los 15 m² recomendados internacionalmente. El TWI reveló que el 45 % de la superficie inundable no está registrada en el apartado de Amenazas y Vulnerabilidad a Inundaciones del Programa Municipal de Ordenamiento Territorial. Las 10 colonias con más inundaciones tienen los porcentajes más bajos de alcantarillado pluvial. Se concluye que es factible y deseable replicar el TWI en otras ciudades para prevenir inundaciones y planificar obras de gestión integral del riesgo de desastres, valorando la superficie arbolada per cápita en coordinación con mejoras en el drenaje pluvial, mediante un enfoque intraurbano de colonia.

Este artículo presenta una aproximación biográfica a la figura de Catalina Bravo, una actriz relegada al olvido. Recorre su trayectoria artística en los principales teatros madrileños, Príncipe y de la Cruz, y en el Teatre de la Santa Creu de Barcelona, destacando el repertorio que interpretó, su evolución en la jerarquía de actrices y su reflejo retributivo, así como la recepción de su trabajo por la crítica. Recientemente se ha conocido que la actriz interpretó la única intervención musical del drama de Hartzenbusch Los amantes de Teruel. Se pretende, desde esta investigación, recuperar la trayectoria escénica de Catalina Bravo prestando atención a su vertiente musical para poder discernir si la actuación en el drama de Hartzenbusch fue anecdótica o si su repertorio acredita que pueda ser considerada una canta-actriz, de la misma manera que sus coetáneas Matilde Díez o Bárbara Lamadrid.

El objetivo consiste en analizar el uso del papel en la gestión universitaria. Se sustentó en un enfoque cuantitativo, transversal, exploratorio y descriptivo. La población y muestra se compuso por 12 personas que desempeñan funciones dentro de la cadena de mando (directivos, administrativos y académicos) en la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales (FACEM) de la Universidad Nacional de Canindeyú (UNICAN), con sede en Salto Guairá y filial en Curuguaty, Paraguay. Se empleó una encuesta mediante un cuestionario de 19 preguntas, remitido vía WhatsApp por conveniencia en el 2023. Como resultados se muestra que 41,7% indicó que el uso del papel es imprescindible en su labor; 66,7% reconoce el ahorro de recursos económicos disminuyendo o eliminando la utilización del papel; 75% identificó la existencia de una alta dependencia del papel en cumplimiento de sus funciones; y 58,3% determinó que con la disminución de impresiones se realiza ahorro de energía eléctrica. Se concluye que, a pesar de una considerable utilización del papel en las labores rutinarias, se perciben que la implementación de la política de Papel Cero en la FACEM-UNICAN podría generar ahorro en diversos recursos, facilitar la transición a la era digital y contribuir a la preservación del medio ambiente.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4) were prepared by an electrospinning technique to study the electrical resistance and magnetic properties of the nanocomposite. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Magnetic properties were measured using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). PVP fibers showed an average diameter of 3.74μm with a resistance of 121.58 GΩ and 2.22μm and 1.20 GΩ with the incorporation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles have a maximum magnetization of 81.9 emu/g, and the CoFe2O4/PVP fibers present a diamagnetic behavior with a maximum magnetization of 0.07 emu/g. Combining the versatility of PVP as a polymer matrix with the magnetic and electric properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, this nanocomposite may open up new potential applications for developing electrically conductive novel nanomaterials and devices.

We examined transposable element (TE) content of 248 placental mammal genome assemblies, the largest de novo TE curation effort in eukaryotes to date. We found that although mammals resemble one another in total TE content and diversity, they show substantial differences with regard to recent TE accumulation. This includes multiple recent expansion and quiescence events across the mammalian tree. Young TEs, particularly long interspersed elements, drive increases in genome size, whereas DNA transposons are associated with smaller genomes. Mammals tend to accumulate only a few types of TEs at any given time, with one TE type dominating. We also found association between dietary habit and the presence of DNA transposon invasions. These detailed annotations will serve as a benchmark for future comparative TE analyses among placental mammals.