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Abstract Background The Antarctic environment is susceptible to the introduction of non-native species due to its unique ecosystem, which has evolved under geographical isolation and extreme climatic conditions over an extended period. The recent introduction of the non-native winter crane fly, Trichocera maculipennis, to maritime Antarctica may pose a potential threat to the Antarctic ecosystem. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of the mechanical transmission of viruses by T. maculipennis. Methods We assessed the potential for the mechanical transmission of viruses using next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and virus isolation methods from T. maculipennis (Tm)-related samples (Tm body-wash fluid and Tm body-ground samples) collected from habitats and sewage treatment facilities located at three research stations in Antarctica. Results Virome analysis detected the genomic fragments of human adenovirus (AdV) and human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) in Tm-related samples. These viruses are commonly found in human feces. In addition, plant viruses, such as pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), both known indicators of enteric viruses, were identified in all Tm-related samples, likely originating from wastewater. However, the low quantities of AdV and HERV genomes detected in Tm-related samples through qPCR, coupled with the non-viability of AdV in virus isolation tests, indicate that T. maculipennis has limited potential for mechanical transmission under the conditions in the studies. Conclusions Our study represents the first evaluation of the potential risk of non-native species serving as vectors for viral pathogens in Antarctica. Although the viruses detected were in relatively low quantities and non-viable, this study highlights the importance of further evaluating the risks associated with non-native species, particularly as the likelihood of their introduction increases to Antarctica due to climate change and increased human activity. Graphical abstract

Abstract Plasmodium vivax, a challenging species to eliminate, causes millions of malaria cases globally annually. Developing an effective vaccine is crucial in the fight against vivax malaria, but considering the limited number of studies focusing on the identification and development of P. vivax-specific vaccine candidates, exploring new antigens is an urgent need. The merozoite protein CyRPA is essential for P. falciparum growth and erythrocyte invasion and corresponds to a promising candidate antigen. In P. vivax, a single study with multiple vaccine candidates indicates PvCyRPA with strong association with protection, outperforming classic malaria vaccine candidates. However, little is known about the specific naturally acquired response in the Americas, as well as the antigen epitope mapping. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the cellular and humoral immune response elicited against PvCyRPA in Brazilian endemic areas to identify the existence of immunodominant regions and the potential of this protein as a single or even a multi-stage specific malaria vaccine candidate for P. vivax. The results demonstrated that PvCyRPA is naturally immunogenic in Brazilian Amazon individuals previously exposed to malaria, which presented anti-PvCyRPA cytophilic antibodies. Moreover, our data show that the protein also possesses important immunogenic regions with an overlap of B and T cell epitopes. These data reinforce the possibility of including PvCyRPA in vaccine formulations for P. vivax.

Abstract Background Pervasive translation is a widespread phenomenon that plays a critical role in the emergence of novel microproteins, but the diversity of translation patterns contributing to their generation remains unclear. Based on 54 ribosome profiling (Ribo-Seq) datasets, we investigated the yeast Ribo-Seq landscape using a representation framework that allows the comprehensive inventory and classification of the entire diversity of Ribo-Seq signals, including non-canonical ones. Results We show that if coding regions occupy specific areas of the Ribo-Seq landscape, noncoding regions encompass a wide diversity of Ribo-Seq signals and, conversely, populate the entire landscape. Our results show that pervasive translation can, nevertheless, be associated with high specificity, with 1055 noncoding ORFs exhibiting canonical Ribo-Seq signals. Using mass spectrometry under standard conditions or proteasome inhibition with an in-house analysis protocol, we report 239 microproteins originating from noncoding ORFs that display canonical but also non-canonical Ribo-Seq signals. Each condition yields dozens of additional microprotein candidates with comparable translation properties, suggesting a larger population of volatile microproteins that are challenging to detect. Our findings suggest that non-canonical translation signals may harbor valuable information and underscore the significance of considering them in proteogenomic studies. Finally, we show that the translation outcome of a noncoding ORF is primarily determined by the initiating codon and the codon distribution in its two alternative frames, rather than features indicative of functionality. Conclusion Our results enable us to propose a topology of a species’ Ribo-Seq landscape, opening the way to comparative analyses of this translation landscape under different conditions.

The relationship between lifestyle behaviors and common chronic conditions is well established. Lifestyle medicine (LM) interventions to modify health behaviors can dramatically improve the health of individuals and populations. There is an urgent need to meaningfully integrate LM into medical curricula horizontally across the medical domains and vertically in each year of school and training. Including LM content in medical and health professional curricula and training programs has been challenging. Barriers to LM integration include lack of awareness and prioritization of LM, limited time in the curricula, and too few LM-trained faculty to teach and role model the practice of LM. This limits the ability of health care professionals to provide effective LM and precludes the wide-reaching benefits of LM from being fully realized. Early innovators developed novel tools and resources aligned with current evidence for introducing LM into didactic and experiential learning. This review aimed to examine the educational efforts in each LM pillar for undergraduate and graduate medical education. A PubMed-based literature review was undertaken using the following search terms: lifestyle medicine, education, medical school, residency, and healthcare professionals. We map the LM competencies to the core competency domains of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We highlight opportunities to train faculty, residents, and students. Moreover, we identify available evidence-based resources. This article serves as a “call to action” to incorporate LM across the spectrum of medical education curricula and training.

Abstract Advanced light management techniques can enhance the sunlight absorption of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). When located at the front, they may act as a UV barrier, which is paramount for protecting the perovskite layer against UV-enabled degradation. Although it was recently shown that photonic structures such as Escher-like patterns could approach the theoretical Lambertian-limit of light trapping, it remains challenging to also implement UV protection properties for these diffractive structures while maintaining broadband absorption gains. Here, we propose a checkerboard (CB) tile pattern with designated UV photon conversion capability. Through a combined optical and electrical modeling approach, this photonic structure can increase photocurrent and power conversion efficiency in ultrathin PSCs by 25.9% and 28.2%, respectively. We further introduce a luminescent down-shifting encapsulant that converts the UV irradiation into Visible photons matching the solar cell absorption spectrum. To this end, experimentally obtained absorption and emission profiles of state-of-the-art down-shifting materials (i.e., lanthanide-based organic-inorganic hybrids) are used to predict potential gains from harnessing the UV energy. We demonstrate that at least 94% of the impinging UV radiation can be effectively converted into the Visible spectral range. Photonic protection from high-energy photons contributes to the market deployment of perovskite solar cell technology, and may become crucial for Space applications under AM0 illumination. By combining light trapping with luminescent downshifting layers, this work unravels a potential photonic solution to overcome UV degradation in PSCs while circumventing optical losses in ultrathin cells, thus improving both performance and stability.

