Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have obtained durable responses in many cancers, making it possible to foresee their potential in improving the health of cancer patients. However, immunotherapies are limited at the moment to a minority of patients and there is a need for a better understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms and functions of pivotal immune regulatory molecules. Immune checkpoint cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and regulatory T (Treg) cells play pivotal roles in hindering the anticancer immunity. Treg cells suppress antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by depleting immune stimulating cytokines, producing immunosuppressive cytokines and constitutively expressing CTLA-4. CTLA-4 molecules bind with higher affinity to CD80 and CD86 than CD28 and act as competitive inhibitors of CD28 in APCs. The purpose of this review is to summarize state-of-the-art understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlining CTLA-4 immune regulation and the correlation of ICI response with CTLA-4 expression in Treg cells from preclinical and clinical studies for possibly improving CTLA-4-based immunotherapies, while highlighting the knowledge gap.

The building envelope has the most significant contribution in the reduction of the building energy consumption. Application of new, alternative and improved materials and systems has an important impact on the buildings performances. This paper is focused on the thermal transmittance, as an indicator of the thermal conductance of the construction element. It includes comparisons of the U-values, calculated by software, with those measured in situ on three representative façade walls. The walls have been constructed with the new wall system Fragmat NZ-1, a new product in Macedonian buildings. This research provides basic information on the thermal transmittance of the system. The results of the analysis show that the in situ measuring is a useful tool in validation of the precision of analytically calculated values, since it was difficult to obtain precise results from the analytical calculations only, especially when the layers are with non-uniform thickness.

FRAP technique have been used for decades to measure movements of molecules in 2D. Data obtained by FRAP experiments in cell plasma membranes are assumed to be described through means of two parameters, a diffusion coefficient D (as defined in a pure Brownian model) and a mobile fraction M. Nevertheless, it has also been shown that recoveries can be nicely fit using anomalous sub-diffusion. FRAP at variable radii has been developed using the Brownian diffusion model to access geometrical characteristics of the surrounding landscape of the molecule. Here we performed numerical simulations of continuous time random walk (CTRW) anomalous subdiffusion and interpreted them in the context of variable radii FRAP. These simulations were compared to experimental data obtained at variable radii on living cells using the PH domain of the membrane binding protein EFA6 (exchange factor for ARF6, a small G protein). This protein domain is an excellent candidate to explore the structure of the interface between cytosol and plasma membrane in cells. By direct comparison of our numerical simulations to the experiments, we show that this protein does not exhibit anomalous diffusion in BHK cells. The non Brownian PH-EFA6 dynamics observed here is more related to spatial heterogeneities such as cytoskeleton fences effects.

The growing interest in benchtop NMR systems is visible in a vast number of applications in science and industry. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) became an instant in technologies that productions are dependent on the reliable structure identification, grade and purity control, chemical process inspection or reaction monitoring. Beyond the benefits of being cost-, space-, maintenance- and user friendly, insufficient sensitivity and low signal resolution are the main drawbacks, due to which the low-field NMR (LF-NMR) in the fields of organic chemistry and synthesis remains limited to solely academic teaching purposes. Herein, we discuss the possibilities of LF-NMR for the needs of organic chemistry and synthesis on a set of compounds 1-4 achieved as the products of student’s laboratory course and organic derivatives 5-8 that are from our research interests. Chemical structure determination of all compounds 1-8 presented herein was performed using the benchtop-type NMR instrument operating at 60 MHz (Pulsar Oxford Ltd.). Structure of novel compounds 5-7 prepared under the aims of our research was characterized by combined 1H/19LF-NMR and compared with an appropriate high-field NMR data from Bruker Ascend Instrument (400 MHz). Finally, possibilities of the low-field NMR as an analytical tool for the research purposes in the fields of organic chemistry and synthesis are documented on a set of 1H and 2D 1H-1H COSY for azomethine 8.

The study of values at European and global level has gained momentum along with the theory of values launched by Schwartz. Values are dormant, hidden, unobservable and impossible to measure directly. They exist somewhere within the human being, manifested by different attitudes, depending on their degree of generality. The paradigm of basic human values implies shared universal values that are encountered in cultures all over the world. The theory of values designed by Schwartz has refined the pool of 19 basic individual values representing principles in individuals and group, further describing the dynamic relationships among them. This study presents practical evidence of the dynamics between individual values, the dynamics theorized by Schwartz in 2012. Following the development of an online questionnaire made up of 46 items with online responses options on a Lickert scale from 1 to 6, where 1 represents less important and 6 represent very important, 220 young people from Western Romania voluntarily responded. By testing the hypothesis assuming the dynamic relationship between the two values through multiple regression analysis, the results demonstrate that in Model 1, which involves a linear relationship, health explains 42% of the variance in security with a F =161,215 significant at p <.01. In Model 2, which involves a curvilinear relationship, health explains 50% of the variance in security version with a F = 35,336 significant at p <.01. The incremental prediction optimization of 8% added by including the squared security accounts for the curve in the regression line, indicating the existence of a curvilinear relationship between security and health. The dynamic relationship demonstrates that upper limit and lower limit aspects of security, significantly influence the health value in a negative way. Normal levels of security trigger a high level of prioritization of health value. The implications of this type of relationship are discussed in explaining the value phenomenon at individual level. The study shows limits due to the selected sample, focusing exclusively on young people with higher education from the Western region of Romania. This sample was the target group of "The National Identity of Romanian Youth" project which designed this research.

Functional dependence of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D with respect to a properly chosen geometrical parameter (Dstr) in metal complexes is termed the Magnetostructural D-Correlation. In mononuclear hexacoordinate Ni(II) complexes with the ground electronic term 3B1g (3A2g in the regular octahedron) it proceeds along two intercepting straight lines allowing to predict the sign and magnitude of the D-parameter by knowing the X-ray structure alone; Dstr is constructed from the metal-ligand bond lengths. In hexacoordinate Co(II) complexes it is applicable only in the segment of the compressed bipyramid where the ground electronic term 4B1g is orbitally non-degenerate so that the spin Hamiltonian formalism holds true. The D vs Dstr correlation is strongly non-linear and it is represented by a set of decreasing exponentials. In tetracoordinate Co(II) complexes, on the contrary, the angular distortion from the regular tetrahedron is crucial so that the appropriate structural parameter Dstr is constructed of bond angles. All of these empirical correlations originate in the electronic structure of metal complexes that can be modelled by the generalized crystal-field theory. As the barrier to spin reversal in the single-molecule magnets is proportional to the D-value, for a rational tuning and/or prediction of the single-molecule magnetic behavior knowledge/prediction of the D-parameter is beneficial. In this review, we present the statistical processing of an extensive set of structural and magnetic data of Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, which were published over the past 15 years. Magnetostructural D-correlations defined for this data set are reviewed in detail.

The development of ballistic protection vests (BPVs) has become increasingly significant, particularly in the design of soft panels, which are critical to the overall size and configuration of these vests. Despite their importance, a standardized design process for soft panels is lacking in the literature. This research addresses this gap by creating soft panels tailored to the body types of regional soldiers while adhering to relevant standards. We propose a comprehensive design algorithm and evaluate the applicability of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard 0101.06 test templates for configuring these panels. This study aims to design soft ballistic panels for BPVs that cater to the body type requirements of regional soldiers and comply with NIJ 0101.06 standards. We have developed an algorithm for designing soft panels and analyzed the feasibility of using NIJ test templates for their configuration. The research encompasses a detailed literature review, analysis of existing BPV soft panels, and comparison with NIJ test templates. The panels were designed and scaled using computer-aided design (CAD) systems and evaluated through by physical fitting on mannequins and virtual fitting using the Clo3D program. Our findings indicate that the NIJ standard test templates are only partially applicable to the design of soft panels. The developed methodology includes an algorithm and size specifications tailored to regional covers. A coefficient (K) was identified to calculate the soft panel surface area prior to design, thereby saving time and resources.

The decapod fauna in intertidal rocky shore in continental Chile has high species diversity mainly in northern and central Chile due high productivity of these coast due influence of cold Humboldt stream. One of the abundant species in these ecosystems is decapod Cyclograpsus cinereus Dana, 1851. The aim of the present study was determine the spatial distribution pattern of C. cinereus along rocky shore in Antofagasta bay, north of Chile between spring and summer 2018-2020. Data was obtained counting individuals from random quadrants in intertidal zones, to the obtained data was applied the variance mean ratio for determine if the specimens have random, aggregate or uniform distribution, that are associated to Poisson, negative binomial or positive binomial distributions respectively. Data obtained revealed the existence of associated distribution with respective negative binomial distribution pattern in 16 observations, and uniform distribution for 3 observations. The sites corresponds to rocky shores in urban zones, and in a protected zone, and the density does not have significant differences for both kind of sites. The observed data about aggregated pattern agree with observations for decapods for rocky shore in central and southern Chile, specifically in interpretative probabilistic models.

Skin cancer is a global health concern with increasing prevalence, necessitating effective early detection and classification systems. Transfer learning has emerged as a powerful tool in this domain, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Attention mechanisms, which selectively focus on pertinent image features, play a pivotal role in transfer learning. While previous studies have highlighted their effectiveness, their applicability across different models and datasets remains understudied. This empirical study explores the impact of various attention mechanisms on the performance of transfer learning models for skin cancer detection and classification. Using five transfer learning models (DenseNet121, InceptionV3, MobileNet, VGG16, and Xception) and six attention mechanisms (Channel Attention, Global Context Attention, Guided Attention, Nonlocal Attention, Positional Attention, and Spatial Attention), we conducted 105 experiments across three datasets. Traditional metrics (accuracy, precision, recall, and f1-score) were employed for empirical validation. The results reveal a nuanced relationship between attention mechanisms, transfer learning models, and datasets. Overall, attention mechanisms exhibit the potential to enhance skin cancer classification. Spatial and channel attention mechanisms consistently outperform others, offering simplicity and effectiveness. Model-specific selection of attention mechanisms is crucial, with a trade-off between model complexity and performance evident. This study provides insights into developing efficient skin cancer classification models utilizing attention mechanisms.

Natural gas is an important energy source among various fossil fuels. However, natural gas typically contains a significant amount of water vapor, which can pose challenges in its usage. Therefore, the process of removing water vapor from natural gas, known as gas dehydration, is crucial in the gas industry. The presence of water vapor in the gas supply can lead to the formation of hydrates, which can cause issues such as blockages in pipelines. To tackle this problem effectively, gas dehydration makes use of Tri ethylene glycol (TEG) as a drying agent. TEG works by selectively absorbing water vapor from the natural gas flow, thereby significantly reducing its moisture content.In the gas dehydration process, wet gas is treated by using lean glycol in an absorber, where the water vapor is removed. The resulting rich glycol is then recovered and recycled for further use. In this study, we explore the possibility of replacing nitrogen with dry natural gas in the re-generator of the glycol dehydration system. The aim is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this alternative approach. To assess the performance of both techniques, we employed HYSYS modeling and simulation. Through this analysis, we compared the capital and utility expenses associated with each method while ensuring that the glycol purity requirements remained unchanged. By examining the results obtained from the simulations, we can gain insights into the economic viability and efficiency of utilizing dry natural gas in the re-generator stage of the glycol dehydration process.In addition to the primary purpose of removing water vapor, the wet gas obtained from the stripping mechanisms in the glycol dehydration process can serve additional functions. It can be utilized to power steam pumps and compressors, thereby maximizing energy efficiency within the system. Alternatively, the wet gas can be recycled back into the process for further treatment. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire mechanism, we constructed a model based on the actual flow diagram. This model takes into account the various components and processes involved in the glycol dehydration system, including the stripping mechanisms and their connection to other equipment. By analyzing the data and outcomes generated by this model, we can derive valuable insights. These findings can be utilized to optimize the heat and material balance within the plant, ensuring efficient operation and potentially leading to the design of an improved system in terms of energy consumption and overall performance

Binary star DataBase (BDB) is the database of binary/multiple systems of various observational types. BDB contains data on physical and positional parameters of 260,000 components of 120,000 stellar systems of multiplicity 2 to more than 20, taken from a large variety of published catalogues and databases. We describe the new features in organization of the database, integration of new catalogues and implementation of new possibilities available to users. The development of the BDB index-catalogue, Identification List of Binaries, is discussed. This star catalogue provides cross-referencing between most popular catalogues of binary stars. We describe ideas and methods for reliable cross-identification of different entities (systems, pairs, components) in binary and multiple stellar systems.

The language we use to describe the past can have a strong influence on the audience’s interpretation of our story. In our experiment, we explore, using 3 different conditions, how the framing and language of an accident report can affect the audience’s proposed solutions to manage the problems found. We find that the approach used to create an accident report can have a powerful influence on the audience’s decision making. Whether we are describing an accident in a similar manner to a crime, using a systems approach or we are accepting of multiple stories which are not linear or coherent, the methods we use to capture and communicate the story have a profound impact on the actions decided upon by the reader.

Among other fossil fuels, natural gas is a major energy source. It is generally created saturated with water vapor. Dehydration of natural gas is vital in the gas business to remove water vapor from the gas supply, which may cause hydrate development in pipes. Gas dehydration employs Tri ethylene glycol (TEG) to remove water vapor from natural gas flow. The wet gas is dehydrated with lean glycol in an absorber, and the rich glycol is recovered and reused. This work investigates the use of dry natural gas instead of nitrogen in the glycol dehydration re-generator, and compares the results using HYSYS modeling and simulation. The two techniques were compared for capital and utility expenses, while maintaining the identical glycol purity criteria. The wet gas from the stripping mechanisms may also be utilized to run steam pumps and compressors or recycled. The model is based on the real mechanism flow diagram. Finally, the findings of this model might be used to design a new heat and material balance for the plant.

