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Abstract When schools and universities across the world transitioned online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed+gineering, a National Science Foundation (NSF) project that partners engineering and education undergraduates to design and deliver engineering lessons to elementary students, also had to shift its hands-on lessons to a virtual format. Through the lens of social cognitive theory (SCT), this study investigates engineering and education students’ experiences during the shift to online instruction to understand how they perceived its influence on their learning. As a result of modifying their lessons for online delivery, students reported learning professional skills, including skills for teaching online and educational technology skills, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) content. Some also lamented missed learning opportunities, like practice presenting face-to-face. Students’ affective responses were often associated with preparing and delivering their lessons. SCT sheds light on how the mid-semester change in their environment, caused by the shift in designing and teaching from face-to-face to online, affected the undergraduate engineering and education students’ personal experiences and affect. Overall, the transition to fully online was effective for students’ perceived learning and teaching of engineering. Though students experienced many challenges developing multimedia content for delivering hands-on lessons online, they reported learning new skills and knowledge and expressed positive affective responses. From the gains reported by undergraduates, we believe that this cross-disciplinary virtual team assignment was a successful strategy for helping undergraduates build competencies in virtual skills. We posit that similar assignment structures and opportunities post-pandemic will also continue to prepare future students for the post-pandemic workplace.

Abstract Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) treats many blood conditions but remains underused due to complications such as graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD). In GvHD, donor immune cells attack the patient, requiring powerful immunosuppressive drugs like glucocorticoids (GCs) to prevent death. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that donor cell conditioning with the glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate (FLU) prior to transplantation could increase hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment and reduce GvHD. Murine HSCs treated with FLU had increased HSC engraftment and reduced severity and incidence of GvHD after transplantation into allogeneic hosts. While most T cells died upon FLU treatment, donor T cells repopulated in the hosts and appeared less inflammatory and alloreactive. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immunomodulatory and survived FLU treatment, resulting in an increased ratio of Tregs to conventional T cells. Our results implicate an important role for Tregs in maintaining allogeneic tolerance in FLU‐treated grafts and suggest a therapeutic strategy of pre‐treating donor cells (and not the patients directly) with GCs to simultaneously enhance engraftment and reduce GvHD upon allogeneic HCT.

Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation (WBPTR) can serve as a valuable tool when access to conventional care is limited. This review assesses a series of studies that explore pulmonary telerehabilitation programmes delivered via web-based platforms. The studies involved participants with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Of the 3190 participants, 1697 engaged in WBPTR platforms, while the remaining 1493 comprised the control groups. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation led to an increase in daily step count (MD 446.66, 95% CI 96.47 to 796.86), though this did not meet the minimum clinically important difference. Additionally, WBPTR did not yield significant improvements in the six-minute walking test (MD 5.01, 95% CI − 5.19 to 15.21), health-related quality of life as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (MD − 0.15, 95% CI − 2.24 to 1.95), or the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD 0.17, 95% CI − 0.13 to 0.46). Moreover, there was no significant improvement in dyspnoea-related health status, as assessed by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD − 0.01, 95% CI − 0.29 to 0.27) or the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MD − 0.14, 95% CI − 0.43 to 0.14). Based on these findings, this review concludes that WBPTR does not offer substantial advantages over traditional care. While slight improvements in exercise performance were observed, no meaningful enhancements were noted in dyspnoea or quality of life metrics. Overall, WBPTR remains a complementary and accessible option for managing and monitoring COPD patients. However, further research and innovation are required to improve its efficacy and adapt it to various clinical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes secreted by white-rot fungi, such as laccase, offer a promising solution for treating xenobiotic compounds dangerous to the environment and human health. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of the tolerance of Pleurotus pulmonarius LBM 105 and its laccase activity toward the pesticides 2,4-D and chlorpyrifos both in vitro and in silico. The fungal strain was able to grow in different concentrations of the pesticides, showing evident morphological alterations. Laccase activity and a 53 kDa electromorph were present in all treatments, showing significant stability with peak activity achieved at a pH of 5.6 and within a temperature range of 50–60 °C. Three laccase genes were mapped, annotated, and characterized from the genome. PplacI obtained better structural validation and affinity energy of − 5.05 and − 7.65 kcal mol−1 with 2,4-D and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area analysis at 250 ns confirmed the docking results, revealing the existence of stronger hydrophobic interactions between laccase and chlorpyrifos and highlighting the importance of the Phe341 residue in stabilizing both complexes. Understanding the impact of pesticides on laccase's catalytic function is key to formulating and applying future biotechnological strategies with this enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes density functional theory (DFT) and the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) to investigate the structural, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of germanium sulfide (GeS) and germanium selenide (GeSe) monolayers, along with their van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. We analyzed XX-stacked and XY-stacked configurations, where the XX configuration features direct atomic stacking, while the XY configuration exhibits staggered stacking. Our first-principles calculations indicate that the formation of GeS/GeSe heterostructures results in a reduction of bandgaps compared to their bulk and monolayer counterparts, yielding bandgap values of 0.91 eV for the XX configuration and 0.84 eV for the XY configuration. Stability assessments reveal that the XY configuration is more stable, demonstrating a lattice thermal conductivity of 15.21 W/mK compared to 17.95 W/mK for the XX configuration T 300 K. The thermoelectric properties were systematically evaluated across a temperature range of 300–800 K, revealing high Seebeck coefficients of 1.51 mV/K for the XX heterostructure and 1.39 mV/K for the XY heterostructure. reflecting their excellent charge transport capabilities. Notably, the figure of merit (ZT) at 800 K was calculated to be 0.90 for the XX configuration and 1.01 for the XY configuration, underscoring the superior thermoelectric performance of the XY heterostructure. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of 2D GeS/GeSe heterostructures for thermoelectric applications and provide a solid foundation for future research and technological advancements in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faster ripening and senescence of banana fruit is closely associated with higher ethylene production and oxidative damages. Present study evaluated the mechanism of sodium nitroprusside (as a nitric oxide donor) on delayed ripening and senescence in banana as well as mitigating the oxidative damage. Nitric oxide (NO) was applied to fruit by vacuum infiltration (1 mM) and stored for 8 days at 25 °C with 65–70% relative humidity. Fruit quality, electrolytic leakage, phenolic content, reactive oxygen species production and scavenging activity were investigated. The results showed that NO treated fruit retained higher phenolics, antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging activity), and reduced electrolytic leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and free radical production (H2O2 and O2−) than control on the last day. The inhibitory effect of NO on ripening was observed with delayed chlorophyll loss as well as reduced ethylene and CO2 production rate in banana during storage. Therefore, vacuum infiltrated NO could be a possible postharvest treatment for mitigating the oxidative damages and preserving banana fruit up to 8 days at ambient condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, there is little evidence on the surgical management of pulmonary complications of COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to give insight into common complications arising in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia that require lung resections. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study looking at conditions arising in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who required lung resection for resolution between March 2020 and March 2021. Clinical presentation, indications to undergo surgery, and factors associated with increased mortality were analyzed. Analysis of nominal variables was performed using nonparametric statistical tests. Results: Twelve men (92.3%) and one woman (7.7%) were included in the analysis; the age of included participants ranged from 27 to 72 years, with the mean age being 52. The most common presenting signs and symptoms were dyspnea and tachypnea, which were present in all patients, most common cause for surgery was pneumatocele with 6 cases, followed by lung abscess; patients who underwent surgery because of persistent air leak were more likely to require surgical reintervention (p = 0.005). The overall mortality in our sample was 23%. Increasing age (p = 0.014), myalgias (p = 0.035), elevated D-dimer (p = 0.007), and pulmonary embolism (p = 0.014) were associated with increased mortality. Conclusions: Lung resections to treat pulmonary complications in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia appear to be safe, with a survival rate of 77%. Recognizing clinical characteristics such as age, myalgias, elevated D-dimer and pulmonary embolism can aid in identifying those at increased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to evaluate a whole-grain diet containing 0 (T1) and 60% (T2) waste papaya silage in vitro, in situ and in vivo. In vitro, biogas, methane and dry matter degradation (DMDiv), neutral detergent fiber (NDFDiv) and crude protein (CPDiv) were determined at 72 h; in situ, DM (DMDis), NDF (NDFis) and CP (CPDis) digestibility was determined at 72 h; in vivo, consumption and apparent digestibility of DM (DMI and DMD) and NDF (NDFI and NDFD), daily weight gain (DWG), rumen characteristics (pH, bacterial and protozoan counts) were determined. In addition, we performed coproparasitoscopic analysis and interviews with producers. Biogas production, methane, DMDiv, CDPiv, DMDis, DMD, NDFD, pH, bacterial and protozoan counts, and parasite load of nematodes and coccidia were not different between treatments (p > 0.05). T2 showed more NDFDiv, CPDis, DMI, NDFI, DWG than T1, while T1 was higher than T2 in NDFDis (p < 0.05). The results obtained from in vitro, in situ and in vivo techniques indicate that the diet with 60% waste papaya silage (T2) showed a similar response to the control diet (T1). Therefore, waste papaya silage is a non-conventional feeding alternative for weaned calves in the Costa Chica region of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berries, a diverse group of small and colorful fruits, constitute a crucial food of a balanced diet. However, they are fruits that spoil quickly, very prone to external threats like pathogens and losses due to mishandling. Despite the use of preservation strategies and packing in plastic containers, current postharvest losses of berries can be up to 50% depending on the type of berry. This enormous loss has prompted research into more effective preservation methods. Among current storage techniques, the use of edible coatings (EC) has shown great potential in different industries, within the food industry, their effects have already been studied in berries, showing great preservation capacity to combat problems such as water loss, which prevents weight loss and softening of berries and also slows microbial growth, reducing postharvest losses of berries. This review compiles the available studies on the application of EC on berries, considering future trends including the addition of active substances that improve the protection capacity of EC, regulatory aspects, and future considerations for the possible application of these novel packaging systems in a real market environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the epidemiology of pediatric drowning in Israel from 2010 to 2022, focusing on differences across age groups, sex, and regions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Ministry of Health's administrative databases, covering all children aged 0–17 years who were seen in the emergency department, discharged after hospitalization, or died at the scene due to drowning, excluding cases of intentional harm or suicide. The primary outcome was the annual drowning rate per 100,000 children, categorized by age, sex, and region, along with hospitalization duration, intensive care unit admissions, and mortality rates. A total of 2101 drowning incidents were identified, with 9% resulting in death. Higher drowning rates were found in younger children (1–4 years) and teenagers (15–17 years), with notable differences by sex. Drowning rates were higher in coastal regions and more frequent during winter and spring. An increase in drowning rates was observed over the last 3 years of the study (2020–2022). Children hospitalized for more than 3 days had significantly higher mortality rates, both in general wards and intensive care units. Conclusions: Pediatric drowning is a persistent public health concern in Israel, with distinct seasonal, regional, age-specific, and sex-specific patterns in incidence and mortality. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive prevention strategy that includes year-round public education, environmental safety measures, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups to reduce drowning incidents and fatalities among children effectively. What is Known: • Pediatric drowning represents a significant public health challenge globally, with varying rates. • In Israel, pediatric drowning is the second leading cause of death from all injury-related deaths. Thus far, the measures and interventions to reduce fatalities were not proven effective enough. What is New: • Pediatric drowning in Israel, with a 9% mortality rate, revealed a biphasic rate varied by sex and is higher in coastal regions and during winter and spring. • There was a notable increase in drowning incidents during the last 3 years of the study period (2020–2022), coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microquasars are laboratories for the study of jets of relativistic particles produced by accretion onto a spinning black hole. Microquasars are near enough to allow detailed imaging of spatial features across the multiwavelength spectrum. The recent extension measurement of the spatial morphology of a microquasar, SS 433, to TeV gamma rays1 localizes the acceleration of electrons at shocks in the jet far from the black hole2. V4641 Sagittarii (V4641 Sgr) is a similar binary system with a black hole and B-type main-sequence companion star and has an orbit period of 2.8 days (refs. 3,4). It stands out for its super-Eddington accretion5 and for its radio jet, which is one of the fastest superluminal jets in the Milky Way. Previous observations of V4641 Sgr did not report gamma-ray emission6. Here we report TeV gamma-ray emission from V4641 Sgr that reveals particle acceleration at similar distances from the black hole as SS 433. Furthermore, the gamma-ray spectrum of V4641 Sgr is among the hardest TeV spectra observed from any known gamma-ray source and is detected above 200 TeV. Gamma rays are produced by particles, either electrons or protons, of higher energies. Because energetic electrons lose energy more quickly the higher their energy, such a spectrum either very strongly constrains the electron-production mechanism or points to the acceleration of high-energy protons. This suggests that large-scale jets from microquasars could be more common than previously expected and that they could be a notable source of galactic cosmic rays7–9.Ultra-high-energy gamma-ray emission from the microquasar V4641 Sagittarii is reported, suggesting that large-scale jets from microquasars could be more common than previously thought and also could be a notable source of galactic cosmic rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although biologists have described biofluorescence in a diversity of taxa, there have been few systematic efforts to document the extent of biofluorescence within a taxonomic group or investigate its general significance. Through a field survey across South America, we discover and document patterns of biofluorescence in tropical amphibians. We more than triple the number of anuran species that have been tested for this trait. We find evidence for ecological tuning (i.e., the specific adaptation of a signal to the environment in which it is received) of the biofluorescent signals. For 56.58% of species tested, the fluorescence excitation peak matches the wavelengths most abundant at twilight, the light environment in which most frogs are active. Additionally, biofluorescence emission spans both wavelengths of low availability in twilight and the peak sensitivity of green-sensitive rods in the anuran eye, likely increasing contrast of this signal for a conspecific receiver. We propose an expanded key for testing the ecological significance of biofluorescence in future studies, providing potential explanations for the other half of fluorescent signals not originally meeting formerly proposed criteria. With evidence of tuning to the ecology and sensory systems of frogs, our results suggest frog biofluorescence is likely functioning in anuran communication. The significance of biofluorescence across taxonomic groups is understudied. Here the authors document biofluorescence in South American tropical amphibians, suggesting that biofluorescence corresponds with wavelengths of light at twilight and may be used in communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical prediction of the interactions between wind and ocean waves is essential for climate modeling and a wide range of offshore operations. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of the marine atmospheric boundary layer is a practical numerical predictive tool but requires parameterization of surface fluxes at the air–water interface. Current momentum flux parameterizations primarily use wave-phase adapting computational grids, incurring high computational costs, or use an equilibrium model based on Monin–Obukhov similarity theory for rough surfaces that cannot resolve wave phase information. To include wave phase-resolving physics at a cost similar to the equilibrium model, the MOving Surface Drag (MOSD) model is introduced. It assumes ideal airflow over locally piece-wise planar representations of moving water wave surfaces. Horizontally unresolved interactions are still modeled using the equilibrium model. Validation against experimental and numerical datasets with known monochromatic waves demonstrates the robustness and accuracy of the model in representing wave-induced impacts on mean velocity and Reynolds stress profiles. The model is formulated to be applicable to a broad range of wave fields and its ability to represent cross-swell and multiple wavelength cases is illustrated. Additionally, the model is applied to LES of a laboratory-scale fixed-bottom offshore wind turbine model, and the results are compared with wind tunnel experimental data. The LES with the MOSD model shows good agreement in wind–wave–wake interactions and phase-dependent physics at a low computational cost. The model's simplicity and minimal computational needs make it valuable for studying turbulent atmospheric-scale flows over the sea, particularly in offshore wind energy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Ce- and Li-doped CaF2 phosphor (CaF2:Ce,Li) was synthesized by the combustion technique. Structural and morphological analysis of the synthesized material has been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The XRD pattern reveals the formation of a pure phase of the CaF2 crystal with a crystallite size of 717 nm. The luminescence properties were investigated by the thermoluminescence (TL) technique. The effect of sintering temperature on the TL glow curve of the pellets has been investigated for different temperatures (450, 500, 525, 550, and 575 °C). Pellets sintered at 525 °C and 550 °C presented higher sensitivity in their TL responses for gamma and UV irradiation, respectively. Samples irradiated with gamma radiation show two intense TL peaks centered at 172 °C and 275 °C. On the other hand, samples irradiated with UV radiation show two peaks centered at 195 and 280 °C. The intensity of the TL peaks increases with gamma radiation dose and UV irradiation time. The kinetic parameters of the glow curve peaks were determined through the combined analysis of the results obtained by the Tm-Tstop and deconvolution methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), new strategies are needed to increase the rate of successful treatment discontinuations, a crucial goal in this disease. Anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors are a promising therapeutic approach in CML after the demonstration of an increase of these inhibitory molecules in patients with CML. A phase Ib/II (NCT04793399, registration date March 11, 2021) open-label exploratory trial has been conducted to evaluate the safety of atezolizumab, a humanized anti-PD-L1 antibody, in combination with bosutinib in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML. A total of 36 patients were planned to be enrolled, but the study had to be prematurely terminated due to safety concerns. Nine patients were included in the study, and only 8 went on to receive the combination with atezolizumab. There were a total of 44 adverse events (AEs) during the study period. The most frequent were gastrointestinal (50%), mostly mild (86% grade 1–2). The most serious AEs were hepatic. There were 17 hepatic AEs in 5 patients. Of the hepatic AEs 5 were during the bosutinib monotherapy phase and 12 during the combination phase (AST increase x4, ALT increase x4, blood bilirubin increase x1, alkaline phosphatase elevation x2, GGT increase x2), most of them grade 3–4. There were 2 patients who presented a dose-limiting toxicity; a grade 3 elevation of transaminases, that led to premature termination of the study. The combination of atezolizumab with bosutinib presents hepatotoxicity as a dose-limiting effect and therefore we do not recommend to explore this combination in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset motor neuron disease with a mean survival time of three years. The 97% of the cases have TDP-43 nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation in motor neurons. TDP-43 prevents non-conserved cryptic exon splicing in certain genes, maintaining transcript stability, including ATG4B, which is crucial for autophagosome maturation and Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) homeostasis. In ALS mice (G93A), Atg4b depletion worsens survival rates and autophagy function. For the first time, we observed an elevation of LC3ylation in the CNS of both ALS patients and atg4b−/− mouse spinal cords. Furthermore, LC3ylation modulates the distribution of ATG3 across membrane compartments. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting cryptic exon restore ATG4B mRNA in TARDBP knockdown cells. We further developed multi-target ASOs targeting TDP-43 binding sequences for a broader effect. Importantly, our ASO based in peptide-PMO conjugates show brain distribution post-IV administration, offering a non-invasive ASO-based treatment avenue for neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate morbidity and mortality in patients taken to conversion to open procedure (CO) and subtotal laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC) as bailout procedures when performing difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Method: This observational cohort study retrospectively analyzed patients taken to SLC or CO as bailout surgery during difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2022. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors for morbimortality. Results: A total of 675 patients were included. Of the 675 patients (mean [SD] age 63.85 ± 16.00 years; 390 [57.7%] male) included in the analysis, 452 (67%) underwent CO and 223 (33%) underwent SLC. Overall, neither procedure had an increased risk of major complications (89 [19.69%] vs 35 [15.69%] P.207). However, CO had an increased risk of bile duct injury (18 [3.98] vs 1 [0.44] P.009), bleeding (mean [SD] 165.43 ± 368.57 vs 43.25 ± 123.42 P <.001), intestinal injury (20 [4.42%] vs 0 [0.00] P.001), and wound infection (18 [3.98%] vs 2 [0.89%] P.026), while SLC had a higher risk of bile leak (15 [3.31] vs 16 [7.17] P.024). On the multivariable analysis, Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; CI95%, 1.01–1.42), use of anticoagulant agents (OR, 2.56; CI95%, 1.21–5.44), classification of severity of cholecystitis grade III (OR, 2.96; CI95%, 1.48–5.94), and emergency admission (OR, 6.07; CI95%, 1.33–27.74) were associated with presenting major complications. Conclusions: SLC was less associated with complications; however, there is scant evidence on its long-term outcomes. Further research is needed on SLC to establish if it is the safest in the long-term as a bailout procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the dynamical behavior of a linear control system on R 2 when the associated matrix has real eigenvalues. Different from the complex case, we show that the position of the control zero relative to the control range can have a strong interference in such dynamics if the matrix is not invertible. In the invertible case, we explicitly construct the unique control set with a nonempty interior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central norepinephrine (NE) neurons, located mainly in the locus coeruleus (LC), are implicated in diverse psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and are an emerging target for drug discovery. To facilitate their study, we developed a method to generate 40–60% human LC-NE neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. The approach depends on our identification of ACTIVIN A in regulating LC-NE transcription factors in dorsal rhombomere 1 (r1) progenitors. In vitro generated human LC-NE neurons display extensive axonal arborization; release and uptake NE; and exhibit pacemaker activity, calcium oscillation and chemoreceptor activity in response to CO2. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis at multiple timepoints confirmed NE cell identity and revealed the differentiation trajectory from hindbrain progenitors to NE neurons via an ASCL1-expressing precursor stage. LC-NE neurons engineered with an NE sensor reliably reported extracellular levels of NE. The availability of functional human LC-NE neurons enables investigation of their roles in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and provides a tool for therapeutics development. Norepinephrine neurons, a drug target for neurologic diseases, are produced from stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The artistic style has been extensively discussed within diverse perspectives, usually studying the physical qualities of existing artifacts as the resource for investigation. This paper proposes a novel analysis of the dynamics of artistic style, as represented by a set of motor features, techniques, and their temporal interplay. The researchers hypothesize that unique characteristics of individuals’ styles are represented as transitions between motor activities, which would allow for computational analysis of style. As a case study, the researchers tracked a carving knife used in a clay-relief technique in two studies, one comprising (i) twelve sessions and five novice participants; and the other (ii) twenty-eight sessions with a single skilled artist. The analysis reveals that dynamic style is (i) unique and consistent in novices’ creative processes and that (ii) different subcategories of making can be observed in an experienced participant related to the subject of the work. These offer the possibility of quantitatively studying the making process irrespective of the esthetic qualities of the finished artifact, which allows for diverse computational applications.

AC-unification, i.e., unification modulo Associativity and Commutativity axioms is a key component in rewrite-based programming languages and theorem provers. We have used the PVS proof assistant to specify Stickel’s pioneering AC-unification algorithm and proved it to be terminating (using an elaborate lexicographic measure based on Fages’ termination proof), sound, and complete. We give a detailed account of the formalisation, including descriptions of the main steps in the proofs of termination, soundness, and completeness; the files that were created along with their hierarchy and size; and a discussion about our design choices, including the consequences of our choice for the grammar of terms. We also discuss applications of the certified AC-unification algorithm, showing how the formalisation could be used as a starting point to formalise more efficient AC-unification algorithms or to test implementations of AC-unification algorithms. This formalisation has been used to obtain a certified nominal AC-matching algorithm. Also, it could serve as a basis to specify a nominal AC-unification algorithm once this open theoretical problem is solved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) in the onco-hematological patients may be associated with thrombosis or infections that may have short- to medium-term repercussions. Material and methods: Single-centre retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort. Primary objective was to establish the PICC-thrombosis and infections incidence. Secondary objectives were to analyze profile of patients suffering from these complications and variables associated with an increased likelihood of developing these events. Results: 549 patients were recruited. 