The normalization of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra is required for comparing spectral features and extracting quantitative information in analytical techniques such as linear combination analysis, principal component analysis and multivariate curve resolution. Most published data are normalized to the edge-jump, but normalization to the spectral area has also been applied. The latter is particularly attractive if only a small energy range around the absorption can be recorded reliably. Here, the two normalization methods are compared at the L3-edge of Pt, Pd and Rh, and at the Ni K-edge using experimental and calculated spectra. Normalization to the spectral area is found to be a viable approach if the range for the area normalization is sufficiently large.

Introducción. La Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda tres principios básicos para el manejo de residuos: reducir la generación de residuos innecesarios, separar los residuos ordinarios de los peligrosos, y tratarlos adecuadamente para minimizar los riesgos asociados. Objetivo. Determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre el manejo de residuos hospitalarios del personal de enfermería del Hospital Regional de Caazapá. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una investigación de corte transversal en el 2023 en el personal de enfermería. Se midió el nivel de conocimientos sobre manejo de residuos con la aplicación de un cuestionario validado. Resultados. Se incluyeron 168 personal de enfermería, 58% procedente de la zona rural, 75% de sexo femenino, 60% de 31 a 50 años de edad, 45% técnico en enfermería y 54% nombrado. El 75% tenía alto nivel de conocimiento en el manejo de residuos sólidos hospitalarios generales, 76,2% en el manejo de residuos sólidos hospitalarios bio-contaminados y 68,5% en el manejo de residuos hospitalarios comunes. La procedencia de zona rural y la condición de ser contratado se asociaron significativamente con niveles más bajos de conocimiento general, manejo de residuos especiales y manejo de residuos comunes. El menor nivel de conocimiento sobre manejo de residuos bio-contaminados también se relacionó con la procedencia rural. Conclusión. El nivel de conocimiento sobre manejo de residuo hospitalario en el personal de enfermería fue alto y estuvo relacionado con la procedencia y la condición laboral.

Abstract We explore spread and spectral complexity in quantum systems that exhibit a transition from integrability to chaos, namely the mixed-field Ising model and the next-to-nearest-neighbor deformation of the Heisenberg XXZ spin chain. We corroborate the observation that the presence of a peak in spread complexity before its saturation, is a characteristic feature in chaotic systems. We find that, in general, the saturation value of spread complexity post-peak depends not only on the spectral statistics of the Hamiltonian, but also on the specific state. However, there appears to be a maximal universal bound determined by the symmetries and dimension of the Hamiltonian, which is realized by the thermofield double state (TFD) at infinite temperature. We also find that the time scales at which the spread complexity and spectral form factor change their behaviour agree with each other and are independent of the chaotic properties of the systems. In the case of spectral complexity, we identify that the key factor determining its saturation value and timescale in chaotic systems is given by minimum energy difference in the theory’s spectrum. This explains observations made in the literature regarding its earlier saturation in chaotic systems compared to their integrable counterparts. We conclude by discussing the properties of the TFD which, we conjecture, make it suitable for probing signatures of chaos in quantum many-body systems.

La ejecución de proyectos de construcción, a menudo presenta obstáculos y desviaciones, lo que genera incumplimientos. La necesidad de mejorar la gestión del desempeño del cronograma es crucial para el cumplimiento de las metas del proyecto. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo identificar los factores clave del desempeño del cronograma en proyectos de construcción con el propósito de plantear estrategias de mejora. Se elaboró un cuestionario de escala con 54 factores seleccionados a partir de la literatura, el cual fue aplicado a profesionales que se desenvuelven en proyectos de construcción en el Perú. Posteriormente se aplicó el estadístico de análisis factorial a las respuestas de los encuestados en 2 conjuntos de datos: factores de éxito y fracaso. El análisis agrupó por separado en 6 factores comunes de éxito y 7 factores comunes de fracaso. Para identificar los factores clave se llevó a cabo una segunda encuesta en base a los factores comunes y se clasificó utilizando el Índice de Importancia Relativa. Los resultados revelaron cómo los 3 primeros factores de éxito clasificados a: compromiso de los involucrados del proyecto, competencia del gerente de proyecto y competencia del propietario. Los factores de fracaso encontrados fueron: conflicto entre los involucrados del proyecto, falta de conocimiento del gerente del proyecto y la incompetencia del propietario. Se plantearon estrategias de mejora, que pueden ser empleados por los involucrados, principalmente por los gerentes, pues en estos profesionales recae la toma de decisiones, por ello, es necesario invertir tiempo y experiencia para resolver los problemas del desempeño del cronograma.

L3-edge high-energy-resolution fluorescence-detection X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra for palladium and rhodium compounds are presented, with focus on their electronic structures. The data are compared with transmission XANES spectra recorded at the K-edge. A correlation between the absorption edge energy and the metal ion oxidation state is not observed. Despite the different filling of the 4d orbitals and different local coordination, the Rh and Pd compounds show remarkably similar spectral shapes. Calculation of the density of states and of the L3-XANES data reproduce the experimental results.

Abstract Many cancer patients do not benefit from PD-L1/PD-1 blockade immunotherapies. PD-1 and LAG-3 co-upregulation in T-cells is one of the major mechanisms of resistance by establishing a highly dysfunctional state in T-cells. To identify shared features associated to PD-1/LAG-3 dysfunctionality in human cancers and T-cells, multiomic expression profiles were obtained for all TCGA cancers immune infiltrates. A PD-1/LAG-3 dysfunctional signature was found which regulated immune, metabolic, genetic, and epigenetic pathways, but especially a reinforced negative regulation of the TCR signalosome. These results were validated in T-cell lines with constitutively active PD-1, LAG-3 pathways and their combination. A differential analysis of the proteome of PD-1/LAG-3 T-cells showed a specific enrichment in ubiquitin ligases participating in E3 ubiquitination pathways. PD-1/LAG-3 co-blockade inhibited CBL-B expression, while the use of a bispecific drug in clinical development also repressed C-CBL expression, which reverted T-cell dysfunctionality in lung cancer patients resistant to PD-L1/PD-1 blockade. The combination of CBL-B-specific small molecule inhibitors with anti-PD-1/anti-LAG-3 immunotherapies demonstrated notable therapeutic efficacy in models of lung cancer refractory to immunotherapies, overcoming PD-1/LAG-3 mediated resistance.

Abstract Genetic heterogeneity in ovarian cancer indicates the need for personalised treatment approaches. Currently, very few G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been investigated for active targeting with nanomedicines such as antibody-conjugated drugs and drug-loaded nanoparticles, highlighting a neglected potential to develop personalised treatment. To address the genetic heterogeneity of ovarian cancer, a future personalised approach could include the identification of unique GPCRs expressed in cancer biopsies, matched with personalised GPCR-targeted nanomedicines, for the delivery of lethal drugs to tumour tissue before, during and after surgery. Here we report on the systematic analysis of public ribonucleic acid-sequencing (RNA-seq) gene expression data, which led to prioritisation of 13 GPCRs as candidates with frequent overexpression in ovarian cancer tissues. Subsequently, primary ovarian cancer cells derived from ascites and ovarian cancer cell lines were used to confirm frequent gene expression for the selected GPCRs. However, the expression levels showed high variability within our selection of samples, therefore, supporting and emphasising the need for the future development of case-to-case personalised targeting approaches.

