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ABSTRACTVaccination active, promising alternative immunological strategy to treat of CUD. Various models of cocaine vaccines have been evaluated in animals and humans with relative success. In this sense, it is necessary to improve or optimize the cocaine vaccines already evaluated. Our laboratory previously reported the efficacy of the tetanus toxoid-conjugated morphine vaccine (M6-TT). The M6-TT vaccine can generate high titers of antibodies and reduce heroin-induced behavioral effects in rodents. So, it would be plausible to assume that if we modify the M6-TT vaccine by changing the hapten and maintaining the rest of the structural elements of the vaccine, we will maintain the properties of the M6-TT vaccine (high antibody titers). The objective of this study was to determine whether the antibodies generated by a tetanus toxoid-conjugated cocaine vaccine (COC-TT) can recognize and capture cocaine and decrease the cocaine-induced reinforcing effects. Male Wistar rats were immunized with the COC-TT. A solid-phase antibody-capture ELISA was used to monitor antibody titer responses after each booster dose in vaccinated animals. The study used cocaine self-administration and place-preference testing to evaluate the cocaine-reinforcing effects. The COC-TT vaccine could generate high levels of anti-cocaine antibodies. The antibodies reduced the cocaine self-administration and cocaine place preference. In addition, they decreased the cocaine-induced Fos protein expression. These findings suggest that the COC-TT vaccine generates a robust immunogenic response capable of reducing the reinforcing effects of cocaine, which supports its possible future use in clinical trials in patients with CUD.

Current food systems fail to provide equity, sustainability, and positive health outcomes, thus underscoring the critical need for their transformation. Intervening in food environments holds substantial promise for contributing to this much-needed transformation. Despite scholars and practitioners often recognizing the necessity for bottom–up approaches, there is a dearth of empirical investigations evaluating the potential of these approaches to contribute to food system transformations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our study aimed to address this research gap, providing a unique perspective in this regard. Drawing on evidence from two co-creation case studies conducted with small-scale informal fruit and vegetable vendors and poor consumers in Vietnam and Nigeria from January 2020 to December 2021, we explored the relevance of bottom–up community-engaged co-creation processes in intervening within LMICs’ food retail environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach that includes quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, participatory workshops, and focus group discussions, we demonstrated that bottom–up co-creation processes involving marginalized socioeconomic groups can generate retail-level innovations that are tailored to informal retail contexts, whereas remaining aligned with established top–down theories and literature pertaining to food environments and healthy diets. We provided empirical evidence highlighting how both vendors and consumers respond positively to the co-created innovations. Expanding upon our results, we offered methodological insights applicable to interventions targeted at food environments in LMICs, and considerations for future research or development initiatives in this domain. Our findings revealed the capacity of vulnerable stakeholders to actively engage in public health initiatives and contribute to developing innovative solutions that are context-specific and conducive to the adoption of healthier dietary practices. These results confirm the potential of bottom–up, co-creation, real-world interventions within informal settings to contribute toward fostering inclusive transformation of food systems.

Installing photovoltaic (PV) collectors above arable land (Agrivoltaics) can aid with the shortage of available land area for solar power generation and food production. Most open field agrivoltaics are based on opaque PV devices which absorb photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm), reducing crop yield and increasing variability in light distribution across the field. This research evaluates the performance of spectral beam splitter integrated photovoltaic (BSIPV) modules using a PV performance model. A high percentage (66 %) of PAR incident on the spectral beam splitter is transmitted effectively to the plants, while the near infrared radiation (NIR, > 700 nm) is reflected to the adjacent bifacial opaque photovoltaic module to generate power. In the model, seven rows of modules were placed uniformly across the field at a height of four meters from the ground. Considering a cool season (November – March) in Yuma, Arizona, in a conventional opaque PV agrivoltaic farm received 43 % lower total daylight integral (TDLI) across the season in comparison to open field with a coefficient of variation (ratio of standard deviation to mean expressed in percentage) of 56 % in TDLI across the field. On the other hand, the BSIPV agrivoltaic farm limited the drop in TDLI to 7 % in comparison to open field and the coefficient of variation to 14 % across the field. Thus, BSIPV showed a 36 % improvement in TDLI relative to the conventional opaque PV agrivoltaic farm. The results of the current study justify further research on the proposed collector concept.

