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Sezen Karakus,1 James Foster,1 Xi Dai,1,2 Anthony Gonzales,1 Xi Zhu,1,3 Charles Eberhart,1 William Hsu1,4 1Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 3Department of Biology, Public Health Studies, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; 4Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Sezen KarakusWilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Maumenee 741, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USATel +1 410 955 0128Fax +1 410 614 1670Email skarakus@jhmi.eduPurpose: To investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-associated conjunctivitis among patients presenting with conjunctivitis to ophthalmology clinics in the absence of respiratory symptoms suggesting COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic.Patients and Methods: This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study enrolled patients aged 18 years and older who presented with acute conjunctivitis between May 2020 and May 2021. After reviewing demographics, ocular and systemic symptoms, a slit lamp examination was performed. Five samples were collected (conjunctival swab from each eye, nasal swab from each nostril, and a nasopharyngeal swab) in separate tubes for a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2. Patients were called at 1 and 2 weeks to follow up on their ocular and systemic symptoms and collect information about conjunctival adenovirus test results and COVID-19 test results if performed outside of the study.Results: A total of 36 patients were enrolled. The most common ocular symptom was redness (35/36, 97%), and 14 patients (39%) had symptoms in both eyes at the time of the presentation. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in any samples collected during the study visit (95% confidence interval [CI] from 0 to 0.08). None of the study participants were diagnosed with COVID-19 following conjunctivitis during the 2-week follow-up period. We found that 25 patients had a conjunctival adenovirus test done on the day of their study visit, 9 of which reported positive results.Conclusion: Our data suggest that it may not be valuable to obtain routine testing of SARS-CoV-2 in patients presenting with conjunctivitis in the absence of COVID-19.Keywords: adenovirus, conjunctivitis, coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2

Yiwen Fan1, Alexander C Pauer1, Arthur A Gonzales1, Hicham Fenniri1–3 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; 2Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; 3Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USACorrespondence: Hicham FenniriDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USATel +1 617 373 7690Fax +1 617 373 2209Email h.fenniri@northeastern.eduPurpose: This work presents the preparation of a nanocomposite of ampicillin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and self-assembled rosette nanotubes (RNTs), and evaluates its antibacterial properties against two strains of drug-resistant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus], methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]).Materials and methods: Small, nearly monodisperse AuNPs (1.43±0.5 nm in diameter) nucleated on the surface of polyethylene glycol-functionalized RNTs in a one-pot reaction. Upon conjugation with ampicillin, their diameter increased to 1.86±0.32 nm. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite against S. aureus and MRSA was tested using different concentrations of ampicillin. The cytocompatibility of the nanocomposite was also tested against human dermal fibroblasts.Results: Based on bacterial inhibition studies, the nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced antibiotic activity against both bacterial strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the nanocomposite against S. aureus was found to be 0.58 μg/mL, which was 18% lower than ampicillin alone. The nanocomposite also exhibited a 20 hrs MIC of 4 μg/mL against MRSA, approximately 10–20 times lower than previously reported values for ampicillin alone. In addition, at concentrations of 4 μg/mL of ampicillin (70 μg/mL of AuNPs), the nanocomposite showed negligible cytotoxic effects.Conclusion: Our findings offer a new approach for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria by potentiating inhibitory effects of existing antibiotics, and delivering them using a non-toxic formulation.Keywords: ampicillin, rosette nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus

Abstract We describe the geographical variation in tree species composition across Amazonian forests and show how environmental conditions are associated with species turnover. Our analyses are based on 2023 forest inventory plots (1 ha) that provide abundance data for a total of 5188 tree species. Within-plot species composition reflected both local environmental conditions (especially soil nutrients and hydrology) and geographical regions. A broader-scale view of species turnover was obtained by interpolating the relative tree species abundances over Amazonia into 47,441 0.1-degree grid cells. Two main dimensions of spatial change in tree species composition were identified. The first was a gradient between western Amazonia at the Andean forelands (with young geology and relatively nutrient-rich soils) and central–eastern Amazonia associated with the Guiana and Brazilian Shields (with more ancient geology and poor soils). The second gradient was between the wet forests of the northwest and the drier forests in southern Amazonia. Isolines linking cells of similar composition crossed major Amazonian rivers, suggesting that tree species distributions are not limited by rivers. Even though some areas of relatively sharp species turnover were identified, mostly the tree species composition changed gradually over large extents, which does not support delimiting clear discrete biogeographic regions within Amazonia.

We describe a new species in the Rhyacophila tristis group, Rhyacophila lignumvallis Graf & Rázuri-Gonzales, sp. nov., from the island of Corsica (France) based on a single male specimen. In addition to the morphological differences between the new species and the most similar species in the group, we also provide a phylogenetic tree based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI), including sequences from 16 out of the 28 currently recognized species in the group. These data, together with conspecific larval sequences, support the status of the new species and shed light on an additional potential new species near Rhyacophila pubescens. Using a low-cost next-generation sequencing approach, we generated the mito- and draft nuclear genome assembly of the holotype of R. lignumvallis sp. nov. as well as that of R. tsurakiana. This genetic data represents an important additional characterization to the description of morphological features and is valuable for future investigations, such as population or phylogenomic studies.

Introduction: Durkheim's focus is the moral crisis. He believed that the main crisis of societies in the transition period is the moral crisis. According to Durkheim, the problem of societies is "consensus" and the loss of "moral authority". In his works, Durkheim has tried to analyze such a crisis, identify its causes and factors, and make a way forward for these societies. Therefore, the present research has examined Durkheim's view on moral anomie. Material and Methods: The present study is a review. The researcher has examined the works of Emile Durkheim as well as articles related to the keywords of the present study that were published in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Springer, Emerald and SAGE Journals from 2000 to 2023. Conclusion: From Durkheim's point of view, religion and tradition were the origin and basis of social cohesion and moral order in the past. But due to the variety of knowledge sources, development of scientific ideas, division of labor, social differentiation, rationalism and individualism, the religious foundations of such moral beliefs have become weak and shaky and cannot fulfill their cohesive and disciplinary role. For this reason, he is trying to establish a new ethics inspired by scientific knowledge. This new ethics is rooted in sociology and humanitarian and altruistic ideas. Durkheim believes that the only way to overcome the moral crisis in society is to develop civil ethics. Voluntary membership of people in social groups and professional and civil associations causes commitment and adherence to ethical rules.

Abstract Oncolytic viruses (OV) are designed to selectively infect and kill cancer cells, while simultaneously eliciting antitumour immunity. The mechanism is expected to originate from infected cancer cells. However, recent reports of tumour regression unaccompanied by cancer cell infection suggest a more complex mechanism of action. Here, we engineered vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)ΔM51-sensitive and VSVΔM51-resistant tumour lines to elucidate the role of OV-infected cancer and non-cancer cells. We found that, while cancer cell infections elicit oncolysis and antitumour immunity as expected, infection of non-cancer cells alone can also contribute to tumour regression. This effect is partly attributed to the systemic production of cytokines that promote dendritic cell (DC) activation, migration and antigen cross-presentation, leading to magnified antitumour CD8+ T cell activation and tumour regression. Such OV-induced antitumour immunity is complementary to PD-1 blockade. Overall, our results reveal mechanistic insights into OV-induced antitumour immunity that can be leveraged to improve OV-based therapeutics.