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma represents one of the solid tumors showing the worst prognosis worldwide, with a high recurrence rate after adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy. Circulating tumor DNA analysis raised as a promising non-invasive tool to characterize tumor genomics and to assess treatment response. In this study, surgical tumor tissue and sequential blood samples were analyzed by next-generation sequencing and were correlated with clinical and pathological characteristics. Thirty resectable/borderline pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients treated at the Hospital Universitario de Navarra were included. Circulating tumoral DNA sequencing identified pathogenic variants in KRAS and TP53, and in other cancer-associated genes. Pathogenic variants at diagnosis were detected in patients with a poorer outcome, and were correlated with response to neoadjuvant therapy in borderline pancreatic ductal adneocarcinoma patients. Higher variant allele frequency at diagnosis was associated with worse prognosis, and thesum of variant allele frequency was greater in samples at progression. Our results build on the potential value of circulating tumor DNA for non-metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients, by complementing tissue genetic information and as a non-invasive tool for treatment decision. Confirmatory studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

BackgroundThe Laryngeal Mask Airway Vision Mask (LMA VM) is a supraglottic airway device (SAD) with a vision guidance system. The ideal head and neck position for direct laryngoscopy is known, but the ideal position for placing a LMA is not. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the optimal position for placement of a video laryngeal mask airway.MethodsThis prospective, observational, transversal, and analytical study was performed in 72 consecutive patients. In the same patient, laryngeal vision was first assessed with the head and neck in the sniffing position and then with the head in the neutral position. Procedures were performed by the same investigator. The assessment of the laryngeal view was performed using two classifications: Cormack–Lehane classification and Brimacombe classification. The placement of the device was considered adequate when the Cormack–Lehane rating was between 1 and 2 and the Brimacombe rating between 2 and 4.ResultsIn this study, 72 patients participated. In the assessment of the glottis using the Cormack-Lehane classification for fibre-optic view, laryngeal visibility was adequate in 64 (88.89%) patients in the neutral position and in 65 (90, 28%) patients in the sniffing position (p > 0.05). In the fibre-optic view of the glottis, evaluated using the Brimacombe classification, laryngeal visibility was adequate in 68 (93%) patients in the neutral position and in 69 (95%) patients in the sniffing position (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of success between the sniffing position (70 patients, 97.22% success rate) and the neutral position (67 patients, 93.06% success rate) during the first insertion attempt. Two patients required a second attempt in the sniffing position, while five patients required a second attempt in the neutral position.ConclusionAn adequate sniffing position did not result in a better glottic view than the neutral position. Additional manoeuvres were equal in both positions. The head–neck position does not influence on the placement of a third-generation SAD.

This dataset compiles breast cancer risk factors from 1697 Cuban women who attended consultations at the Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico Comandante Manuel Fajardo in Havana, Cuba. The data were collected to develop a breast cancer risk estimation model specifically tailored to the Cuban population. The dataset includes 23 variables encompassing internationally recognized risk factors such as family history of breast cancer, lifestyle habits, demographic characteristics, and clinical outcomes. The data were extracted from electronic records and anonymized to protect patient privacy, in compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and with the approval of the hospital's scientific and ethics committees. This dataset can be employed in the development of predictive models and in comparative studies of risk factors across different populations. It is important to note that the data originate from a single hospital, which may limit their representativeness at the national level.

Forest cover loss is increasing at unprecedented rates, affecting the hydrologic systems of major freshwater-producing regions of the world. However, quantification of the tipping points of forest cover loss before hydrologic changes manifest and their impact in water yield and climatic conditions has remained elusive. In this study, we aim to systematically document the critical thresholds of tree cover loss leading to changing hydrologic functioning within regions that experienced extensive drought, fire, or clear-cutting events spanning different climates during the period from 2001 to 2016. Using the Hydrologic Sensitivity Index based on Budyko’s curve, we analyzed the changes in hydrologic responses to climate variability as landcover changes across the affected forests. Critical thresholds were derived by fitting Richard’s Curve function to the observed relationship between growing sensitive area and tree cover loss. Our analysis reveals decrease in water yields and warming trends during the early stages of tree cover loss in tropical forests (c = 16 %), with negative anomalies observed in rainforests of Central Africa and Maritime Southeast Asia. Boreal forests also show low thresholds (c = 18 %) with a strong tendency toward a warmer climate state and no clear tendency in water yields. Mixed forests show moderate thresholds (c = 25 %) with unclear water yield and climate trends. Conversely, Temperate forests exhibit the most resilience to hydrologic regime shifts with high critical thresholds of tree cover loss (c = 46––54 %), but a rapid alteration once their threshold is surpassed resulting primarily in increased water yields and a shift toward cooler climate conditions. As the potential for additional tree cover loss heightens, due to expected increases in the frequency and intensity of droughts and wildfires, the analyses presented provide a quantitative framework to monitor and assess the impacts of changing forest cover conditions on the water cycle behavior of some of the largest freshwater producing regions of the world.

In this observational study, our aim was to analyse the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and adequacy rates of energy and macronutrient intakes in a sample of pregnant women from Yucatan, Mexico. From September to December 2019, we collected data on socioeconomic, pregnancy, and dietary characteristics, and took anthropometric measurements of women during household visits. Pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated from measured height and self-reported body weight. Energy and macronutrient intakes (obtained from three 24-h dietary recalls) were compared with the estimated trimester-specific requirements to calculate adequacies (%). Multiple linear regression models showed that after accounting for maternal socioeconomic characteristics and perinatal variables, each unit increase in pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with decreases of 2%, 2%, and 2.6% in energy, carbohydrate, and total fat intakes, respectively. These results were significant when under- and over-reporters were excluded from the analyses. Women who enter pregnancy with higher BMI values may voluntarily or involuntarily reduce their food intake. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already know about this subject? Some studies have analysed the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, and obesity) and diet quality during pregnancy, but few studies have focussed on quantitative energy and macronutrient intakes or their adequacies in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI.What do the results of this study contribute? In this sample of Mexican women belonging to a middle socioeconomic status, we found that after excluding under- and over-reporters from the analyses and accounting for maternal socioeconomic characteristics and perinatal variables, BMI was negatively associated with adequacy intake rates of energy, carbohydrates, and total fats during pregnancy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Women who enter pregnancy with higher BMI values may voluntarily or involuntarily reduce their food intake. These results can be used to accordingly plan diet counselling during pregnancy.

