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\nIntroduction: Drug use is a significant health, economic and social concern globally. Research indicates that personality traits are crucial in explaining drug use. This paper contributes to the expanding literature by exploring how personality traits at age 10 affect the likelihood of having used any drug at age 30. Methods: Data were extracted from the British Cohort Study 1970. The Big Five dimensions were derived by aggregating items related to distinct traits. Furthermore, probit regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the relationship between personality traits at age 10 and drug use by age 30. Results: Children with low levels of conscientiousness, or agreeableness; or high levels of extraversion, or internal locus of control at the age of 10 are more likely to use any drug in adulthood. In addition, significant differences were observed across gender and types of drugs. Conclusions: These findings suggest that early personality traits play a pivotal role in predicting the likelihood of drug use in adulthood. The results interest policymakers, as they could guide the implementation of personality-targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of specific personality traits. For instance, emotional regulation training could benefit children with low conscientiousness; while stimulating activities such as sports, creative arts, or music could engage children with high extraversion. Drug use presents significant concerns for health, economics, and society globally. Research highlights the pivotal role of personality traits in understanding drug use. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring how personality traits at age 10 correlate with drug use at age 30. Utilizing data from the British Cohort Study 1970, we obtained five personality traits from both teacher-completed and self-completion questionnaires when participants were 10 years old. The relationship between personality traits and drug use was examined by employing a probit model. Children exhibiting lower levels of conscientiousness/agreeableness or higher levels of extraversion/internal locus of control at age 10 were more inclined to engage in drug use in adulthood. Moreover, significant differences based on gender and the types of drugs used were observed. These findings might be valuable to policymakers, as they could introduce interventions tailored to specific personality traits to mitigate their adverse effects. For instance, they could offer emotional regulation training for children with low levels of conscientiousness or engage children with high extraversion in stimulating activities such as sports, creative arts, or music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to essential diagnostics is crucial for primary healthcare (PHC) in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Many LMICs have invested in equipping PHC with point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics for infectious diseases, however there has been no similar investment to improve PHC capacities for clinical chemistry. The biochemistry gap is among the deterrents to universal health coverage. Methods: A social sciences project was conducted with the aim to understand the key PHC stakeholders' insights on the pertinence of PoC biochemistry for PHC in LMICs. Data generation was conducted between July-November 2023 in Mongolia, Nigeria and Peru. Decision-makers in healthcare delivery, healthcare professionals, and patient and community advocates were engaged using a combination of sampling techniques. Unstructured individual and group conversations, and non-participant observation were conducted. Analysis involved an inductive line-by-line coding on printed transcripts, followed by a deductive coding and theme-by-theme analysis on digitized transcripts. Results: Fifteen, 51 and 20 informants from Mongolia, Nigeria and Peru, respectively, participated. Fifty-five of the 94 informants were female. Most informants considered that PoC biochemistry in PHC would be pertinent, from a clinical and a resources-saving perspective. Those households that currently bear the burden of referrals (i.e., the poor, the bedridden, the older adults) would benefit the most from the deployment of PoC biochemistry for essential biochemistry parameters. Improved access to PoC glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid, liver and kidney profile was perceived as helpful to inform clinicians' decision-taking. The value of PoC biochemistry for the management of noncommunicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension) and infectious conditions (dengue, malaria, tuberculosis), to improve child health outcomes (severe dehydration in children with diarrhea and/or malnutrition) and to reduce preventable causes of death (dengue-related renal failure) was highlighted. Conclusions: PoC biochemistry holds potential to revert the impact that the biochemistry gap has for patient care in some LMICs' PHC settings. PoC equipment for parameters such as HbA1c, urea, creatinine or electrolytes could enhance community-level management of preventable causes of mortality, improve service delivery for patients affected by locally-prevalent infectious conditions, and improve the psychosocial and economic wellbeing of patients facing the burden of referrals to remote biochemistry-equipped centers. Trial Registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the association between symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oral health in a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 6–14 years. We also examined the contribution of several sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of children/adolescents and their family environment. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 3,402 subjects aged between 6 and 14 years from the Spanish National Health Survey. The presence of ADHD symptoms was determined using the self-reported hyperactivity/inattention subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Oral health was assessed using five indicators: caries, extraction, restorations, gingival bleeding, and the presence of teeth in poor condition (e.g., broken or misaligned). Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between the presence of ADHD symptoms and oral health indicators. These models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables, and oral hygiene behaviors relating to both the children and their parents. Results: Compared to children without ADHD symptoms, children with ADHD symptoms had a higher risk of caries (fully adjusted odds ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.66–2.82), extraction (1.42; 1.09–1.85), restoration (1.47; 1.19–1.82) and gingival bleeding (1.64; 1.11–2.41). The increased risk of caries was maintained when the analyses were restricted to middle/high social class families and children with low sugar intake, good oral hygiene behaviors and regular dental visits. Conclusions: Children with ADHD symptoms in Spain had worse oral health indicators than those without ADHD symptoms. Our results suggest that the association of ADHD symptoms with caries was independent of socioeconomic level, cariogenic diet, frequency of toothbrushing, and dental visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscale interactions between marine phytoplankton and bacteria shape the microenvironment of individual cells, impacting their physiology and ultimately influencing global‐scale biogeochemical processes like carbon and nutrient cycling. In dilute environments such as the ocean water column, metabolic exchange between microorganisms likely requires close proximity between partners. However, the biological strategies to achieve this physical proximity remain an understudied aspect of phytoplankton–bacterial associations. Understanding the mechanisms by which these microorganisms establish and sustain spatial relationships and the extent to which spatial proximity is necessary for interactions to occur, is critical to learning how spatial associations influence the ecology of phytoplankton and bacterial communities. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge on the role of space in shaping interactions among ocean microorganisms, encompassing behavioural and metabolic evidence. We propose that characterising phytoplankton–bacterial interactions from a spatial perspective can contribute to a mechanistic understanding of the establishment and maintenance of these associations and, consequently, an enhanced ability to predict the impact of microscale processes on ecosystem‐wide phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted at the experimental farm "Andil" of the State University of the South of Manabí, Cantón Jipijapa, Manabí, Ecuador, with the aim of evaluating the ethological behavior of the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of Cobb 500 chickens in individual cages. 36 male chickens were used which were distributed in four treatments with different inclusion levels of sacha Inchi cake (SIC): T1 = control, without SIC, T2 = 10% SIC, T3 = 20% SIC and T4 = 30% SIC. A Completely Randomized Design (DCA) was used for the statistical analysis, where each treatment had 12 repetitions, locating one animal per experimental unit. The results determined that chickens had a good response in quickly adapting to the cages, in addition to not reporting mortality and accepting food. The apparent ileal digestibility of DM did not show a difference between the treatments, while the N differed between the control group and the inclusion of T4 with 30% (SIC), which was higher for the latter (85.20 vs 90.23%). The results allow to conclude that the ethological behavior of the animals is not affected and good indices of ileal digestibility of DM and N are obtained when adding SIC in the diet of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAssistive technology (AT) can increase or maintain the quality of life and overall well-being of people with disabilities. Nevertheless, access to AT is limited among Hispanics with disabilities in the United States (U.S.). AT research representing the experiences of Hispanics is limited, potentially leading to disparities in AT use. Moreover, poor inclusion of Hispanics neglects the needs of this population, resulting in discrepancies in research, practice, and policy related to AT. To address these limitations, this study aimed to identify and explore multilevel environmental barriers to AT use among a sample of Hispanics in the U.S.This was a descriptive qualitative research design study guided by the Social Ecological Model framework using in-depth interviews to collect data. Nine Hispanic individuals with disabilities and their caregivers who received AT services at the University of Illinois at Chicago Assistive Technology Unit outpatient clinic were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis approach.Barriers to AT use were found to exist in all levels of the Social Ecological Model. The most common barriers to AT use were identified in the community domain, which was related to the lack of AT information, and in the societal domain, which was related to sociocultural norms and the availability of AT funding, policies, and regulations.The participants’ lived experiences and perspectives underscored that environmental barriers to AT use are not isolated occurrences; rather, systemic attitudes permeate across all levels of the Social Ecological Model.Limited availability of assistive technology information and services in Spanish is a challenge that can impact assistive technology usage.Bridging language and cultural gaps is crucial to ensuring equitable access to assistive technology and rehabilitation services.Multilevel environmental barriers impact assistive technology use, adversely impacting the quality of life and overall well-being of Hispanics with disabilities.Limited availability of assistive technology information and services in Spanish is a challenge that can impact assistive technology usage.Bridging language and cultural gaps is crucial to ensuring equitable access to assistive technology and rehabilitation services.Multilevel environmental barriers impact assistive technology use, adversely impacting the quality of life and overall well-being of Hispanics with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acceptance of strawberries in international trade has increased due to their organoleptic qualities, high nutritional value, and richness in antioxidants. This research evaluated the effect of foliar spray with chitosan, brassinosteroids, and thidiazuron as metabolic enhancers on growth, productivity, quality parameters, and bioactive compounds in ‘Portola’ strawberry cultivar in the first year of production. This experiment included six treatments and control with doses of CTS of 100, 300, and 400 mg L-1, of Brassinosteroids (Vitazyme™) 0.5, 1-, and 5-mL L-1 and 0.15 mL L-1 of TDZ (Charger plex™) in applications of these biostimulants alone and combination CTS and BRs. The findings indicated that CTS treatments increased plant length, leaf count, leaf area, and fruit firmness. The joint application of CTS and BRs significantly promotes crown diameter, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, fresh and dry weight of roots and aerial parts, and ripening. Applications of CTS 300 mg L-1 and 1 mL L-1 of Vitazyme have shown the highest fruit length, diameter, and weight values. Regarding TDZ, this work showed an increase in crown diameter and in the fresh and dry weight of both the root and the aerial part without significant differences in the content of the chlorophyll and titratable acidity compared to the control. Therefore, it could be safely recommended that foliar application with CTS, BRs, and TDZ can be used as biostimulants to improve the growth, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry cv ‘Portola’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoropyrimidines (FPs) are commonly prescribed in many cancer streams. The EMA and FDA-approved drug labels for FPs recommend genotyping the DPYD*2A (rs3918290), *13 (rs55886062), *HapB3 (rs56038477), alleles, and DPYD rs67376798 before treatment starts. We implemented the DPYD genotyping in our daily clinical routine, but we still found patients showing severe adverse drug events (ADEs) to FPs. We studied among these patients the DPYD rs1801265, rs17376848, rs1801159, rs1801160, rs1801158, and rs2297595 as explanatory candidates of the interindividual differences for FP-related toxicities, examining the association with the response to FPs. We also studied the impact of DPYD testing for FP dose tailoring in our clinical practice and characterized the DPYD gene in our population. We found a total acceptance among physicians of therapeutic recommendations translated from the DPYD test, and this dose tailoring does not affect the treatment efficacy. We also found that the DPYD*4 (defined by rs1801158) allele is associated with a higher risk of ADEs (severity grade ≥ 3) in both the univariate (O.R. = 5.66; 95% C.I. = 1.35–23.67; p = 0.014) and multivariate analyses (O.R. = 5.73; 95% C.I. = 1.41–28.77; p = 0.019) among FP-treated patients based on the DPYD genotype. This makes it a candidate variant for implementation in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health research must be of high ethical and scientific quality and consider the needs and experiences of women, men, and nonbinary individuals. National Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are in a strategic position to impede sex- and gender-blind research. In 2020 and 2021, training programs on gender mainstreaming and sex and gender approaches in research evaluation were launched in Senegal. They were evaluated through a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Knowledge acquisition was 16.67%, 8.54%, and 28.42% for the trainees of 2021, 2020, and those who attended the training in both years, respectively. Gender mainstreaming was reported as pertinent in research ethics by 74% of participants. This training is expected to catalyze gender-transformative research ethics in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a method for the Global Asymptotic Stabilization (GAS) of an affine control chaotic Lorenz system, via admissible (bounded and regular) feedback controls, where the control bounds are given by a class of (convex) polytopes. The proposed control design method is based on the control Lyapunov function (CLF) theory introduced in [Artstein, 1983; Sontag, 1998]. Hence, we first recall, with parameters including those in [Lorenz, 1963], that these equations are point-dissipative, i.e. there is an explicit absorbing ball ℬ given by the level set of a certain Lyapunov function, V ∞ (x). However, since the minimum point of V ∞ (x) does