Abstract The self-healing of concrete through the use of bacteria is an ecological, sustainable, and environmentally friendly method that can replace time-consuming and costly repairs. The aim of this research was to isolate and select spore-forming bacilli with potential for concrete self-healing. Soil samples from the limestone mines of Simbal, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru were used. These samples were processed to primarily isolate spore-forming bacteria. The self-healing potential of these bacteria was evaluated through their ability to produce the urease enzyme, grow at an alkaline pH, and produce calcium carbonate crystals in a culture medium with urea and CaCl2 at pH 8.0. The produced crystals were visualized with scanning electron microscopy and their calcium content was confirmed through EDS analysis. The isolated bacteria were identified by 16 S rRNA gene amplification by PCR as Bacillus sp and Streptomyces sp. It was observed that Bacillus sp. produces CaCO3 crystals with vaterite morphology, while Streptomyces sp. produces rhombohedral calcite crystals. It is concluded that the isolated bacteria have the potential to be used in concrete self-healing processes.

Abstract Background Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs are essential to prevent and control the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare facilities (HCFs). The current implementation of these programs in Latin America remains largely unknown. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of IPC program implementation in HCFs from Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, and Argentina, March-July 2022. We used the World Health Organization (WHO) IPC Assessment Framework (IPCAF) survey, a previously validated structured questionnaire with an associated scoring system that evaluates the eight core components of IPC (IPC program; IPC guidelines; IPC education and training; healthcare-associated infection [HAI] surveillance; multimodal strategies; monitoring and audit of IPC practices and feedback; workload, staffing, and bed occupancy; and the built environment and materials and equipment for IPC). Each section generates a score 0–100. According to the final score, the HCF IPC program implementation is categorized into four levels: inadequate (0–200), basic (201–400), intermediate (401–600), or advanced (601–800). Additionally, we conducted semi-structured interviews among IPC personnel and microbiologists using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model to evaluate barriers and facilitators for IPC program implementation. We performed directed content analysis of interview transcripts to identify themes that focused on barriers and facilitators of IPC program implementation which are summarized descriptively. Results Thirty-seven HCFs (15 for-profit and 22 non-profit) completed the IPCAF survey. The overall median score was 614 (IQR 569, 693) which corresponded to an “advanced” level of IPC implementation (32% [7/22] non-profit vs. 93% [14/15] for-profit HCFs in this category). The lowest scores were in workload, staffing and bed occupancy followed by IPC training and multimodal strategies. Forty individuals from 16 HCFs were interviewed. They perceived inadequate staffing and technical resources, limited leadership support, and cultural determinants as major barriers to effective IPC guideline implementation, while external accreditation and technical support from public health authorities were perceived as facilitators. Conclusions Efforts to strengthen IPC activities in Latin American HCFs should focus on improving support from hospital leadership and public health authorities to ensure better resource allocation, promoting safety culture, and improving training in quality improvement.

The Amazon region is undergoing a dynamic and extensive transformation from forested areas to human-altered landscapes, significantly impacting forests and indigenous territories. This research aims to create future land use and land cover (LULC) scenarios by examining past trends (2014–2022) and predicting future patterns for 2030, focusing on the Kakataibo territory in central Peru. Using the Dinamica EGO modelling platform, we projected LULC changes based on historical data and various predictive factors. Our findings reveal notable forest loss between 2014 and 2022, with this trend likely continuing through 2030. Within indigenous territories, deforestation was less severe, with a reduction of 30,247.4 hectares compared to the more significant loss in non-indigenous areas. This underscores the vital role these territories play in mitigating forest loss. However, the rapid expansion of agriculture and infrastructure within these regions signals an urgent need for stronger legal protections to halt further deforestation. This study highlights the critical importance of indigenous territories in forest conservation and offers valuable insights for future land management and conservation strategies in the Amazon.

Durante el proceso de coagulación dentro de una planta de tratamiento de agua potable (PTAP), para disminuir la turbiedad se usan polímeros sintéticos y orgánicos. La Moringa oleifera (MO), como coagulante natural, requiere usar una concentración y dosis óptima, a fin de reducir la mayor cantidad de turbiedad y evitar materia orgánica residual que requiera un tratamiento adicional. Es por ello que la investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la eficiencia del uso de la MO, para la clarificación del agua de la quebrada Taczanapampa de la ciudad de Huancavelica, Perú. Se utilizaron las partículas molidas de las semillas de la mencionada planta, evaluando diferentes dosis y concentraciones para encontrar la óptima en la remoción de la turbidez en el agua, procedimiento que se realizó con la prueba de jarras del laboratorio. Los modelos de regresión validaron el comportamiento de la MO en ecuaciones. El primer modelo determinó la dosis óptima y el segundo modelo la concentración óptima en las condiciones de la investigación. Los resultados de la dosis óptima se obtuvieron en dos rangos: con turbiedades menores a 50 unidad nefelométrica de turbidez (UNT) de 10 a 50 mg/l, también entre 50 y 150 UNT de 30 a 100 mg/l; y la concentración óptima para turbiedades menores a 150 UNT se encuentran en un rango de 2 a 3 %. Los resultados se consideran favorables para su uso y amigables con el ambiente.

The second pillar of the European Union’s (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims at supporting rural areas by meeting the economic, environmental and social challenges. To deal with these challenges, countries are faced with the question of selecting the best tools among a large set of policy instruments. The problem of choosing the best policy instruments is aggravated by the very heterogeneous character of the societal demands that differ among member countries with very different economic and institutional structures. This study aims to introduce the agent-based modelling platforms that have been widely used in the impact analysis of recent rural development policies in the EU in a comparative manner. It also aims to explain how the above-mentioned sources of heterogeneity are handled in these models. To achieve the stated objectives, the study first examines the historical development of rural development policies within the EU. Subsequently, it proceeds to analyse several agent-based platforms that have been employed for the purpose of assessing the impact of agricultural policies with respect to certain features such as integration of land market, modelling unit, decision rule, rules of exit, labour market and price formation. To conclude, it is observed that as the rural development policies are formulated on farm-basis and as farms have a heterogeneous structure within themselves, in addition, the expansion of databases and the development of empirical analysis tools and technologies have led to a shift in empirical analyses towards agent-based models. However, these modelling platforms still embody various problems, especially in terms of database adjustments and parameterization and calibration of the model.

A adesão às Boas Práticas Higiênicas no varejo é imprescindível para a oferta de alimentos seguros. Objetivou-se avaliar a adesão às boas práticas higiênicas em supermercados antes e após ações educativas para gerentes e manipuladores de alimentos. Para isso, compararam-se dados de 18 supermercados por meio de uma lista de checagem de Boas Práticas Higiênicas, antes e após a realização de oficinas de capacitação. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento na adesão às Boas Práticas Higiênicas após as oficinas educativas e ressaltaram a importância da educação em saúde na mudança de ações, contribuindo para a oferta de alimentos seguros.