AbstractBackground Knowledge about the influence of early developmental factors on cardiometabolic health in the Maya is limited.Aim To analyse the relationship between birthweight (BW) and cardiometabolic parameters in a sample of rural Maya children from Yucatan, Mexico.Subjects and methods We took anthropometric measurements and obtained data on BW and fasting blood samples in a sample of 75 children aged 5–14 years. Dependent variables were: fat mass index (FMI), body mass index (BMI), glucose (G), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), LDL/HDL and TC/HDL ratios and metabolic index (TGxG/HDL2). Outcomes were transformed to y = 100 log(e)x and the resulting estimates are interpreted as symmetrical percentage differences. The main independent variable was BW z-score. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between BW and outcomes.Results An increase of one standard deviation in BW predicted 6.6% (95% CI [–11.6, −1.6]) decrease in HDL and 11% (95% CI [3.7, 18.4]), 7.8% (95% CI [2.3, 13.2]) and 19.6% (95% CI [3.1, 36]) increases in LDL/HDL, TC/HDL and metabolic index, respectively.Conclusion Higher birthweights were associated with adverse levels of biochemical parameters in this sample of rural Maya children.

The development and characterization of bioactive surfaces based on chitosan-polyethylene glycol coatings modified with hydroxyapatite on Ti6Al4V alloy were conducted to enhance bioactivity. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate coating properties, apatite formation after immersion in simulated body fluid, and electrochemical stability. Results demonstrated apatite deposition due to the bioactivity of the polymer-ceramic composite, with calcium accumulation observed on the substrate surface after 5 days of immersion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a highly capacitive layer in the 50:50 chitosan-polyethylene glycol coating with 0.05% w/v hydroxyapatite, indicating increased interaction with the biological medium while preserving the protective resistive properties of the Ti6Al4V alloy. These findings suggest that this coating composition is a promising material for bone tissue regeneration applications.

Abstract The restinga habitats are coastal psammophilous environments, with only 0.47% of the original area remaining in Brazil. This environment embraces at least 36 known species of lizards, 7 of them being endemic. Besides direct anthropogenic impacts, climate change raises new cautions on Brazilian restingas‐endemic lizards conservation. We evaluated the current and future potential distribution of the endemic lizards from Brazilian restingas, considering different climate change scenarios. We hypothesized shifts in the potential distribution of the restinga‐endemic lizards. We conducted ecological niche modeling to predict the potential distribution of Brazilian restingas‐endemic lizards. Here, we used an ensemble of three modeling algorithms (Bioclim, GLM, and SVM). In predicting the effects of climate change on their future distributions, we used intermediate and pessimistic socio‐economic pathway scenarios (SSP3 70 and SSP5 85, respectively) considering projections for 2081–2100. Furthermore, we calculate the extent of future potential distribution covered by the current spatial configuration of integral protection areas to assess if they will still be effective in conserving the species in the future. We did this by binarizing predicted potential distribution with a threshold of 0.8. Our data pointed out that the species will have their potential distribution area altered for 2081–2100, considering climate change scenarios. Tropidurus hygomi, Glaucomastix abaetensis, and G. itabaianensis overlapped along their predicted potential distribution for the present and future. The same was found to Ameivula nativo and Liolaemus lutzae. Moreover, our results showed a potential marked reduction of potential distribution covered PAs. The recognition of potential distribution areas discussed here enables focal and urgent conservation strategies, besides bringing up alerts on protected areas’ role in conserving these species under climate change scenarios. We propose creating planning policies using space and time criteria and developing long‐term studies, besides promoting educational programs aiming at environmental conservation. Thus, we expect our research to contribute to the protection of the land over Brazilian restingas‐endemic lizards' distribution.

IntroductionThe main obstacle to achieving an HIV-1 cure is the proviral reservoir. To promote equity in HIV cure strategies, it is crucial to study the viral reservoir of the predominant HIV-1 subtype C in both women and men. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of the (intact) viral reservoir in relation to plasma viral load (VL), CD4+ T cell count, and immune activation before and during 96 weeks of successful antiretroviral therapy (ART).MethodsEighty-two participants (62% female) newly initiating ART in a rural clinic in South Africa were included in the study. Blood samples were collected at baseline, week 48, and week 96, and CD4 count was determined. Plasma was used for VL and immune marker analyses, while isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used for the quantification of cellular multiple spliced HIV-1 RNA (msRNA) and the intact proviral DNA assay. For the longitudinal analyses on ART, we selected only those participants who durably suppressed their VL to

Background:. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases oxygen concentration in affected tissues that enhance the cellular hypoxia recovery process, neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation, increased reactive oxygen species, suppression of proinflammatory states, and vascular compression. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the experience in the use of the hyperbaric chamber as an adjunctive management for the prompt recovery of patients who underwent aesthetic plastic surgery. Methods:. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between 2021 and 2023, involving 296 patients who received HBOT after aesthetic surgical procedures, to demonstrate the recuperation time rate and the complication incidence in postoperative patients using HBOT. Results:. Most participants were women, with a median age of 33.5 years. Surgical procedures were grouped in liposculpture, abdominoplasty, and breast interventions. Complications related to the surgical event were low (10.7%), with occurrences of hematomas (n = 14, 4.72%), anemias (n = 9, 3.04%), and wound dehiscence (n = 8, 2.70%). There were no reports of surgical site infections or necrosis. Recovery times to get back to work were 10 days for liposuction, 3 days for breast interventions, and 21 days for abdominoplasty. Conclusions:. This study demonstrated the experience of using a postoperative hyperbaric chamber in aesthetic plastic surgery to promote recovery processes. The patient cohort in this study showed shortened recovery times than the data obtained from the major international plastic surgery organizations. Also, HBOT patients had a low complication rate, without infections, indicating the potential efficacy of this adjunctive therapy. Overall, this study underscores the promising role of hyperbaric chamber therapy in facilitating postoperative recovery and mitigating complications.

Las características físicas de las mieles son atributos importantes para los consumidores al momento de elegir una miel sobre otra; debido a esto, conocer estos parámetros y su origen botánico son fundamentales para determinar su calidad y precio. En el presente estudio se determinó el color, humedad y contenido polínico en las mieles colectadas en la zona de manglares en la costa del estado de Tabasco, México. Se colectaron 17 muestras y se determinó su color, contenido de humedad y se eligió una muestra de cada localidad para realizar un análisis melisopalinológico. Se encontraron cinco colores de miel con valores desde 12 hasta 120 mm Pfund, siendo ámbar extra claro y blanco los colores predominantes. En relación con el contenido de humedad, se tuvieron muestras con valores de 18 a 23 %, de los cuales el 53 % de éstas cumplen con el límite (20 %) establecido en la normatividad; finalmente todas las muestras resultaron multiflorales siendo las Fabaceae, Poaceae y Asteraceae las familias botánicas más importantes. En conclusión, en los manglares de la costa de Tabasco, México, se producen mieles multiflorales de tonos claros, en donde predominan las de color ámbar extra claro y blanco, con un contenido de humedad entre el 18 y 23 %, por lo que estas mieles podrían ser aptas para incursionar en mercados más especializados si se asegura una humedad de 20 % como máximo.

BackgroundHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coincide. Female sex is associated with both increased prevalence of HFpEF and reduced therapeutic efficacy of catheter ablation of AF. This sub-analysis of the previously published AFFECT-study evaluates outcome after cryoballoon-ablation in women with and without HFpEF.MethodsOne-hundred-and-two patients (LVEF ≥ 50%) scheduled for cryoballoon-ablation of AF were prospectively enrolled. Forty-two were female. Comprehensive baseline assessment included echocardiography, stress echocardiography, six-minute-walk-test, biomarker- and quality-of-life-assessment (QoL, SF-36), and was repeated at follow-up ≥12 months after AF-ablation. Baseline parameters, procedural characteristics and outcome after AF-ablation were compared between women with and without HFpEF.ResultsWomen with HFpEF (n = 20) were characterized by higher median left atrial volume index (35.8 ml/m2 vs. 25.8 ml/m2, P

Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados con la disfunción diastólica del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI) en adultos de una región de los Andes, en Perú. Método: Estudio de casos y controles en adultos residentes a más de 3000 metros de altitud en Perú. Los casos fueron pacientes adultos diagnosticados con DDVI por ecocardiografía, y los controles fueron adultos sin DDVI por ecocardiografía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 50 casos y 100 controles. El 38.7% tuvieron hipertensión arterial y el 41.3% sobrepeso. En el análisis ajustado, la edad de 60 o más años (ORa: 4.06; IC95%: 1.29-12.8), el sexo femenino (ORa: 2.24; IC95%: 1.01-4.96) y la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (ORa: 3.17; IC95%: 1.41-7.17) fueron factores estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: El riesgo de DDVI estuvo asociado a los adultos mayores, las mujeres y los pacientes con hipertrofia ventricular izquierda que viven por encima de los 3000 metros de altitud en una región de los Andes, en Perú.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is a common manifestation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients infected with tuberculosis (TB). One of the unusual complications of this condition is the development of psoas abscess. We describe a case of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a patient with disseminated TB under treatment, HIV-positive with a low CD4 cell count, complicated by bilateral psoas abscess. Our patient presented with fever, abdominal pain, and lymphadenopathy, typical symptoms of TB-IRIS. Diagnosis was confirmed by surgical drainage of the abscess of the right iliac psoas muscle with detection of acid-fast bacteria on Ziehl-Neelsen staining and negative culture of purulent discharge. Treatment with prednisone was started in addition to continuation of antituberculosis therapy and antiretroviral therapy.

Introduction Inadequate treatment of enlarged lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) in rectal cancer patients is associated with an increased lateral local recurrence (LLR) risk, despite neoadjuvant treatment and total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery. There is a promising role for LLN dissection (LLND) to lower this risk, but this challenging procedure requires appropriate training. This study protocol describes a prospective evaluation of oncological outcomes after standardised treatment based on multidisciplinary training, thereby aiming for a 50% reduction in LLR rate.Methods and analysis A prospective registration study will be opened in hospitals in which the involved multidisciplinary team members (radiologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and pathologists) have received dedicated training to enhance knowledge and awareness of LLNs and in which standardised treatment including LLND has been implemented. Patients with rectal cancer and at least one enlarged LLN (short-axis ≥7.0 mm), or intermediate LLN (short-axis 5.0–6.9 mm) with at least one malignant feature on primary MRI, evaluated by a trained radiologist, are eligible. Patients will undergo neoadjuvant treatment by trained radiation oncologists, followed by TME surgery in combination with a minimally invasive, nerve-sparing LLND performed by trained surgeons. LLND specimens are evaluated by trained pathologists or grossing assistants. The primary outcome is LLR rate 3 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes are morbidity, disease-free survival, overall survival and quality of life. To demonstrate a significant reduction in LLR rate from 13% (based on historical control data) to 6% after optimised treatment, 200 patients with enlarged LLNs are required.Ethics and dissemination The medical ethics board of the Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre (VUMC), the Netherlands, approved the study on 23 November 2022 (reference: 2021.0524). Participating centres must obtain local approval and participants are required to provide written informed consent. Results obtained from this study will be communicated via peer-reviewed medical journals and presentations at conferences.Trail registration number NCT04486131, 24 July 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04486131.

The objective of this review was to verify the therapeutic effect of polysaccharides derived from algae in neurodegenerative disease models involving the basal ganglia. To achieve this goal, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. The descriptors “neuroprotective or neural regenerative or immunomodulatory activity or neuroprotection,” “polysaccharide or carbohydrate or carbohydrate polymers,” “marine algae or seaweed,” and “basal ganglia” according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology were used. This methodology involved the steps of searching, pre-selection, and inclusion of articles. A total of 737 records were identified. Following the data analysis, 698 studies were excluded, resulting in a final sample of 8 studies. Species such as Turbinaria decurrens, Gracilaria cornea, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, Fucus vesiculosus, and Laminaria japonica have demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects. This review suggests that polysaccharides derived from marine algae possess therapeutic potential for neuroprotection, modulation of inflammation, and amelioration of functional deficits. Their use in neurodegenerative disease models warrants further consideration.

Throughout the 20th century, most of the world’s countries and international journalistic organizations adopted codes of journalistic ethics with general principles governing the profession. In the 21st century, a significant number of proposals have emerged offering new ethics recommendations relating to the treatment of issues such as gender violence, disability, the environment and climate change, among other matters. The aim of this research is to confirm that we are faced with a second generation of ethics codes or guidelines for social communication. This study, based on the content analysis of 53 guides published in Spain on the three subject areas mentioned, shows the emergence of these codes from 1999 onwards, the existence of common features in relation to their endorsement, their structure, their dissemination and monitoring, and the widespread participation of individuals, experts and groups not professionally related to the field of communication in their promotion or implementation, which is evidence of what we call the social self-regulation of communication and represents the main novelty in this new stage of communication ethics.