Background. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of the main crops in Mexico; during the harvest 2021-2022, 54.6 million tons of raw milled sugarcane were industrialized, ranking sixth in production worldwide. However, during processing, several products and co-products are generated, including sugarcane bagasse, that is used to produce electricity by combustion, converting nearly 25% of its weight into greenhouse gases and generating environmental problems. For this reason, it is necessary to design processes aligned with the axes of sustainable development (environmental, social and economic) to promote valorization and diversification. Objective. To determine the effect of two pretreatments on the enzymatic saccharification of sugarcane bagasse for its subsequent conversion to bioethanol. Methodology. The production of enzymatic extracts by solid state fermentation (SSF) was carried out using sugarcane bagasse as support-substrate and autochthonous fungal strains as inoculum. For the enzymatic saccharification the sugarcane bagasse was pretreated with hydrogen peroxide and microwaves, for the hydrogen peroxide pretreatment the variables time (1, 3 and 6 h), ratio mL of peroxide per gram of bagasse (16. 6:1, 33.3:1 and 100:1), temperature (26, 50 and 70°C) and peroxide concentration (1, 3 and 5%); and for microwave pretreatment the variables microwave power (p30, p50 and p80) and time (5 and 10 min) were evaluated. For the enzymatic saccharification, enzymatic extracts produced by SSF and bagasse pretreated with hydrogen peroxide were used. Finally, fermentable sugars obtained from the enzymatic saccharification of sugarcane bagasse were used as a unique carbon source in alcoholic fermentation system. Results. The SSF results showed the presence of cellulase (2 U/g) and xylanase (61 U/g) activity. On the other hand, the results of pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse with hydrogen peroxide indicated that the best conditions were 100 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide per gram of sugarcane bagasse at 50°C, while the best conditions of microwave pretreatment were 50p for 5 minutes. The enzymatic saccharification of sugarcane bagasse showed a maximum yield of reducing sugars when the sugarcane bagasse was pretreated with hydrogen peroxide, obtaining 0.41 g/g. Finally, the maximum ethanol concentration (4.32 g/L) was obtained after 48 hours of fermentation with commercial Saccharomyces cerevisae. Implications. The sugar agroindustry in Mexico is limited to the production of sucrose and ethanol, being necessary a sustainable productive diversification. Conclusions. The isolation of autochthonous fungal strains allowed the production of cellulases and xylanases by solid fermentation with adequate specificity to hydrolyze/saccharify pretreated sugarcane bagasse and its subsequent conversion to ethanol.

Animal studies have reported the use of different opioid-vaccine formulations with relative success These studies have suggested that new opioid-vaccine formulations are required, which are capable of triggering a robust humoral response. One strategy that has been used is the co-administration of two or more vaccines with different but complementary properties, which are capable of generating a robust immune response. We have developed two formulations of opioid-vaccine, the M6-TT, and M3-TT, which generate a robust immune response capable of recognizing heroin and morphine. In this work, we evaluate the combination of two vaccine formulations, which we call the M3/6-TT vaccine, to elicit a robust immune response and protection against heroin and morphine. Balb/c mice were immunized simultaneously with M6-TT vaccine and with M3-TT vaccine. A solid-phase antibody-capture ELISA was used for monitoring antibody titer responses after each booster dose in vaccinated animals. The study used tail-flick and hot-plate testing to evaluate the antinociceptive effects induced by heroin or morphine. Immunization with M3-TT and M6-TT vaccine elicits a robust immune response with an antibody titer of 1: 590 000 able to recognize heroin and morphine. These antibodies are capable of reducing the antinociceptive effects induced by doses of up to 40 mg/Kg. of morphine or 10 mg/kg of heroin. This suggests that the combination of two vaccine formulations that generate antibodies with different but complementary characteristics would be a new therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing drug relapses.

ObjectivesSerum lactate is a useful biomarker of tissue perfusion in critically ill patients. We evaluated the behavior of serum lactate in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) immediately after liver transplantation and its association with surgical complications, graft dysfunction and 90-day mortality.Materials and MethodsA prospective observational study carried out between November 2009 and December 2019. Multidisciplinary PICU at the University Children's Hospital, Fundación Cardioinfantil-IC, Bogotá, Colombia.Measurements and Main ResultsPatients between 1 month and 18 years of age who were in the immediate post-operative period following living-donor or cadaveric liver transplantation were included. A total of 145 patients with a median age of 14 months (IQR 8–60) met the inclusion criteria. Biliary atresia was the main diagnosis in 56.5% of the cases. A serum lactate level > 3.0 mmol/L on admission to the PICU was associated with biliary complications (AUC 0.73 95% CI 0.54–0.93; p = 0.05) and mortality (AUC 0.72 95% CI 0.63–0.8; p = 0.01). A lactate level > 2 mmol/L after 6 h in the PICU was associated with mortality (AUC 0.70 95% CI 0.54–0.83; p = 0.02). Higher lactate levels and lack of clearance were associated with the presence of tardus et parvus waveforms (p = 0.001) on liver Doppler, primary dysfunction (p < 0.001), arterial thrombosis (p < 0.001) and neurological complications (p = 0.04). There was an inverse correlation between admission lactate and the volume of fluids administered during surgery (rho = 0.36; p < 0.001). A total procedure time > 350 min, along with a vasopressor score > 7 and elevated lactate, were associated with worse outcomes (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn post-operative pediatric liver transplant patients, the level of serum lactate is associated with post-operative surgical complications and mortality.

