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Abstract Background Vitamin A is essential for physiological processes like vision and immunity. Vitamin A’s effect on gut microbiome composition, which affects absorption and metabolism of other vitamins, is still unknown. Here we examined the relationship between gut metagenome composition and six vitamin A-related metabolites (two retinoid: -retinol, 4 oxoretinoic acid (oxoRA) and four carotenoid metabolites, including beta-cryptoxanthin and three carotene diols). Methods We included 1053 individuals from the TwinsUK cohort with vitamin A-related metabolites measured in serum and faeces, diet history, and gut microbiome composition assessed by shotgun metagenome sequencing. Results were replicated in 327 women from the ZOE PREDICT-1 study. Results Five vitamin A-related serum metabolites were positively correlated with microbiome alpha diversity (r = 0.15 to r = 0.20, p

Abstract Immunodominance of antibodies targeting non-neutralizing epitopes and the high level of somatic hypermutation within germinal centers (GCs) required for most HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are major impediments to the development of an effective HIV vaccine. Rational protein vaccine design and non-conventional immunization strategies are potential avenues to overcome these hurdles. Here, we report using implantable osmotic pumps to continuously deliver a series of epitope-targeted immunogens to rhesus macaques over the course of six months to prime and elicit antibody responses against the conserved fusion peptide (FP). GC responses and antibody specificities were tracked longitudinally using lymph node fine-needle aspirates and electron microscopy polyclonal epitope mapping (EMPEM), respectively, to show antibody responses to the FP/N611 glycan hole region were primed, although exhibited limited neutralization breadth. Application of cryoEMPEM delineated key residues for on-target and off-target responses that can drive the next round of structure-based vaccine design.

This paper proposes a new solution for the classification of short-circuits in medium-voltage distribution grids. The solution requires the measurements of the phase voltages at the time of the short-circuit and the voltage amplitudes of the short-circuit wave resulting from the fault. The values of the voltage before the short-circuit are used to calculate the expected values of the short-circuit wave amplitudes for the different types of short circuits. These calculations are based on an analysis of the charge flow between the capacitances of the power line due to the disturbance. The short-time matrix pencil method was used to detect the incoming short-circuit waves. Tests of the algorithm were carried out on the IEEE 34-bus Feeder model, taking into account the influence of voltage sensors on the measured signal values. The classification algorithm uses only non-zero components due to their relatively low attenuation. Despite that, it achieves high performance in the classification of single- and two-phase short-circuits.

Abstract Background The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has been observed from the very beginning of the fight against COVID-19, some mutations are indicators of potentially dangerous variants of the virus. However, there is no clear association between the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19. We aimed to analyze the genetic variability of RdRp in correlation with different courses of COVID-19. Results The prospective study included 77 samples of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from outpatients (1st degree of severity) and hospitalized patients (2nd, 3rd and 4th degree of severity). The retrospective analyses included 15,898,266 cases of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences deposited in the GISAID repository. Single-nucleotide variants were identified based on the four sequenced amplified fragments of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis of the results was performed using appropriate statistical methods, with p T, 14697C > T, 15096 T > C, and 15279C > T), while the 15240C > T mutation was common among strains isolated from outpatients. The selected mutations were searched worldwide in the GISAID database, their presence was correlated with the severity of COVID-19. Conclusion Identified mutations have the potential to be used to assess the increased risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 positive patients. Experimental studies and extensive epidemiological data are needed to investigate the association between individual mutations and the severity of COVID-19.

Abstract The paper aims to define the variables that elevate the risk of VFL recurrence after adequate primary treatment, and to present the Recurrence Risk Model with practical conclusions to handle pVFL and rVFL. Out of 207 patients with primary vocal fold leukoplakia (pVFL), in 41 (19.8%) recurrent VFL (rVFL) was diagnosed. All patients were assessed by using a trans-nasal flexible video-endoscope using white light, and NBI. The primary measure of our study was to investigate whether morphological features of pVFL in WL, vascular pattern in NBI, and primary histological findings could predict VFL recurrence. To create a model of risk factors, two methods were used: logistic regression and a conditional inference decision tree. The study showed smoking was the factor that significantly and most strongly increased the likelihood of rVFL, as well as the older age groups have a greater odds of rVFL. Types IV, V and VI, according to Ni 2019 classification, were associated with a significantly higher risk of rVFL. The algorithm combining patients’ dependent variables and the combination of two classifications improves the predictive value of the presented VFL Recurrence Risk Model.