Resumo Introdução: Fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos dos municípios podem afetar os serviços da atenção primária, influenciando na satisfação dos usuários. Objetivo: Verificar a relação entre a satisfação do usuário com a atenção primária e as condições socioeconômicas e demográficas dos municípios brasileiros. Método: Estudo transversal baseado nas entrevistas de usuários das equipes de atenção básica participantes do 2º Ciclo do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, realizado em 2013 e 2014. A análise da satisfação do usuário considerou questões organizacionais e aspectos assistenciais. A avaliação foi distribuída em seis estratos municipais, considerando fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos. Realizou-se análise de variância objetivando comparar as médias de satisfação dos usuários entre os estratos. Resultados: Usuários de municípios com pior condição socioeconômica e população menor que 10 mil habitantes apresentaram maior satisfação que a média em relação à maioria dos aspectos organizacionais. Nas questões assistenciais, participantes de municípios com melhor condição socioeconômica ou com população maior que 500 mil habitantes se mostraram mais satisfeitos em relação ao cuidado do diabetes e da hipertensão arterial. Conclusões: A satisfação dos usuários é maior nas questões organizacionais do que nas subdimensões assistenciais, ensejando a necessidade de investimento para melhorar a prestação do cuidado.

IntroductionWhile titanium and its alloys exhibit excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, their polished surfaces can hinder fast and effective osseointegration and other biological processes, such as angiogenesis, due to their inert and hydrophobic properties. Despite being commonly used for orthopedic implants, research focuses on developing surface treatments to improve osseointegration, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as increasing protein adsorption capacity. This study explores a chemical treatment intended for titanium-based implants that enhances tissue integration without compromising the mechanical properties of the Ti6Al4V substrate. However, recognizing that inflammation contributes to nearly half of early implant failures, we assessed the impact of this treatment on T-cell viability, cytokine production, and phenotype.MethodsTi6Al4V with extra low interstitial (ELI) content discs were treated with hydrofluoric acid followed by a controlled oxidation step in hydrogen peroxide that creates a complex surface topography with micro- and nano-texture and modifies the chemistry of the surface oxide layer. The acid etched surface contains an abundance of hydroxyl groups, crucial for promoting bone growth and apatite precipitation, while also enabling further functionalization with biomolecules.ResultsWhile cell viability remained high in both groups, untreated discs triggered an increase in Th2 cells and a decrease of the Th17 subset. Furthermore, peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to untreated discs displayed a rise in various pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the control and treated groups. Conversely, the treated discs showed a similar profile to the control, both in terms of immune cell subset frequencies and cytokine secretion.DiscussionThe dysregulation of the cytokine profile upon contact with untreated Ti6Al4V-ELI discs, namely upregulation of IL-2 could be responsible for the decrease in Th17 frequency, and thus might contribute to implant-associated bacterial infection. Interestingly, the chemical treatment restores the immune response to levels comparable to the control condition, suggesting the treatment’s potential to mitigate inflammation by enhancing biocompatibility.

La estrategia didáctica basada en el método científico es fundamental para promover el desarrollo de habilidades de indagación y experimentación en los estudiantes. Esta investigación descriptiva tiene como objetivo determinar el nivel de mejora de la capacidad de indagación y experimentación en estudiantes en el área de ciencia y ambiente, a través de la aplicación de estrategias didácticas basadas en el método científico. La población de estudio está constituida por los alumnos del primero al sexto grado de educación primaria de la Institución Educativa No. 18438 “Nuevo Progreso”, Omia, Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas-Perú, utilizando una muestra de 38 estudiantes a los que se aplicó un pre-test y post-test. Los resultados encontraron que la implementación de estrategias didácticas fundamentadas en el método científico resultó en una mejora significativa en el desarrollo de la capacidad de indagación y experimentación en dicha área en los estudiantes de Educación Primaria. Por lo cual se concluye que el uso del método científico es valioso y puede tener un impacto positivo tanto en su aprendizaje como en su desarrollo profesional.

Abstract Background Sucrose accumulation in sugarcane is affected by several environmental and genetic factors, with plant moisture being of critical importance for its role in the synthesis and transport of sugars within the cane stalks, affecting the sucrose concentration. In general, rainfall and high soil humidity during the ripening stage promote plant growth, increasing the fresh weight and decreasing the sucrose yield in the humid region of Colombia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify markers associated with sucrose accumulation or production in the humid environment of Colombia through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Results Sucrose concentration measurements were taken in 220 genotypes from the Cenicaña’s diverse panel at 10 (early maturity) and 13 (normal maturity) months after planting. For early maturity data was collected during plant cane and first ratoon, while at normal maturity it was during plant cane, first, and second ratoon. A total of 137,890 SNPs were selected after sequencing the 220 genotypes through GBS, RADSeq, and whole-genome sequencing. After GWAS analysis, a total of 77 markers were significantly associated with sucrose concentration at both ages, but only 39 were close to candidate genes previously reported for sucrose accumulation and/or production. Among the candidate genes, 18 were highlighted because they were involved in sucrose hydrolysis (SUS6, CIN3, CINV1, CINV2), sugar transport (i.e., MST1, MST2, PLT5, SUT4, ERD6 like), phosphorylation processes (TPS genes), glycolysis (PFP-ALPHA, HXK3, PHI1), and transcription factors (ERF12, ERF112). Similarly, 64 genes were associated with glycosyltransferases, glycosidases, and hormones. Conclusions These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in sucrose accumulation in sugarcane and contribute with important genomic resources for future research in the humid environments of Colombia. Similarly, the markers identified will be validated for their potential application within Cenicaña’s breeding program to assist the development of breeding populations.

En el ámbito educativo se han realizado investigaciones desde diferentes perspectivas, una de ellas es el aprendizaje personalizado y otra, la integración de tecnología en los procesos educativos, ambas muy relevantes y con una prospectiva amplia. Por lo tanto, para esta investigación se propuso determinar los aportes que la tecnología ha posibilitado al aprendizaje personalizado a través de una revisión a la literatura en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science y ERIC. Como principal resultado, se puede observar que el aprendizaje personalizado se ve posible y real con el apoyo de la tecnología teniendo en cuenta los avances que se han dado en la sociedad contemporánea. Se concluye que cuando se utiliza tecnología para facilitar el aprendizaje personalizado, se promueve la adquisición de conocimiento por parte de los estudiantes y se facilita una gestión eficaz del tiempo en las actividades educativas, lo que aporta al perfeccionamiento del proceso de aprendizaje.