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon atom with a hexagonal honeycomb-like structure in which the sp2 hybridization occurs. GO sheets are highly oxidized and have oxygen-containing groups. Properties of electronics, mechanicals, magnetics, and optics, Oxidized Methods for Brodies, Staudenmaier, Hofmann, Hummers, Improved Hummers, and Tour's Methods Reduction of Graphene oxide methods Chemical Reduction using sodium borohydride, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, Hydrazine hydrate, Thermal Reduction, Hydrothermal Reduction, Exfoliation Reduction, Catalytic Reduction, and the green synthesis route for reduction, The reduction of graphene oxide has a wide range of applications, including its use in energy storage devices for Solar cells, Supercapacitors, LIG-based sensors, River Water sensors, Battery, hydrovoltaic generators, OLED Screen, and Graphene Shielding. This review will determine the future of a few applications.

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a rare disorder characterized by involuntary facial muscle contractions. The primary cause is mechanical compression of the facial nerve by nearby structures. Lateral spread response (LSR) is an abnormal muscle response observed during electromyogram (EMG) testing and is associated with HFS. Intraoperative monitoring of LSR is crucial during surgery to confirm successful decompression. Proper anesthesia and electrode positioning are important for accurate LSR monitoring. Stimulation parameters should be carefully adjusted to avoid artifacts. The disappearance of LSR during surgery is associated with short-term outcomes, but its persistence does not necessarily indicate poor long-term outcomes. LSR monitoring has both positive and negative prognostic value, and its predictive ability varies across studies. Early disappearance of LSR can occur before decompression and may indicate better clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of LSR monitoring in HFS surgery.

A systematic approach for model updating using the modal identification results is proposed. Modal identification provides mode shapes for physical quantities (acceleration strain, etc.) measured in specific directions at the location of the sensors. Besides, model updating involves the use of the mode shapes related to the nodal degrees-of-freedom of the finite element analytic model. Consequently, the mode shapes obtained by modal identification and the mode shapes of the model updating process do not coincide even for the same mode. Therefore, a method constructing transform matrices that distinguish the cases where measurement is done by acceleration, velocity and displacement sensors and the case where measurement is done by strain sensors is proposed to remedy such disagreement between the mode shapes. The so-constructed transform matrices are then applied when the mode shape residual is used as objective function or for mode pairing in the model updating process. The feasibility of the proposed approach is verified by means of a numerical example in which the strain or acceleration of a simple beam is measured and a numerical example in which the strain of a bridge is measured. Using the proposed approach, it is possible to model the structure regardless of the position of the sensors and to select the location of the sensors independently from the model.

Tics can be associated with neurological disorders and are thought to be the result of dysfunctional basal ganglia pathways. In Tourette Syndrome (TS), excess dopamine in the striatum is thought to excite the thalamo-cortical circuits, producing tics. When external stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, more dopamine is produced, furthering the excitation of tic-producing pathways. Emotional processing structures in the limbic are also activated during tics, providing further evidence of a possible emotional component in motor ticking behaviors. The purpose of the review is to better understand the relationship between emotional states and ticking behavior. We found support for the notion that premonitory-sensory phenomena (PSP), sensory stimulation, and other environmental stressors that impact the HPA-axis can influence tics through dopaminergic neurotransmission. Dopamine plays a vital role in cognition and motor control, and is an important neurotransmitter in the pathophysiology of other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which tend to be comorbid with ticking disorders and are thought to use similar pathways. It is concluded that there is an emotional component to ticking behaviors. Emotions primarily involving anxiety, tension, stress, and frustration have been associated with exacerbated tics, with PSP contributing to these feelings.

HIV-1 assembly is a complex mechanism taking place at the plasma membrane of the host cell. It requires nice spatial and temporal coordination to end up with a full immature virus. Researchers have extensively studied HIV-1 assembly molecular mechanism during the past decades, in order to dissect the respective roles of viral proteins, viral genome and host cell factors. Nevertheless, the time course of the process has been observed in living cells only a decade ago. The very recent revolution of optical microscopy, combining high speed and high spatial resolution now permit to study assemblies and their consequences at the single molecule level within (living) cells. In this review, after a short description of these new approaches, we will show how HIV-1 assembly in cells has been revisited using these advanced super resolution microscopy techniques and how much it could make a bridge in studying assembly from the single molecule to the host cell.

In this study, various diamine monomers were used to synthesize aramid polymer films via a low-temperature solution condensation reaction with diacid chloride. For diamines with relatively high basicity, the reaction system became opaque because amine salt formation inhibited polymer synthesis. Meanwhile, low-basicity diamines with strong electron-withdrawing groups, such as CF3 and sulfone, were smoothly polymerized without amine salt formation to provide highly viscous solutions. The acid byproduct HCl generated during polymerization was removed by adding propylene oxide to the reaction vessel and converting the acid into highly volatile inert substances. The resulting solutions were used as varnishes without any additional purification, and polymer films with an excellent appearance were easily obtained through a conventional casting and convection drying process. The films neither tore nor broke when pulled or bent by hand; furthermore, even when heated up to 400°C, they did not decompose or melt. Moreover, polymers prepared from 2,2-bis (trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB) and bis (4-aminophenyl) sulfone (pAPS) did not exhibit glass transition until decomposition. The prepared polymer films showed a high elastic modulus of more than 4.1 GPa and a high tensile strength of more than 52 MPa. In particular, TFMB-, pAPS-, and 2,2-bis (4-aminophenyl) hexafluoropropane-based polymer films were colorless and transparent, with very high light transmittances of 95%, 96%, and 91%, respectively, at 420 nm and low yellow indexes of 2.4, 1.9, and 4.3, respectively.

Revolutionizing Lng Plant Construction and its Comprehensive Comparative Analysis And Evaluation Of Modular Design Development Versus Stick-Built Approach For Enhanced Efficiency And Cost-Effectiveness,.Although the utilization of modularization concepts in the LNG industry remains limited, this study focuses on exploring their potential. It is worth noting that modular units typically incur higher costs compared to field erected units due to the additional requirements of structural steel and robustness for transportation purposes.Nevertheless, the increased cost of modularization can often be balanced by conducting the work at the fabrication site instead of on-field construction. This approach reduces the overall project cost by minimizing field construction expenses and shortening the construction schedule. The objective of this paper is to assess and compare LNG modularization options for a newly established LNG facility in comparison to a conventional stick-built plant used as the base case.:The paper delves into various topics related to LNG plant construction, such as the development of modular units, a comprehensive comparison of different options, evaluation of construction schedules and manpower requirements, logistics considerations, and a recommended approach for design and construction. The cost estimates and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) schedules are meticulously compared for each option. Additionally, an inshore/near shore gravity base structure (GBS) option is included for further comparison. It is crucial to emphasize that establishing general costs is not possible as each project is distinct and requires individual study and analysis.:Each project has unique characteristics, resulting in varying shapes of cost curves and break-even points. The outcomes of the feasibility evaluation play a crucial role in determining the extent to which the modular approach to construction is advantageous for the specific project at hand. The evaluation takes into consideration multiple factors to determine the potential benefits of adopting a modular construction approach, allowing decision-makers to make informed choices regarding the project's construction methodology

Air pollution, climate change and global warming show direct linkage. Introduction - Background: Research in the field has proposed and demonstrated their link to increased allergenicity in plants, leading to increased allergic diseases. Allergen patterns are changing in response to climate change. Across Europe, up to 12% of the population suffers from allergic diseases (bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis) caused by the pollen grains. The medical costs of these types of allergies are enormous and are increasing with the spread of common ragweed - Ambrosia artemisiifolia* in Europe. In practice, more and more patients are turning to allergists. Methods: Based on these data, the research aims to identify safety measures and specific legislation to control and eradicate common ragweed in the countries most affected by the spread of this plant in Europe, increase in population exposure in countries affected by the presence of common ragweed and the socio-economic impact of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma at European level.[1][2] Our database search did not reveal any other research that has addressed this topic to date. Results: This research identifies specific legislation to the countries most affected by the spread of this plant pollen grains at European level, changes in allergen patterns and monitoring/safety eradication measures decided by local authorities, and data on the spread of common ragweed over the last two decades, costs per treatment, increased allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma morbidity in the most affected areas. Conclusions: At European level, there are no universally valid models for eradicating this weed. Various methods can be used to limit the spread of common ragweed and its pollen production (e.g. mowing once or twice a year of overgrown land, ploughing, chemical control, public information, etc.). Local and regional cooperation should be considered essential to promote phytosanitary &amp; safety measures and exchange of information on methods to identify and manage the spread of common ragweed. Unified legislation at European level would help all affected countries; reduce morbidity from respiratory allergic diseases and the costs of treating these diseases.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) uses the cellular trafficking machinery to reach the cell nucleus and initiate a successful infection. The HPV capsid consists of two proteins: L1 (the major capsid protein) and L2 (minor capsid protein), and L2 is known to be responsible for trafficking the viral genome to the nucleus. From previous studies, we know that many cellular proteins interact with L2 and are involved in the trafficking process at different stages of the infectious entry process. To further investigate how HPV-16 achieves successful viral entry, we have performed a mass spectrometry analysis to identify novel interacting proteins that associate with incoming HPV-16 virions. We show that HPV-16 pseudovirions interact with a group of cellular cargo proteins (COPI), and here we confirm that this is mediated by the direct binding of L2, but not L1, to the COPB1 subunit. We also show that the ability of L2 to interact with COPB1 is conserved in both low- and high-risk HPV types. Furthermore, we also show that the interaction is essential for successful infection entry of multiple HPV types, thereby identifying a novel constituent of the infectious entry pathway of the HPV.

The present work studies a swelling porous-elastic system with viscoelastic damping. We establish a general and optimal decay estimate which generalizes some recent results in the literature. Our result is established without imposing the usual equal-wave-speed condition associated with similar problems in literature.

The current globally dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants are showing immune escape and reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs. Therefore, agencies responsible for drug evaluation and regula-tion such as the FDA and EMA are revising their emergency authorization use of several COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies. These NAbs proved to be unlikely effective against new variants espe-cially Omicron descendants and several pharmaceutical companies are pursuing the development of more potent neutralizing antibodies. To address the issue of using in silico prediction for the rapid assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 MAbs neutralization power, we used a computational method we developed previously, to evaluate 10 SARS-CoV-2 antibodies propensity to neutralize the new Omicron’s subvariants Eris (EG.5) and Pirola (BA.2.86) based on comparative binding affinity and previous experimental and clinical observations. Nine of these MAbs were once granted emergency use authorization, and one is currently under clinical investigation. The rapid, cost-effective in silico evaluation provided reliable predictions consistent with published clinical and experimental data. Furthermore, our data showed new potential therapeutic MAbs combi-nation that could be effective for the treatment countermeasure of the new Omicron’s subvariants Eris (EG.5) and Pirola (BA.2.86).

TiO2-supported Pd-NPs based materials were prepared following two distinct approaches: for the first set of materials 1-8, modification of the TiO2 support was performed prior to Pd NPs deposition while the 2nd set (9-15) was synthesized by deposition of modifiers over pre-synthesized Pd-PPh3/TiO2. These catalysts were applied in the hydrogenation of CO2 to formate and their performance compared with that of the unmodified Pd-PPh3/TiO2. Modification of the TiO2 support by organosilanes provided a beneficial effect in catalysis compared with the catalyst containing unmodified TiO2 or TiO2 modified by organophosphonic acids. In contrast, in most cases, the deposition of modifiers over previously synthesized Pd NPs supported on TiO2 was not beneficial to the activity of the catalyst. Interestingly, upon recycling, the first set of catalysts suffered a rapid decrease in activity while the anchoring of modifiers over previously formed Pd NPs showed an improved stability (TON &gt; 500 after the 3rd recycling).

The United States is plagued with the highest rates of preventable metabolic diseases it has ever seen, and while poor nutrition is increasingly recognized as a critical contributing factor, good nutrition has been shown to be a potent factor in prevention and management of these illnesses. Notably, nutrition is inextricably intertwined with farming practices and the stewardship of our environment – particularly its soil. In this proposal, we propose a method to expose medical students to basic agricultural and environmental knowledge regarding the production of food, as well as educate them in practical nutrition education within the interactive, case-based, and longitudinal preclinical curriculum at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU SOM). We propose a two-part approach; first: integrating relevant topics in nutrition, culinary medicine, and farming practices into the preclinical blocks through Official Learning Objectives, and second: an optional 8-week, zero credit elective for students interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of these topics. Through these interventions, we believe courses like this will support a generation of physicians able to understand health from soil to plate with a consideration for the environment in addition to exemplifying healthful lifestyles themselves. We believe these kinds of future physicians will be the most effective in treating (and ideally reversing) the chronic disease epidemic.

