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Abstract Erysipelas still causes large economic losses to pig industry. Maternal immunity is critical to prevent erysipelas in young animals, thus, intensive vaccination protocols or practices focused on the improvement of the maternally derived immunity could provide substantial benefits. The present study evaluates potential changes in antibodies levels in sows and their offspring using two types of tests (commercial ELISA, Ingenasa or rSpaA415 ELISA) when two different vaccination programs (before farrowing or after farrowing) against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae were applied to sows from Iberian (A) or conventional Large White-Landrace (B) pig farms. The results showed a statistical correlation between titers found in sows and their one-week old piglets in both tests. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in farm B measured by the commercial ELISA test was significantly higher in pre-farrowing vaccinated sows compared to the post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0278). Additionally, using the rSpaA415 ELISA test, the overall mean of (log) antibody titers was significantly higher in pre-farrowing sows (p = 0.0056) compared to sows following post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0003) or non- vaccinated sows. None of the above-mentioned differences were found in farm A. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in piglets from the pre-farrowing vaccination protocol was significantly higher than piglets from the post-farrowing vaccination protocol in farm A (p = 0.0059; rSpaA415 ELISA) and farm B (p = 0.0168 and p = 0.0098 for the commercial and rSpaA415 ELISA data, respectively). Additionally, higher proportion of piglets from pre-farrowing vaccinated sows remained seropositive during the post-weaning period (days 42 to 84) compared to piglets from non-vaccinated or post-farrowing vaccinated groups in both farms A and B.

The shells of freshwater mussels, commonly found at archaeological sites associated with the Kodjadermen-Gumelnița-Karanovo VI human groups (5th millennium BCE, Romania and Bulgaria), were a significant dietary component for this population. The organic matrix of these ancient shells is often well-preserved and can be analysed using stable isotopes.This study establishes the empirical relationship between the isotopic composition of the acid-insoluble shell organic matrix (AIM) and the soft tissues of modern Unio tumidus. A quality criterion for AIM (C:N ratio 3.6 (3.3–

Positive social and personal aspects have been described as factors behind student engagement. This study aimed to identify the direct effects of classroom climate and eudaimonic well-being on student engagement. In addition, research on student engagement in universities is scarce, and most research on this phenomenon is performed in developed countries (also known as WEIRD). Therefore, we include undergraduates from two Latin American countries. Participants were 625 students enrolled in one of the two collaborative institutions from Mexico and El Salvador. Data was collected through an online form. Three hypotheses were proved by comparative statistics analysis and a structural equation model (SEM). Results indicate that pupils in Mexico and El Salvador report classroom climate and eudaimonic well-being differently (H1). In addition, SEM analysis indicated that 49 % of Student engagement was explained by the direct effects of classroom climate (H2) and eudaimonic well-being (H3). Our findings highlight the importance of improving social and individual context in higher education institutions for these two Latin American countries. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Objectives This study presents the process evaluation of an effective stepped-care programme of eHealth interventions (Doing What Matters in Times of Stress [DWM] and Problem Management Plus [PM+]) for healthcare workers (HCWs) with psychological distress (RESPOND-HCWs trial) conducted in Spain. The aim is to analyse the context in which the programme was delivered, assess key implementation outcomes and explore mechanisms of action. Methods We used mixed methods. Quantitative data came from routine randomised control trial monitoring and structured observation, and qualitative data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with trial participants ( n = 12) and decision-makers ( n = 7) and a focus group discussion with intervention providers ( n = 7). We conducted a descriptive analysis of quantitative data using R software and a thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo. Results Context analysis revealed implementation barriers, including unrealistic expectations of participants about the programme and mental health-related stigma. The flexibility of interventions and the opportunity for mental health actions were enabling factors. Implementation outcomes showed that the trial was feasible, appropriate and timely, and that the intervention was delivered with minimal protocol deviations and good acceptance among participants. Mechanisms of action included confidence in the positive effect of the intervention, a good therapeutic relationship and specific intervention components. Conclusions These results supplement the outcome evaluation and can help inform large-scale implementation in similar settings. Specific recommendations include increasing mental health awareness and reducing stigma in the implementation setting, including a short orientation session and ensuring flexibility in schedules and peer support. Trial registration number NCT04980326.