Abstract Aims Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure (AHF) syndrome mimicking the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. Impaired outcome has been shown, making risk stratification and novel therapeutic concepts a necessity. We hypothesized insulin resistance with elevated plasma glucose and potentially myocardial glucose deprivation to contribute to the pathogenesis of TTS and investigated the therapeutic benefit of insulin in vivo. Methods and results First, we retrospectively analysed patient data of n = 265 TTS cases (85.7% female, mean age 71.1 ± 14.1 years) with documented initial plasma glucose from the Department of Cardiology of the University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany (May 2011 to May 2021). Median split of the study population according to glucose levels (≤123 mg/dL vs. >123 mg/dL) yielded significantly elevated mean heart rate (80.75 ± 18.96 vs. 90.01 ± 22.19 b.p.m., P

El banano necesita muchos nutrientes, lo que lleva a los agricultores a depender de fertilizantes químicos que dañan el suelo. Una solución es combinar abonos orgánicos con fertilizantes químicos en menor cantidad. En este marco, el objetivo fue medir el desarrollo de un cultivar de banano en varios tratamientos de biocarbón más dosis fija de SiO2, KNO3 y P2O5. El biocarbón (BC) se obtuvo del raquis del banano a una temperatura de 350 °C por 2 horas. En el ensayo se evaluaron 10 plantas por tratamiento que se conformaron por dosis por planta de: 100 g de BC + 100 g SiO2, 20 g de BC + 100 g SiO2 y 100 g SiO2 (parcela testigo). Estas dosis se aplicaron en la semana uno, ocho y 14 del ensayo. La dosis de fertilizantes para todos los tratamientos se conformó de 75 kg ha-1 KNO3 + 50 kg ha-1 P2O5, y que se aplicaron 15 días antes que la dosis de biocarbon y en la semana seis del ensayo. El estudio demostró que el tratamiento con 20 g de biocarbón fue el más efectivo en términos de altura de la planta y circunferencia del pseudotallo, superando al tratamiento con 100 g y al control. Asimismo, el tratamiento con 100 g de biocarbón mostró el mayor peso de racimo en comparación con los otros tratamientos. Los tratamientos con biocarbón, silicio y fertilizantes tuvieron un efecto en las plantas de banano superior a la fertilización química, lo que sugiere su potencial aplicación en la agricultura.

This paper analyzes the relationship between full-time journeys and schooling inequality in Pernambuco, Brazil. Using standardized test scores on the school level, we tested the inverted u-curve hypothesis proposed initially by Simon Kuznets in 1955 and adapted with a focus on schooling expansion and inequality by Rati Ram in 1990. We build a panel data analysis to perform the test, with data aggregated by region and scores on standardized tests as the output variable. Initially, the hypotheses described an inverted U-curve correlating schooling effectiveness and inequality. However, we have found that the relationship follows a regular U shape. It is also inferable that the equity of the result is more connected to the effects of the diversity of school typology, the location of schools, and the way the region is developed.

Restaurants were significantly shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to intensify their use of social media to communicate with customers. Our objective was to identify which digital marketing strategies generated higher customer engagement during the pandemic, according to variations in the intensity of sanitary restrictions. We manually extracted 639 Facebook posts by 16 restaurants in two Canadian cities (one in a metropolitan area, one in a peripheral region), and coded them according to type of verbal move, format (image, text), and emoji use. The engagement rate was two times higher for restaurants in the metropolitan area, which also used three times more emojis per post on average. The engagement rate was also five times higher for nationally branded restaurants than for independent restaurants. When the pandemic hit, restaurants started to use more text and more directive verbal moves to convey crucial and precise information to customers, notably about sanitary restrictions. Emojis and expressive verbal moves also helped increase customer engagement. While being direct was more efficient in times of crisis, directive verbal moves continued to be used after most sanitary restrictions were lifted. Being direct, thus, appears to be a good digital marketing strategy in the “new normal”.

Abstract Band engineering stands as an efficient route to induce strongly correlated quantum many-body phenomena. Besides inspiring analogies among diverse physical fields, tuning on demand the group velocity is highly attractive in photonics because it allows unconventional flows of light. Λ-schemes offer a route to control the propagation of light in a lattice-free configurations, enabling exotic phases such as slow-light and allowing for highly optical non-linear systems. Here, we realize room-temperature intercavity Frenkel polaritons excited across two strongly coupled cavities. We demonstrate the formation of a tuneable heavy-polariton, akin to slow light, appearing in the absence of a periodic in-plane potential. Our photonic architecture based on a simple three-level scheme enables the unique spatial segregation of photons and excitons in different cavities and maintains a balanced degree of mixing between them. This unveils a dynamical competition between many-body scattering processes and the underlying polariton nature which leads to an increased fluorescence lifetime. The intercavity polariton features are further revealed under appropriate resonant pumping, where we observe suppression of the polariton fluorescence intensity.

Abstract Aims Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are antineoplastic drugs designed to activate the immune system's response against cancer cells. Evidence suggests that they may lead to immune‐related adverse events, particularly when combined (e.g., anti‐CTLA‐4 plus anti‐PD‐1), sometimes resulting in severe conditions such as myocarditis. We aimed to investigate whether a previously sustained cardiac injury, such as pathological remodelling due to hypertension, is a prerequisite for ICI therapy‐induced myocarditis. Methods We evaluated the cardiotoxicity of ICIs in a hypertension (HTN) mouse model (C57BL/6). Weekly doses were administered up to day 21 after the first administration. Our analysis encompassed the following parameters: (i) survival and cardiac pathological remodelling, (ii) cardiac function assessed using pressure‐volume (PV)‐loops, with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) serving as a marker of haemodynamic dysfunction and (iii) cardiac inflammation (cytokine levels, infiltration, and cardiac antigen autoantibodies). Results After the first administration of ICI combined therapy, the treated HTN group showed a 30% increased mortality (P = 0.0002) and earlier signs of hypertrophy and pathological remodelling compared with the untreated HTN group. BNP (P = 0.01) and TNF‐α (3), characterised by T cell infiltration and increased cardiac antigen antibodies (86% showed a titre of 1:160). The control group treated with ICI was unaffected in any evaluated feature. Conclusions Our findings indicate that pre‐existing sustained cardiac damage is a necessary condition for ICI‐induced myocarditis.

El objetivo de investigación se fundamenta en describir los sistemas de información pervasivos contemporáneos con base en los presupuestos teóricos seleccionados. A partir de un método inductivo guiado por diferentes posturas hacia las características de los sistemas de información pervasivos, se sintetizan ciertos elementos a manera de armonización conceptual basados en la computación pervasiva. Los resultados obtenidos a nivel conceptual denotan que un sistema de información pervasivo contemporáneo tiende a expandirse en el tiempo y espacio del área de trabajo, puesto que las actividades laborales y los servicios de información han transgredido los momentos y sitios personales ajenos a las tareas específicas del lugar de trabajo.