In the context of the French-German space lidar mission MERLIN dedicated to the determination of the atmospheric methane content, an end-to-end mission simulator is being developed. In order to check whether the instrument design meets the performance requirements, simulations have to count all the sources of noise on the measurements like the optical energy variability induced by speckle. Speckle is due to interference as the lidar beam are quasi monochromatic. Speckle contribution to the error budget has to be estimated but also simulated. In this paper, the speckle theory is revisited and applied to MERLIN double pulsed IPDA lidar and also to the DLR demonstrator CHARM-F. Results show: on the signal path, speckle noise depends mainly on the size of the illuminating area on ground; on the solar flux, speckle is fully negligible both because the pixel size and the optical filter spectral width; on energy monitoring path a decorrelation mechanism is needed to reduce speckle noise on averaged data. Speckle noises for MERLIN and CHARM-F can be simulated by Gaussian noises with only one random draw by shot separately for energy monitoring and signal paths.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) testing is very important when microvascular decompression (MVD) is performed with hemifacial spasm (HFS). The reason for this is that the vestibulocochlear nerve is located right next to the facial nerve, so the vestibulocochlear nerve may be affected by manipulation by surgery. The BAEPs test method for detecting vestibulocochlear nerve damage during surgery has been developed a lot and is helping a lot during surgery. In most HFS patients with normal vestibulocochlear nerve, the degree of vestibulocochlear nerve damage caused by surgery is reflected very well in the BAEPs test waveforms. Therefore, a real time test is the best way to minimize the damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve. The purpose of this study was to review the most recently published BAEPs test used in MVD surgery and to find out in detail the relationship between the vestibulocochlear nerve damage and the BAEPs waveforms.

Prenylated flavonoids of Humulus lupulus L. have gained attention for their potential health benefits. In this study, Amber ALE and Russian Imperial Stout beers were prepared. In order to increase the content of prenylated flavonoids in beer, there was added ethanol extract of Polaris hops, they were dry hopping with Polaris hops or pure xanthohumol was added. In unfiltered beers, the highest total content of polyphenols (3.60 ± 0.32 g/L gallic acid) was determined on the eighth day of fermentation and maturation in Amber ALE beer without the addition of extract. The highest total antioxidant capacity was determined in Russian Imperial Stout beer with the addition of xanthohumol on the eighth day of fermentation and maturation (0.675 ± 0.008 mmol/L Trolox). This type of beer also had a high antioxidant efficiency (85.96 - 88.00%). Xanthohumol (2.05 mg/L) and isoxanthohumol (2.819 mg/L) were detectable only until the thirteenth day of fermentation and beer maturation. Therefore, the beers were filtered, and the ethanol extract of the Polaris was added to them for 24 hours. This procedure was used to prepare a functional beer of the Amber ALE type (15.210 ± 0.053 mg xanthohumol in 1 L and 0.922 ± 0.077 mg isoxanthohumol in 1 L) and a functional beer of the Russian Imperial Stout type (32.375 ± 0.032 mg xanthohumol in 1 L and 1.877 ± 0.043 mg isoxanthohumol in 1 L).

CubeSats, known for their compact size and cost-effectiveness, have gained significant popularity. However, their limited size imposes restrictions on optical aperture and, consequently, Ground Resolution Distance in Earth Observation missions. To overcome this limitation, the concept of deployable optical payloads with segmented primary mirrors which can unfold like petals has emerged, enabling larger synthetic apertures and enhanced spatial resolution. This study explores the potential benefits of leveraging Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Topology Optimization (TO) in the realm of ultra-precision machining, specifically single point diamond machining. The goal is to reduce fixture weight while improving stiffness to minimize deformations caused by rotational and cutting forces which compromise optical performance. Through Finite Element Analysis, this research compares conventionally machined fixtures with those produced using AM and TO techniques. The results reveal that concept designs created through TO can achieve a remarkable 68% reduction in weight. This reduction makes the assembly, including the machining fixture and 12U deployable segments, manageable by a single operator without the need for specialized lifting equipment. Moreover, these innovative designs lead to substantial reductions of up to 86% and 51% in deformation induced by rotational and cutting forces, respectively.

Understanding the reproductive patterns and strategies of a species is an important step in establishing the species’ life history. Campostoma oligolepis, the Largescale Stoneroller, is a species that has received little attention in the 90 years since it was first identified, and the work that has been done has been localized in the American Midwest. Collections of C. oligolepis were made monthly from the Flint River in Madison County in northern Alabama, USA, from March, 2014, to September, 2015. A total of 768 fish were collected over the collection period including 492 adults, 268 females and 224 males. We found strong evidence that the peak spawning time for C. oligolepis in the Flint River is March and April. Ovarian maturation, gonadosomatic index for both sexes, and monthly clutch size all support this conclusion. Two unexpected features were found. The first is how few females of mature size were found to carry either oocytes or a clutch except in the peak observed reproductive month of April, 2014. The second unusual feature is the prevalence of asymmetric ovaries, with the left the larger if a difference exists. Campostoma oligolepis may have unusually strong inter-annual responses to abiotic factors such as water temperature and river discharge.

As the demand for fossil fuels continues to rise and their availability becomes increasingly limited, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches to optimize fuel combustion in existing systems. Among various engines, diesel engines are heavily reliant on fluid motion within the engine cylinder, which plays a critical role in fuel-air mixing. This abstract focuses on the potential of dynamic mathematical model simulation for multi-compartment rotor compressed combustion engines, aiming to revolutionize power generation by enhancing fuel burning efficiency. By leveraging advanced simulation techniques, this research seeks to unlock new insights into fluid dynamics and optimize fuel-air mixing, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy utilization. Through this exploration, we aim to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of combustion engines, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. In the realm of internal combustion engines, the fluid dynamics within the engine cylinder greatly influence the combustion processes and heat transfer. For compression ignition (C.I) engines, both the bulk gas motion and turbulence characteristics play vital roles in engine performance. This study focuses on enhancing the combustibility of the fuel-air mixture in C.I engines by modifying the engine design to induce turbulence through squish and tumble flows. The modification involves creating multiple compartments on the rotor crown, comprising three small chambers spaced 120º apart. By implementing this design, the aim is to optimize the fuel-air mixing and improve the overall combustion efficiency. Through comprehensive analysis and experimentation, we seek to revolutionize C.I engine technology and pave the way for more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation. In this study, the performance of a compression ignition (C.I) engine with a multiple compartment rotor has been analyzed under motoring conditions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with FLUENT software. The obtained results have been compared with those of a base C.I engine. The analysis focused on the effects of the modified engine design on the tumble ratio and squish velocity, which are important parameters for fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency. The results indicated a significant improvement with the modified engine, with a 35% increase in tumble ratio and a 31% increase in squish velocity compared to the base engine. These findings suggest that the modified engine design has the potential to enhance fuel-air mixing and combustion performance, leading to improved overall engine efficiency. This research presents promising insights into the optimization of C.I engine design and contributes to the development of more efficient and environmentally-friendly power generation technologies..

The exploration of heath data by clustering algorithms allows to better describe the populations of interest by seeking the sub-profiles that compose it. This therefore reinforces medical knowledge, whether it is about a disease or a targeted population in real life. Nevertheless, contrary to the so-called conventional biostatistical methods where numerous guidelines exist, the standardization of data science approaches in clinical research remains a little discussed subject. This results in a significant diversity in the execution of data science projects, whether in terms of algorithms used, reliability and credibility of the designed approach. Taking the path of parsimonious and judicious choice of both algorithms and implementations at each stage, this paper proposes Qluster, a practical workflow for performing clustering tasks. Indeed, this workflow makes a compromise between (1) genericity, as it is suitable regardless of the data volume (small/big) and regardless of the nature of the variables (continuous/qualitative/mixed), (2) ease of implementation, as it is based on few easy-to-use software packages, and (3) robustness, through the stability evaluation of the final clusters and through recognized algorithms and implementations. This workflow can be easily automated and/or routinely applied on a wide range of clustering projects. A synthesis of the literature on data clustering as well as the scientific rationale supporting the proposed workflow is also provided. Finally, a detailed application of the workflow on a concrete use case is provided, along with a practical discussion for data scientists. An implementation on the Dataiku platform is available upon request to the authors.

Transitioning towards sustainable food systems and sustainable diets is critical in reducing environmental impact and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly. This transition requires collaborative efforts across multiple stakeholders, including the general public’s knowledge and attitudes. To assess the knowledge and attitudes towards food sustainability we carried out a cross-sectional study among Kuwait University students with a total of 278 participants aged ≥18 years (78% females and 22% males). A validated questionnaire was used for this study. Most respondents (&gt;70%) recognized the concept of “local food” and “environmental impact.” The concept “green water-blue water” was least recognized among respondents (75%). Participants perceived that a sustainable diet was rich in vegetables, included plenty of fresh products and was affordable. Participants (&gt;66%) perceived that a positive impact of meat and its derivatives towards sustainability, a misconception most common among males. Overall, participants with more knowledge about environmental concepts showed favorable attitudes towards a sustainable diet. Women showed more interest in changing their current dietary habits towards food sustainability. In conclusion, despite participants’ positive attitude towards food sustainability, lack of understanding persists, necessitating public health interventions aimed at educating consumers about sustainable diets and its impact on the environment.

Irisin, a skeletal muscle-secreted myokine, produced in response to physical exercise, has protective functions in both the central and the peripheral nervous systems, including the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factors and modification of telomere length. Such beneficial effects may inhibit or delay the emergence of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review is based on the hypothesis that irisin produced by physical exercise helps control AD progression. Herein, we describe the physiology of irisin and its potential role in delaying or preventing AD. Although current and ongoing studies on irisin show promising results, further research is required to clarify its potential as a meaningful therapeutic target for treating human diseases.

Most traditional theories of intelligence have little to do with the question of whether people with high intelligence can successfully address real world problems. A high IQ is correlated with many important outcomes (e.g., academic prominence, reduced crime), but it does not protect against cognitive biases, partisan thinking, reactance, confirmation bias, and even falling for discredited beliefs such as alchemy, cold fusion, and astrology. There are several newer theories that directly address the question about solving real-world problems. Prominent among them is Sternberg’s adaptive intelligence with “adaptation to the environment” as the central premise, a construct that does not exist on standardized IQ tests (e.g., Sternberg, 2019). Similarly, Stanovich and West (2014) argue that standardized tests of intelligence are not measures of rational thought—the sort of skill/ability that would be needed to address complex real-world problems. Halpern and Butler (2020) advocate for critical thinking as a better model of intelligence for addressing real-world problems than those that are based on psychometric properties of general intelligence. Yes, intelligence (i.e., critical thinking) can be enhanced and used for solving a real-world problem like Covid-19, which we use as an example of contemporary problems that need a new approach. Critical thinking may be an antidote for the chaos of the modern world.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease associated with the overproduction and accumulation of amyloid-β peptide and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins in the brain. Despite extensive research on the amyloid-based mechanism of AD pathogenesis, the underlying cause of AD remains poorly understood. No disease-modifying therapies currently exist, and numerous clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any benefits. The recent discovery that the amyloid-β peptide has antimicrobial activities supports the possibility of an infectious aetiology of AD and suggests that amyloid-β plaque formation might be induced by infection. AD patients have a weakened blood-brain barrier and immune system and are thus at elevated risk of microbial infections. Such infections can cause chronic neuroinflammation, production of the antimicrobial amyloid-β peptide, and neurodegeneration. Various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites have been associated with AD. Most research in this area has focused on individual pathogens, with herpesviruses and periodontal bacteria being most frequently implicated. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential role of multi-pathogen infections in AD. Recognition of the potential coexistence of multiple pathogens and biofilms in AD's aetiology may stimulate the development of novel approaches to its diagnosis and treatment. Multiple diagnostic tests could be applied simultaneously to detect major pathogens, followed by anti-microbial treatment using antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-biofilm agents.

Integrated photovoltaic-fuel cell (IPVFC) systems, amongst other integrated energy generation methodologies are renewable and clean energy technologies that have received diverse research and development attentions over the last few decades due to their potential applications in a hydrogen economy. This article systematically updates the state-of-the-art of IPVFC systems and provides critical insights into the research and development gaps needed to be filled/addressed to advance these systems towards full commercialisation. The design methodologies, renewable energy-based microgrid and off-grid applications, energy management strategies, optimisations and the prospects as self-sustaining power source were covered. IPVFC systems could play an important role in the upcoming hydrogen economy since they depend on solar hydrogen which has almost zero emissions during operation. Highlighted herein are the progresses as well as the technical challenges requiring research efforts to solve to realise numerous potential applications of IPVFC systems such as in unmanned aerial vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, agricultural applications, telecommunications, desalination, synthesis of ammonia, boats, buildings, and distributed microgrid applications.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is earning an increasingly relevant role in many disease states and the process of aging. Analyzing these disease states is possible with GWAS and PheWAS methodology, and through our analysis, we aimed to explore the relationships between polymorphisms in the compendium of ECM genes (i.e., matrisome genes) in various disease states. A significant contribution on the part of the ECM polymorphisms is evident in many varying types of diseases, particularly those in the core matrisome genes. Our results confirm previous links to connective tissue disorders, but also unearth new and underexplored relationships with neurological, psychiatric, and age-related disease states. Upon analysis of drug indications for gene-disease relationships, we identified numerous targets that may be repurposed for age-related pathology. The identification of ECM polymorphisms and their contribution to disease plays an integral role in future therapeutic developments, drug repurposing, precision medicine, and personalized care.

The channels from the superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) are defined as redox channels. Those with the best exposure of the cysteine residues and hence the most sensitive to oxidative stress are TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPA1, while others, such as TRPM2 and TRPM7 are indirectly activated by ROS. Activation by ROS has different effects on the tumorigenic process: some TRP channels may, upon activation, stimulate proliferation, apoptosis, or migration of cancer cells, while others inhibit these processes, depending on the cancer type, tumoral microenvironment and finally on the methods used for evaluation. Therefore, the use of these polymodal proteins as therapeutic targets is still an unmet need, despite their draggability and modulation by simple and mostly unharmful compounds. In this review, we intend to create some cellular models of the interaction between oxidative stress, TRP channels, and inflammation. Although the crosstalk between the three actors is rather theoretical, we intended to gather the recently published data and proposed pathways of cancer inhibition using modulators of TRP proteins, hoping that the experimental data corroborated with clinical information may finally bring the results from the bench to the bedside.