Sexuality education should be integrated into educational centers as a human right of children and adolescents, and an international recommendation based on scientific evidence. This study sought to identify the sexuality education interventions that were carried out in Spain in year 2021–2022, and to analyze whether they are in line with best practice recommendations. A descriptive study was carried out, considering organization territorial called Autonomous Communities as the unit of study, through key informants identified by purposive sampling. The variables used were based on international recommendations and the information was collected via a telephone questionnaire, by e-mail or by consulting websites referenced by the key informant. Fifteen of 17 Autonomous Communities had sexuality education interventions. Most were programs and only three had optional curricular subjects. Ninety-four percent were aimed at secondary school and were taught by teachers (72 %). Only one program had an impact evaluation and only 28 % complied with best practice recommendations. The voluntary or optional nature of the interventions reduces their scope, which is usually limited to secondary school students. It is necessary to implement mandatory curricular subjects, with a focus on sexual rights and gender.

Garter snakes in the genus Thamnophis from Mexico have a long and convoluted taxonomic history. From 2015 to 2022, we conducted a comprehensive sampling of Mexican Thamnophis species, aiming to link molecular phylogenies with the recognized species related to T. scalaris in the highlands of Mexico. Here, we present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA to resolve the status of two enigmatic highland Thamnophis populations. Our research resulted in the identification and morphological characterization of a previously undescribed Thamnophis species from the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. We also clarify the identity and relationships of several previously enigmatic populations of Thamnophis. This work presents new data for Thamnophis phylogenetics from the Mexican highlands and offers a framework for future conservation efforts.

Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we report the first record of Eleutherodactylus nitidus (Peters, 1870) from Mexico City, in the urban area of Panteón Xilotepec, Xochimilco. We discuss the remarkable urban adaptability of Eleutherodactylus and the need for additional sampling to determine if E. nitidus is native or introduced to Mexico City.

Abstract This paper proposes a novel solution to the problem of robust ripple‐free hybrid robust regulator ensuring the elimination of intersample ripples. The paper considers a structurally stable regulation approach in the hybrid framework. A regulator is designed using this technique under periodic sampling and is applied to the nonlinear model of a quadrotor. The control of unmanned autonomous vehicles has become a research topic that is important by itself, particularly in the case of multi‐rotor systems due to their versatility in various applications. Tracking a reference signal for such vehicles can be challenging, particularly when the frequency of communication is limited, or the control station is located far away. The proposed controller is hence tested for this challenging application.

Este artigo apresenta resultados aplicados da pesquisa de pós-doutorado realizada na área de performance musical, especificamente no campo da interpretação operística, no contexto de uma produção da ópera La traviata de Giuseppe Verdi realizada em agosto de 2023 na cidade de São Paulo. Este estudo abordará elementos relativos à regência de ópera e suas especificidades técnicas, bem como questões interpretativas de direção artística, incluindo a concepção geral do espetáculo e o trabalho conjunto com a equipe de criação, que inclui o diretor cênico, cenografia, figurinos e iluminação, discutindo de forma detalhada as decisões e opções interpretativas – musicais e cênicas – que envolvem a produção de uma ópera escrita no século XIX nos dias atuais.

Summary: CombiVacS study has demonstrated a strong immune response of the heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccine combination. The primary outcomes of the study were to assess the humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2, 28 days after a third dose of a mRNA vaccine, in subjects that received a previous prime-boost scheme with ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2. Secondary outcomes extended the study to 3 and 6 months. The third vaccine dose of mRNA-1273 in naive participants previously vaccinated with ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 regimen reached higher neutralizing antibodies titers against the variants of concern Delta and BA.1 lineage of Omicron compared with those receiving a third dose of BNT162b2 at day 28. These differences between BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 arms were observed against the ancestral variant G614 at day 90. Suboptimal neutralizing response was observed against BQ.1.1, XBB.1.5/XBB.1.9, and JN.1 in a relevant proportion of individuals 180 days after the third dose, even after asymptomatic Omicron breakthrough infections. EudraCT (2021-001978-37); ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04860739).