58.5% (n = 321) were oncology patients and 41.5% (n = 228) hematology patients. The incidence of PICC-associated thrombosis was 3.5% (n = 19). Thrombosis was associated with progression of the underlying malignant pathology in 10.6% (n = 2) of cases. No association was found between clinical variables analysed and development of thrombosis. Incidence of PICC-associated infections was 7.65% (n = 42). In the 30 days prior to PICC infection, 57.1% (n = 24) had a febrile syndrome of another focus, 73.8% (n = 11) had been hospitalized, 49.5% (n = 25) had a neutrophil count of 0–500 cells/mm3 and 47.6% (n = 20) had an episode of neutropenic fever. Variables significantly associated with the development of infection were hematological patients, high-flow PICC, 3-lm PICC or PICC insertion because of administration of vesicant therapy. Conclusions: Incidence of PICC-associated thrombosis is low and apparently less prognostically aggressive than other forms of thrombosis associated with cancer, without identify predictive factors. Infection was more prevalent and the identification of risk factors in our series could facilitate its prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC)Live Program was established in 2023 by the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance biomedical research by providing the scientific community with standardized, high quality phenotyping services for mouse models of diabetes and obesity. Emerging as the next iteration of the MMPC Program which served the biomedical research community for 20 years (2001–2021), MMPCLive is designed as an outwardly-facing consortium of service cores that collaborate to provide reduced-cost consultation and metabolic, physiologic, and behavioral phenotyping tests on live mice for U.S. biomedical researchers. Four MMPCLive Centers located at universities around the country perform complex and often unique procedures in vivo on a fee for service basis, typically on mice shipped from the client or directly from a repository or vendor. Current areas of expertise include energy balance and body composition, insulin action and secretion, whole body carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular and renal function, food intake and behavior, microbiome and xenometabolism, and metabolic pathway kinetics. Additionally, an opportunity arose to reduce barriers to access and expand the diversity of the biomedical research workforce by establishing the VIBRANT Program. Directed at researchers historically underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, VIBRANT-eligible investigators have access to testing services, travel and career development awards, expert advice and experimental design consultation, and short internships to learn test technologies. Data derived from experiments run by the Centers belongs to the researchers submitting mice for testing which can be made publicly available and accessible from the MMPCLive database following publication. In addition to services, MMPCLive staff provide expertise and advice to researchers, develop and refine test protocols, engage in outreach activities, publish scientific and technical papers, and conduct educational workshops and training sessions to aid researchers in unraveling the heterogeneity of diabetes and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most COVID-19 vaccines elicit immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, Spike protein mutations in emerging strains and immune evasion by the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrates the need to develop more broadly targeting vaccines. To facilitate this, we use mass spectrometry to identify immunopeptides derived from seven relatively conserved structural and non-structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins (N, E, Nsp1/4/5/8/9). We use two different B-lymphoblastoid cell lines to map Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I and class II immunopeptidomes covering some of the prevalent HLA types across the global human population. We employ DNA plasmid transfection and direct antigen delivery approaches to sample different antigens and find 248 unique HLA class I and HLA class II bound peptides with 71 derived from N, 12 from E, 28 from Nsp1, 19 from Nsp4, 73 from Nsp8 and 45 peptides derived from Nsp9. Over half of the viral peptides are unpublished. T cell reactivity tested against 56 of the detected peptides shows CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses against several peptides from the N, E, and Nsp9 proteins. Results from this study will aid the development of next-generation COVID vaccines targeting epitopes from across a number of SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The immune response to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been relatively well studied, but less is known about other viral proteins. Here, the authors identify immunopeptides from seven structural and non-structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins presented to the immune system by HLA molecules and confirm T-cell responses against some of them in convalescent individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two hydrated double salts, whose chemical formulas are K2Mn0.15Co0.85(SO4)2(H2O)6 (KMn/Co) and K2Mn0.16Zn0.84(SO4)2(H2O)6 (KMn/Zn), were crystallized via solvent slow evaporation. The structural, thermal, and vibrational properties were explored and discussed. Furthermore, a study of geometric, electronic, and thermodynamic (entropy, enthalpy, and free energy) parameters was performed based on computational calculations. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicated that the compounds belong to the family of mixed Tutton salts with monoclinic symmetry, space group P21/c ( C 2 h 5 ), and occupancy factors of Mn0.15/Co0.85 (KMn/Co) and Mn0.16/Zn0.84 (KMn/Zn). Additionally, the intermolecular contacts and total empties in the unit cells were determined by Hirshfeld surfaces and crystal voids, respectively. The two crystals exhibited thermal stability around 333 K (Mn–Co) and 348 K (Mn–Zn). Above these temperatures, endothermic and exothermic events characteristic of dehydration, crystallization, solid–solid transition, and melting are recorded. Furthermore, KMn/Co and KMn/Zn exhibited significant energy densities, making them promising candidates for thermochemical energy storage systems. An energy band gap of 4.13 eV and 4.49 eV was predicted for KMn/Co and KMn/Zn, respectively. These findings are characteristic of insulating materials with major contributions from p orbitals in the valence and conduction bands. Using group theory and density functional theory (DFT), it was suggested that the two compounds have a total of 183 optical modes in the spectral region from 30 to 3600 cm−1. Furthermore, experimental and calculated Raman and infrared spectra showed a good correlation. Our data suggest that the KMn/Co and KMn/Zn salts present promising thermo-structural results, showing that they can be used in heat-storing thermochemical devices due to their low dehydration temperatures, high dehydration enthalpies, and good energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes display context-specific diversity in their functions and respond to noxious stimuli between brain regions. Astrocytic mitochondria have emerged as key players in governing astrocytic functional heterogeneity, given their ability to dynamically adapt their morphology to regional demands on ATP generation and Ca2+ buffering functions. Although there is reciprocal regulation between mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes, the extent of this regulation in astrocytes from different brain regions remains unexplored. Brain-wide, experimentally induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) loss in astrocytes showed that mtDNA integrity is critical for astrocyte function, however, possible diverse responses to this noxious stimulus between brain areas were not reported in these experiments. To selectively damage mtDNA in astrocytes in a brain-region-specific manner, we developed a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based tool, Mito-PstI expressing the restriction enzyme PstI, specifically in astrocytic mitochondria. Here, we applied Mito-PstI to two brain regions, the dorsolateral striatum and dentate gyrus, and we show that Mito-PstI induces astrocytic mtDNA loss in vivo, but with remarkable brain-region-dependent