The conversion of C1 gas feedstock, such as carbon monoxide (CO), into useful platform chemicals has attracted considerable interest in industrial biotechnology. One conversion method is electrode-based electron transfer to microorganisms using bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). In this BES system, acetate is the predominant component of various volatile fatty acids (VFAs). To appropriately separate and concentrate the produced acetate, a BES type electrodialysis cell with an anion exchange membrane was constructed and evaluated under various operational conditions, such as the applied external current. The higher acetate flux of 23.9 mmol/m2∙hr was observed under -15 mA current in an electrodialysis-based bioelectrochemical system. In addition, the initial acetate concentration affects the separation efficiency and transportation rate. The maximum flux appeared at 48.6 mmol/m2∙hr when the acetate concentration was 100mM, whereas the effect of the initial pH of the anolyte was negligible. The acetate flux was 14.9 mmol/m2∙hr when actual fermentation broth from BES based CO fermentation, was used as a catholyte. A comparison of the synthetic medium with the actual fermentation medium suggests that unknown substances and metabolites in the actual medium interfere with electrodialysis in the BES. These results provide information on the separation and optimal concentration for VFAs produced by C1 gas fermentation through electrodialysis, and a combination of a BES and electrodialysis.

Keywords: early childhood; education; quality; measurement; monitoring; majority world; Item Response Theory; psychometrics

With the pandemic of Corona Virus [Covid-19], another infectious disease such as dengue neglected In Indonesia. Since the majority of resources, both human and capital, are focusing more on Covid-19, it is still essential to also manage dengue as it is still becoming a threat to the community. This paper aims to predict the number of cases of dengue in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, which can help the government to plan for dengue program activities. The result shows the forecast that dengue will remain high for the whole year. With the stay at the home approach to preventing COVID19, chances to get dengue virus increased. Maintaining a clean environment, reduction of breeding sites, and other protective measurements against dengue transmission is very important to perform.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of in ovo injection of L-arginine (L-Arg) into Ross broiler eggs at different embryonic developmental stages on their survival, hatchability, and body weight (BW). Additionally, we have analyzed the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), protein expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), also we have the determined micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormality (NA). Results showed that survival and hatching rates as well as body weight were increased on the 14th day incubation compared to 8th and 18th day incubation at lower concentration of L-Arg. Moreover, the levels of SGOT and SGPT were also significantly (P < 0.05) increased at 14th day incubation at the same concentration (100μg/μl/egg) of injection. In addition, IgM levels were increased on the 14th day incubation compared to other days. The protein expressions of HSP-47, HSP-60, and HSP-70 in the liver were significantly down-regulated whereas the expression of myogenin and MyoD were significantly up-regulated on the 14th day after incubation in treated with all different doses such as 100μg, 1000μg and 2500μg/μl/egg namely 3T1, 3T2 and 3T3 respectively. However, the treatment with low dose of L-Arg down-regulated expression levels of those proteins on the 14th day incubation. Histopathology of liver by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) straining showed that the majority of liver damage, specifically intracytoplasmic vacuoles, were observed in 3T1, 3T2, and 3T3. The minimum dose of 100 μg/ml/egg on the 14th day of incubation significantly prevented intracytoplasmic vacuole damages. These results demonstrate that in ovo administration of L-Arg at (100μg/μl/egg) may be an effective method to increase chick BW, hatch rate, increasing muscle growth related proteins and promote the immune response through increasing IgM on the 14th day of incubation period.

The aim of the study was to analyze the in ovo injection of chemically and biologically synthesized silver nano-particles (Ag NPs) using Brassica oleracea L. var capitate f. Rubra, (BOL) conjugation with L-Arginine (L-Arg) on the immune, muscle growth, survivability and hatchability of the broiler chickens. L-Arg (100 μg) with 1000 µg (BOL-Ag NPs) and L-Arg (100 μg) with 100 µg (C-Ag NPs) were injected into fertile eggs at 8, 14 and 18 of incubation. Survival and hatched chicks were calculated. Survivability and hatchability were unaffected by the injected dose of L-Arg (100 μg) with 1000 µg (BOL-Ag NPs) and L-Arg (100 μg) with 100 µg (C-Ag NPs) but it significantly improved when the eggs were injected on day 14 of incubation compared with those injected on days 8 or 18. Moreover, the protein expression of muscle development markers such as myogenin and myoD were significantly up-related in 14 d incubation whereas the heat shock proteins (HSPs) such as HSP-60 and HSP-70 were significantly up-regulated in 18 d incubation. In addition, the in ovo injection on 18 d significantly increased the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) as well the immunoglobulin (IgM) levels were increased in 14-day incubation period in serum at the same concentration. Collectively, these results indicate that injecting L-Arg (100 μg) with 1000 µg of BOL-Ag NPs or L-Arg (100 μg) with 100 µg of C-Ag NPs to eggs at day 14 after incubation could improve their hatchability, survival rate, and muscle growth marker.

The contribution aims to bring forth a novel synthesis route in developing transparent UV-LED curable coatings accounting various exposure options. A selection of perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-urethane methacrylate and acrylate resins, free-radical photo-initiator Omnirad 2100, and two distinct silane based crosslinking agents were blended under a weight ratio of 75:20:5 (without crosslinker) and 70:15:5:10, respectively. The coatings were cured under a UV-LED 4 x 3 matrix light emitting source, in a chamber under controlled atmosphere, by means of an in-house developed conveyor belt type platform, at different conveyor belt speed (5, 50, 150, 250, and 500 mm/s). The morphologies of fabricated coatings were characterized by FTIR revealing high conversion rates (e.g., from 98 to 100%) for increased exposure time as resulted from the 5 or 50 mm/s values, on all combinations. Dynamic-mechanical and optical properties of UV-LED cured transparent coatings were also investigated. A negative shift of a glass transition temperature values with a decrease in exposure time, in all combinations, from about 60 °C to 30 °C, along with storage moduli lowering in the glassy plateau further favor on higher exposure times for curing. The refractive indices of polymers were from 1.38 to 1.40, whereas the thermo-optic coefficients are showing minor changes around value of 2.55∙10-4 K-1.

Objective: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), household survey data are a main source of information for planning, evaluation, and decision-making. Standard surveys are based on censuses, however, for many LMICs it has been more than ten years since their last census and they face high urban growth rates. Over the last decade, survey designers have begun to use modelled gridded population estimates as sample frames. We summarize the state of the emerging field of gridded population survey sampling, focussing on LMICs. Methods: We performed a systematic review and identified 43 national and sub-national gridded population-based household surveys implemented across 29 LMICs. Findings: Gridded population surveys used automated and manual approaches to derive clusters from WorldPop and LandScan gridded population estimates. After sampling, many surveys interviewed all households in each cluster or segment, though some sampled households from larger clusters. Tools to select gridded population survey clusters include the GridSample R package, Geo-sampling tool, and GridSample.org. In the field, gridded population surveys generally relied on geographically accurate maps based on satellite imagery or OpenStreetMap, and a tablet or GPS technology for navigation. Conclusions: For gridded population survey sampling to be adopted more widely, several strategic questions need answering regarding cell-level accuracy and uncertainty of gridded population estimates, the methods used to group/split cells into sample frame units, design effects of new sample designs, and feasibility of tools and methods to implement surveys across diverse settings.

Whether evaluating gridded population dataset estimates (e.g. WorldPop, LandScan) or household survey sample designs, a population census linked to residential locations are needed. Geolocated census microdata data, however, are almost never available and are thus best simulated. In this paper, we simulate a close-to-reality population of individuals nested in households geolocated to realistic building locations. Using the R simPop package and ArcGIS, multiple realizations of a geolocated synthetic population are derived from the Namibia 2011 census 20% microdata sample, Namibia census enumeration area boundaries, Namibia 2013 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), and dozens of publicly available spatial datasets. Realistic household latitude-longitude coordinates are manually generated based on public satellite imagery. Simulated households are linked to latitude-longitude coordinates by identifying distinct household types with multivariate kmeans analysis, and modelling a probability surface for each household type using Random Forest machine learning methods. We simulate five realizations of a synthetic population in Namibia's Oshikoto region, including demographic, socioeconomic and outcome characteristics at the level of household, woman, and child. Comparison of variables in the synthetic population were made with 2011 census 20% sample and 2013 DHS data by primary sampling unit/enumeration area. We found that synthetic population variable distributions matched observed observations and followed expected spatial patterns. We outline a novel process to simulate a close-to-reality microdata census geolocated to realistic building locations in a low- or middle-income country setting to support spatial demographic research and survey methodological development while avoiding disclosure risk of individuals.

Birds are highly social and need pairing in order to increase their welfare. Most bird species are monomorphic, therefore, molecular sexing helps to provide appropriate welfare for birds. Moreover, early sex determination can be of great value for bird owners. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that sex identification in birds by molecular methods, using samples collected by minimally invasive methods is fast, efficient and accurate. A total of 100 samples (29 paired samples of feathers - oral swab and 14 tripled samples of feathers - oral swab - blood) from 43 birds were taken into study, as follows: wild birds (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, landfowl – Galliformes, waterfowl– Anseriformes), companion birds (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes – large, medium and small size parrots). Amplification of CHD1-Z and CHD1-W genes was performed by conventional PCR. The results obtained from feathers were compared to those obtained from oral swabs and with those obtained from blood samples, where was the case. The obtained results show that all types of samples can be used for molecular sexing of all studied species of birds. According to our knowledge, the present study reports for the first time the molecular sex identification in: Red Siskin (Carduelis cucullata) and Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis major). For higher accuracy, our recommendation is to use minimally invasive samples (swab-feathers) and to test both types of samples, for each bird, instead of blood samples.

Fertility preservation technologies have existed for decades, and the field is rapidly advancing; limited data exist regarding the use of these technologies by transgender patients. Many options are available for transgender patients who wish to preserve fertility before transitioning. These options include the cryopreservation of gametes, ovarian tissue, or embryos. Currently, ejaculated, or testicular sperm, immature oocytes, and ovarian tissue can be preserved for later use, but no such use option exists for immature testicular tissue. Many financial, sociological, and legal barriers and a lack of awareness among physicians and patients also hindered the utilization of these fertility preservation services. While options are abundant, usage rates are relatively low. The initial data regarding the successful use of preserved tissues appears promising, with birth rates not dissimilar to non-transgender patients. Further investigations into this area are needed. In addition, counseling regarding fertility preservation options should become a significant part of the provider-patient conversation before transitioning therapies.; fertility; transgender; reproductive technology.

Oxytocin (OXT), a pro-social peptide, is increasingly recognized as a potential protective substance against drug addiction. In the context of ethanol, previous researches have shown OXT properties to reduce self-administration, alleviate motor impairment in rodents, and reduce craving in humans. However, its role in behavioral sensitization, a neuroadaptive response resulting from repeated drug exposure linked to increased drug incentive, remains unexplored. OXT is also associated with modulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, with corticosterone well-known as a significant factor in behavioral sensitization development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Carbetocin (CBT), an analogue of OXT, on the expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol and concurrent alterations in plasma corticosterone levels in male and female Swiss mice. We also aimed to confirm previous studies on OXT impact on ethanol consumption in male mice, but with a focus on CBT, using the two-bottle choice model and drinking in the dark (DID) methodology. For the sensitization study, mice received either ethanol (1.8 g/kg, ip) or saline treatments daily for 15 consecutive days, followed by treatment with carbetocin (0.64 mg/kg, ip) or a vehicle for 6 days. Subsequently, on day 22, all animals underwent an ethanol challenge to assess the expression of behavioral sensitization. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured on days 21 and 22. CBT effectively prevented the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in both male and female subjects, with no alterations detected in corticosterone levels. In the ethanol consumption study, following an initial phase of ethanol acquisition, mice underwent a 6-day treatment with CBT i.p or saline before being reexposed to ethanol. We also found a reduction in ethanol consumption due to CBT treatment. In conclusion, carbetocin emerges as a promising and effective intervention in mitigating ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and reducing ethanol intake, highlighting its potential significance in alcohol addiction treatment.

The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is highly destructive invasive pest for palms whose management is mainly by application of synthetic pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been primarily studied as a preventative control measure due to the horizontal transfer of conidia within the RPW population. We previously demonstrated the horizontal transmission of fungal conidia from an egg-laying surface to the female weevil and then to the eggs and larvae. Based on that strategy, this study aimed to evaluate the virulence of commercial EPF products and laboratory EPF preparations to RPW females and their progeny and their ability to protect palms against infestation. As such, it serves as a screening platform for field experiments. Mortality rates of females and eggs depended on the applied treatment formulation and fungal strain. Velifer®, a Beauveria bassiana product, and Metarhizium brunneum (Mb7) resulted in 60–88% female mortality. Mb7—as a conidial suspension or powder—resulted in 18–21% egg-hatching rates, approximately 3 times less than in the non-treated control. Treating palms with Mb7 significantly inhibits infestation signs and results in 75% and 100% protection, respectively. These results lay the foundation for investigating the protective rate of EPF products against RPW in date plantations.

The article is devoted to infinitesimal transformations. We have obtained that LCK-manifolds do not admit nontrivial infinitesimal projective transformations. Then we study infinitesimal conformal transformations of LCK-manifolds. We have found the expression for the Lie derivative of a Lee form. Also we have obtained the system of partial differential equations for the transformations, and explored its integrability conditions. Hence we have got the necessary and sufficient conditions in order that the an LCK-manifold admits a group of conformal motions. Also we have calculated the number of parameters which the group depends on. We have proved that a group of conformal motions admitted by an LCK-manifold is isomorphic to a homothetic group admitted by corresponding K\"{a}hlerian metric. We also established that an isometric group of an LCK-manifold is isomorphic to a some subgroup of homothetic group of the coresponding local K\"{a}hlerian metric.