In chondrichthyans, despite males in ex situ conservation programs exhibiting good sperm quality, offspring production is confined to specific species. This study hypothesizes that the aquarium's environmental footprint may contribute to this loss of reproductive capacity. Consequently, the research initially focused on comparing the blood metabolomic profiles of the Small-Spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) in both an aquarium environment at Oceanogràfic of Valencia and in wild populations along the Valencia Region coast (Spain). Furthermore, the study compared the blood metabolomic profiles with those of seminal plasma. This comparison aimed to identify potential variations in seminal plasma composition and its relationship with in vitro seminal characteristics. Samples were collected from S. canicula present in the aquarium (n = 7) and wild captured individuals (n = 12). Despite conventional semen quality assessments showing no significant disparities in semen volume and sperm concentration, considerable differences were observed in sperm motility and viability rates. Specifically, aquarium specimens showed slightly reduced metrics. The untargeted metabolic study in blood revealed significant differences between aquarium and wild individuals, with 158 semi-polar and 233 non-polar differential metabolites. A parallel analysis of seminal plasma similarly revealed substantial differences, with 2 semi-polar and 74 non-polar differential metabolites. Additionally, the analysis showed 104 semi-polar and 188 non-polar metabolites shared between the blood and seminal plasma of both animal groups. A further targeted analysis of 28 metabolites in blood identified significantly lower concentrations of phenylalanine, tyrosine, lysine, taurine, arginine, N-acetyl-L-glutamate, and creatinine in aquarium sharks. In seminal plasma samples, aquarium animals exhibited elevated levels of 7-Dehydrodesmosterol but reduced levels of phenylalanine, pantothenic acid (Vit B5), and spermine. In conclusion, these findings highlight alterations in both the blood and seminal plasma metabolomic profiles between aquarium-housed and wild animals, demonstrating the impact of the aquarium's environmental footprint, which could partly explain the reduced reproductive success of sharks in captivity.

Abstract Introduction To evaluate the short-term efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA)-0.1% cationic emulsion (CE) in patients with dry eye disease (DED) and mitigation of the inflammatory flares triggered by desiccating stress environments. Methods A single-center non-randomized clinical trial was performed at a tertiary care setting. Twenty patients with DED treated with CsA 0.1% CE were exposed to a normal controlled environment (NCE) (23 °C, 50% relative humidity) and an adverse controlled environment (ACE) (23 °C, 10% relative humidity, 0.43 m/s localized airflow) during baseline and the 1- and 3-month visits. Patients underwent the following evaluations: conjunctival hyperemia and staining, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) using the Oxford and Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) scale, meibomian gland (MG) secretion quality, Dry Eye Questionnaire-5, Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE II), and Change in Dry Eye Symptoms Questionnaire. Multivariate models were adjusted for statistical analysis. Results Nineteen women and one man (mean age, 58.9 ± 12.3 years) completed the study. All symptom questionnaires, CFS, conjunctival hyperemia and staining, and MG secretion quality improved (p ≤ 0.003) with 1 month of treatment; improvements were maintained after 3 months (p ≤ 0.02), except for SANDE II (p ≥ 0.07). The CFS worsening (total CCLRU) after baseline ACE exposure (from 8.6 to 10.1) was higher, although not significant (p = 0.64), compared with 1 month (from 5.4 to 5.8) and 3 months (from 5.0 to 5.9) after treatment. Conclusion Topical CsA-0.1% CE improved DED signs and symptoms after 1 month of treatment under controlled environmental conditions. Future studies should confirm the benefit of CsA-0.1% CE in desiccating stress environments. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04492878.