Abstract Background Maladaptive eating behaviors are becoming increasingly prevalent among adolescents, and their relationship to exposure to media messages has been extensively examined. However, more specifically, the influence of social networks on emotional eating (EmE) has received relatively less attention in the Peruvian context. Objective To determine the association between social network addiction (SNA) and EmE among Peruvian adolescents, considering sex differences. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 878 adolescents were considered. The Social Network Addiction Questionnaire and the Emotional Eating Questionnaire were administered. Similarly, sociodemographic data were collected. To explore the association between SNA and EmE, we performed Poisson regression analyses with robust variance. We considered a p-value of equal to or less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results Adolescents with an EmE score greater than 5 had significantly higher SNA scores, averaging 24.7 (± 12.3), compared to 15.5 (± 10.3) in those with an EmE score between 0 and 5 (p

Abstract Despite advances in gut health research, the variability of important gut markers within individuals over time remains underexplored. We investigated the intra-individual variation of various faecal gut health markers using an optimised processing protocol aimed at reducing variability. Faecal samples from ten healthy adults over three consecutive days demonstrated marker-specific intra-individual coefficients of variation (CV%), namely: stool consistency (16.5%), water content (5.7%), pH (3.9%), total SCFAs (17.2%), total BCFAs (27.4%), total bacteria and fungi copies (40.6% and 66.7%), calprotectin and myeloperoxidase (63.8% and 106.5%), and untargeted metabolites (on average 40%). For thirteen microbiota genera, including Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia, variability exceeded 30%, whereas microbiota diversity was less variable (Phylogenetic Diversity 3.3%, Inverse Simpson 17.2%). Mill-homogenisation of frozen faeces significantly reduced the replicates CV% for total SCFAs (20.4–7.5%) and total BCFAs (15.9–7.8%), and untargeted metabolites compared to faecal hammering only, without altering mean concentrations. Our results show the potential need for repeated sampling to accurately represent specific gut health markers. We also demonstrated the effectiveness of optimised preprocessing of human stool samples in reducing overall analytical variability.

Abstract The ubiquitin E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN) is the target of therapeutic drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide and is recruited by most targeted protein degraders (PROTACs and molecular glues) in clinical development. Biophysical and structural investigation of CRBN has been limited by current constructs that either require co-expression with the adaptor DDB1 or inadequately represent full-length protein, with high-resolution structures of degrader ternary complexes remaining rare. We present the design of CRBNmidi, a construct that readily expresses from E. coli with high yields as soluble, stable protein without DDB1. We benchmark CRBNmidi for wild-type functionality through a suite of biophysical techniques and solve high-resolution co-crystal structures of its binary and ternary complexes with degraders. We qualify CRBNmidi as an enabling tool to accelerate structure-based discovery of the next generation of CRBN based therapeutics.

Abstract Background Before SARS-CoV-2 vaccination availability, medical center employees were at high risk of COVID-19. However, risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in medical center employees, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers, are poorly understood. Methods From September-December 2020, free IgG antibody testing was offered to all employees at a large urban medical center. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on work and non-work related risk factors for COVID-19 infection. Results SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was found in 4.7%. Seropositivity was associated with close contact with COVID-19 cases with or without the use of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.4–6.9] and OR 4.7 [95% CI 2.0–11.0] respectively), never wearing a mask outside of work (OR 10.1 [95% CI 1.9–57]), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race (OR 6.3 95% CI (1.6–25)]. Conclusions Among workers in a large urban medical center, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was associated with work-related COVID-19 close contacts and low mask use outside of work, suggesting that non-workplace close contacts are also relevant routes of COVID-19 spread among healthcare workers.

Lillian I Dolapchiev,1,* Kristyn A Gonzales,1,* Lorenzo R Cruz Graham,1 Mihai Gagea,2 Heather L Stevenson,3 Suet-Ying Kwan,1 Laura Beretta1 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; 2Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA; 3Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Laura Beretta, Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA, Tel +1 713 792 9100, Email lberetta@mdanderson.orgPurpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is often diagnosed at a late stage, and its incidence is increasing. Predictive biomarkers are therefore needed to identify individuals at high risk of HCC. We aimed to characterize the gut microbiome and hepatic transcriptome associated with HCC development in female mice with hepatocyte-deletion of Pten (HepPten−). These mice present with large variations in HCC development, making them a powerful model for biomarker discovery.Methods & Results: Sequencing of stool 16S and hepatic RNA was performed on a first set of mice. Among all liver histology parameters measured, the strongest association with microbiome composition changes was with the number of tumors detected at necropsy, followed by inflammation. The gut microbiome of mice with more than 2 tumors was enriched with Lachnospiraceae UCG and depleted of Palleniella intestinalis and Odoribacter. In contrast, hepatic transcriptomic changes were most strongly associated with tumor burden, followed by liver fibrosis. The 840 differentially expressed genes correlating with tumor burden were enriched in leukocyte extravasation and interleukin 10 receptor A (IL10RA) pathways. In addition, the abundance of Spp1-high epithelial cells is correlated with tumor burden. Association between tumor number and depletion of Palleniella intestinalis, and between tumor burden and circulating levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) and stem cell factor (SCF), was further validated in an independent set of mice.Conclusion: We identified microbiome components contributing to liver carcinogenesis by inducing inflammation, and changes in hepatic gene expression and hepatic cells distribution that contribute to tumor growth. Such information can be highly valuable for the development of new prevention strategies as well as of new biomarkers for risk modeling in HCC.Keywords: microbiome, liver cancer, cancer risk biomarkers, MASLD

In today's electricity markets, accurate electricity price forecasting provides valuable insights for decision-making among participants, ensuring reliable operation of the power system. However, the complex characteristics of electricity price time series hinder accessibility to accurate price forecasting. This study addressed this challenge by introducing a novel approach to predicting prices in the Peruvian electricity market. This approach involved preprocessing the monthly electricity price time series by addressing missing values, stabilizing variance, normalizing data, achieving stationarity, and addressing seasonality issues. After this, six standard base models were employed to model the time series, followed by applying three ensemble models to forecast the filtered electricity price time series. Comparisons were conducted between the predicted and observed electricity prices using mean error accuracy measures, graphical evaluation, and an equal forecasting accuracy statistical test. The results showed that the proposed novel ensemble forecasting approach was an efficient and accurate tool for forecasting monthly electricity prices in the Peruvian electricity market. Moreover, the ensemble models outperformed the results of earlier studies. Finally, while numerous global studies have been conducted from various perspectives, no analysis has been undertaken using an ensemble learning approach to forecast electricity prices for the Peruvian electricity market.

La velocidad de crecimiento en altura de Swietenia macrophylla destaca en términos de resistencia al ataque del barrenador Hypsipyla grandella y la selección de familias de rápido crecimiento puede viabilizar las plantaciones comerciales. Los caracteres altura, diámetro, número de hojas y forma del tronco de árboles de 4 familias de S. macrophylla, de 47,5 meses de edad, plantados en Ucayali, Perú, se utilizaron para investigar la posibilidad de seleccionar genotipos de rápido crecimiento. La heredabilidad promedio (h2m) y la precisión selectiva (Acprog) entre familias fueron moderadas para la altura total (Ht: h2m: 0,407; Acprog: 0,638) y la altura comercial (Hc: h2m: 0.472; Acprog: 0.687), además de que Hc correlacionó positivamente con la susceptibilidad a el ataque del taladro. La forma del fuste mostró diferencias importantes entre las familias y alta h2m (0,984) y Acprog (0,921). Las correlaciones genéticas (rg) y fenotípicas (rf) entre rasgos mostraron que una selección de individuos con mayores alturas generalmente resultará en un mayor crecimiento en diámetro, número de hojas y mejor forma del tallo. El estudio destaca la importancia de seleccionar familias con rápido crecimiento en altura y tallos rectos para posibilitar, mejorar la calidad y aumentar la productividad de las plantaciones comerciales con la especie.