This research addresses a gap in the literature by conducting a comprehensive analysis of patients’ level of satisfaction with dental care. Methods: By combining quantitative and qualitative survey methods with the PSQ questionnaire this study aims to augment ongoing initiatives to enhance dental patients’ experiences by painting a more comprehensive depiction of patients' level of satisfaction; Results: When asked about their overall level of satisfaction 77,1% of the patients said they received excellent services from the office personnel and 72,2% said they trust their doctors; Conclusions: Assessing patient satisfaction in the realm of dental services quality is crucial for enhancing service quality and accuracy, benefiting both patients and dentists, and ultimately improving public health.

The sustainable development of innovative eco-friendly multifunctional nanocomposites, possessing superior characteristics, is a noteworthy topic. Novel semi-interpenetrated nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) covalently and thermally crosslinked with oxalic acid (OA), reinforced with a novel organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR-4) derived from co-polycondensation in solution reaction of equimolar amounts of co-monomers, namely, bis((6-oxido-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorinyl)-(4-hydroxyaniline)-methylene)-1,4-phenylene, bisphenol S, and phenylphosphonic dichloride, in a molar ratio of 1:1:2, and additionally doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag), have been prepared by casting from solution technique. The morphology of the as prepared PVA-oxalic acid films and their semi-interpenetrated nanocomposites with PFR-4 and ze-Ag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the organophosphorus compound and nanoparticles within the nanocomposite films has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was established that composites with a very low phosphorus content had noticeably improved flame retardancy. The peak of the heat release rate was reduced up to 55%, depending on the content of the flame retardant additive and the doping ze-Ag nanoparticles introduced into the PVA/OA matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus increased significantly in the reinforced nanocomposites. Considerably increased antimicrobial activity was revealed in the case of the samples containing silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles.

The high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is well-established, with p16 expression being a strong predictor. HPV-related tumors exhibit unique mechanisms targeting p16 and p53 proteins. However, re-search on HPV prevalence and the combined predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (HNCSCC), especially in Asian populations, is limited. This retrospective study surveyed 62 HNCSCC patients (2011–2020), excluding those with facial warts or other skin cancers. All patients underwent wide excision and biopsy. Immuno-histochemical staining for HPV, p16, and p53 yielded both positive and negative results. The relevance of each marker was investigated by categorizing the tumor locations into high-risk (Area H) and mid-risk (Area M) zones based on recurrence frequency. Of the 62 patients, 20 (32.26%) were male, with an average age of 82.27 years (26–103). Area H included 19 cases (30.65%), with the eyelid and lip being the most common sites (five cases, 8.06%). Area M in-cluded 43 cases (69.35%), with the cheek being the most common site (29 cases, 46.77%). p16 ex-pression was positive in 24 patients (38.71%), p53 expression in 42 patients (72.58%), and HPV in five patients (8.06%). No significant association was found between p16 expression and HPV presence (p > 0.99), with a positive predictive value of 8.33%. This indicates that p16, a surrogate marker of HPV in OPSCC, is not a reliable marker for HPV in HNCSCC. This study enhances our understanding of the relationship between HPV, p53, and p16 in HNCSCC in Asian populations and offers valuable insights for further research.

Alopecurus myosuroides (blackgrass) is a problematic weed of Western European winter wheat and its success is largely due to widespread multiple-herbicide resistance. Previous analysis of F2 seed families derived from two distinct blackgrass populations exhibiting equivalent non-target site resistance (NTSR) phenotypes shows resistance is polygenic and evolves from standing genetic variation. Using a CIDER-seq pipeline we show that herbicide resistant (HR) and herbicide sensitive (HS) F3 plants from these F2 seed families as well as the parent populations they were derived from carry extra-chromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). We identify the similarities and differences in the coding structures within and between resistant and sensitive populations. Although the numbers and size of detected eccDNAs varied between the populations, comparisons between HR and HS blackgrass populations identified shared and unique coding content, predicted genes, and functional protein domains. These include genes related to herbicide detoxification such as Cytochrome P450s, ATP-binding cassette transporters and glutathione transferases including AmGSTF1. eccDNA content was mapped to the Alopecurus myosuroides reference genome, revealing genomic regions at distal end of chromosome 5 and the near center of chromosome 1 and 7 as regions with high number of mapped eccDNA gene density. Mapping to 15 known herbicide-resistant QTL regions showed the eccDNA coding sequences match 12 with four QLT matching HS coding sequences one region only contained HR coding sequences. These findings establish that like other pernicious weeds, blackgrass has eccDNAs that contain homologs of chromosomal genes, and these may contribute genetic heterogeneity and evolutionary innovation to rapidly adapt to abiotic stresses including herbicide treatment.

While fibrinolytic enzymes and thrombolytic agents offer assistance in treating cardiovascular diseases, the existing options are associated with a range of adverse effects. In our previous research, we successfully identified ficin, a naturally occurring cysteine protease that possesses unique fibrin and fibrinogenolytic enzymes, making it suitable for both preventing and treating cardiovascular disorders linked to thrombosis. Papain is a prominent natural cysteine protease derived from the latex of Carica papaya. The potential role of papain in preventing fibrin(ogen)lytic, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic activities has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we examine how papain influences fibrinogen and the process of blood coagulation. Papain is highly stable at pH 4-11 and 37-60°C by azocasein assay. In addition, SDS gel separation electrophoresis, zymography, and fibrin plate assays were used to determine fibrinogen and fibrinolysis activity. Papain appears to have a molecular weight of around 37 kDa, and is highly effective in degrading fibrin, with a molecular weight of over 75 kDa. Furthermore, papain-based hemostatic performance was confirmed in blood coagulation tests, a blood clot lysis assay, and a κ-carrageenan rat tail thrombosis model, highlighting its strong efficacy in blood coagulation. Papain shows dose-dependent blood clot lysis activity, cleaves fibrinogen chains of Aα, Bβ, and γ-bands and significantly extends prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Moreover, the mean length of the infarcted regions in the tails of Sprague-Dawley rats with κ-carrageenan was shorter in rats administered 10 U/kg of papain than in streptokinase-treated rats. Thus, papain, a natural cysteine protease, has distinct fibrin and fibrinogenolytic properties, suggesting its potential for preventing or treating cardiovascular issues and thrombosis-related diseases.

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcal colonization of the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of pregnant women usually remains asymptomatic; even if it is the critical determinant of infection in neonates and young infants. It causes early and late onset of invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease manifesting as septicemia, meningitis and pneumonia. Now it is recognized as an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world including Ethiopia where the magnitude of the problem has been little studied. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of GBS colonization, to identify associated risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among pregnant women at selected health facilities of Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia. Methodology: A health facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted at WSUCSH & Wolaita Sodo Health Center from June to August, 2022. A total of 279 pregnant women who were in ANC follow up with at 35-37 weeks of gestation were included. For GBS isolation, recto-vaginal swabs were inoculated in 1ml Todd-Hewitt broth medium supplemented with 10μg/ml colistin and 15μg/ml nalidixic acid and followed by identification of isolates based on colonial morphology, gram stains, catalase reaction and CAMP tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. All collected data were organized in Epi info 4.6.0.2, then transfer tabulated using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between variables. Finally, the p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In present study, 279 pregnant mothers included and their age was between 15 to 38 years with a mean of 26.5 ± 4.5 years. Of all participants, the highest 120 (43.01%) were housewives. The overall carriage rate of GBS was 67(24.0%). GBS colonization showed a statistically significant association with college and above levels of maternal education [AOR= 6.610, 95% CI (1.724 - 25.349), P=0.01]. High susceptibility of GBS isolate was seen to Penicillin G & Chloramphenicol (92.5%) for each, Ampicillin, and Ceftriaxone (89.6%) each, following Vancomycin (74.62%), and Erythromycin (77%). Relatively, GBS showed high resistance to Tetracycline (88 %). Conclusion: In this study, the overall prevalence of GBS colonization was 24.0%. College and above educational level was statistically significant with GBS colonization. This study used to give attention to the management of pregnant women by making GBS culture one of the routine diagnoses during ANC follow-up and to prevent infection by early detection.

Porous ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a high performance bioinert polymer used in cranio-facial reconstructive surgery in procedures where relatively low mechanical stresses arise. As an alternative to much stiffer and costly polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) polymer, UHMWPE finds further wide application in hierarchically structured hybrids for advanced implants mimicking cartilage, cortical and trabecular bone tissues within a single component. The mechanical behaviour of open-cell UHMWPE sponges obtained through sacrificial desalination of hot compression-moulded UHMWPE-NaCl powder mixtures shows a complex dependence on the fabrication parameters and microstructural features. In particular, similarly to other porous media it displays significant inhomogeneity of strain that readily localises within deformation bands that govern the overall response. In this article, we report advances in the development of accurate experimental techniques for operando studies of the structure-performance relationship applied to the porous UHMWPE medium with pore sizes of about 250 µm that are most well-suited for live cell proliferation and fast vascularization of implants. Samples of UHMWPE sponges were subjected to in situ compression using a micromechanical testing device within Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) chamber, allowing the acquisition of high-resolution image sequences for Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis. Special masking and image processing algorithms were developed and applied to reveal the evolution of pore size and aspect ratio. Key structural evolution and deformation localisation phenomena were identified at both macro- and micro-structural levels in the elastic and plastic regimes. The motion of pore walls was quantitatively described, and the presence and influence of strain localisation zones were revealed and analysed using DIC technique.

Activity of the Nox1 centered NADPH oxidase complex depends on the activator NoxA1 and the organizer NoxO1. NoxO1 itself is not involved in electron transfer for superoxide formation. Instead, by creating proximity of all components in the right place NoxO1 enables a constitutive formation of reactive oxygen species by that complex. All subunits should form the complex in a 1:1:1 ratio. When analyzing different cell lines in this study, we found an unequal expression of the component on mRNA level with an excess of NoxO1. Even with plasmid-based overexpression of individual components of Nox1 centered NADPH oxidase complex results in different expression of their mRNA, with NoxO1 mRNA being best expressed. Despite an unchanged high level of NoxO1 mRNA over a wide range of transfected plasmid, protein expression is increased with accelerating plasmid concentrations. We thought to analyze the ability of NoxO1 to induce ROS formation, when present in different ratio to Nox1 and NoxA1. To this end, we used Hek293 cells with constitutive expression of Nox1 and NoxA1 transfected with increasing concentrations of NoxO1. Our results suggest that ROS formation by the Nox1 centered NADPH oxidase strongly depends on the level of NoxO1 and a surplus of NoxO1 further increases the activity of the complex.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, with a highly variable expression of phenotypes (restricted interest or activity and repetitive behavior in communication and social interactions), genes (mutation), markers (alteration of transcription) and pathways. Loss of function of the CC2D1A gene appears to primarily affect the brain, leading to a range of behavioral problems in humans. In our study published in 2020; we found that the expressions of miR-19a-3p, miR-361-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-3613-3p, miR-126-3p and miR-499a-5p were downregulated in the serum samples of autistic patients and their families. Here, acquired non-Mendelian hereditary character in a genetically defined mouse model of autism (Cc2d1a +/-) correlates with the transcriptional alteration of five miRNAs. We seek to test the hypothesis that miRNA levels are varying by changes in RNA/DNA structure during development, thereby creating transcription alteration. Behavioral tests were conducted on the offspring of Cc2d1a +/- mutant and control mice, such as novel object, social interaction, marble burying and tail suspension behavior. Two RNA fractions were isolated from mouse hippocampal tissues and sperm cells by standard TRIzol extraction: total RNA and fraction of RNA bound to DNA in the form of a DNA/RNA hybrid (R-loop). The expression levels of miR-19a-3p, miR-361-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-126-3p and miR-499a-5p were investigated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. We report differences in the distribution of five miRNAs in the hippocampus between male and female mice in RNA fractions, particularly in colonies of Cc2d1a +/- mice. Furthermore, the number of miRNAs engaged in the DNA/RNA hybrid fraction is generally higher in the mutant pedigree than in the control group. On the other hand, in sperm both fractions are at lower levels than in controls. R-loops contribute to the physiology and pathology of organisms including human disease. Here we report a variation in five miRNA levels between gender and tissue. Our results suggest that the transcription levels of these five miRNAs are directly regulated by their RNA.

Low- and middle-income country cities face unprecedented urbanization and growth in slums. Gridded population data in small grid squares (e.g., 100x100m) derived from demographic and spatial data are a promising source of current population estimates, but face limitations in slums due to the dynamic nature of this population as well as modelling assumptions. The efficacy of using gridded population data in slum areas remains a question mark especially in the context of UN SDG indicator development. In this study, we use field-referenced boundaries and population counts from Slum Dwellers International (SDI) in Lagos (Nigeria), Port Harcourt (Nigeria), and Nairobi (Kenya) to assess the accuracy of nine gridded population datasets in slums. We also use a modelled map of all slums in Lagos to assess use of gridded population dataset for SDG11.1.1 (percent of population living in deprived areas). We found that all gridded population estimates vastly under-estimated population counts in populous slums, and the calculation of SDG11.1.1 in Lagos was impossibly low; gridded population datasets estimated that just 1-3% of the Lagos population lived in slums, compared to 56% using the UN-Habitat approach. We outline specific steps that might be taken to improve each gridded population dataset in deprived urban areas. While gridded population estimates are not yet sufficiently accurate to estimate SDG11.1.1, we are optimistic that some datasets could be following updates to their modelling approaches.