Background: The literature reports describing allergic symptoms against apples in the patients sensitized to the gibberellin-regulated proteins (GRPs) suggested the presence of an allergenic GRP in this fruit.Objective: This study aimed to assess the presence of a GRP protein in apples and investigate its allergenicity.Methods: The protein was isolated and identified by the classical biochemical methods. The bioinformatics tools were used for similar searches and molecular modeling. The immunological features were investigated using the multiplex FABER test. Clinical data were collected by the allergy specialists.Results: A GRP was detected in the apple peel and pulp and it was named applemaclein. This protein displays 94% of sequence identity with peamaclein, Pru p 7, representing the prototype of this allergen family. The applemaclein molecular model shows a very irregular surface with grooves/clefts that may potentially accommodate small molecular ligands. In a population of 4,721 patients in Italy, 187 (4.0%) were sensitized to any allergenic GPR. Of those, 115 (61.5%), 61 (32.6%), 30 (16.0%), and 99 (52.9%) had immunoglobulin E (IgE) to apple, peach, pomegranate, and cypress GRP, respectively. However, in a cohort of the patients in Italy, most individuals IgE positive to the apple GRP did not report allergic reactions against this fruit.Conclusion: Compared with the peach Pru p 7, applemaclein shows some different structural features and higher sensitization frequency, which is often not associated with allergic reactions against apple. Further studies are needed to understand a possible correlation between the applemaclein structural properties, the interaction with still unknown molecules, and immunological behavior.

Human diets and their associated environmental impacts differ across segments of the population. There is evidence that consumer choices of food intake can also affect the overall environmental impacts of a food system. This paper analyzes the environmental impact of diets and food choices across a rural–urban transect in Northern Vietnam by using mixed survey data from 619 adult respondents. The average greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) resulting from producing the daily food intake of adults in the urban and peri-urban districts were similar, while the average in the rural district was lower. Although starchy staples contributed the most to energy intake, pork and beef were the largest contributors to GHGE. Metrics of blue water use were higher for diets of males than those of females in all three districts. Interestingly, the difference in mean diet diversity score between urban and rural households was significant, and females’ diets were more diverse than those of males. As expected, urban households were more likely to buy food, while rural households often produced their own foods. Urban households reported prioritizing personal health and the natural content of food and would increase seafood and fruits if their income were to increase. In rural regions, interventions aimed at reducing undernutrition should address improving diet quality without significant increases to diet-related environmental impacts.

Traffic microsimulation models use the movement of individual driver-vehicle-units (DVUs) and their interactions, which allows a detailed estimation of the traffic noise using Common Noise Assessment Methods (CNOSSOS). The Dynamic Traffic Noise Assessment (DTNA) methodology is applied to real traffic situations, then compared to on-field noise levels from measurement campaigns. This makes it possible to determine the influence of certain local traffic factors on the evaluation of noise. The pattern of distribution of vehicles along the avenue is related to the logic of traffic light control. The analysis of the inter-cycles noise variability during the simulation and measurement time shows no influence from local factors on the prediction of the dynamic traffic noise assessment tool based on CNOSSOS. A multifractal approach of acoustic waves propagation and the source behaviors in the traffic area are implemented. The novelty of the approach also comes from the multifractal model’s freedom which allows the simulation, through the fractality degree, of various behaviors of the acoustic waves. The mathematical backbone of the model is developed on Cayley–Klein-type absolute geometries, implying harmonic mappings between the usual space and the Lobacevsky plane in a Poincaré metric. The isomorphism of two groups of SL(2R) type showcases joint invariant functions that allow associations of pulsations–velocities manifolds type.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the noise levels in current incubator models and a prototype designed to improve acoustic comfort in neonatal incubators. Methods: Tests were carried out on three different models of incubators and a prototype called Neonatal Incubator Acoustic Comfort Class (NICA). The tests measured both internal and external sound pressure levels under laboratory conditions. The noise index has been taken as the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq,T) for a time interval of 1 min. Results: The results obtained show variations between the different models of incubators, although, overall, they are high values (around 56/60 dBA). The results prove that premature newborns under normal conditions of using these incubators are exposed to noise levels above international recommendations. The new incubator design minimizes noise generation and generates noise levels lower than international recommendations. Conclusions: The results obtained from the prototype (NICA+) show the effectiveness of the proposed design in improving acoustic comfort in neonatal incubators. The data show that the noise levels generated by the prototype under normal operating conditions are significantly lower than international recommendations.

Given the growing use of virtual interaction in international business activities, business schools must provide students with experiential learning opportunities that prepare them to work in virtual organizations. This paper uses multiple case study methodology with analysis at the transaction level to analyze the dynamics of the virtual teams, and to compare international and domestic virtual team behavior. The paper also identifies the challenges of implementing international virtual teams for teaching international business and provides practical advice for faculty. (Contains 5 tables.)