not coincide with any rest point of Lorenz system, we apply a modified solution to the "uniting CLF problem" (to unify local (possibly optimal) controls with global ones, proposed in [Andrieu & Prieur, 2010]) in order to obtain a CLF V (x) for the affine system with minimum at a desired equilibrium point. Finally, we achieve the GAS of "any" rest point of this system via bounded and regular feedback controls by using the proposed CLF method, which also contains the following controllers: (i) damping controls outside ℬ , so they collaborate with the beneficial stable free dynamics, and (ii) (possibly optimal) feedback controls inside ℬ that stabilize the control system at "any" desired rest point of the (unforced) Lorenz system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cancer stem cell (SC) theory proposes that a population of SCs serves as the driving force behind fundamental tumor processes, including metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. The standard of care for patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) includes surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Fluoropyrimidines and their combination with oxaliplatin increased the cure rates, being able to eradicate the occult metastatic SC in a fraction of patients. The treatment for unresectable metastatic CRC is based on chemotherapy, antibodies to VEGF and EGFR, and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Immunotherapy is used in MSI-H tumors. Currently used drugs target dividing cells and, while often effective at debulking tumor mass, these agents have largely failed to cure metastatic disease. SCs are generated either due to genetic and epigenetic alterations in stem/progenitor cells or to the dedifferentiation of somatic cells where diverse signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, TGF-β/SMAD, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, DNA damage response, and Hippo-YAP play a key role. Anti-neoplastic treatments could be improved by elimination of SCs, becoming an attractive target for the design of novel agents. Here, we present a review of clinical trials assessing the efficacy of targeted treatment focusing on these pathways in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Canon Law in the face of sexual abuse" analyzes the activity in canonical criminal law related to sexual abuses committed by clergy. The importance of protecting the dignity and sexual freedom of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable, is emphasized. Topics such as the classification of crimes, criminal sanctions, and their statute of limitations are discussed. Several professors and experts reflect on the duty to report crimes of sexual abuse against minors in the Spanish penal system, and the question of whether religious freedom should yield to the well-being of children is raised. Other topics addressed include the administrative criminal procedure, the legal and pastoral responsibility of those involved, and restorative justice. Overall, the article seeks to contribute to the crisis that the Church is facing on this issue. [Extracted from the article]

This paper addresses the issue of LED short-circuit fault detection in signaling and lighting systems in the automotive industry. The conventional diagnostic method commonly implemented in newer vehicles relies on measuring the voltage drop across different LED branches and comparing it with threshold values indicating faults caused by open circuits or LED short circuits. With this algorithm, detecting cases of a few LEDs short-circuited within a branch, particularly a single malfunctioning LED, is particularly challenging. In this work, two easily implementable algorithms are proposed to address this issue within the vehicle's control unit. One is based on a mathematical prediction model, while the other utilizes a neural network. The results obtained offer a 100% LED short-circuit fault detection rate in the majority of analyzed cases, representing a significant improvement over the conventional method, even in scenarios involving a single malfunctioning LED within a branch. Additionally, the neural network-based model can accurately predict the number of failed LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to propose actions for the solution of failures in critical equipment of the Unit of Capsules and Suspensions of the Pharmaceutical Laboratory "8 de Marzo". Initially, the most critical assets were identified from the application of a technology for the hierarchy of systems and technological assets for biopharmaceutical companies. For this, techniques from the field of research were used such as bibliographic search, document review, technology for the priority order of systems and technological assets in biopharmaceutical companies; in addition to Pareto analysis and Cause-Effect Diagram; applying the latter to equipment failures. Brainstorming work sessions were organized with the workers of the laboratories, maintenance department and the group of experts, yielding as the main conclusion of 8 actions to solve the problems of failure of the most critical assets and consequently the reduction of stops for this concept and its corresponding improvement in the general availability of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every management system includes four steps: organization, planning, performing and control. Maintenance as a system is not excluded in these steps. On a previous work was explained the structure and in the present one is treated the management. Management in maintenance has to be considered as an integral concept of the total control of the quality and it includes all the life's cycle of the assets. The function maintenance is a need that is not denied but sometimes is evident the absence of an own and integral strategy on the management, and are not so well determined the processes that must to be included and the functions of the same ones to allow to decide the actions required and in turn to be able to measure and to control a continuous improvement of it. In this paper we offer the necessary elements to contribute to this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic signal (PS) is the propensity of closely related species to resemble each other. PS has been tested across clades of terrestrial plants; however, insight for seagrasses is still lacking. Signatures of PS and models of niche (trait) evolution can help to detect phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC), that is, close relatives live in comparable niches.The initial goal of this study was to assess the pattern of PS for the world's seagrasses, by testing the non‐independence of phylogenetic relatedness and seagrass species traits. A phylogeny of 49 seagrasses was constructed, together with a matrix of nine traits covering morphological, life‐history and reproductive attributes. PS of traits was tested through complementary indices (Pagel's λ, Blomberg's K, Moran's I and Abouheif's Cmean). Three models of niche evolution (Brownian Motion, BM; Ornstein–Uhlenbeck, OU; Early Burst, EB) were then fitted to each trait and the multivariate trait matrix.Results supported the existence of strong PS for seagrasses, with a particularly large effect size for seagrass reproductive traits, which followed an EB evolution model. Local Indicators of Phylogenetic Association (local autocorrelation metrics that can help to identify areas of large autocorrelation) supported the presence of PS across seagrass lineages/clades, supported by the dominance of OU as the most parsimonious trait evolution model.The pattern of strong PS seems to be a consequence of long‐term PNC of seagrass traits after initial radiation.Synthesis: Our study highlights the relevance of evolution from common ancestors and shared history underpinning large seagrass phylogenetic structuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider some results obtained for graphs using minimal vertex separators and generalized chordality and translate them to the context of Geometric group theory. Using these new tools, we are able to give two new characterizations for a group to be virtually free. Furthermore, we prove that the Baumslag–Solitar group BS (1 , n) is k -chordal for some k if and only if | n | < 3 and we give an application of generalized chordality to the study of the word problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articulated