Abstract To compare two types of lipid expression procedures to treat dry eye disease. Standardized treatment and evaluation methods were used in patients treated with either manual thermoelectric lipid expression (MiBoFlo) or automated lipid expression (Lipiflow) of the Meibomian glands. This was a contemporaneous, non-randomized study of both treatment methods. Treatment was per the manufacturers’ recommendation. The primary outcome included two types of dry eye questionnaires as well as objective analysis of ocular surface including tear break up time, Schirmer testing, Osmolarity, and fluorescein staining. Baseline characteristics analyzed included floppy lid, conjunctivochalasis and lagophthalmos. Statistical analysis was performed correcting for baseline factors such as age and co existing pathology using multivariable analysis. Both treatments improved the results of the OSDI and SPEED dry eye questionnaire results. Both treatments resulted in improvement of many objective findings including SPK, lissamine green staining and tear break up time with the MiBoFlo showing more improvement than Lipiflow. OSDI was more sensitive to improvement of symptoms than the SPEED questionnaire. Manual expression with MiBoFlo device resulted in statistically more improvement in questionnaire scores than did automated expression with Lipiflow. Negative prognostic factors for symptomatic improvement included blepharitis, autoimmune disease and ocular allergies. Thermal lid therapy along with mechanical expression of lipids from the meibomian glands successfully treats dry eye symptoms and signs. Manual therapy with MiBoFlo resulted in more subjective and objective improvement scores than automated therapy with the Lipiflow device.

Abstract Background Laryngeal injury associated with traumatic or prolonged intubation may lead to voice, swallow, and airway complications. The interplay between inflammation and microbial population shifts induced by intubation may relate to clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate laryngeal mechanics, tissue inflammatory response, and local microbiome changes with laryngotracheal injury and localized delivery of therapeutics via drug-eluting endotracheal tube. Methods A simulated traumatic intubation injury was created in Yorkshire crossbreed swine under direct laryngoscopy. Endotracheal tubes electrospun with roxadustat or valacyclovir- loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were placed in the injured airway for 3, 7, or 14 days (n = 3 per group/time and ETT type). Vocal fold stiffness was then evaluated with normal indentation and laryngeal tissue sections were histologically examined. Immunohistochemistry and inflammatory marker profiling were conducted to evaluate the inflammatory response associated with injury and ETT placement. Additionally, ETT biofilm formation was visualized using scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography, while changes in the airway microbiome were profiled through 16S rRNA sequencing. Results Laryngeal tissue with roxadustat ETT placement had increasing localized stiffness outcomes over time and histological assessment indicated minimal epithelial ulceration and fibrosis, while inflammation remained severe across all timepoints. In contrast, vocal fold tissue with valacyclovir ETT placement showed no significant changes in stiffness over time; histological analysis presented a reduction in epithelial ulceration and inflammation scores along with increased fibrosis observed at 14 days. Immunohistochemistry revealed a decline in M1 and M2 macrophage markers over time for both ETT types. Among the cytokines, IL-8 levels differed significantly between the roxadustat and valacyclovir ETT groups, while no other cytokines showed statistically significant differences. Additionally, increased biofilm formation was observed in the coated ETTs with notable alterations in microbiota distinctive to each ETT type and across time. Conclusion The injured and intubated airway resulted in increased laryngeal stiffness. Local inflammation and the type of therapeutic administered impacted the bacterial composition within the upper respiratory microbiome, which in turn mediated local tissue healing and recovery.

La corrupción global genera desconfianza, distorsiona la competencia y obstaculiza el crecimiento económico. Actos como el soborno y el nepotismo benefician a quienes participan, limitando las oportunidades y desalentando la ética empresarial. En este sentido, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo profundizar la comprensión de la relación entre la corrupción y la inversión privada en el Perú. Metodológicamente, se trató de una revisión bibliográfica, de tipo narrativo, donde se utilizaron las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo y Dialnet para la búsqueda de documentos, utilizando las palabras clave "corrupción" e "inversión privada", sobre publicaciones entre 2010-2020. Las categorías fueron preestablecidas para el análisis documental, siendo estas: a) Impacto económico de la corrupción; b) Marco legal y medidas anticorrupción y c) Buenas prácticas y casos de éxito; El resultado más relevante sugiere que la corrupción genera desconfianza entre los inversionistas, limitando las oportunidades de negocios éticos y transparentes, desacelerando así el crecimiento económico y la innovación en el país. Las conclusiones destacan que la falta de confianza generada por la corrupción dificulta la toma de decisiones de inversión y reduce la disposición de los inversionistas a comprometer sus recursos en proyectos en el país.

Nothopassalora personata, the causal agent of late leaf spot, is an economically important fungus that poses a significant threat to peanut production worldwide. Currently, studies on N. personata are focused on epidemiology, host resistance, early environmental detection, and molecular studies based on a limited number of genes for classification. A high-quality whole-genome sequence can be a valuable tool for studying complex species and identifying molecular mechanisms in pathogenicity and adaptation. This study reports a high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assembly for N. personata with a total length of 54.6 Mb, an N50 of 2.54 Mb, a longest contig length of 4.47 Mb, and a BUSCO genome completeness score of 99.5% with mostly single-copy genes. Genome annotation revealed 11,295 protein-encoding genes and 12,121 transcripts in which 411 of the 995 predicted proteins were putative effectors. Genome comparison with the closely related fungi Dothistroma septosporum NZE10 and Fulvia fulva (syn. Passalora fulva, Cladosporium fulvum) isolate Race 5 revealed 13 chromosomes. This genome sequence resource can be used as a reference for aligning sequences of multiple isolates to provide relevant information on the diversity and population genetic structure of N. personata to further inform peanut resistance breeding programs and devise the best disease management strategies. [Figure: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Rice is cataloged as one of the most widely cultivated crops globally, providing food for a large proportion of the global population. Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GISs), such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), into agricultural practices offers numerous benefits. UAVs, equipped with imaging sensors and geolocation technology, enable precise crop monitoring and management, enhancing yield and efficiency. However, Peru lacks sufficient experience with the application of these technologies, making them somewhat unfamiliar in the context of modern agriculture. In this study, we conducted experiments involving four distinct rice varieties (n = 24) at various stages of growth to predict yield using vegetation indices (VIs). A total of nine VIs (NDVI, GNDVI, ReCL, CIgreen, MCARI, SAVI, CVI, LCI, and EVI) were assessed across four dates: 88, 103, 116, and 130 days after sowing (DAS). Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and multiple linear regression were used to build prediction models. The results showed a general prediction model (including all the varieties) with the best performance at 130 days after sowing (DAS) using NDVI, EVI, and SAVI, with a coefficient of determination (adjusted-R2 = 0.43). The prediction models by variety showed the best performance for Esperanza at 88 DAS (adjusted-R2 = 0.94) using EVI as the vegetation index. The other varieties showed their best performance using different indices at different times: Capirona (LCI and CIgreen, 130 DAS, adjusted-R2 = 0.62); Conquista Certificada (MCARI, 116 DAS, R2 = 0.52); and Conquista Registrada (CVI and LCI, 116 DAS, adjusted-R2 = 0.79). These results provide critical information for optimizing rice crop management and support the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to inform timely decision making and mitigate yield losses in Peruvian agriculture.

Abstract Local economic development is becoming an increasingly important activity as it addresses the economic and employment challenges faced by all developing countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the entrepreneurial skills of university students for the promotion of local economic development. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and interpretative causal approach was adopted for the research. The sample consisted of 240 students chosen through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Questionnaires were used as a tool for data collection, validated by expert judgment in the field, with a reliability of 98.2% determined by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the survey was employed as a technique. Inference results provided by ordinal logistic regression, using the model goodness-of-fit test, χ 2 = 203.902, allowed demonstrating the explanatory variable. The goodness of fit for deviation was p = 0.099, determining the presence of an effect corresponding to the Nagelkerke predictor = 64.4% of the explained variability in the dependent variable. It was concluded that improving the entrepreneurial skills of university students has a significant positive effect on enhancing local economic development. Therefore, harnessing the entrepreneurial skills of university students requires a combination of educational approaches, financial support, networks, and specific policies. Collaboration among different stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and academic institutions, is essential to achieve a significant impact on local economic development.