Remote laboratories are essential in addressing access and quality challenges in technical education. They enable students from various locations to engage with real equipment, overcome geographic and economic constraints, and provide solutions during crises, such as pandemics, when in-person learning is limited. As a key element of Education 4.0, remote labs promote technical skill development, enhance engineering education, and support diverse learning approaches. This study presents a remote laboratory based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), developed using a waterfall methodology integrating IoT and Cloud Computing technologies to facilitate close interaction between hardware and software. The lab focuses on controlling DC, servo, and stepper motors, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts such as digital signals, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and data representation in bits in a practical setting. The testing phase involved 50 robotics and mechatronics engineering students who participated in hands-on sessions for one month, followed by a structured survey evaluating their experience, interaction, and the educational relevance of the platform. The survey shows high student satisfaction, highlighting the platform’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement. The results also underscore the system’s potential to significantly enhance the educational experience in remote environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Despite the improvements in enhanced child protection, there is an increasing concern about the vulnerability and cases of child trafficking in Spain, the southern gateway to Europe from the African continent. Analyzing 23 interviews with professionals in the field, this article identifies the factors that contribute to high levels of child trafficking in Spain. This study identifies three primary results: (1) The dangers of residential childcare as places of recruitment; (2) The southern European and Spanish border as a place of elevated risk for the recruitment of children; (3) The stereotypes regarding child trafficking make invisible male victims, other types of trafficking for non-sexual purposes, domestic trafficking, and individual trafficking. Therefore, it remains imperative to advance a set of policies that: (i) invest in specific residential childcare resources for child victims either alone or with family members; (ii) invest in smaller residential childcare to prevent abuse; (iii) invest in mentoring programs for children previously under state guardianship; (iv) improve the working conditions and the training of residential childcare staff; (v) increase the visibility and diversity of child trafficking while avoiding stereotypes; (vi) improve the regional coordination; (vii) invest in campaigns to inform children about the dangers involved in running away, exploitation and abuse.

Sucralose stands as the most common non-nutritive sweetener; however, its metabolic effects have sparked significant controversy over the years. We aim to examine the effects of sucralose daily intake on glycemia, subjective appetite, and gut microbiota (GM) changes in subjects with overweight or obesity. In this randomized, crossover, and controlled trial, 23 participants with a body mass index between 25 kg/m2 and 39.9 kg/m2 will be assigned to one of two interventions to receive either sucralose (2 mg/kg/day equivalent to 40% of the acceptable daily intake) or glucose (control) for 4 weeks, each phase separated by a 4-week washout period. The glycemic response will be determined during a meal tolerance test, subjective appetite will be evaluated using a visual analog scale, and GM changes will be analyzed by next-generation sequencing of the bacterial rRNA 16S gene from fecal samples. All measures will be performed before and after intervention periods. We hypothesize that sucralose supplementation induces changes in glycemic response, subjective appetite, and gut microbiota in overweight and obese participants. This protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the UJAT (No. 0721) and was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621001531808).

Air pollution is recognized by the World Health Organization as the major environmental threat; therefore, air quality is constantly being monitored by monitoring stations. However, the most common atmospheric pollutants being monitored do not include pollen. Among the reasons for the lack of pollen control is that there are different types and sizes of pollen. The largest particles commonly being monitored by air monitoring stations have a maximum aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns, while the aerodynamic diameter of most pollen grains is known to range from 10 to 100 microns. For this reason, most pollen is not being detected by air monitoring stations. For the patents found in a literature review, monitoring pollen concentration in the air requires the discrimination of pollen grains from particulate matter of a similar size, as well as the identification of the type of pollen grains detected, since different pollen types may produce different effects, such as allergic reactions, asthma, and lung cancer, in exposed people. In this work, 15 patent documents regarding pollen monitoring were identified and reviewed using three search engines: Google Patents, WIPO’s PatentScope, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. The extracted data from the patents included whether they differentiate pollen type, pollen size, and sensor type and whether they provide real-time data. The results show that 93.33% of the patents identify pollen type, while 80% of the patents identify pollen size. Most of the patents use light-scattering and image sensors and use image processing techniques to analyze particles. Furthermore, 40% of the patents were found to implement artificial intelligence. Further, it was found that only nine patents provide real-time data, which is an important feature of an air monitoring system.