We performed a systematic search and meta-analysis of available literature to determine the safety profile of Cerebrolysin in acute ischemic stroke, filling existing safety information gaps and inconsistent results. We searched EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews and Clinical Trials up to the end of February 2021. Data collection and analysis was conducted using methods described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All safety outcomes were analyzed based on risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals. The meta-analysis pooled 2202 patients from twelve randomized clinical trials, registering non-statistically significant (p>0.05) differences between Cerebrolysin and placebo throughout main and subgroup analyses. The lowest rate of Serious Adverse Events (SAE), as compared to placebo, was observed for the highest dose of Cerebrolysin (50 mL), highlighting a moderate reduction (RR = 0.6). We observed a tendency of superiority of Cerebrolysin regarding SAE in high dose treatment courses for moderate-severe ischemic stroke, suggesting some effect of the agent against adverse events. This comprehensive safety meta-analysis confirms the safety profile for patients treated with Cerebrolysin after acute ischemic stroke, as compared to placebo.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge requiring vigilant surveillance and disease control. This study aimed to characterize C. jejuni strains isolated in Romania from 2017-2020, focusing on genetic diversity, virulence, and antibiotic resistance determinants. The isolates underwent phenotypical testing, PCR, and antibiotic resistance assessment using Disc Diffusion Kirby–Bauer for ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Genetic analysis identified resistance and virulence genes, point mutations, and performed sequence typing (7-gene MLST) to determine genetic relatedness. Results indicated substitutions at position 86 in the amino acid sequence or position 257 in the nucleotide sequence of the gyrA gene in 47 fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. Additionally, mutations in the rRNA23S gene at positions 2074 and 2075, associated with macrolide resistance, were found in 12 of the 66 isolates. Allelic profiles generated 38 sequence types (STs), including three new STs not present in the reference database. The sequence data analysis revealed a genetically diverse C. jejuni population with a weak clonal structure. This study provides crucial insights into the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance of C. jejuni strains in Romania, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and control measures.

The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) inflicts widespread damage in date palm plantations and urban settings, leading to stand loss and safety concerns, intensified by the economic and ecological burdens of synthetic preventive treatments. A novel approach emphasizes detecting weevil-infested palms through sensors and targeting control efforts at colonized trees. The study analyzes two datasets: field manager-reported results from settings with preventive pest control versus seismic sensor-monitored units. Sensor data translates into damage index values, exploring curative treatments, attack likelihood based on infestation history, and the impact of sensor-based management on infestation incidence decline. Findings reveal lower weevil infestation in urban areas and preventive-treated palm settings. A strong correlation exists between sensor indications and grower decisions in date plantations. Palms previously infested are more prone to the damage. Long-term sensor-based management significantly reduces weevil-affected palm numbers. The high infestation in sensor-equipped date palm settings stems from a gap between sensor-identified and preventively treated palms. Controlling weevils based on sensor indications aligns practically with grower curative treatments, preventing significant damage. Weevils target previously infested palms, optimizing pest control through a continuous strategy integrating sensor monitoring with prompt response treatments. This proves highly effective, offering a cost-efficient alternative to preventive treatment reliance.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a commensal in the body, causes a wide range of infectious diseases. The colonisation levels of GBS and its resistance profile to antibiotics provide important information useful for orienting prevention strategies. There is little data available on the subject with determination of resistance phenotypes in Cameroon. We therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of colonization, antibiotic resistance, including patterns of inducible resistance to clindamycin of GBS in Yaounde. To achieve this goal, a prospective cross-sectional study with an analytical component was carried out from the 28th June to the 29th August 2020 at the BIOSANTE laboratory and the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetrics and Paediatrics hospital. Vaginal swabs and urine were collected on 163 women. This samples were analysed using 5% defibrinated sheep blood agar and chocolate plus polyvitex agar. The isolates were identified using the morphology of the colony, Gram staining, haemolysis, catalase test and latex grouping test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by disk diffusion method following the recommendations of the ACFSM 2019. The double disk diffusion method was used to identify isolates with clindamycin inducible resistance. Our data was analysed by the software SPSS version 2.1. The results obtained showed that the global prevalence of colonization by GBS was 37% (57/163), 40.35% in non-pregnant women and 59.65% in pregnant women. Pregnancy (P-value = 0.019) and gestational age (P-value = 0.025) constituted the risk factors of maternal colonization by GBS. In addition, the strains of GBS were resistant to all antibiotics tested. A D test showcased that 64.7% of GBS were resistant in a constitutive manner to clindamycin. We also note the presence of M phenotypes. As a whole, our results demonstrate that the rate of GBS colonization in this study was similar or higher than those in the previous report in Cameroon. All this indicates that attention should be paid to this bacterium in the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and in the care of pregnant women and newborns.

People living in slums and other deprived areas in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) cities are under-represented in censuses, and subsequently in "top-down" gridded population estimates. Modelled gridded population data are a unique source of disaggregated population information to calculate local development indicators such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study evaluates if, and how, WorldPop-Global (WPG) -Unconstrained and -Constrained “top-down” datasets might be improved in a simulated realistic LMIC urban population by incorporating slum profile population counts into model training. We found that the WPG-Unconstrained model with or without slum training data grossly underestimated population in urban deprived areas while grossly overestimating population in rural areas. SDG 11.1.1, the percent of population living in slums, for example, was estimated to be 20% or less compared to a "true" value of 29.5%. The WPG-Constrained model, which included building auxiliary datasets, far more accurately estimated the population in all grid cells (including rural areas), and the inclusion of slum training data further improved estimates such that SDG 11.1.1 was estimated at 27.1% and 27.0%, respectively. Inclusion of building metrics and slum training data in “top-down” gridded population models can substantially improve grid cell-level accuracy in both urban and rural areas.

Multicellular life evolved from simple unicellular organisms that could replicate indefinitely being essentially ageless. At this point, life split into 2 fundamentally different cell types: the immortal germline representing an unbroken lineage of cell division with no intrinsic endpoint and the mortal soma which ages and dies. In this review, we describe the germline as clock-free and the soma as clock-bound and discuss aging with respect to 3 DNA-based cellular clocks (telomeric, DNA methylation, and transposable element). The ticking of these clocks corresponds to the stepwise progressive limitation of growth and regeneration of somatic cells that we term, somatic restriction. Somatic restriction acts in opposition to strategies that ensure continued germline replication and regeneration. We thus consider the plasticity of aging as a process not fixed to the pace of chronological time but one that can speed up or slow down depending on the rate of intrinsic cellular clocks. We further describe how germline factor reprogramming might be used to slow the rate of aging and potentially reverse it by causing the clocks to tick backwards. Therefore, reprogramming may eventually lead to therapeutic strategies to treat degenerative diseases by altering aging itself, the one condition common to us all.

Abstract: Cancer survivors are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between particulate matter (PM) and CVD risk among cancer survivors (alive >5 years since diagnosis) is unclear. We investigated the risk of CVD among 40,899 cancer survivors within the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Exposure to PM was determined by assessing yearly average PM levels obtained from the Air Korea database from 2008 to 2011. PMs with sizes <2.5 (PM2.5), <10 (PM10), or 2.5-10 (PM2.5-10) μm in diameter were compared, with each PM level exposure further divided into quintiles. Patients were followed up from January 2012 to date of CVD event, death, or December 2017, whichever came earliest. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression by PM exposure levels. Compared with cancer survivors in the lowest quintile of PM2.5 exposure, those within the highest quintile had a greater risk for CVD (aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.07-1.59). Conversely, increasing PM10 and PM2.5-10 levels were not associated with increased CVD risk (p for trend 0.078 and 0.361, respectively). Cancer survivors who reduce PM2.5 exposure may reduce their risk of developing CVD.

Rice blast is the most harmful disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, leading to yield loss. The aim of the work is to improve resistance of rice to blast by introducing and pyramiding genes using conventional breeding technique and modern MAS analysis. Pyramiding is the combination of several resistance genes in one genotype, in this case it improves the resistance of rice to pathogens. MAS analysis revealed that 3 out of 4 studied domestic high-yielding rice cultivars (Bakanasski, Aisaule and Aru) contain 1 blast resistance gene (Pi-2). It was discovered 7 pyramidal lines with the introduction of a combination of 2 blast resistance genes (Pi-1 and Pi-ta) into 6 hybrids and 3 genes (Pi-1, Pi-33 and Pi-ta) into 1 line. Phytopathological test of local cultivars and pyramidal lines of rice showed that 3 out of 7 pyramidal lines have moderate resistance: 2 lines (F2 Bakanasski/7667 (var. vulgaris Koern.) and F2 Aisaule/7664 (var. italica Alef.)), containing 2 resistance genes (Pi-1 and Pi-ta) and 1 line – F2 Aisaule/7689 (var. zeravschanica Brsch.), carrying 3 genes (Pi-1, Pi-33 and Pi-ta), while the local cultivars Bakanasski, Aisaule and Aru are susceptible. As a result, the blast resistance of rice was improved by creating pyramidal lines. Pyramided lines can be used for germplasm exchange and in rice breeding programs to improve blast resistance in rice.

Preproenkephalin (PPE) is a precursor molecule for multiple endogenous opioid peptides Leu-enkephalin (ENK) and Met-ENK, which are involved in a wide variety of modulatory functions in the nervous system. Despite the functional importance of ENK in the brain, the effect of brain-derived factor(s) on PPE expression is unknown. We report the dual effect of neural epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like-like 2 (NELL2) on PPE gene expression. In cultured NIH3T3 cells, transfection of NELL2 expression vectors induced an inhibition of PPE transcription intracellularly, in parallel with downregulation of protein kinase C signaling pathways and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Interestingly, these phenomena were reversed when synthetic NELL2 was administered extracellularly. The in vivo disruption of NELL2 synthesis resulted in an increase in PPE mRNA level in the rat brain, suggesting that the inhibitory action of intracellular NELL2 predominates the activation effect of extracellular NELL2 on PPE gene expression in the brain. Biochemical and molecular studies with mutant NELL2 structures further demonstrated the critical role of EGF-like repeat domains in NELL2 for regulation of PPE transcription. These are the first results to reveal the spatio-specific role of NELL2 in the homeostatic regulation of PPE gene expression.

This review of the meaningful data from 2021 on cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers aims to provide an update of the most clinically relevant studies presented at important oncologic congresses during the year [the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting]. Despite the underlying existence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last year has been notable in terms of research, with significant and promising advances in gynecologic malignancies. Several major studies reporting the effects of innovative therapies for patients with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers might change the medical practice in the future.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe potential factors contributing to neonatal mortality in Takeo, Cambodia through assessment of verbal autopsies collected following newborn deaths in the community. The mortality review was nested within a trial of a behavioral intervention to improve newborn survival, and was conducted after the close of the trial, within the study setting. The World Health Organization standardized definition of neonatal mortality was employed, and two pediatricians independently reviewed data collected from each event to assign a cause of death. Results: Thirteen newborn deaths of infants born in health facilities participating in a community based, behavioral intervention were reported during February 2015–November 2016. Ten deaths (76.92%) were early neonatal deaths, two (15.38%) were late neonatal deaths, and one was a stillbirth. Five out of 13 deaths (38.46%) occurred within the first day of life. The largest single contributor to mortality was neonatal sepsis; six of 13 deaths (46.15%) were attributed to some form of sepsis. Twenty-three percent of deaths were attributed to asphyxia. The study highlights the continuing need to improve quality of care and infection prevention and control, and to fully address causes of sepsis, in order to effectively reduce mortality in the newborn period.: The study highlights the continuing need to improve both intrapartum and postnatal quality of care and infection prevention and control, and to fully address causes of sepsis, in order to effectively reduce mortality in the newborn period.

Breast cancer treatment mostly revolved around radiation therapy and surgical interventions, these treatments doesn’t provide satisfactory relief to the patients and carry unmanageable side-effects. Nanomaterials show promising results in treating cancer cells and have many advantages such as high biocompatibility, bioavailability and effective therapeutic capabilities. Interestingly, fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles have been used in many biological and diagnostic applications, but there is no report of use of fluorescent magnetic submicronic polymer nanoparticles (FMSP-nanoparticles) in the treatment of human breast cancer cells. In the present study, we have tested the effect FMSP-nanoparticles on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). We have tested different concentrations (1.25µg/1mL, 12.5µg/mL and 50µg/1mL) of FMSP-nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells and evaluated the nanoparticles response morphometrically. Our results revealed that FMSP-nanoparticles produced a concentration dependent effect on the cancer cells, dose of 1.25µg/mL produced no significant effect on the cancer cell morphology and cell death, whereas dosages of 12.5µg/mL and 50µg/mL respectively showed significant nuclear augmentation, disintegration, chromatic condensation followed by dose dependent cell death. Our results demonstrate FMSP-nanoparticles have ability to induce cell death in MCF-7 cells and may be considered as a potential anti-cancer agent for breast cancer treatments.

Identifying appropriate animal models is critical in developing translatable in vitro and in vivo systems for therapeutic development and investigating disease pathophysiology. These animal models should have direct biological and translational relevance to the underlying disease they are supposed to mimic. Aging dogs naturally develop a cognitive decline in many aspects including learning and memory, but also exhibit human-like individual variability in the aging process. Neurodegenerative processes that can be observed in both human and canine brains include the progressive accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) found as diffuse plaques in the prefrontal cortex, including the gyrus proreus, the hippocampus, and in the cerebral vasculature. A growing body of epidemiological data shows that human patients with neurodegenerative diseases have concurrent intestinal lesions, and histopathological changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract occurs decades that evolve before neurodegenerative changes. Gut microbiome alterations also have been observed in many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and inflammatory CNS diseases. Interestingly, only recently has the dog gut microbiome been recognized to more closely resemble in composition and in functional overlap with the human gut microbiome as compared to rodent models. This article aims to review the physiology of the gut-brain axis (GBA), and its involvement with neurodegenerative diseases in dogs and humans. Additionally, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of traditional in vitro and in vivo models and discuss future research directions investigating major human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases using dogs.