natural assemblages contain direct evidence of the element numbers, morphologies, positions and structures for reconstructing the feeding apparatuses of conodont animals, but these kind of materials are very rare in fossil records. Here we report ten new conodont natural assemblages from Member II of the Guanling Formation in Luoping County, eastern Yunnan Province, southwestern China. These assemblages were obtained from the fossil-bearing layers of the Luoping Biota, dated to the early Middle Triassic Anisian stage (Pelsonian substage). These fossiliferous laminated limestones mainly consist of calcites and dolomites, with platy clay minerals and pyrites as subordinate components, indicating that the conodont assemblages were preserved in a lower energy and anoxic sedimentary environment. The new natural assemblages preserve the primary collapse orientations of the Nicoraella feeding apparatus from the Luoping Biota, showing the relative original positions of the S, M and P elements, that could be further used to refine the architecture of this apparatus in space variable M elements and the position unclear P1 elements. Integrating previously reported three-dimensional and bilaterally symmetrical fused clusters, we statistically analyze the size of the positional homogenous elements within different sized materials, in particular S4, S3, or S2 elements, indicates that elements ontogenic changes do not affect the apparatus architecture. Architecture of Nicoraella apparatus remains stable in the process of ontogeny, so our reconstructed model is credible. It is the first time that ample types of materials have been used to restore a conodont apparatus within one genus, namely natural assemblages (articulated and disarticulated), fused clusters (articulated, disarticulated, compressed, and relatively three-dimensional), and abundant discrete elements, respectively. These materials together record the most complete information on architecture in the gondolelloid apparatuses, thus enabling us to reconstruct a reliable fifteen-element apparatus and propose it as a standard template for gondolelloid apparatus reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the quantum cosmology of supersymmetric, homogeneous and isotropic, higher derivative models. We recall superfield actions obtained in previous works and give classically equivalent actions leading to second order equations for the bosons, and first order for the fermions. Upon quantization, the algebra of fermions leads to a multi-component state, which is annihilated by the Hamiltonian and supersymmetric constraint operators. We obtain asymptotic wave functions of the oscillatory type, whose classical limit corresponds to inflationary evolution, and exact exponential wave functions. We use the latter to derive probability distributions of the initial curvature that are compatible with those obtained using the non-supersymmetric model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener) is not widely traded due to its short shelf life. Edible coatings can be used to extend the postharvest life of fruits. The objective of this study was to develop a candelilla wax-based coating (Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc) for the preservation of passion fruit. Three coating formulations (C1, C2, and C3) were made with pectin, glycerol, and candelilla wax and applied by immersion. Weight loss and changes in physical appearance were used to assess shelf life under two storage conditions: room temperature (32 °C/6 days) and refrigeration (6.6 °C/32 days). Uncoated fruit in both storage conditions served as controls. Furthermore, a physicochemical characterization of the coatings was performed. Coated fruit at room temperature showed an improvement in weight retention compared to controls, but no differences in physical appearance were observed. In fruits stored under refrigeration, only C2 had less weight loss compared to the control, while C3 maintained a better physical appearance. In terms of coating characterization, C3 presented the lowest moisture content and thickness. C1 obtained the highest density value, while C1 also had the highest water vapor permeability rate (TPVA) value. The application of the C2 coating was effective in preserving the fruit for a longer period of time, and this coating has the lowest TPVA value, which is related to the decrease in weight loss in the fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In virus–host interactions, nucleic acid‐directed first lines of defense that allow viral clearance without compromising growth are of paramount importance. Plants use the RNA interference pathway as a basal antiviral immune system, but additional RNA‐based mechanisms of defense also exist. The infectivity of a plant positive‐strand RNA virus, alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), relies on the demethylation of viral RNA by the recruitment of the cellular N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase ALKBH9B, but how demethylation of viral RNA promotes AMV infection remains unknown. Here, we show that inactivation of the Arabidopsis cytoplasmic YT521‐B homology domain (YTH)‐containing m6A‐binding proteins ECT2, ECT3, and ECT5 is sufficient to restore AMV infectivity in partially resistant alkbh9b mutants. We further show that the antiviral function of ECT2 is distinct from its previously demonstrated function in the promotion of primordial cell proliferation: an ect2 mutant carrying a small deletion in its intrinsically disordered region is partially compromised for antiviral defense but not for developmental functions. These results indicate that the m6A‐YTHDF axis constitutes a novel branch of basal antiviral immunity in plants. Synopsis: Plant YTHDF m6A‐binding proteins (ECTs) are required for basal antiviral defense, yet stimulate cellular proliferation. These opposite functions differ in their requirement for a tyrosine‐rich element in the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) that favours phase separation. ECTs are required for basal defense against alfalfa mosaic virus – a positive strand RNA virus containing m6A modifications.The m6A‐binding activity of ECTs is required for their antiviral function.ECT2 associates with viral RNA in vivo.The antiviral, but not the developmental, ECT2 function and its ability to phase‐separate are compromised upon deletion of a short tyrosine‐rich element (N5) in its IDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease is endemic in Latin-America and it is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The vectors are members of the subfamily Triatominae. In México, 31 species have been identified and for Nuevo León there are six species in 23 of the 51 municipalities of the state. Objective. The aim of the present study was to document the new records of triatomine species in the municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León. Materials and methods. Triatomine collection was carried out in a semi-urban area in the municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León. Two sampling points were established and were separated by 150 m. We used illuminated screen traps of 1.5 x 1.5 m, and illumination was provided by rechargeable lamps with white LEDs set from 18:00 to 07:00 hrs. Environmental variables such as air temperature, soil temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity were recorded in each sampling site using a thermo-anemometer. Caught specimens were preserved in 30 ml plastic containers fitted with filter paper on the bottom and a piece of folded paper placed vertically. The specimen of Paratriatoma lecticularia was maintained alive in the laboratory and was blood-fed on mice and later on, the faeces were examined for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Results. Two triatomine species were captured being these Paratriatoma lecticularia and Triatoma gerstaeckeri. P. lecticularia was found infected with T. cruzi-like parasites. Conclusions. Both triatomine species were new records for the municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo Leon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type II multiferroics possess the highest magnetoelectric coupling among single phase multiferroics due to the relation between the spin order and the ferroelectric polarization. However, these materials tend to exhibit magnetoelectric coupling at temperatures lower than room temperature which limits their applications. In recent years the Y-type hexaferrites have been studied due to the tunability of its magnetic structure which enables to stabilize its magnetoelectric phases up to room temperature. In the present work, the effects of Ni2+ doping in BaSrCo 2-x Ni x Fe 11 AlO 22, with x varying from 0 to 1.5, Δx = 0.5, are studied. Temperature scan of the magnetic properties and hysteresis loops confirm that Ni2+ concentration reduces magnetization and, stabilizes the spin driven ferroelectric phases. Magnetic behavior and magnetodielectric measurements allow identifying that the samples with x of 1.0 and 1.5 mol of Ni2+ exhibit room temperature spin driven electric polarization. In addition, XRD Rietveld refinement shows a reduction of the a/b and c cell parameters while the T-S boundary through the Fe8–O9 bond is stretched, which may be attributed to the stability of the spin driven ferroelectric phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The study objective is to investigate the ultrasound features that allow suspecting the presence of submucosal fat deposition, called the fat halo sign (FHS), in the intestinal wall of patients with Crohn’s disease. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) examinations over a period of 10 years were reviewed for the presence of the FHS in the bowel wall. A measurement of less than –10 Hounsfield units was regarded as indicative of fat. We included only patients who had undergone ultrasound examinations 3 months before or after CT. The study cohort group comprised 68 patients. Wall and submucosal thickness were measured on longitudinal ultrasound sections. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the best cutoff of ultrasound submucosal wall thickness value for predicting FHS in the bowel wall determined on CT. Results: The FHS was present in 22 patients (31%) on CT. There were significant differences between submucosal thickness of patients with FHS and patients without FHS (4.19 mm vs. 2.41 mm). From the receiver operating characteristic curve, a threshold value of 3.1 mm of submucosal thickness had the best sensitivity and specificity to suspect FHS (95.5% and 89.1%, respectively; area under the curve, 0.962), with an odds ratio of 172. All of 16 patients with a submucosal thickness > 3.9 mm had FHS. Conclusions: FHS in patients with Crohn’s disease can be suspected on ultrasound in cases with marked thickening of the submucosa layer. In these cases, the activity of the disease should be measured by other parameters such as the color Doppler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anal Incontinence (AI) is a prevalent disease, increases with aging, has high economic costs and a deep impact in the quality of life of the patients who suffer it. Surgical treatment is proposed in patients with no-response to medical therapy. Muscle repair techniques have been the main approach in AI, specially when there is a sphincteric damage. Overlapping sphincteroplasty is the most common technique and graciloplasty is used when there is a wide damage in sphinteric complex. Some other techniques such as postanal or total pelvic floor repair are not used any more because of their poor results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new concept of paper-based device has been developed combining the advantages of cellulose supports and the rich surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The composite, named as NH2-UiO-66@paper, has been developed for the isolation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in oral fluids, trying to mimic the interactions of those compounds with the human CB1R and CB2R receptors, mainly governed by hydrogen bonding and π-interactions with serine and histidine residues. MOF selection (UiO-66) and functionalization of the ligand (2-aminoterephthalic acid) has been done according to the following criteria: (i) water stability of the selected MOF, and (ii) promoting appropriate interactions with SCRAs due to the MOF nature. NH2-UiO-66@paper composite has been characterized in depth and the results confirmed that the material is stable at the temperature selected for thermal desorption (230 °C). Furthermore, the developed method provided appropriate precision values (RSD < 12%) and a limit of detection as low as 10 ng using ion mobility spectrometry as analytical technique. Lastly, the method has been successfully applied to the isolation of several synthetic cannabinoids from oral fluids. This method claims to be an interesting approach for expanding the combination of MOFs with sustainable support and represents a promising alternative to sophisticated and non-portable systems due to the negligible sample treatment required and the simplicity of the operation, which can be applied with screening purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web application security is essential to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of online communications. With the growth of cyber threats, advanced cryptography has become a crucial tool for strengthening security. This article discusses the development and implementation of security methods for web applications using advanced cryptographic techniques. The principles of cryptography, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption and hash functions, are explored, as well as their application to mitigate common threats such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). In addition, modern encryption and authentication techniques, such as TLS, MFA and digital signatures, are discussed with a focus on their effectiveness and implementation challenges. Case studies and results of the application of these techniques in real environments are presented, highlighting their impact on improving security and data protection in web applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to simulate the residual stresses and distortion of an electric arc welding with tungsten electrode and gas shielding of a hypoeutectoid steel, using the finite element method, the microstructural transformations and taking into account the effect of the filler material, an element little studied in the specialized literature that focuses more on autogenous welds. The modelling was divided into two stages: one thermal simulation and another structural simulation. The thermal-dependent properties of an ASTM A210 Gr. A1 steel and an ER - 70S6 wire were used. The spots were analyzed in the thickness of the plate and at different lengths of the weld center. The results obtained were similar to those reported in the literature. The maximum stresses were tensile. The most important values of total distortion were found at less than 20 mm from the weld center. Above this length, they are practically nil. A marked difference between longitudinal and transverse residual stresses was found in the molten zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asturias is one of the communities with the highest rates of hospital admission for asthma in Spain. The environmental pollution or people lifestyle are some of the factors that contribute to the appearance or aggravation of this illness. The aim of this study was to show the spatial distribution of asthma admissions risks in the central municipalities of Asturias and to analyze the observed spatial patterns. Methods: Urgent hospital admissions for asthma and status asthmaticus occurred between 2016 to 2018 on the public hospitals of the central area of Asturias were used. Population data were assigned in 5 age groups. Standardised admission ratio (SAR), smoothed relative risk (SRR) and posterior risk probability (PP) were calculated for each census tract (CT). A spatial trend analysis was run, a spatial autocorrelation index (Morans I) was calculated and a cluster and outlier analysis (Anselin Local Morans I) was finally performed in order to analyze spatial clusters. Results: The total number of hospital urgent asthma admissions during the study period was 2324, 1475 (63.46%) men and 849 (36.56%) women. The municipalities with the highest values of SRR and PP were located on the northwest area: Avilés, Gozón, Carreño, Corvera de Asturias, Castrillón and Illas. A high risk cluster was found for the municipalities of Avilés, Gozón y Corvera de Asturias. Conclusions: The spatial analysis showed high risk of hospitalization for asthma on the municipalities of the northwest area of the study, which highlight the existence of spatial inequalities on the distribution of urgent hospital admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance, that by definition, it is directed to "the realization of a group of operations and technical activities that assure the conservation, preservation and correction of AFT during a period of certain time against the deterioration that can cause the use and continuous exploitation as well as the noxious effects of the environment, and taken it to end at a reasonable cost and with the necessary security for people" With this article it is sought to base this unquestionable necessity and the importance of learning on the adequate use of this science; and the paper that the "Maintenance" and its impact have in the economic results of industrial enterprises. Maintenance, also gives answer to establishments of our days, such as the increment of the energy efficiency, the reduction of import of spare parts and the profitability of the companies, all of great importance for Cuban economy. Will be analyzed the insufficient use that industrial enterprises do of all the learning capacity that high education has. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microfluidic paper-based device (µPAD) has been combined with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for total phenolic compounds (TPC) quantification in fruit samples for the first time. The performance of the µPAD, based upon the vertical flow approach, was enhanced in order to determine the TPC content with high accuracy in fruit samples. The method was based on the traditional Folin-Ciocalteu Index using gallic acid or oenotannin as reference phenolic compounds. This novel design and construction of the device are in agreement with the principles of Green Chemistry avoiding wax technology (lower toxicity). The analytical parameters that affect the colorimetric method (using digital imaging of the colored zone) performance were optimized including design, sample volume, and MOF amount. Then, the analytical features of the developed method were investigated such as dynamic range (1.6–30 mg L−1), limit of detection (0.5 mg L−1), and precision (RSD < 9%). Besides, the in-field analysis is achievable with a color stability up to 6 h after the loading process of the sample and storage stability for at least 15 days without performance losses (under vacuum at − 20 °C). Furthermore, the MOF ZIF-8@paper was characterized to study its composition and the successful combination. The feasibility of the proposed method was demonstrated by determining the TPC in 5 fruit samples using oenotannin as reference solute. The accuracy was validated by comparison of the data with the results obtained with the recommended protocol proposed by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion is defined as the degradation of materials as a consequence of electrochemical attack. In general, it could be understood as the general tendency of materials to search for its most stable form or the one with the least internal energy. The velocity of corrosion will depend on temperature, on the characteristics of the fluid in contact with and on the properties of the material. Nonmetallic materials also suffer corrosion by different mechanisms. In the present work, corrosion processes in metals, ceramic materials and polymers are characterized. Different types of corrosion, based in modern form of its classification, are explained and, in each case, the main ways of occurrence are updated. The acting forms for prevention are also explained, including information on cathode prevention. Finally, the economic and social consequences due to corrosion are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Business Strategy conceptualizes the necessary means and procedures for the application of common sense in all those things that are obvious and carry them out with cunning and skill, in such a way that it makes the company in question profitable, over time, without it being easy for its competitors to imitate it or for contingencies to prevent it. The "Strategic Management" of the company will be that process in which all the functions or rather all the processes that make up the company participate in a coordinated manner, aimed at achieving and maintaining sustainable efficiency. Of all the functions or rather "processes" that coexist in the business system, the operation and maintenance processes are undoubtedly the core ones since they are the ones that have the greatest incidence in terms of the aspects that are decisive in the competitiveness of the company. This article addresses the issue of Maintenance Strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of conversion to open surgery is inevitably present during any minimally invasive colorectal surgical procedure. Conversions have been associated with adverse postoperative and oncologic outcomes. No previous study has evaluated the specific causes and consequences of conversion during a minimally invasive right colectomy (MIS-RC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed the Minimally invasivE surgery for oncologic Right ColectomY (MERCY) study database including patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic RC because of colon cancer between 2014 and 2020. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine the different reasons for conversion. Uni- and multivariate logistic regressions were run to identify potential variables associated with this outcome. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of conversion on tumor recurrence. Results: Over a total of 1574 MIS-RC, 120 (7.6%) were converted to open surgery. The main reasons for conversion were procedural difficulties related to adherences from previous abdominal surgical procedures (39.2%), or owing to large tumor size or infiltration of adjacent structures (26.7%). Only 16.7% of the conversions were caused by intraoperative medical or surgical complications. Converted patients required longer operative times and developed more postoperative complications, both overall (39.2% versus 27.5%; P = .006) and severe ones (13.3% versus 8.3%; P = .061). Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89 [95% confidence interval: 1.31–2.71]), obesity (OR = 1.99 [1.4–2.83]), prior abdominal surgery (OR = 1.68 [1.19–2.37]), and pT4 cancers (OR = 4.04 [2.86–5.69]) were independently associated with conversion. Conversion to open surgery was not significantly associated with tumor recurrence (hazard ratios = 1.395 [0.724–2.687]). Conclusions: Although conversion to open surgery during MIS-RC for cancer is associated with worsened postoperative outcomes, it seems not to impact on the oncologic prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebotominae sand flies are the main vectors of several species of Leishmania parasites that are the etiological agents of leishmaniasis. The disease is endemic to southeastern Mexico, and many studies focused on the area. Cases of leishmaniasis also occur in other Mexican states such as Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in the northeastern region bordering the United States of America (USA). Cutaneous leishmaniasis was reported intermittently in the State of Nuevo León through the years. Few records of sand fly species exist for the State of Nuevo León, and many municipalities have not been sampled despite potential importance of the disease at certain localities. The main objective of the work was to trap sand flies at the Municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León where urbanization occurred rapidly in recent years. A semi-urban location was selected to catch sand fly species using CDC light traps from 6 August through 26 September 2020. In total, 137 specimens in four genera and five species were collected during nine sampling events. Lutzomyia diabolica (Hall, 1936) was dominant at 90.5% of the total collected. Abundance of sand fly species peaked at Sampling Event 5 (34.3%) and differed significantly between sampling events and trap locations at six sites. Using Taylor´s power law, spatial distribution of sand flies was aggregated at the study site. Environmental variables such as air temperature, soil temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and wind speed were not significantly related to abundance of sand flies. The five sand fly species in the study -- Dampfomyia anthophora (Addis, 