differences on mitochondrial dynamics, Ca2+ fluxes, and astrocytic and microglial reactivity. Thus, AAV-Mito-PstI is a novel tool to explore the relationship between astrocytic mitochondrial network dynamics and astrocytic mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling in a brain-region-selective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are vital reservoirs for essential epibiotic microorganisms. Among these are growth-promoting bacteria that support the growth and healthy development of their host macroalgae, and these macroalgae can be utilized in agriculture as biostimulants, offering an alternative to traditional agrochemicals. However, to date, no comparative studies have been conducted on the functional profile and bacterial diversity associated with coastal macroalgae of Peru. In this study, we employed amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene in twelve host macroalgae collected from two rocky shores in central Peru to compare their bacterial communities. The results revealed high bacterial diversity across both sites, but differences in microbial composition were noted. The phyla Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota were predominant. The functional prediction highlighted 44 significant metabolic pathways associated with the bacterial microbiota when comparing host macroalgae. These active pathways are related to metabolism and genetic and cellular information processing. No direct association was detected between the macroalgal genera and the associated microbiota, suggesting that the bacterial community is largely influenced by their genetic functions than the taxonomic composition of their hosts. Furthermore, some species of Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta were observed to host growth-promoting bacteria, such as Maribacter sp. and Sulfitobacter sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate obstetric and perinatal outcomes among small for gestational age (SGA) infants born to patients diagnosed with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study between 2005 and 2021. The perinatal outcomes of SGA infants born to patients with singleton pregnancy and GDM were compared to SGA infants born to patients without GDM. The primary outcome was a composite adverse neonatal outcome. Infants with known structural/genetic abnormalities or infections were excluded. A univariate analysis was conducted followed by a multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]). Results: During the study period, 11,662 patients with SGA infants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 417 (3.6%) SGA infants were born to patients with GDM, while 11,245 (96.4%) were born to patients without GDM. Overall, the composite adverse neonatal outcome was worse in the GDM group (53.7% vs 17.4%, p < 0.01). Specifically, adverse neonatal outcomes such as a 5 min Apgar score < 7, meconium aspiration, seizures, and hypoglycemia were independently associated with GDM among SGA infants. In addition, patients with GDM and SGA infants had higher rates of overall and spontaneous preterm birth, unplanned cesarean, and postpartum hemorrhage. In a multivariate logistic regression assessing the association between GDM and neonatal outcomes, GDM was found to be independently associated with the composite adverse neonatal outcome (aOR 4.26 [3.43–5.3]), 5 min Apgar score < 7 (aOR 2 [1.16–3.47]), meconium aspiration (aOR 4.62 [1.76–12.13]), seizures (aOR 2.85 [1.51–5.37]) and hypoglycemia (aOR 16.16 [12.79–20.41]). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that GDM is an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes among SGA infants. This finding underscores the imperative for tailored monitoring and management strategies in those pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper serves as an introduction to focus on the meaning of resilience as a notion that hypothetically enables cities and their citizens to remain unaffected by shocks and stresses of diverse nature, but in practice, is a parsimonious representation of a highly complex human endogenous condition that is often not adequately understood and addressed due to weak or weathered disaster risk governance. Through an empirical analysis, the relevance of the occurrence of disasters such as the one produced by the Mexico City earthquake of September 19, 2017, and its relationship to the meaning of urban resilience is addressed. Since the 100 Resilient Cities program launch in 2013, several cities, including Mexico City, have adopted diverse strategies to build and become more resilient to physical, social, and economic shocks and stresses. Nonetheless, the degree of success of such strategies expressed in everyday life within the cities, regardless of what the official documents report, reveals highly heterogeneous results. In the case of Mexico City, it is evident that the appropriate strategy for attaining the desired outcome of becoming a Resilient City has not been successful. Despite setting the goal of advancing disaster risk reduction through urban and regional planning, the impact of the earthquake of September 19, 2017, proved otherwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After thirty-two years of the devastating earthquake in Mexico City in 1985, the city was again shaken by the consequences of the 7.1 Mw earthquake that struck central Mexico on September 19, 2017. The impact of the disaster nationwide was 369 deaths, 6000 injured, 256,000 total affected people, and damages in the order of US$ 6 billion. Although the earthquake's impact figures are not consistent yet, some sources indicate that in Mexico City alone, the earthquake caused 228 deaths, 44 collapsed buildings, and 73,000 damaged properties, including 5765 homes and 973 schools. The effect on the economy was estimated at between 0.1 and 0.3% of GDP for 2018, and the funds needed for reconstruction were calculated at more than US$3.4 billion. Local government responses to the earthquake were dosed and limited to immediate actions based on a traditional and militarized perspective. Once again, after the quake hit, city authorities and urban planners introduced several actions and initiatives to rethink how disasters can be managed in the city. Regular assessment of impacts on the security of the facilities at risk, liability, damages and losses initiatives, changes to the law, and purges in the local civil protection offices were carried on. As we argue in this article, all these actions are increasingly seen as a cause of serious concerns about the accountability of the authorities responsible for civil protection and risk management at the different levels of government. This article briefly introduces the renewed interest that has emerged in recent years around the globe, including Mexico City, regarding the increasing demands for accountability related to disasters. In the second section, the methodology of the article is described. It will then examine the results and discussion of the analysis of the disaster triggered by the earthquake of September 19, 2017. This included three major topics: (1) background from a hazard perspective and a general characterization of earthquake exposure, (2) damages and losses, and (3) insights into disaster management. The final section concerning closing remarks aims to reflect on future challenges for disaster accountability and community involvement in disaster risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the direct and inverse problem for isotropic scatterers with two conductive boundary conditions. First, we show the uniqueness for recovering the coefficients from the known far-field data at a fixed incident direction for multiple frequencies. Then, we address the inverse shape problem for recovering the scatterer for the measured far-field data at a fixed frequency. Furthermore, we examine the direct sampling method for recovering the scatterer by studying the factorization for the far-field operator. The