Abstract Imaging and characterizing the dynamics of cellular adhesion in blood samples is of fundamental importance in understanding biological function. In vitro microscopy methods are widely used for this task but typically require diluting the blood with a buffer to allow for transmission of light. However, whole blood provides crucial signaling cues that influence adhesion dynamics, which means that conventional approaches lack the full physiological complexity of living microvasculature. We can reliably image cell interactions in microfluidic channels during whole blood flow by motion blur microscopy (MBM) in vitro and automate image analysis using machine learning. MBM provides a low cost, easy to implement alternative to intravital microscopy, for rapid data generation where understanding cell interactions, adhesion, and motility is crucial. MBM is generalizable to studies of various diseases, including cancer, blood disorders, thrombosis, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as providing rich datasets for theoretical modeling of adhesion dynamics.

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer; however, decreasing its prevalence requires early detection and treatment strategies that reduce rates of loss to follow-up. This study explores factors associated with loss to follow-up among HPV-positive women after implementation of a new HPV-based screen-and-treat approach for cervical cancer prevention in Iquitos, Peru. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with “obstetras” (i.e., midwives) (n = 15) working in cervical cancer prevention and women (n = 24) who were recorded as lost to follow-up after positive HPV results. We used the Health Care Access Barriers Model to guide analyses. We utilized manifest content analysis to describe barriers to follow-up according to the obstetras and thematic analysis to report themes from the women’s perspectives. We also report the steps and time taken to contact women. Results We found an incomplete and fragmented patient monitoring system. This incomplete system, in conjunction with challenges in contacting some of the women, led to structural barriers for the obstetras when attempting to deliver positive results. Women in this study expressed a desire to receive treatment, however, faced cognitive barriers including a lack of understanding about HPV results and treatment procedures, fear or anxiety about HPV or treatment, and confusion about the follow-up process. Women also reported having important work matters as a barrier and reported frequently using natural medicine. Reported financial barriers were minimal. Conclusion This study highlights the barriers to follow-up after implementation of a primary-level HPV-based screen-and-treat approach. While some barriers that have previously been associated with loss to follow-up were not as prominently observed in this study (e.g., financial), we emphasize the need for screen-and-treat programs to focus on strategies that can address incomplete registry systems, structural challenges in results delivery, cognitive barriers in understanding results and treatment, and work-related barriers.

Objetivo: Demostrar la incidencia de la tasa de referencia sobre la inflación, la tasa de interés y el tipo de cambio. Métodos: El enfoque fue cuantitativo de tipo explicativo. Se utilizó información de fuentes oficiales como el Banco Central de Reserva del Perú (BCRP), la Reserva Federal (FED) y el Banco Mundial. En cada prueba realizada, se utilizó EViews 10 y se formularon las hipótesis respectivas. Resultados: Se determinó una relación inversa y de elevada significancia entre la tasa de referencia de la FED y la inflación de EE. UU., lo cual no se presenta en la economía peruana, donde la incidencia entre ambas variables es inversa pero poco significativa. Asimismo, se demostró que la tasa de referencia manejada por el BCRP es influenciada por la tasa de la FED, indicando que estas medidas son procedimientos típicos para combatir las volatilidades en los precios y mantener la estabilidad del mercado cambiario por el nivel de dolarización de la economía. El costo financiero de las grandes empresas mostró sensibilidad a las tasas de interés establecidas por los Bancos Centrales. Conclusión: La tasa de referencia es un instrumento para estabilizar los precios de la economía y generar influencia en los costos financieros de las empresas.

En su artículo "An Introduction to Flexible Methods for Policy Evaluation", Martir Huber explora diversos enfoques de evaluación de políticas, centrándose principalmente en diseños cuasi experimentales. Destaca métodos de estimación de efecto de tratamiento flexible y algoritmos de aprendizaje automático. En una época de gran avance en el conocimiento científico y la evolución de la economía empírica en las últimas tres décadas, surgieron nuevas formas de investigación en el ámbito de las ciencias económicas. Sin embargo, la evaluación de políticas persiste como un desafío, especialmente en momentos de crisis, donde la inestabilidad económica, política y social afecta la calidad de vida de las personas, empresas y la administración pública. Este cambio de paradigma está transformando el trabajo de los economistas, gracias al avance de la inferencia causal tal como la concebimos hoy en día.

La interacción estática suelo-estructura puede considerarse como la mutua transmisión de esfuerzos y deformaciones entre ambos, en este entendido se ha realizado el análisis paramétrico de la interacción suelo-estructura en una cimentación superficial aislada por el método de elementos finitos, con el objetivo de determinar los principales esfuerzos actuantes en estado de servicio, establecer cuáles son las variables con mayor relevancia y proponer valores que garanticen mayor eficiencia en el desempeño de la cimentación. Por medio de los modelos numéricos, elaborados con la versión estudiantil del software ABAQUS CAE, se ha analizado la incidencia del tipo de suelo y forma de la cimentación en los esfuerzos producidos por la interacción suelo-estructura, donde se ha determinado la importancia del área de la cimentación en el cálculo de la capacidad portante del suelo; asimismo, se ha establecido como la estructura de cimentación retiene dentro de sí una parte de los esfuerzos producidos por la estructura per sé, transmitiendo menores esfuerzos al suelo que lo calculado teóricamente.

El artículo tiene el objetivo de abordar la efectividad del aprendizaje basado en proyectos (ABP) en estudiantes de educación básica. La metodología se basa en una revisión sistemática siguiendo el sistema GRADE y la declaración PRISMA. La búsqueda se lleva a cabo en bases de datos como PubMed, EBSCO, Scielo y Scopus, incluyendo estudios que abordan el ABP con resultados medibles y excluyendo aquellos que no cumplen con estándares metodológicos adecuados. Se estudiaron un total de 60 artículos de Estados Unidos, China, Indonesia, Ecuador y Turquía y se incluyeron siete. Se concluye que el ABP es efectivo para resolver problemas, promover el pensamiento crítico, motivar a los estudiantes, mejorar las experiencias de aprendizaje, así como el rendimiento académico. Asimismo, se resalta que el ABP fomenta la interacción social, el desarrollo de habilidades de investigación, el aprendizaje científico, la creatividad y las habilidades comunicativas en los estudiantes de educación básica.