The Article is an introductory exploration of loneliness experience of persons with mental disorders. The essential part of the essay are open interviews with persons which psychiatric diagnoses was defined as, paranoid schizophrenia. From the interviews result that the loneliness and isolation sense is universal attribute of persons which are struggling and coping with psychical disorders. The article also includes information pertinent to quantitative extent of the mental disorder problems in contemporary populations, terminology, and functions of a family and social environment not only in healing process but also individual daily life of disabled person. The Essay touch upon a problem of planned changes in the mental health care act and rights of patients. In the article also was included desirable policies worthy of implementation in the polish health service.

Industry 4.0 has led to digitalization and an increase in industrial activity. However, it has recently been recognized as inadequate for achieving European goals by 2030. Therefore, a novel Industry 5.0 paradigm has emerged in response to the unexpected negative effects caused by its predecessor. Industry 5.0 is mainly based on three foundational ideas: i) human-centrism, ii) resilience, and iii) sustainability. Human-centric solutions and human-machine-interaction; bio-inspired technologies and smart materials; real time-based digital twins and simulation; cyber safe data transmission, storage, and analysis; artificial intelligence; and energy efficiency and trustworthy autonomy have been recognized as the enabling technologies of this transformative vision. This paper outlines the protocol adopted to conduct a systematic literature review with the aim of exploring how the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Management, Operation, and Conservation (AECMO&C) industry can adapt and be better prepared to embrace novel Industry 5.0 principles and enabling technologies, ultimately resulting in enhanced conservation practices for the built cultural heritage environment. Registration The protocol has been registered on Open Science Framework (24/02/2024) and follows the PRISMA-P guidelines.

Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health burden, with dietary acid load (DAL) and gut microbiota playing crucial roles. As DAL can affect the host metabolome, potentially via the gut microbiota, we cross-sectionally investigated the interplay between DAL, host metabolome, gut microbiota, and early-stage CKD (TwinsUK, n = 1,453). DAL was positively associated with CKD stage G1-G2 (Beta (95% confidence interval) = 0.34 (0.007; 0.7), p = 0.046). After adjusting for covariates and multiple testing, we identified 15 serum, 14 urine, 8 stool, and 7 saliva metabolites, primarily lipids and amino acids, associated with both DAL and CKD progression. Of these, 8 serum, 2 urine, and one stool metabolites were found to mediate the DAL-CKD association. Furthermore, the stool metabolite 5-methylhexanoate (i7:0) correlated with 26 gut microbial species. Our findings emphasize the gut microbiota’s therapeutic potential in countering DAL’s impact on CKD through the host metabolome. Interventional and longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality.

Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, demonstrating that our capacity to respond to them is insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider wildfire management policies, practices, and decision-support tools, extending beyond emergency measures. This study presents the extension of a GIS-based methodology for fire analysis, providing decision-making support for the implementation of new fire-related policies for road transportation infrastructure. It represents a novel contribution that facilitates the transition towards proactive wildfire policies. The framework is demonstrated to support informed decision-making, addressing both reactive actions, i.e., emergency response, and the evaluation of proactive adaptation measures at a system level. The results suggest that landscape management policies can play an important role in improving the resilience of road networks to wildfires.