The occurrence of seven endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in four urban rivers on the southern border of Mexico was studied in this work. The selected EDCs were 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), 4-nonylphenol (4NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4TOP). Water samples from the Coatan, Texcuyuapan, Cahoacan, and Coatancito rivers were collected at three different sites on each river and processed by solid phase extraction (SPE). The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and compounds of interest were identified by dynamic mass reaction monitoring mode (dMRM). Among the target EDCs, E2, BPA, and 4NP were detected in all water samples, with BPA being the most abundant ranging from 4.22 up to 127.96 ng/L. Correlation tests showed significant positive associations between estrogens and BPA, as well as the correlation between alkylphenols and BPA, suggesting common origin emission sources, which were identified as discharges of untreated municipal wastewater. Finally, the estimation of RQ and EEQ values indicated that the presence of E2, E3, EE2, and BPA in all sampled points represents a high risk for aquatic life in these sites, mainly for Texcuyuapan River, where the aquatic organisms may be susceptible to endocrine disruption by chronic exposure to detected compounds.

Resumen: La pandemia por COVID-19 afectó a los programas de trasplante al disminuir el número de procedimientos realizados, y aunque ya se han reiniciado, la falta de donantes es una limitante ante la posibilidad de transmisión del virus. Actualmente en condiciones especiales se han realizado trasplantes a partir de donantes positivos a SARS-CoV-2. Presentamos el caso de paciente masculino de 58 años con falla cardiaca refractaria secundaria a defecto septal interventricular residual postinfarto, quien recibió corazón a partir de donante de 16 años, asintomático, positivo a SARS-CoV-2. El procedimiento realizado sin complicaciones, con evolución postoperatoria favorable, egresa a los 15 días postrasplante. Actualmente asintomático y sin evidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Se trata del primer caso en México realizado en estas condiciones. Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic affected transplant programs by decreasing the number of procedures performed. Although they have already restarted, the lack of donors is a limitation, given the possibility of transmission of the virus. Currently, transplants have been performed under special conditions from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors. We present the case of a 58-year-old male patient with refractory heart failure secondary to residual postinfarction interventricular septal defect who received heart from a 16-year-old asymptomatic, SARS-CoV-2-positive donor. The procedure was performed without complications, with favorable postoperative evolution, discharged 15 days posttransplant. Currently asymptomatic and with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is the first case in Mexico carried out under these conditions.

The emergence of long-range (LoRa) technology, together with the expansion of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) use in civil applications have brought significant advances to the Internet of Things (IoT) field. In this way, these technologies are used together in different scenarios, especially when it is necessary to have connectivity in remote and difficult-to-access locations, providing coverage and monitoring of greater areas. In this sense, this article seeks to determine the best positioning for the LoRa gateway coupled to the drone and the optimal spreading factor (SF) for signal transmission in a LoRa network, aiming to improve the connected devices signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), considering a suburban and densely wooded environment. Then, multi-layer perceptron (MLP) networks and generalized regression neural networks (GRNN) were trained to predict the signal behavior and determine the best network to represent this behavior. The MLP network presented the lowest RMSE, 2.41 dB, and was selected for use jointly with the bioinspired Grey-Wolf optimizer (GWO). The optimizer proved its effectiviness being able to adjust the number of UAVs used to obtain 100% coverage and determine the best SF used by the endnodes, guaranteeing a higher transmission rate and lower energy consumption.

IntroductionNeurogenesis is tightly regulated in space and time, ensuring the correct development and organization of the central nervous system. Critical regulators of brain development and morphogenesis in mice include two members of the p53 family: p53 and p73. However, dissecting the in vivo functions of these factors and their various isoforms in brain development is challenging due to their pleiotropic effects. Understanding their role, particularly in neurogenesis and brain morphogenesis, requires innovative experimental approaches.MethodsTo address these challenges, we developed an efficient and highly reproducible protocol to generate mouse brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells. These organoids contain neural progenitors and neurons that self-organize into rosette-like structures resembling the ventricular zone of the embryonic forebrain. Using this model, we generated organoids from p73-deficient mouse cells to investigate the roles of p73 and its isoforms (TA and DNp73) during brain development.Results and DiscussionOrganoids derived from p73-deficient cells exhibited increased neuronal apoptosis and reduced neural progenitor proliferation, linked to compensatory activation of p53. This closely mirrors previous in vivo observations, confirming that p73 plays a pivotal role in brain development. Further dissection of p73 isoforms function revealed a dual role of p73 in regulating brain morphogenesis, whereby TAp73 controls transcriptional programs essential for the establishment of the neurogenic niche structure, while DNp73 is responsible for the precise and timely regulation of neural cell fate. These findings highlight the distinct roles of p73 isoforms in maintaining the balance of neural progenitor cell biology, providing a new understanding of how p73 regulates brain morphogenesis.

Se analizó la distribución espacial de árboles comerciales en la Reserva Forestal El DoradoTumeremo, estado Bolívar, Venezuela. Se planteó la hipótesis nula de Aleatoridad Espacial Completa (CSR), aplicando métodos exploratorios espaciales sin marcas y prueba de patrones puntuales multivariantes (α = 0.05). La distribución espacial dominante resulto ser el agregado. La función de densidad espacial aumenta bajo una estructura polinomial de segundo orden, siendo evidenciado por las funciones K y L. Además, se identificaron que las variables Suelos, Pendiente del terreno y Distancia a la Red de Drenaje, influyen sobre el proceso de ocurrencia de los árboles comerciales. Los modelos de patrones de puntos homogéneos evidenciaron ajustes pobres. Se identificó un proceso inhomogéneos de tipo Thomas que evidencia estadísticamente la ocurrencia de árboles padres e hijos que fue modelado de forma efectiva. Con ello, se recomienda modelarse el proceso de patrones de puntos inhomogéneos involucrando covariables (Especie, Volumen, entre otros).

Spirulina (Arthospira platensis) is known for its rich content of natural compounds like phycocyanin, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and high protein levels, making it a nutrient-dense food. Over the past decade, research has aimed to optimize the extraction, separation, and purification of these valuable metabolites, focusing on technologies such as high-pressure processing, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction as well as enzymatic treatments, chromatographic precipitation, and membrane separation. In this study, various extraction methods (conventional vs. ultrasound-assisted), solvents (water vs. phosphate buffer), solvent-to-biomass ratios (1:5 vs. 1:10), and ultrafiltration (PES membrane of MWCO 3 kDa, 2 bar) were evaluated. The quantities of total protein, phycocyanin (PC), chlorophyll a (Cla), and total carotenoids (TCC) were measured. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with phosphate buffer at a 1:10 ratio yielded a metabolite-rich retentate (MRR) with 37.0 ± 1.9 mg/g of PC, 617 ± 15 mg/g of protein, 0.4 ± 0.2 mg/g of Cla, and 0.15 ± 0.14 mg/g of TCC. Water extraction in the concentration process achieved the highest concentrations in MRR, with approximately 76% PC, 92% total protein, 62% Cla, and 41% TCC. These findings highlight the effective extraction and concentration processes to obtain a metabolite-rich retentate from Spirulina biomass, reducing the volume tenfold and showing potential as a functional ingredient for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.