direct sampling method is stable with respect to noisy data and valid in two dimensions for partial aperture data. The theoretical results are verified with numerical examples to analyze the performance by the direct sampling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semaprochilodus taeniurus (Valenciennes 1821) are known to inhabit the middle and lower regions of the Amazon basin. This study presents the first record of this species in the Peruvian Amazon, in the Lizardo stream, a tributary of the Putumayo River, Loreto region. The specimens were identified using meristic, morphological, and morphometric features as well as DNA barcodes based on the mitochondrial COI gene. This new species record contributes to enhancing our understanding of fish diversity in the Peruvian Amazon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds from propolis have promising food and pharmaceutical applications because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The current research aimed to optimize the production of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) loaded with phenolic compounds (P) from propolis extract. Thus, starch nanoparticles were prepared with (P-SNPs) and without phenolic compounds (SNPs) using the anti-solvent precipitation method. The effect of cassava starch percentage (CS), anti-solvent/solvent ratio (AS/W), mixing rate (MR), and the time of anti-solvent addition on the average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and adsorption efficiency (AE) of phenolic compounds of SNPs was investigated and optimized using of experimental designs. It was observed that the SNPs presented a minimum average size of 260 nm and a PDI of 0.903. On the other hand, the P-SNPs showed minimum average sizes of 145.3 nm (predicted 138.6) and PDI of 0.195 (predicted 0.186), where MR and the percentage of CS significantly impacted the optimization. After optimizing the average particle size and PDI, the AE in P-SNPs was assessed using a central composite face-centered (CCF) experimental design with CS, AS/W, and MR as factors. CS had a negative impact on AE, whereas AS/W and MR did not significantly affect it. Optimal conditions resulted in 50.5% AE (1% CS, 0.2:1 AS/W and MR at 300 rpm). Optimized conditions allow the production of P-SNPs quickly and reduce the use of ethanol (antisolvent) by 80%, compared with the literature. These P-SNPs have potential pharmaceutical and food applications because of their capacity to carry phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laponite® (Lap) is a synthetic layered nanoclay that is considered a potential candidate for improving the physicochemical properties of gelatin films. However, there is limited information in the literature about the interaction between Lap platelets and gelatin chains and its impact on the physicochemical film properties. Therefore, the current research aimed to systematically study the mechanism of interaction and the effect of Lap on the physicochemical properties of gelatin films (moisture content, optical properties, water contact angle, surface energy, water adsorption, water solubility, water vapor permeability, and mechanical properties). Furthermore, gelatin films with Lap were applied as UV-barrier materials in grape juice. Gelatin films were produced by casting method containing 0, 3, 5, 10, and 15% of Lap (based on the weight of the biopolymer). The incorporation of Lap reduced the formation of the gelatin triple helix structure and consequently film crystallinity. Hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions could be the principal interactions between gelatin/glycerol/Lap. The incorporation of Lap increased the thickness and moisture content. Lap platelets were completely exfoliated and did not modify the color and opacity of the gelatin films. The UV-barrier capacity of the gelatin films was improved with the incorporation of Lap. Gelatin films with 15% Lap exhibited a transmittance decreases of 86% and 5% in ultraviolet (280 nm) and visible (470 nm) light, respectively. Furthermore, a reduction of 29% in film water solubility was observed with 15% Lap. Other properties such as water contact angle, surface free energy, water vapor permeability, and mechanical properties were not modified by the incorporation of Lap. Gelatin films containing Lap (15%) reduced the degradation of anthocyanins (50%) in grape juice exposed to UV light when compared with samples covered with gelatin films without Lap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial aimed to ascertain the effect of a pre-procedure informational video on anxiety, pain perception, and satisfaction levels in patients undergoing amniocentesis. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups: a video group who watched an informational video prior to the procedure, and a control group who received standard care. Anxiety was gauged both pre- and post-procedure via the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score. Post-procedure, patients' perceived pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale questionnaire (VAS). Results: Of 110 randomized patients, 100 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. No significant difference was noted in overall anxiety levels between the study and control groups. However, in-procedure anxiety was significantly lower in the video group compared to the control group (p = 0.04). Among patients undergoing amniocentesis for the first time, the subgroup analysis revealed reduced levels of anxiety during the procedure and diminished pain 10 min after the procedure in the video group compared to the control group. (p = 0.041 and p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion: A pre-procedural informational video could help in alleviating anxiety and mitigating pain during amniocentesis. Clinical trial registration: The study was registered at 27.3.2022 in clinical-trials.gov (identifier NCT05463549). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, high hospital readmission rates have become a problem for mental health services, because it is directly associated with the quality of patient care. The development of predictive models with machine learning algorithms allows the assessment of readmission risk in hospitals. The main objective of this paper is to predict the readmission risk of patients with schizophrenia in a region of Spain, using machine learning algorithms. In this study, we used a dataset with 6089 electronic admission records corresponding to 3065 patients with schizophrenia disorders. Data were collected in the period 2005–2015 from acute units of 11 public hospitals in a Spain region. The Random Forest classifier obtained the best results in predicting the readmission risk, in the metrics accuracy = 0.817, recall = 0.887, F1-score = 0.877, and AUC = 0.879. This paper shows the algorithm with highest accuracy value and determines the factors associated with readmission risk of patients with schizophrenia in this population. It also shows that the development of predictive models with a machine learning approach can help improve patient care quality and develop preventive treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of ever-growing demand for food and associated concerns regarding the environmental impacts of high-input agricultural systems, there is growing interest in mixed farm enterprises to deliver greater sustainability compared with mono-enterprise production systems. However, assessments of such systems are complex and require high-resolution data to determine the true value and interconnectivity across enterprises. Given the scarcity of information on mixed crop–livestock systems and the difficulties of its analysis, we perform life cycle assessment using temporally high-resolution data (2019–2022) from a long-term experiment in South America to evaluate the 'cradle-to-farmgate exit' greenhouse gas emissions intensities of four rotational crop–livestock systems. Systems evaluated were continuous