Hate Speech Detection in Arabic presents a multifaceted challenge due to the broad and diverse linguistic terrain. With its multiple dialects and rich cultural subtleties, Arabic requires particular measures to address hate speech online successfully. To address this issue, academics and developers have used natural language processing (NLP) methods and machine learning algorithms adapted to the complexities of Arabic text. However, many proposed methods were hampered by a lack of a comprehensive dataset/corpus of Arabic hate speech. In this research, we propose a novel multi-class public Arabic dataset comprised of 403,688 annotated tweets categorized as extremely positive, positive, neutral, or negative based on the presence of hate speech. Using our developed dataset, we additionally characterize the performance of multiple machine learning models for Hate speech identification in Arabic Jordanian dialect tweets. Specifically, the Word2Vec, TF-IDF, and AraBert text representation models have been applied to produce word vectors. With the help of these models, we can provide classification models with vectors representing text. After that, seven Machine learning classifiers have been evaluated: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Naive Bays (NB), Random Forest (RF), AdaBoost (Ada), XGBoost (XGB), and CatBoost (CatB). In light of this, the experimental evaluation revealed that, in this challenging and unstructured setting, our gathered and annotated datasets were rather efficient and generated encouraging assessment outcomes. This will enable academics to delve further into this crucial field of study.

The development of 3D cerebral brain organoids which accurately resemble aspects of the human brain permits a more accurate characterization of physiological processes and neurological diseases. Cerebral organoids can be grown from stem cell lines with various genetic backgrounds allowing multiple neurodegenerative diseases to be modeled. While dysfunction in neurotransmission of patients with neurodegenerative diseases is expected, the impact of chronic neurodegeneration on the response to viral infection of the CNS is poorly understood. For instance, several mosquito-borne viruses like Dengue virus and West Nile Virus cause post-viral parkinsonism. How CNS infection might impact a host with inherent CNS dysfunction such as Parkinson’s Disease in poorly understood. This preliminary, observational study aimed to understand dysfunction in intrinsic and innate expression of a patient with a neurodegenerative disease and a non-affected individual in relation to potential viral infection in the CNS. Cerebral organoids were generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells with a normal genetic background or with idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease. After differentiation and maturation, organoid size, gene expression and immunofluorescence were evaluated to assess neurotransmission and innate immunity. While there was no significant difference in size of the organoids with a normal or Parkinson’s genetic background, gene expression studies identified multiple differences in innate immunity and neurotransmission. Immunofluorescence also identified differences in protein expression related to neurotransmission and innate immunity. Of note, organoids derived from a Parkinson’s patient exhibited endogenous up-regulation of dopamine and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, GABA, glycine, and glutamate targets, and the majority of cytokines. This expression pattern suggests a chronic state of neuroexcitation and neuroinflammation in this population of organoids.

Disaggregated population counts are needed to calculate health, economic, and development indicators in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), especially in settings of rapid urbanisation. Censuses are often outdated and inaccurate in LMIC settings, and rarely disaggregated at fine geographic scale. Modelled gridded population datasets derived from census data have become widely used by development researchers and practitioners. These datasets are evaluated for accuracy at the spatial scale of the input data which is often much courser (e.g. administrative units) than the neighbourhood or cell-level scale of many applications. We simulate a realistic "true" 2016 population in Khomas, Namibia, a majority urban region, and introduce realistic levels of outdatedness (over 15 years) and inaccuracy in slum, non-slum, and rural areas. We aggregate these simulated realistic populations by census and administrative boundaries (to mimic census data), and generate 32 gridded population datasets that are typical of a LMIC setting using WorldPop-Global-Unconstrained gridded population approach. We evaluate the cell-level accuracy of these simulated datasets using the original "true" population as a reference. In our simulation, we found large cell-level errors, particularly in slum cells, driven by the use of average population densities in large areal units to determine cell-level population densities. Age, accuracy, and aggregation of the input data also played a role in these errors. We suggest incorporating finer-scale training data into gridded population models generally, and WorldPop-Global-Unconstrained in particular (e.g., from routine household surveys or slum community population counts), and use of new building footprint datasets as a covariate to improve cell-level accuracy. It is important to measure accuracy of gridded population datasets at spatial scales more consistent with how the data are being applied, especially if they are to be used for monitoring key development indicators at neighbourhood scales with relevance to small dense deprived areas within larger administrative units.

The purpose of this study is to characterize atmospheric pollution and its sources in two West African urban sites during the dry season (January 2009 in Bamako, Mali, and December 2009 in Dakar, Senegal). Particulate Matter (PM) source apportionment was performed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Carbonaceous components, water-soluble inorganic compounds, and trace elements were analyzed from PM (TSP, PM10, and PM2.5) samples. The measured PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 5 to 10 times and 3 to 8 times higher than the 2005 WHO 24-hour standards, respectively. PCA and PMF analyses identify five sources in both cities. The sources contributing to aerosol concentrations (PM2.5 - PM10) in Bamako are motor vehicles (20-13%), solid fuel combustion (16-13%), crustal dust (24-30%), resuspended road dust (26-30%) and secondary aerosols (10-16%). During the sampling period in Bamako, dust was the most prevalent source, accounting for 63% of the total PM10 mass. In Dakar, the main identified sources were motor vehicles (28-19%), mineral dust (16-25%), industries and oil burn-ing (11-10%), sea salts (15-20%), and resuspended road particles (21-29%). The findings also indicate that anthropogenic emissions contribute significantly to the PM2.5 fraction, implying that populations are highly exposed to fine particles.

The air is not the same as thousands and hundreds of years ago. In the air, suspended particles originate from natural phenomena like dust storms or volcanic activities, as well as anthropogenic pollutants such as fuel engine exhaust and everyday activities at home. The total particles in the air can be classified by sizes, such as PM10, PM2.5 or ultrafine particles. However, there are many other important factors in addition to the particle size, influencing the particle behavior and affecting our health. The surface area, chemical and biological composition, aspect ratio, and the charge are all factors characteristic of particles. OoC microfluidic chips are very useful for the pollutant toxicity measurements on various body tissues. A better understanding of pollutants will help to trace these to the potential sources. The data from the on-the-ground and satellite monitoring can be integrated into models, helping to predict and prevent pollution exposure.

In this paper we propose a simple procedure to obtain multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) decorated with TiO₂-Ag nanoparticles (MWCNT-TiO₂-Ag). MWCNT were decorated with TiO2-Ag via combined functionalisation with -OH and –COOH groups and polymer wrapping technique using poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). TiO₂ modified Ag nanoparticles were synthesized through Pechini method using mixture of acetylacetonate-modified titanium (IV) isopropoxide with silver nitrate (the Ag+/Ti4+ atomic ratio, is 0.5, 1,0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 %, respectively) and the L(+)-ascorbic acid, as reducing agents. XRD analysis revealed the formation of nanocomposite containing CNT, TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) and Ag. By SEM was evidenced the presence of the nanoparticles on MWCNT surface. The increases of the ratio between Ag⁺ and Ti⁴⁺ decrease the band gap energy of the samples. In Raman spectra the characteristic vibration of the TiO₂, Ag and C atoms of graphite are identified. The photocatalytic activity of the MWCNT-TiO₂-Ag nanocomposite was assessed by examining the degradation of Allura red (E129) aqueous solution under UV irradiation. The dye photodegradation process follows a pseudo – first – order kinetic with respect to the Langmuir – Hinshelwood reaction mechanism.

(1) Background: The study aimed to investigate compressive strength for three computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental materials: glassceramic IPS Empress CAD (IvoclarVivadent), hybrid ceramic Cerasmart (GC) and polymer-reinforced graphene G-CAM (Graphenano Dental). (2) Methods: 45 samples consisted of the molar crowns fabricated by three CAD/CAM materials were cemented adhesively on 3D printed abutments (Asiga DentalResin). The samples were divided into 3 groups (n=15) according to the crowns thickness; group 1 under the cusps/cervical margins - 0.6 mm/0.4 mm, group 2 - 1 mm/0.7 mm respectively, and group 3 - 1.5 mm/1 mm. Additionally, 20 cylindrical specimens fabricated by the three crowns and abutments material (n=5) were prepared by CAD/CAM technique. All samples and specimens were subjected to an axial compressive load by using a universal testing machine (Instron 3366-10kN, USA) until fracture. (3) Results: The compressive strength were for Empress CAD 1258 MPa, Cerasmart 501.3 MPa, G-CAM 435 MPa and Asiga resin 360 MPa. G-CAM crowns exhibited a higher maximum compressive load (1701.5-2011.8N) than both Cerasmart (1295.4-1642.9N) and Empress CAD (494.3-597.5N). (4) Conclusions: The CAD/CAM crown materials presented different mechanical behavior; Empress CAD and Cerasmart presented a fragile behavior, with a high compressive strength when compared to G-CAM and Asiga resins.

: Consumption of plant-based milk replacers has increased in recent years due to health benefits, benefits attributed mainly to the content of phenolic compounds, fatty acids, or bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. In this context, we proposed to obtain two types of less studied plant-based beverages, namely lupine and chickpea beverages, as well as the possibility of getting these beverages using germinated seeds and even obtaining probiotic drinks through fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v. To evaluate the quality of the obtained products, we determined their content of proteins, fatty acids, organic acids, volatile compounds, and phenolic compounds. We evaluated the antioxidant activity of the obtained herbal drinks, and a load of probiotic microorganisms present after the fermentation process. Both lupine and chickpea drinks have the desired properties, high content of fatty acids and phenolic compounds, that bring probiotic benefits.

The majority of urban inhabitants in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) cities live in deprived urban areas. However, statistics and data (e.g., local monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) are hindered by the unavailability of spatial data at metropolitan, city and sub-city scales. Deprivation is a complex and multidimensional concept, which has been captured in existing literature with a strong focus on household-level deprivation while giving limited attention to area-level deprivation. Within this scoping review, we build on existing literature on household- as well as area-level deprivation frameworks to arrive at a combined understanding of how urban deprivation is defined with a focus on LMIC cities. The scoping review was enriched with local stakeholder workshops in LMIC cities to arrive at our framework of Domains of Deprivations, splitting deprivation into three different scales and nine domains. (1) Socio-Economic Status and (2) Housing Domains (Household scale); (3) Social Hazards & Assets, (4) Physical Hazards & Assets, (5) Unplanned Urbanization and (6) Contamination (Within Area scale); and (7) Infrastructure, (8) Facilities & Services and (9) city Governance (Area Connect scale). The Domains of Deprivation framework provides a clear guidance for collecting data on various aspects of deprivation, while providing the flexibility to decide at city level which indicators are most relevant to explain individual domains. The framework provides a conceptual and operational base for the Integrated Deprived Area Mapping System (IDEAMAPS) Project for the creation of a data ecosystem, which facilitates the production of routine, accurate maps of deprived “slum” areas at scale across cities in LMICs. The Domains of Deprivation Framework is designed to support diverse health, poverty, and development initiatives globally to characterize and address deprivation in LMIC cities.

The aim of this review was to search in literature, data regarding the inflammasome, involvement in, oral pathologies (mainly periodontitis) and other diseases and the approaches to control the inflammasome-related pathogenic mechanisms. The review also investigated how phytochemicals and pharmaceutical substances could be used to inhibit the inflammasome activity. Inflammasomes are involved in inflammatory, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Pharmaceutical substances can control the inflammasome by three mechanisms: inhibiting of intracellular signaling pathways (Allopurinol and SS-31), blocking inflammasome components (VX-765, Emricasan and VX-740), and inhibiting cytokines mediated by the inflammasome (Canakinumab, Anakinra and Rilonacept). Phytochemical inhibit the inflammasome, by neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Biomaterials functionalized by the adsorption of therapeutic agents on different nanomaterials may represent a future research direction to facilitate multimodal and sequential treatment in oral pathologies.

The article deals with aspects of identifying industrial products in motion based on their color. An automated robotic workplace with conveyor belt, robot and industry color sensor is created for this purpose. Measured data are processed in a database and then statistically evaluated in form of standard uncertainties of type A and B, in order to obtain combined standard uncertainties results. Based on the acquired data, control charts of RGB color components for identified products are created. Influence of product speed on the measuring process identification and process stability is monitored. In case of identification uncertainty i.e. measured values are outside the limits of control charts, the K-nearest neighbor machine learning algorithm is used. This algorithm, based on the Euclidean distances to the classified value, estimates its most accurate iteration. This results into the comprehensive system for identification of product moving on conveyor belt, where based on the data collection and statistical analysis using machine learning, industry usage reliability is demonstrated.

Most vulnerable individuals are particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study takes place in a large city in France. The aim of this study is to describe the mobility of the homeless population at the begin-ning of the health crisis and to analyze its impact in terms of COVID-19 prevalence. From June to August 2020 and September to December 2020, 1272 homeless people were invited to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and virus in and completed questionnaires. Our data show that homeless populations are sociologically dif-ferent depending on where they live. We show that people living on the street were most likely to be relocated to emergency shelters than other inhabitants. Some neighborhoods are points of attraction for homeless peo-ple in the city while others emptied during the health crisis, which had consequences for virus circulation. People with a greater number of different dwellings reported became more infected. This first study of the mo-bility and epidemiology of homeless people in time of pandemic provides unique information about mobility mapping, sociological factors of this mobility, mobility at different scales and epidemiological consequences. We suggest that homeless policies need to be radically transformed since actual model exposes people to infection in emergency.