1945), Micropygomyia apache (Young and Perkins, 1984), Micropygomyia californica (Fairchild and Hertig, 1957), Psathyromyia texana (Dampf, 1938), and Lutzomyia diabolica were new records for the Municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León. Although the taxonomic status of M. californica is debatable, the species was recorded for the first time in México. The five species can be added to previous records, for a total of 10 species in the State of Nuevo León. Brief discussion of medical importance of each sand fly species to transmit Leishmania spp. is provided for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Background: many genes have been involved in the development of obesity. Interleukin 32 (IL-32) is a proinflammatory cytokine; rs45499297 is a T/C promoter, single-nucleotide polymorphism of the IL32 gene. Objectives: this study aimed to evaluate the rs45499297 polymorphism and its association with obesity. Another objective of this study was to carry out an in silico analysis. Methods: this study was cross-sectional, and included 333 subjects classified by body mass index and fat percentage. The plasma glucose and lipid profile were measured. We measured serum IL-32 protein by ELISA and the rs45499297 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. We used several databases to build the IL32 gene network and infer transcription factors that bind to this polymorphic site. Results: subjects underweight and with low fat percentages had lower levels of IL-32. CT genotype and allele C were less frequent in the overweight/obesity group than in the normal-weight group. Interestingly, this result remained only in the male gender. We found that the transcription factors Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor and Specificity Protein 1 bind to this polymorphic site. In addition, we infer that IL32 is involved in metabolic pathways related to viral infections. Conclusion: the TC genotype is associated with overweight/obesity. The decrease in levels of IL-32 observed in underweight and low fat percentage groups could be due to an impaired inflammatory profile. The in silico analysis showed that several transcriptional factors bind at this polymorphic site, and that the enrichment of the metabolic pathways is diverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteostraci and Galeaspida are stem-gnathostomes, occupying a key phylogenetic position for resolving the nature of the jawless ancestor from which jawed vertebrates evolved more than 400 million years ago. Both groups are characterized by the presence of rigid headshields that share a number of common morphological traits, in some cases hindering the resolution of their interrelationships and the exact nature of their affinities with jawed vertebrates. Here, we explore the morphological and functional diversity of osteostracan and galeaspid headshields using geometric morphometrics and computational fluid dynamics to constrain the factors that promoted the evolution of their similar morphologies and informing on the ecological scenario under which jawed vertebrates emerged. Phylomorphospace, Mantel analysis and Stayton metrics demonstrate a high degree of homoplasy. Computational fluid dynamics reveals similar hydrodynamic performance among morphologically convergent species, indicating the independent acquisition of the same morphofunctional traits and, potentially, equivalent lifestyles. These results confirm that a number of the characters typically used to infer the evolutionary relationships among galeaspids, osteostracans and jawed vertebrates are convergent in nature, potentially obscuring understanding of the assembly of the gnathostome bodyplan. Ultimately, our results reveal that while the jawless relatives of the earliest jawed vertebrates were ecologically diverse, widespread convergence on the same hydrodynamic adaptations suggests they had reached the limits of their potential ecological diversity—overcome by jawed vertebrates and their later innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y-type hexaferrites possess multiple magnetic phases that are temperature and magnetic-field dependent. Some of these phases are ferrimagnetic and also exhibit room temperature spin-driven ferroelectricity that corresponds to a type-II magnetoelectric. The temperature stability and the magnetic activation field of the multiferroic phases of Y-type hexaferrite can be tuned by substituting Co2+ sites with transition metal ions, such as Ni2+. The present work describes a simple method for obtaining Y-type hexaferrites using high-energy ball milling with heat treatment at relative low temperatures, compared with other methods, and evaluates the effect of nickel as dopant in Ba 0.6 Sr 1.4 Co 2-x Ni x Fe 11 AlO 22 , with x varying from 0 to 2.0 (Δ x = 0.5), on the magnetic, dielectric, and magnetodielectric properties. The results show successful synthesis of pure hexagonal Y-type hexaferrite (R-3 m) by an easy and economical method. In addition, it is observed that nickel doping produces a diminution in the specific magnetization, a change in the magnetic thresholds of the magnetic phases, and an increase in space charge polarization. In addition, the magnetodielectric measurements also show different positive magnetocapacitance behaviors linked to the effect of doping on the magnetic and electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his works, Charles Taylor delves into his master narrative of Modernity as an alternative to the story of subtraction that became the dominant narrative. The study presented here only intends to delve into one of the causes that led to secularization; that is, the progressive disenchantment of the world. In his main works, the Canadian hermeneutic considers what other reasons led to alternative moral sources to theism and allowed the arrival of the coated self and exclusive humanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this publication, a work by the prominent German Mayanist Heinrich Berlin that had not been fully visible since its first and only publication in Spanish in 1944 is made available to the interested public. It is a study of place names in the Tzeltal language. Berlin's article is preceded by an introduction by the authors about the importance of this work in toponymic studies in Chiapas, an area little attended by academics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings consume probiotics and prebiotics because of the health benefits they provide. Lactobacillus gasseri is a probiotic microorganism native to humans which produces glycolytic enzymes directed at the hydrolysis of soluble fibers as prebiotic fructans. In this work, levansucrase (LevG) and inulosucrase (InuGB) from L. gasseri were used to predict the ability of L. gasseri to interact with linear and branched fructans prebiotics (inulin and agavins). AlphaFold and SWISS-MODEL were the servers used for tertiary structure prediction of LevG and InuGB, and fructans with different degrees of polymerization (DP2, DP4 DP6, DP8, DP12 and DP20) were used to generate ligandenzyme molecular dockings by AutodockVina, GlycoTorchVina, and Autodock FR software. The best affinity energies obtained by molecular docking were obtained with agavin and inulin with a DP of 6 and 8 units. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine and arginin are the main amino acids involved in the interaction with these substrates. At the same time, the binding pocket shows hydrophilic characteristics; GlycoTorchVina was the best software for protein-ligand docking. These results demonstrate the ability of L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, engineering surface application is introduced as a new concept. The basis of this concept is the understanding that different surface technologies are applied to design of existing engineering components but, it is necessary to know that surface engineering would cover only part of the design of the component, the surface treatment to be applied should also be known. This is because, surfaces with a high index of hardening due to deformation, are resistant to severe adhesive wear, abrasion and pickling, but they should not have the same resistance to other types of wear. It means that a correlation must be established between the surface quality and the pickling resistance. In this article, it is shown that the use of high compatibility metallic materials is preferred and that a correlation can be established between the surface quality and the pickling resistance by a simple number. The selection of materials and the methods of obtaining the engineering surfaces for tribological applications, depends to a large extent on the mechanism and particular type of predominant wear. Therefore, the selection of materials resistant to wear will be analyzed depending on the type of wear in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planning of the maintenance process for physical assets has a great connotation due to the need to increase the use of installed productive capacities. The objective of this research was to analyze the calculation of the time fund and its relationship with the maintenance coefficient, as elements to be defined from the planning of the maintenance process to the assets, which contributes to the improvement of the effective capacity and continuity of operations of the means of work. The result provided a proposal for the practical application of the value of the maintenance coefficient, which was incorporated into the calculation of the process capabilities. The results were obtained from the application of techniques and tools proposed for the collection and processing of primary data such as: direct observation, interview, document analysis and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brazil is among the countries in South America where the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the general population hardest. Self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection is one of the community-based strategies that could help asymptomatic individuals at-risk of COVID-19, as well as those living in areas that are difficult for health personnel to reach, to know their infectious status and contribute to impeding further transmission of the virus.Methods: A population-based survey was conducted in November 2021, to assess the acceptability of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-testing among the population of São Paulo. Survey respondents were approached at more than 400 different street-points that were randomly selected using a five-stage randomization process. A 35-item structured questionnaire was used. Dependent variables for our analyses were the likelihood to use and willingness to pay for self-testing, and the likelihood of taking preventive measures to prevent onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 following a reactive self-test result. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.Results: Overall, 417 respondents (44.12% female) participated; 19.66% had previously had COVID-19 disease. A minority (9.59%) felt at high-risk of COVID-19. The majority of both females and males (73.91% and 60.09%, respectively) were in favor of the idea of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. Overall, if self-tests were available, almost half of the sample would be very likely (n = 54, 12.95%) or likely (n = 151, 36.21%) to use one if they felt they needed to. Upon receiving a positive self-test result, the majority of respondents would communicate it (88.49%), request facility-based post-test counseling (98.32%), self-isolate (97.60%), and warn their close contacts (96.64%).Conclusion: Rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-testing could be an acceptable screening tool in São Paulo. The population would be empowered by having access to a technology that would allow them to test, even if asymptomatic, when traveling, or going to work or school. If there is a surge in the incidence of cases, self-testing could be a good approach for mass case detection by Brazil's already overstretched Unified Health System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifriction alloys known by the generic name of Babbitt and composed of tin as the base metal. In Cuba, this material is currently imported from Russia, so the main objective of this work is to characterise the Cuban-produced Babbitt AVEF1 obtained by centrifugal casting. First of all, a device was built to obtain a babbitt piece by the aforementioned casting process. Then, the specimens were prepared according to the established standards. The microstructure, hardness and compressive strength are studied and compared with the same properties of the Russian babbitt B-83. The microstructure of both materials is found to be similar. Differences in hardness and compressive strength were observed. Therefore, it is concluded that Babbitt B-83 has better properties. The present work represents an advance in the reconditioning process of babbitt sliding bearings in the Cuban industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on examining the importance of affectivity and humour as part of Learning by Observing and Pitching In to family and community endeavours (LOPI). Specifically, it highlights the role of laughter in the form of a spontaneous expression of a certain type of humour. This laughter is the central element for coexistence during socialization focused on attention and body management, occurring while learners and experts in a Tzotzil village in Chiapas, Mexico, are jointly engaged in various activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported the presence of m6A in the AMV (Alfamovirus, Bromoviridae) genome. Interestingly, two of these putative m6A-sites are in hairpin (hp) structures in the 3'UTR of the viral RNA3. One site (2012AAACU2016) is in the loop of hpB, within the coat protein binding site 1 (CPB1), while the other (1900UGACC1904) is in the lower stem of hpE, a loop previously associated with AMV negative-strand RNA synthesis. In this work, we have performed in vivo experiments to assess the role of these two regions, containing the putative m6A-sites in the AMV cycle, by introducing compensatory point mutations to interfere with or abolish the m6A-tag of these sites. Our results suggest that the loop of hpB could be involved in viral replication/accumulation. Meanwhile, in the 1900UGACC1904 motif of the hpE, the maintenance of the adenosine residue and the lower stem hpE structure are necessary for in vivo plus-strand accumulation. These results extend our understanding of the requirements for hpE in the AMV infection cycle, indicating that both the residue identity and the base-pairing capacity in this structure are essential for viral accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the effective evolution of a phenomenological model from FLRW supersymmetric quantum cosmology with a scalar field. The scalar field acts as a clock and inflaton. We examine a family of simple superpotentials that produce an inflation whose virtual effect on inhomogeneous fluctuations shows very good agreement with PLANCK observational evidence for the tensor-to-scalar ratio and the scalar spectral index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic modifications could drive some of the molecular events implicated in proliferation, drug resistance and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thus, epigenetic enzyme inhibitors could be the key to revert those events and transform PDAC into a drug-sensitive tumor. We performed a systematic study with five different epigenetic enzyme inhibitors (1, UVI5008, MS275, psammaplin A, and BIX01294) targeting either Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) 1 or 1/4, DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a), Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), or Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), as well as one drug that restores the p53 function (P53R3), in three different human PDAC cell lines (SKPC-1, MIA PaCa-2, and BxPC-3) using 2D and 3D cell cultures. The synergistic effect of these antitumoral drugs with gemcitabine was tested and the most efficient combinations were characterized by RNA-seq. The inhibition of HDAC1/4 (MS275), HDAC1/4/SIRT1/DNMT3a (UVI5008) or EHMT2 (BIX01294) induced a significant reduction on the cell viability, even in gemcitabine-resistance cells. The combination of UVI5008 or MS275 with gemcitabine induced a synergistic effect at low concentration and the RNA-Seq analysis revealed some synergy candidate genes as potential biomarkers. Reverting aberrant epigenetic modifications in combination with gemcitabine offers an alternative treatment for PDAC patients, with an important reduction of the therapeutic dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]