Introduction: The exact magnitude of Post-COVID condition is unknown, different studies have reported percent-ages between 20-90% in patients with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and factors associated with Post-COVID condition in people aged ≥ 18 years in March-April 2023, Jacaleapa, El Paraíso, Honduras. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study with probabilistic sampling, selecting a maximum of two people, with respective inclusion/exclusion criteria. A questionnaire was used for socio-demographic and clinical characterization, as well as for background information. Physical activity was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) 2021. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression (p-value

Abstract The rodent-borne Andes virus (ANDV) causes a severe disease in humans. We developed an ANDV mRNA vaccine based on the M segment of the viral genome, either with regular uridine (U-mRNA) or N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ-mRNA). Female mice immunized by m1Ψ-mRNA developed slightly greater germinal center (GC) responses than U-mRNA-immunized mice. Single cell RNA and BCR sequencing of the GC B cells revealed similar levels of activation, except an additional cluster of cells exhibiting interferon response in animals vaccinated with U-mRNA but not m1Ψ-mRNA. Similar immunoglobulin class-switching and somatic hypermutations were observed in response to the vaccines. Female Syrian hamsters were immunized via a prime–boost regimen with two doses of each vaccine. The titers of glycoprotein-binding antibodies were greater for U-mRNA construct than for m1Ψ-mRNA construct; however, the titers of ANDV-neutralizing antibodies were similar. Vaccinated animals were challenged with a lethal dose of ANDV, along with a naïve control group. All control animals and two animals vaccinated with a lower dose of m1Ψ-mRNA succumbed to infection whereas other vaccinated animals survived without evidence of virus replication. The data demonstrate the development of a protective vaccine against ANDV and the lack of a substantial effect of m1Ψ modification on immunogenicity and protection in rodents.

Background Arteritis is a complication of neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is not well known and could trigger strokes. The transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is a noninvasive method for detecting, staging, and monitoring cerebrovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the utility of TCD to evaluate cerebral hemodynamic changes, suggesting vasculitis associated with NCC remains uncertain.

Abstract ABCB4 is located at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes and is responsible for the secretion of phosphatidylcholine into bile. Genetic variations of this transporter are correlated with rare cholestatic liver diseases, the most severe being progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3). PFIC3 patients most often require liver transplantation. In this context of unmet medical need, we developed a high-content screening approach to identify small molecules able to correct ABCB4 molecular defects. Intracellularly-retained variants of ABCB4 were expressed in cell models and their maturation, cellular localization and function were analyzed after treatment with the molecules identified by high-content screening. In total, six hits were identified by high-content screening. Three of them were able to correct the maturation and canalicular localization of two distinct intracellularly-retained ABCB4 variants; one molecule was able to significantly restore the function of two ABCB4 variants. In addition, in silico molecular docking calculations suggest that the identified hits may interact with wild type ABCB4 residues involved in ATP binding/hydrolysis. Our results pave the way for their optimization in order to provide new drug candidates as potential alternative to liver transplantation for patients with severe forms of ABCB4-related diseases, including PFIC3.

Within the field of Philippine folkloric medicine, the utilization of indigenous plants like Euphorbia hirta (tawa-tawa), Carica papaya (papaya), and Psidium guajava (guava) as potential dengue remedies has gained attention. Yet, limited research exists on their comprehensive effects, particularly their anti-dengue activity. This study screened 2944 phytochemicals from various Philippine plants for anti-dengue activity. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiling provided 1265 compounds demonstrating pharmacokinetic profiles suitable for human use. Molecular docking targeting the dengue virus NS2b-NS3 protease’s catalytic triad (Asp 75, Ser 135, and His 51) identified ten ligands with higher docking scores than reference compounds idelalisib and nintedanib. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of eight of these ligand–protease complexes. Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analysis highlighted six ligands, including veramiline (−80.682 kJ/mol), cyclobranol (−70.943 kJ/mol), chlorogenin (−63.279 kJ/mol), 25beta-Hydroxyverazine (−61.951 kJ/mol), etiolin (−59.923 kJ/mol), and ecliptalbine (−56.932 kJ/mol) with favorable binding energies, high oral bioavailability, and drug-like properties. This integration of traditional medical knowledge with advanced computational drug discovery methods paves new pathways for the development of treatments for dengue.

Rafael Pichardo-Rodriguez,1 Valeria Altuna-Moscoso,1 Karen Aviles-Antezana,1 Alondra Lorena Cahuana-Mendoza,1 Antonio André Challco Alvarado,1 Cristhian Gonzales-Rospigliosi,1 Shirley Oscco-Coila,1 Enzo Rafael-Tarazona,1 Marcos Saavedra-Velasco,1 Liz Cordova-Cueva,1 Jhony A De La Cruz-Vargas,1 Fernando Munayco-Guillen,1,2 Herney Andrés García-Perdomo3 1Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas (INICIB), Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Perú; 2Instituto Nacional de Oftalmología (INO), Lima, Peru; 3Division of Urology/Uro oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, ColombiaCorrespondence: Rafael Pichardo-Rodriguez, Email rafael_martin1352@hotmail.comObjective: To determine the quality of systematic reviews submitted as a thesis in the Medical School of Ricardo Palma University.Methods: We conducted a systematic review. We included systematic reviews submitted as theses from Ricardo Palma University, and we excluded narrative reviews, editorials, clinical experiments, and those with incomplete data. We performed a structured search on EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Institutional Repository from the Ricardo Palma University and RENATI. The risk of bias assessment was performed through the AMSTAR-2 and the modified AMSTAR-2 tools. The primary outcome was review quality. A qualitative synthesis of the information was performed.Results: One thousand four hundred eighty-seven theses were identified, and exclusion criteria were applied, whereby 11 theses were selected for review and thorough consultation. Of the 11 selected theses, and through the AMSTAR-2 and modified AMSTAR-2 tools, the findings reached were that 90.9% of the included theses presented critically low quality that was not modified even when the quality was reevaluated after its publication as a scientific article.Conclusion: The systematic reviews presented as undergraduate thesis in the Medical School of Ricardo Palma University showed low and critically low quality. Improvement in systematic review training is required for both students and institutional advisors.Keywords: thesis, systematic review, medical school

Abstract Community sanitation is a fundamental human right and need. Every year, as per the World Bank, total cost of providing sanitation services is estimated at around 114 billion USD per year. In India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), a public welfare scheme (PWS), is aimed at addressing community sanitation problems. Despite the successful implementation of SBA, local communities still practise open defaecation. To deduce the behavioural patterns governing communal toilet use, interviews were conducted with the local communities in the Kho Nagorian area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This qualitative survey examined attitudes towards the construction of a toilet, awareness towards the SBA scheme, and the willingness to use excreta-based pit humus. The study then discusses the factors that increase the local community’s willingness to use these toilets. Results show that open defaecation is still prevalent in society. One way to foster the adoption of toilets is that the construction materials should mainly consist of local materials. As a recourse, places of worship could be used to influence people’s perception of hygiene. In addition, community toilets should be cleaned often as well. PWS should not be made accessible at no cost to prevent a sense of entitlement among the people. A small sum should be charged to increase social responsibility towards the PWS. Another way to curb open defaecation is to tap into the sense of entitlement by making effective use of social campaign programs. Further, cross-table analysis revealed that the locals were inclined to use a toilet if they have invested in it. Advertisements were found to be ineffective, and proposals were made to make them effective. These findings aid in understanding public perceptions and can guide the development of public policies. The findings also assist in making tax distribution decisions that reflect public concerns, attitudes, and values.