Background: Overcrowded housing, as well as inadequate sanitary conditions, contribute to making homeless people particularly vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection among people experiencing homelessness on a large city-wide scale in France, taking into account different community settings. Methods: A consortium of outreach teams in 48 different locations including streets, slums, squats, emergency or transitional shelters and drop-in centres participated in the inclusion process. All participants consented to receive a validated rapid assay for immunoglobulins M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies and to answer a questionnaire on medical health conditions, comorbidities, historic of symptoms compatible with COVID-19, with a retrospective calendar of types of accommodation since COVID-19 crisis. Results: From June 01 to August 05, 2020, 1,156 homeless participants were enrolled in the study and tested. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies was 5.6% (95%CI 2.3–7.0), with a range of 2.2% in people living on the streets to 8.1% in people living in emergency shelters (P=0.009). Around one third of the seropositive participants reported symptoms with COVID-19. Compared to the general population in Marseille (3.6%), the homeless population living in the same urban area experienced an significant increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (|z|=3.65 > 1.96). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for organizing regular screening to prevent clusters forming in homeless accommodations and for providing basic resources for health maintenance.

Background: Health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, are actions individuals take that can potentially impact gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the gut microbiota. Little is known about how health behaviours impact GI symptoms and the gut microbiota after anti-cancer therapies. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study that investigated relationships between GI symptoms, gut microbiota, and patient-reported outcomes in adult cancer survivors. Gut microbiota was assessed from stool samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. GI symptoms and health behaviors were measured via self-report. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, and correlation analyses are reported. Results: A total of 334 cancer survivors participated and a subsample of 17 provided stool samples. Most survivors rated their diet as moderately healthy (55.7%) and reported engaging in low intensity exercise (53.9%) for ≤5 hours/week (69.1%). Antibiotic use was associated with more belly pain, constipation, and diarrhea (p&lt; .05). Survivors consuming a healthier diet had fewer symptoms of gas/bloating (p= 0.02). Better diet health was positively correlated with Lachnospiraceae abundance, and negatively with Bacteroides abundance (ps &lt;.05). Greater exercise frequency positively correlated with abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, Anaerostipes, Alistipes, and Subdoligranulum. (ps&lt;.05). Conclusion: Results provide evidence for associations between dietary health behaviours and GI symptoms. Diet and exercise behaviours are related to certain types of bacteria, but the direction of causality is unknown. Dietary-based interventions may be optimally suited to address survivors’ GI symptoms by influencing the gut microbiota. Larger trials are needed.

Arboviruses of medical and veterinary significance have been identified on all 7 continents with every human and animal population at risk for exposure. Like arboviruses, chronic neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are found wherever there are humans. Viral parkinsonism has been documented for a variety of human pathogens though there are few studies that evaluate the effects of viral infection on degenerative neurological diseases. Significant differences in baseline gene and protein expression have been determined between Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell lines derived from a non-Parkinson’s disease individual and from an individual with reported Parkinson’s disease. While the organoids generated from each cell line were physically indistinguishable, significant differences were observed in gene and protein expression for neurotransmission and immunity. It was hypothesized that these inherent differences would impact cerebral organoid responses to viral infection. In this preliminary observational study, cerebral organoids from a non-Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s patient were infected with Chikungunya virus and observed for 2 weeks. Parkinson’s organoids lost mass and exhibited a dysfunctional antiviral response. Neurotransmission data from both non-Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s organoids had dysregulation of IL-1, IL-10, IL-6. These cytokines are associated with mood and could be contributing to persistent depression seen in patients following CHIKV infection. Both organoid types had increased expression of CCR5 and CXCL10 which are linked to demyelination, highlighting a potential mechanism for virus-associated parkinsonism. The dysfunctional antiviral response of Parkinson’s organoids highlights the need for more research in neurotropic infections in a neurologically compromised host.

Edible mushrooms have been recognized as highly nutritional food for a long time, due to their specific flavor, texture and also for therapeutic effects. This study proposes a new simple approach, based on FT-IR analysis, followed by statistical methods, in order to differentiate three wild mushrooms species from Romanian spontaneous flora, namely Armillaria mellea, Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius. The preliminary data treatment consisted of data set reduction with principal component analysis (PCA), which provided scores for the next methods. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) manage to 100% classify the three species and the cross validation step of the method returned 97.4% of correctly classified samples. Only one A. mellea sample overlapped on B. edulis group. When kNN was used in the same manner as LDA, the overall percent of correctly classified samples from the training step was 86.21%, while for holdout set the percent raised at 94.74%. The lowered values obtained for the training set was due to one C. cibarius sample, two B. edulis and five A. mellea, which were placed to other species. Anyway, for holdout sample set, only one sample from B. edulis was misclassified. The fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) analysis successfully classified investigated mushroom samples according to their species, meaning that in every partition the predominant specie had the biggest DOMs, while samples belonging to other specie had lower DOMs.

The study aimed to evaluate for the first time the degree of contamination of soil and crops with major and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, Cl, Fe, Al) in agricultural lands situated in the Lower Danube Basin, Galati and Braila counties (SE Romania), impacted by the steel industry. Soil samples from two depths (0–5 cm and 5–30 cm), as well as leaves and seeds of wheat, corn, and sunflower, were collected from 11 different sites. Along with elemental and mineralogical analysis, performed by HR-CS AAS, PIGE, SEM-EDX and ATR-FTIR, the soil pH, texture, organic matter, electric conductivity and CaCO3 content were investigated. The results showed that the levels of Cr (83.270–383.100 mg kg-1), Cu (17.110–68.151 mg kg-1), Ni (30.157–55.656 mg kg-1), and F (319–544 mg kg-1) in soil exceeded the Romanian regulations for sensitive use of the land. The pollution indices (Igeo, EF, PI, PERI) indicate that the soil is moderate to highly contaminated with Cr, Ni and Cu, while CSI and mERMQ indices suggested a relatively low risk for metal contamination. The concentrations of elements in plant tissues and bioaccumulation factors (BFs) show the soil-plant relation and health risk, but also the elemental selectivity of vegetal compartments. Thus, the results showed that wheat plants tend to exclude the bioaccumulation of certain elements in their tissues, while for Zn and Cu, the bioaccumulation pattern is different. In the case of corn, most BFs were below 1, indicating limited phytoaccumulation capacity. However, exceptions were observed for Cd, Zn, and Cu. Sunflower BFs indicate higher bioconcentration of Cu, Cd, and Zn in both the leaves and seeds compared to other elements. Chromium (Cr) contributes to non-carcinogenic dermal contact and ingestion hazards, with children being more susceptible to the adverse effects of this contaminant.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of global public health importance, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, this disease has worsened with the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of tuberculosis We aim to present and review the history, progress, and future directions in the diagnosis of tuberculosis by evaluating the current methods of laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis, with a special emphasis on microscopic examination, cultivation on solid and liquid medium, as well as an approach to molecular assays. The microscopic method, although widely used, has its limitations, and the use and evaluation of other techniques are essential for a complete and accurate diagnosis. Bacterial culture, both in solid and liquid mediums, are essential methods in the diagnosis of TB. Culture on solid medium provides specificity and accuracy, while culture on liquid medium brings rapidity and increased sensitivity. Molecular tests such as LPA and Xpert MTB/RIF have been found to offer significant benefits in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of TB, including drug-resistant forms. These tests allow the identification of resistance mutations and provide essential information for choosing the right treatment. We conclude that combined diagnostic methods, using several techniques and approaches, provide the best result in the laboratory diagnosis of TB. Improving the quality and accessibility of tests, as well as the implementation of advanced technologies, is essential to help improve the sensitivity, efficiency, and accuracy of TB diagnosis.

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) is a rare and significant side effect of a variety of medications such as antidepressants, chemotherapeutic medications, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Regarding dipyrone, only a few cases have been mentioned in the world. The non-opioid analgesic metamizole (dipyrone) is used for the treatment of acute or chronic pain and fever and is one of the most frequently prescribed over-the-counter medications in Israel, Brazil, and Mexico. Dipyrone has low anti-inflammatory properties yet inhibits prostaglandins to some degree. In this case report, we present a case of a post-operative patient, who was on an analgesic cocktail containing dipyrone. The patient developed a new and sudden hyponatremia, namely, a drop of 12 meq/L of sodium in less than 24 hours. Dipyrone was found to be the culprit drug. Our case report demonstrates the importance of considering dipyrone in the diagnosis of medication-induced SIAD in patients taking analgesics.

Enhancement of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) through local administration of biofunctional molecules has become increasingly significant, particularly for adult patients seeking aesthetic and functional improvements. This comprehensive systematic review analyzes the efficacy of various biofunctional molecules in modulating OTM, focusing on the method of administration and its feasibility, especially considering the potential for topical application. A search across multiple databases yielded 36 original articles of experimental human and animal OTM models, which examined biofunctional molecules capable of interfering with the biochemical reactions that cause tooth movement during orthodontic therapy, accelerating the OTM rate through their influence on the bone metabolism (Calcitriol, Prostaglandins, Recombinant human Relaxin, RANKL and RANKL expression plasmid, growth factors, PTH, osteocalcin, vitamin C and E, biocompatible reduced graphene oxide, exogenous thyroxine, sclerostin protein, a specific EP4 agonist (ONO-AE1-329), carrageenan and herbal extracts). The results indicated a variable efficacy in accelerating OTM, with Calcitriol, Prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE2), RANKL, growth factors and PTH, among others, showing promising outcomes. PGE1, PGE2 and Calcitriol experiments had statistically significant outcomes in both human and animal studies, and, while other molecules underwent only animal testing, they could be validated in the future for human use. Notably, only one of the animal studies explored topical administration, which also suggests a future research direction. This review concluded that while certain biofunctional molecules demonstrated potential for OTM enhancement, the evidence is not definitive. The development of suitable topical formulations for human use could offer a patient-friendly alternative to injections, emphasizing comfort and cost-effectiveness. Future research should focus on overcoming current methodological limitations and advancing translational research to confirm these biomolecules' efficacy and safety in clinical orthodontic practice.

Heart failure is a global major healthcare problem with millions of hospitalizations annually and with a very high mortality. There is an increased interest in finding new and reliable biomarkers for the diagnostication, prognostication and therapeutical guidance of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure. There is data to sustain the role of CA 125, a worldwide used marker of ovarian cancer, in patients with heart failure. Several studies have shown links between CA 125 levels and congestion seen in acute heart failure, high mortality and readmission rates at 6 months follow up after discharge from acute heart failure and also a role of CA 125 in the guidance of heart failure therapy. There are also clinical trials that showed that several particularities of CA 125 make it even better than NTpro BNP ( a classical and more utilised marker of heart failure) in several scenarios of acute heart failure.

Measles remains a highly contagious and potentially severe infectious disease, necessitating high vaccine coverage. However, misinformation and measles vaccine hesitancy/resistance posed significant challenges to achieving this goal. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, leading to a measles outbreak in Jordan in 2023. This study aimed to investigate the acceptance of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine among parents in Jordan and identify its associated determinants. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted using a previously Arabic-validated version of the Parental Attitudes towards Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey instrument. Data collection took place in October 2023, and the final study sample comprised a total of 391 parents, with mothers representing 69.8% of the participants (n = 273). The majority of participating parents expressed either resistance (n = 169, 43.2%) or hesitancy (n = 168, 43.0%) towards MR vaccination, while only 54 participants (13.8%) expressed MR vaccine acceptance. Multivariate analysis revealed that trust in vaccine safety/efficacy, behavior, and having fewer offspring were significantly associated with MR vaccine acceptance. The current study revealed a concerning level of MR vaccine hesitancy/resistance among parents in Jordan. Urgent and targeted interventions are strongly recommended to address this issue, including mass campaigns aimed at building trust in the MR vaccine safety/efficacy. Additionally, there is an urgent need for effective public health initiatives to ensure sufficient measles vaccine coverage to prevent future outbreaks of this serious disease.

This article describes the methodology used to identify the mathematical model that describes the correlations between the input parameters of an experiment and the parameters being followed. As a technological process, the aerodynamic separation was chosen, respectively, the behavior of a solid particle within an ascending vertical airflow. The experimental data obtained were used to identify two parameters, the average linear velocity, and the angular velocity, and through the Table Curve 3D program was developed a mathematical model which describes the dependence between the input parameters (the shape and size of the solid particle and the velocity of the airflow) and the monitored parameters. In order to determine a single mathematical equation that describes as accurately as possible the correlation between the input variables and those obtained, a pyramid-type analysis was designed. The determination of the mathematical equation started from the number of equations generated by the Table Curve 3D program, then the equations with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.85 were chosen, and finally, the common equations were identified. Respecting the working methodology was identified one equation which has for the average linear velocity a correlation coefficient r2 between 0.88-0.99 and 0.86-0.99 for the angular velocity.

A new label-free molecular probe for luminescent nucleotide detection in neutral aqueous solution is presented. Phosphate-containing molecules such as nucleotides possess vital role in cell metabolism, energy economy, and signaling. Thus the monitoring of nucleotide concentration and nucleotide related enzymatic reactions is of high importance. Two component lanthanide complex formed from Tb(III) ion carrier and light harvesting antenna, readily distinguishes nucleotides containing different number of phosphates and enable direct detection of enzymatic reactions converting nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) to nucleotide di/monophosphate or the opposite. Developed sensor enables the detection of enzymatic activity with a low nanomolar sensitivity, as highlighted with K-Ras and apyrase enzymes in there hydrolysis assays performed in high throughput screening compatible 384-well plate format.