Abstract Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are essential for enjoyable, confident and skillful participation in physical activity across the lifespan. Due to the alarming low level of FMS proficiency in children and adolescents worldwide, the development of motor competency is an urgent issue for physical education. The promotion and implementation of a systematic process of teaching and learning FMS should be a physical education priority. Accordingly, effective assessment tools for evaluating FMS should be adopted or developed. Because FMS assessment for both children and adolescents need further effective solutions, the primary aim of this study was to develop the new age-related test of FMS (Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport test, in Polish: Test Fundamentalnych Umiejętności Ruchowych w Sporcie, FUS). The secondary aim of this study was to establish validity and inter-rater, intra-rater, test-retest reliabilities and internal consistency of the FUS test. The FUS test involves six sport skill-based tasks: hurdling, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, throwing and catching a ball, and kicking and stopping a ball. Two hundred sixty-four Polish students in grades 1–3 (7–9 yrs; n = 81), 4–6 (10–12 yrs; n = 89) and 7–8 (13–14 yrs; n = 94), including 139 girls and 125 boys completed the FUS test. The content validity index for all items was notably high. Both inter-rater and intra-rater reliability showed substantial to almost perfect agreement, with observed agreements for FUS skills between 78.5 and 93.1%. Ball bouncing had a moderate correlation with the forward roll and throwing and catching, while other correlations were low or insignificant. ICC values, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97, confirmed excellent test-retest reliability. The results of our study provide evidence that the FUS test is valid, reliable, and feasible to administer in school settings. Therefore, this tool test has the potential to support deliberate practice and improve motor competence by providing a standardized and structured approach to measuring FMS among school-aged children and adolescents.

The deployment of Electrically Trace Heated Pipe-in-Pipe (ETH-PiP) brings the challenges of reliable protection selection and setting. This paper presents a study of relays and protection function optimization for ETH-PiP systems. The study is based on the developed simulation model of a typical ETH-PiP system. The paper presents simulation studies of physical phenomena occurring during electrical disturbances in the ETH-PiP system and offers detailed analyses applicable to system protection, including detection of disturbances, location, and elimination.

A 26-year-old male with a past medical history of intravenous opioid abuse was admitted with the diagnosis of double valve infective endocarditis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Imaging, excluding the head, was indicative of systemic arterial embolization, as abscesses had developed in the retroperitoneum and prostate. There was evidence of splenic infarct, and the presence of extensive pulmonary infiltrates indicative of showering septic foci from the heart. Antibiotic therapy was started and a transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated mitral and tricuspid valve vegetations with a preserved ejection fraction. Fortunately, the valvular repair was successful and artificial valves were not needed. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course in the intensive care unit and was transferred back to the ward in stable condition. He remained on the ward for six weeks due to his unfunded status until his antibiotic course and physical rehabilitation were completed.

Abstract Background A dysregulated postprandial metabolic response is a risk factor for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The plasma protein N-glycome is implicated in both lipid metabolism and T2DM risk. Hence, we first investigate the relationship between the N-glycome and postprandial metabolism and then explore the mediatory role of the plasma N-glycome in the relationship between postprandial lipaemia and T2DM. Methods We included 995 individuals from the ZOE-PREDICT 1 study with plasma N-glycans measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography at fasting and triglyceride, insulin, and glucose levels measured at fasting and following a mixed-meal challenge. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the associations between plasma protein N-glycosylation and metabolic response (fasting, postprandial (C max), or change from fasting). A mediation analysis was used to further explore the relationship of the N-glycome in the prediabetes (HbA1c = 39–47 mmol/mol (5.7–6.5%))–postprandial lipaemia association. Results We identified 36 out of 55 glycans significantly associated with postprandial triglycerides (C max β ranging from -0.28 for low-branched glycans to 0.30 for GP26) after adjusting for covariates and multiple testing (p adjusted

Factors such as human activity and climate change are contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. This problem has challenged society’s knowledge, response capacity, and resilience, revealing its inadequacy to cope with the new wildfire regime characterized by extreme wildfire events (EWE). Policies on wildfire management mainly focus on suppression and managing emergencies, which may be insufficient to reduce EWE’s incidence and cope with its impact. Consequently, there is a lack of tools to support decision-making in wildfire management in other important aspects, such as prevention and protection. This study examines global wildfire policies specifically in the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain), including cross-border policies. A GIS-based tool to evaluate different normal and extreme wildfire management policies is applied to a cross-border case study, paying attention to the impact on critical land-based transport systems. A relevant outcome of the tool application is that suppression must be complemented with other wildfire management strategies in the analyzed area. The gained insights can help stakeholders to improve decision-making in wildfire management to successfully address EWE.