Abstract Background Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes are responsible for tremendous global health burdens from their transmission of pathogens causing malaria, lymphatic filariasis, dengue, and yellow fever. Innovative vector control strategies will help to reduce the prevalence of these diseases. Mass rearing of mosquitoes for research and support of these strategies presently depends on meals of vertebrate blood, which is subject to acquisition, handling, and storage issues. Various blood-free replacements have been formulated for these mosquitoes, but none of these replacements are in wide use, and little is known about their potential impact on competence of the mosquitoes for Plasmodium infection. Methods Colonies of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi were continuously maintained on a blood-free replacement (SkitoSnack; SS) or bovine blood (BB) and monitored for engorgement and hatch rates. Infections of Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi were assessed with Plasmodium gallinaceum and P. falciparum, respectively. Results Replicate colonies of mosquitoes were maintained on BB or SS for 10 generations of Ae. aegypti and more than 63 generations of An. stephensi. The odds of engorgement by SS- relative to BB-maintained mosquitoes were higher for both Ae. aegypti (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.2) and An. stephensi (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–5.5), while lower odds of hatching were found for eggs from the SS-maintained mosquitoes of both species (Ae. aegypti OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.26–0.62; An. stephensi OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36–0.96). Oocyst counts were similar for P. gallinaceum infections of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes maintained on SS or BB (mean ratio = [mean on SS]/[mean on BB] = 1.11, 95% CI 0.85–1.49). Similar oocyst counts were also observed from the P. falciparum infections of SS- or BB-maintained An. stephensi (mean ratio = 0.76, 95% CI 0.44–1.37). The average counts of sporozoites/mosquito showed no evidence of reductions in the SS-maintained relative to BB-maintained mosquitoes of both species. Conclusions Aedes aegypti and An. stephensi can be reliably maintained on SS over multiple generations and are as competent for Plasmodium infection as mosquitoes maintained on BB. Use of SS alleviates the need to acquire and preserve blood for mosquito husbandry and may support new initiatives in fundamental and applied research, including novel manipulations of midgut microbiota and factors important to the mosquito life cycle and pathogen susceptibility. Graphical Abstract

Gold mining has been causing the most severe impacts on the soils of the Peruvian Amazon. It has created challenges for their recovery. In this context, soil amendments could play a crucial role in plant establishment in post-mining soils. The study aimed to analyze the effects of two amendments on the early plant survival and growth of seven species in the reclamation of severely degraded lands by gold mining in the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon. The study was based on a completely randomized block design, including 2-amendment treatments (T1: sawdust + island guano manure and T2: T1 + organic soil + hydrogel) and a control. The plant survivorship, height growth, diameter growth, and biomass accumulation were measured. This study found that amendments may be effective at increasing survivorship and plant growth in degraded lands by gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon. The amendments increased the survival, diameter, height, and biomass of most plant species in the study. In general, survivorship and plant growth in T2 were high compared to T1. At the end of the experiment, the highest survivorship was for an Indigofera suffruticosa and Crotalaria pallida (>80%). The diameter growth was higher in T2 than in T1. The species growing fastest in diameter (>1.5 cm) were Crotalaria cajanifolia, C. pallida and Ochroma pyramidale. Soil amendments provided similar effects on height for most species except for I. suffruticosa. Therefore, C. pallida, I. suffruticosa, C. cajanifolia and O. pyramidale are key species to be considered in reforestation and/or restoration initiatives, due to its potential to acclimate and establish itself in severely degraded areas.

ABSTRACT: The present study compared 2 strategies to initiate a progesterone (P4)-based timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol for lactating dairy cows: only GnRH or estradiol benzoate (EB) plus GnRH (EB+GnRH). Lactating Holstein cows (n = 487; 184 primiparous and 303 multiparous) from 2 commercial dairy herds were used for their second or greater services postpartum. Each week, cows that were nonpregnant at the pregnancy diagnosis 32 d after a previous AI were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups that differed only in the strategy to initiate (d 0) the TAI protocol. On d 0, every cow received a 2.0-g P4 implant; in the EB+GnRH group, cows were treated with 2.0 mg i.m. of EB and 16.8 µg i.m. of the GnRH analog buserelin acetate, whereas in the GnRH group, cows received only 16.8 µg i.m. of GnRH. On d 7 after the initial treatment, 0.530 mg i.m. of cloprostenol sodium (PGF) was administered in all cows, followed by a second dose on d 8, concomitant with 1.0 mg i.m. of estradiol cypionate and P4 implant withdrawal. The TAI was performed on d 10 (48 h after P4 device withdrawal) in both experimental groups. Only conventional Holstein semen was used throughout the study. The percentage of cows with corpus luteum (CL) on d 0 (73%) and overall ovulation rate after d 0 (54%) did not differ between groups. The CL regression between d 0 and the first PGF treatment was greater in the EB+GnRH group than the GnRH group (42% vs. 31%). Consequently, the proportion of cows with CL at PGF was greater when only GnRH was used on d 0 compared with EB+GnRH (86% vs. 82%), and the mean number of CL at PGF was greater (1.23 vs. 1.11). The expression of estrus near TAI was greater in GnRH group (84% vs. 77%), and cows showing estrus had greater (44% vs. 10%) pregnancy per AI (P/AI) on d 32 for both treatments. We found no effect of the presence of CL on d 0 or at PGF, nor of ovulation after d 0 or CL regression between d 0 and d 7 on fertility. However, fertility was critically impaired when cows did not have CL at both times, d 0 and at PGF treatment. We did not observe any interaction between treatment and other variables, and the P/AI was similar in cows receiving EB+GnRH or only GnRH on d 0 (37.8% vs. 36.6%). In summary, although there was no detectable difference in P/AI between treatments, this study demonstrated potential negative physiological outcomes caused by EB treatment on d 0 (greater incidence of luteolysis after d 0 and fewer cows with CL at PGF treatment). Overall, we found no benefit of adding EB at the initiation of a P4-based TAI protocol on fertility compared with using GnRH alone, despite differences in ovarian dynamics and expression of estrus.

Abstract Introduction Understanding the emotional intelligence (EI) and self-esteem of Indian and Saudi nursing students is important because their future nurse–patient relationships may be influenced by factors related to their unique cultural contexts. Hence, this study sought to investigate the EI and self-esteem of nursing students in Saudi Arabia and India. Methods A descriptive–comparative research design was used to compare 660 nursing students from Saudi Arabia and India who were enrolled in the study from September 2022 to January 2023. Nursing students were recruited from University A in Riyadh and University B in Abha, Saudi Arabia, and from University C in India. Results The study found significant differences in EI scores based on year of study (p .670), residence (p > .430), and academic performance (p > .526) did not significantly affect self-esteem. Finally, urban residence and good academic performance were significant predictors of EI (p .005). Conclusion Higher emotional intelligence among nursing students can be associated with several variables, such as being in the higher years of study, older age, residing in an urban area, and good academic performance, whereas self-esteem appears to be hardly affected by these indicators but probably influenced by other aspects that were not measured. This implies that educators in relation to self-esteem should know the relationship between emotional intelligence and nursing practice besides healthcare establishments; they need to enhance their teaching methods so that learners can have more resilient attitudes towards work, provide quality patient care, and promote a better learning environment for nurses who will become stronger professionally in the future.

Glucose sensors play a vital role in the everyday healthcare needs of diabetic patients. However, glucose sensor cost and reliability, particularly regarding their standard functionalization with expensive and environmentally sensitive enzymes, remains a challenge. A method for the fabrication of nickel nanowire arrays (NWAs) coated with a thin layer of chitosan for the non-enzymatic detection of glucose is herein reported. The method is based on the electrodeposition of nickel into anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, followed by a novel chitosan coating procedure. The nickel and nickel chitosan NWAs were characterized via electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. Electrochemical testing using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry demonstrated that the chitosan coating enhanced the selectivity and stability of the electrochemical sensor for glucose detection, even in the presence of interfering species. Additionally, the coating improved the sensor's sensitivity by 46.39 % and expanded its linear detection range from 3.85 mM to 4.37 mM. The chitosan coating also helped to retain these characteristics even after exposure to physiologically accurate samples and prevented biofouling after exposure to proteins. This simple and robust glucose sensor paves the way for the fabrication of glucose sensors with a high linear range without the need for functionalization with traditional glucose detecting agents such as glucose oxidase.

This research aimed to remove Cd (II), Cr (VI), Ni (II), Pb (II), and V (V) from aqueous solutions prepared in distilled water using “Chacco” clay from the Peruvian highlands as adsorbent. The adsorption process was carried out in Batch type systems for 120 min using solutions of each metal at a concentration of 5 mg/L in aqueous systems of a single metal or monometallic (MAS) and solutions of the five metals simultaneously or multimetallic (MMAS). For this purpose, the “Chacco” clay was first characterized by SEM-EDS analysis, finding a laminated clay structure with an elemental composition of C, Al, Fe, Na, Mg, Ca, K, As, Cu, Pd, O, and Ta. The results using 10 g/L of “Chacco” clay showed that the best adsorption efficiency in both MAS and MMAS aqueous systems is achieved at pH = 4 achieving in MAS aqueous systems the removal of 64.16 ± 0.98 % of Cd (II), 95.70 ± 0.81 % of Cr (VI), 97.20 ± 0.89 % of Ni (II), 92. 78 ± 0.79 % of Pb (II), and 95.80 ± 0.67 % of V (V), on the other hand, in aqueous MMAS systems a decrease in adsorption efficiency was observed, managing to remove 6.88 ± 0.53 % of Cd (II), 63.04 ± 0.94 of Cr (VI), 7.81 ± 0.43 % of Ni (II), 62.34 ± 0.77 % Pb (II), and 14.33 ± 0.56 % of V (V). The kinetic study showed that the adsorption mechanism would correspond to chemisorption since the process fitted best to the pseudo-second order model and Elovich. SEM-EDS analysis after adsorption confirmed the presence of the heavy metals under study in the “Chacco” clay. Metal adsorption is evidenced at 1418 cm−1 by -CH2-metal deformation vibrations according to FTIR analysis. In conclusion, the “Chacco” clay would be a promising adsorbent of heavy metals in polluted waters so that scaling up to real environments could be feasible. On the other hand, the “Chacco” clay is consumed by the population of Puno, Peru, therefore its potential impact on health should be evaluated due to its capacity to accumulate metals and the presence of Al in this clay.

This article summarizes the thermal state of Mexican permafrost and its relationship to snow, ice, and geothermal environments. Ice-rich permafrost is observed near the summits of Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. The lower limit of mountain permafrost is about 5,200 to 5,300 m.a.s.l. much higher than originally thought. Some of the sporadic permafrost may still exist on the Little Ice Age rock glaciers, but most of the buried glacial ice between 4,500 and 5,000 m.a.s.l. is slowly decaying and not thermally stable as permafrost. During the summer months, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone approaches the Mexican highlands and provides moist conditions sufficient for snow cover at high elevations. Maximum active layer thickness occurred during the snow-free seasons, typically April to July in Citlaltépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, perhaps Popocatépetl, but not Nevado de Toluca, where the summit is below the snowline most of the time today. The diurnal temperature amplitude results in freeze–thaw cycles only near the surface to 15 cm. The importance of the snow cover is that it provides great protection for incoming solar energy penetration, helping to preserve buried glacial ice and permafrost.

Purpose: To describe the use of anti-osteoclastic medications (i.e., bisphosphonates and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta (RANK) ligand inhibitors) in treating choroidal osteoma. Methods: A 42-year-old male with bilateral posterior choroidal osteomas showed extensive outer retinal atrophy in the right eye secondary to decalcification of a choroidal osteoma and progressive extension of retinal pigment epithelial atrophy in the left eye encroaching on the macula with subtle changes in the choroidal osteoma. Bisphosphonates (i.e., oral alendronate 70 mg weekly) or RANK ligand inhibitors (i.e., subcutaneous denosumab 60 mg every six months) were initiated to prevent calcium resorption. Results: After the introduction of more directed therapy, there was stabilization of the patient's condition over the next nine years while under bisphosphonate treatment, followed by a switch to RANK ligand inhibitor therapy and later bisphosphonate treatment again. This was made evident through stability in fundus photography, enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography, and B-scan ultrasonography regarding outer retinal layers thickness, and choroidal osteoma thickness and calcification. Conclusion: Anti-osteoclastic therapy using bisphosphonates or RANK ligand inhibitors could be a new treatment paradigm to prevent resorption of choroidal osteomas and prevent the subsequent atrophy of outer retinal layers. Summary statement: A patient with bilateral posterior choroidal osteomas was treated with bisphosphonates and RANK ligand inhibitors to prevent osteoma resorption in the better-seeing left eye. This has led to stability over six years of outer retinal layers thickness, choroidal osteoma thickness, and choroidal osteoma calcification.

The gut microbiota drives progression to liver fibrosis, the main determinant of mortality in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In this study, we aimed to identify bacterial species associated with protection against liver fibrosis in a high-risk population, and test their potential to protect against liver fibrosis in vivo. Based on stool shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 340 subjects from a population cohort disproportionally affected by MASH, we identified bacterial species from the Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders associated with reduced risk of liver fibrosis. A bacterial consortium was subsequently tested in a mouse model of MASH, which demonstrated protective effects against liver fibrosis. Six of the eight inoculated bacteria were detected in mouse stool and liver. Intrahepatic presence of bacteria was further confirmed by bacterial culture of mouse liver tissue. Changes in liver histological parameters, gut functional profiles, and amino acid profiles were additionally assessed. Comparison between fibrosis-associated human metagenome and bacteria-induced metagenome changes in mice identified microbial functions likely to mediate the protective effect against liver fibrosis. Amino acid profiling confirmed an increase in cysteine synthase activity, associated with reduced fibrosis. Other microbiota-induced changes in amino acids associated with reduced fibrosis included increased gut asparaginase activity and decreased hepatic tryptophan-to-kynurenine conversion. This human-to-mouse study identified bacterial species and their effects on amino acid metabolism as innovative strategies to protect against liver fibrosis in MASH.

This in vitro study aimed to assess the biocompatibility and osteogenic inducing properties of a new scaffold composed of chitosan, collagen type I, and hyaluronic acid. For in vitro assays, pre-osteoblastic immortalized cells were cultivated in standard medium (SD) and osteogenic medium (OM) in the following groups: a) Control (C) – cells cultured directly on the polystyrene plate, and b) Chitosan + Collagen type I + Hyaluronic Acid (CH + COL + HA) - cells cultured in a scaffold produced by the association of type I collagen, chitosan and hyaluronic acid. Cells in CH+COL+ HA scaffold presented metabolic activity similar to the control group. After 14 days, the CH+ COL+ HA scaffold induced a higher mineral nodule deposition compared than the control group, regardless of the cultured condition (SD or OM medium). In addition, the CH + COL + HA scaffold itself increased of the alkaline phosphatase activity and mRNA levels for Runx2 and Ocn genes, which occurred earlier than control group. Based on the results, it is possible to conclude that the dense lamellar scaffold composed of CH/COL (type I)/HA stimulated osteogenic phenotype maturation of cells and can be a promising material for future bone regenerative approaches.

This study aimed to compare the water age in a drinking water distribution network (DWDN) using tracers and EPANET. The results indicate that all DWDN have residence times within the “short” time. established by the EPA and does not represent quality problems. These two techniques provided similar estimates of water age with small differences at points close to the treatment plant. This difference may be due to the fact that tracers can be retained in pipes, which overestimates the age of the water; meanwhile, EPANET could underestimate residence times due to the calibration or simplified representation of the network.