The body of evidence has shown that the external focus of attention (EF) rather than the internal focus of attention (IF) enhances motor skill learning and performance. Within racket sports which require a high level of motor control, anticipation skills, and mental preparedness, effectively directing attention is essential to elicit improvements in athletic performance. The present review aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence concerning the effects of attentional focus instructions on motor learning and performance in racket sports. We systematically reviewed the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study was registered with the Open Science Framework (osf.io/m4zat). Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) were searched for original research publications. Inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed journals; healthy and free from injury participants; attentional focus literature specific to the external or internal focus; attentional focus related to motor learning or motor performance; studies included at least one comparator (e.g., different attentional focus group, or control groups with neutral or no specific instruction); publications in which task(s) or skill(s) related to one of the racket sports (tennis, table tennis, badminton, squash, or padel). The initial search yielded 2005 studies. Finally, 9 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, the results indicated that EF benefits the learning and performance of racket sport skills, compared to IF and over control conditions. The findings suggest that coaches and practitioners should consider the adoption of EF to optimize racket skills performance, particularly in novice or low-skilled athletes.

ABSTRACTShort-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are involved in immune system and inflammatory responses. We comprehensively assessed the host genetic and gut microbial contribution to a panel of eight serum and stool SCFAs in two cohorts (TwinsUK, n = 2507; ZOE PREDICT-1, n = 328), examined their postprandial changes and explored their links with chronic and acute inflammatory responses in healthy individuals and trauma patients. We report low concordance between circulating and fecal SCFAs, significant postprandial changes in most circulating SCFAs, and a heritable genetic component (average h2: serum = 14%(SD = 14%); stool = 12%(SD = 6%)). Furthermore, we find that gut microbiome can accurately predict their fecal levels (AUC>0.71) while presenting weaker associations with serum. Finally, we report different correlation patterns with inflammatory markers depending on the type of inflammatory response (chronic or acute trauma). Our results illustrate the breadth of the physiological relevance of SCFAs on human inflammatory and metabolic responses highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of this important class of molecules.

Metabolomics can uncover physiological responses to prebiotic fibre and omega-3 fatty acid supplements with known health benefits and identify response-specific metabolites. We profiled 534 stool and 799 serum metabolites in 64 healthy adults following a 6-week randomised trial comparing daily omega-3 versus inulin supplementation. Elastic net regressions were used to separately identify the serum and stool metabolites whose change in concentration discriminated between the two types of supplementations. Random forest was used to explore the gut microbiome’s contribution to the levels of the identified metabolites from matching stool samples. Changes in serum 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate and indoleproprionate levels accurately discriminated between fibre and omega-3 (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63–0.99]), while stool eicosapentaenoate indicated omega-3 supplementation (AUC = 0.86 [95% CI: 0.64–0.98]). Univariate analysis also showed significant increases in indoleproprionate with fibre, 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate, and eicosapentaenoate with omega-3. Out of these, only the change in indoleproprionate was partly explained by changes in the gut microbiome composition (AUC = 0.61 [95% CI: 0.58–0.64] and Rho = 0.21 [95% CI: 0.08–0.34]) and positively correlated with the increase in the abundance of the genus Coprococcus (p = 0.005). Changes in three metabolites discriminated between fibre and omega-3 supplementation. The increase in indoleproprionate with fibre was partly explained by shifts in the gut microbiome, particularly Coprococcus, previously linked to better health.

Despite recent efforts in Peru to boost financial inclusion, significant issues of exclusion persist, especially among vulnerable groups. This article aims to identify and analyze areas at risk of financial exclusion using a multifaceted methodology: the Financial Access Survey (FAS) for comparative analysis (Peru versus other countries and regions), geographical-distribution analysis, and the Access to Cash Index (ACI) methodology. Findings reveal that remote rural areas of Peru, particularly those inland, as well as mountainous or jungle regions, face higher risks of financial exclusion due to low digital literacy, limited digital banking usage, sparse branch and ATM networks, and inadequate transportation infrastructure. These insights can inform targeted public policies to enhance financial inclusion in Peru, as well as the development.