cropping: 2 years of continuous cropping; short rotation: 2-year continuous cropping plus 2-year pasture; long rotation: 2-year continuous cropping followed by 4-year pasture; and forage rotation: continuous pasture. Emissions intensities for beef throughput were reported as kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq) per kilogram of liveweight gain (LWG) using the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Report (AR6 2021) CO2 characterisation factors. Point estimate results were found to be 11.3, 11.8, 11.8 and 16.4 kg CO2-eq/kg/LWG for continuous cropping, short rotation, long rotation and forage rotation, respectively. Emission averages arising from crops, which were separated from animal-based emissions using economic allocation, were 1.23, 0.53 and 0.52 kg CO2-eq/kg for soybean, wheat and oat, respectively. The inclusion of soil organic carbon stock changes had notable effects on reducing each system's emissions: by 22.4%, 19.2%, 25.3% and 42.1% under continuous cropping, short rotation, long rotation and forage rotation, respectively, when soil organic carbon was included. Given there are few life cycle assessment studies available on such mixed-enterprise 'semi-circular' systems, particularly with novel primary data, this study adds critical knowledge to agri-food-related sustainability literature by addressing environmental issues in complex production systems compared to extant and broad coverage of mono-enterprise systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frequent complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. Preoperative factors are limited and controversial. This study aims to identify associated factors related to this complication in the Colombian population. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted. All patients over 18 years of age who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. Associations with DGE syndrome were evaluated with logistic regression analysis, Odds ratio, and b-coefficient were provided when appropriate. Results: 205 patients were included. Male patients constituted 54.15% (n = 111). 53 patients (25.85%) were diagnosed with DGE syndrome. Smoking habit (OR 17.58 p 0.00 95% CI 7.62–40.51), hydromorphone use > 0.6 mg/daily (OR 11.04 p 0.03 95% CI 1.26–96.66), bilirubin levels > 6 mg/dL (OR 2.51 p 0.02 95% CI 1.12–5.61), and pancreatic fistula type B (OR 2.72 p 0.02 CI 1.74–10.00). Discussion: Smoking history, opioid use (hydromorphone > 0.6 mg/Daily), type B pancreatic fistula, and bilirubin levels > 6 mg/dL should be considered as risk factors for DGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically reviewed the literature on using the Google Search Volume Index (GSVI) as a proxy variable for investor attention and stock market movements. We analyzed 56 academic studies published between 2010 and 2021 using the Web of Sciences and ScienceDirect databases. The articles were classified and synthesized based on the selection criteria for building the GSVI: keywords of the search term, market region, and frequency of the data sample. Next, we analyze the effect of returns, volatility, and trading volume on the financial variables. The main results can be summarized as follows. (1) The GSVI is positively related to volatility and trading volume regardless of the keyword, market region, or frequency used for the sample. Hence, increasing investor attention toward a specific financial term will increase volatility and trading volume. (2) The GSVI can improve forecasting models for stock market movements. To conclude, this study consolidates, for the first time, the research literature on GSVI, which is highly valuable for academic practitioners in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line therapy with palbociclib in a Spanish cohort treated after palbociclib approval. Methods: PALBOSPAIN is an observational, retrospective, multicenter study evaluating real-world patterns and outcomes with 1 L palbociclib in men and women (any menopausal status) with advanced HR+/HER2– BC diagnosed between November 2017 and November 2019. The primary endpoint was real-world progression-free survival (rw-PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), the real-world response rate (rw-RR), the clinical benefit rate, palbociclib dose reduction, and safety. Results: A total of 762 patients were included. The median rw-PFS and OS were 24 months (95% CI 21–27) and 42 months (40-not estimable [NE]) in the whole population, respectively. By cohort, the median rw-PFS and OS were as follows: 28 (95% CI 23–39) and 44 (95% CI 38-NE) months in patients with de novo metastatic disease, 13 (95% CI 11–17) and 36 months (95% CI 31–41) in patients who experienced relapse < 12 months after the end of ET, and 31 months (95% CI 26–37) and not reached (NR) in patients who experienced relapse > 12 months after the end of ET. rw-PFS and OS were longer in patients with oligometastasis and only one metastatic site and those with non-visceral disease. The most frequent hematologic toxicity was neutropenia (72%; grade ≥ 3: 52.5%), and the most common non-hematologic adverse event was asthenia (38%). Conclusion: These findings, consistent with those from clinical trials, support use of palbociclib plus ET as 1 L for advanced BC in the real-world setting, including pre-menopausal women and men. Trial registration number: NCT04874025 (PALBOSPAIN). Date of registration: 04/30/2021 retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether a trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) in women with a bicornuate uterus is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity compared to women with a non-malformed uterus. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at two university-affiliated centers between 2005 and 2021. Parturients with a bicornuate uterus who attempted TOLAC following a single low-segment transverse cesarean delivery (CD) were included and compared to those with a non-malformed uterus. Failed TOLAC rates and the rate of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Among 20,844 eligible births following CD, 125 (0.6%) were identified as having a bicornuate uterus. The overall successful vaginal delivery rate following CD in the bicornuate uterus group was 77.4%. Failed TOLAC rates were significantly higher in the bicornuate group (22.4% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.01). Uterine rupture rates did not differ between the groups, but rates of placental abruption and retained placenta were significantly higher among parturients with a bicornuate uterus (9.8% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.01, and 9.8% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.01, respectively). Neonatal outcomes following TOLAC were less favorable in the bicornuate group, particularly in terms of neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal sepsis. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association between the bicornuate uterus and failed TOLAC. Conclusions: This study found that parturients with a bicornuate uterus who attempted TOLAC have a relatively high overall rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). However, their chances of achieving VBAC are significantly lower compared to those with a non-malformed uterus. Obstetricians should be aware of these findings when providing consultation to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into higher education (HE), offering numerous benefits and transforming teaching and learning. Since its launch, ChatGPT has become the most popular learning model among Generation Z college students in HE. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, concerns, attitudes, and ethics of using ChatGPT among Generation Z college students in HE in Peru. An online survey was administered to 201 HE students with prior experience using the ChatGPT for academic activities. Two of the six proposed hypotheses were confirmed: Perceived Ethics (B = 0.856) and Student Concerns (B = 0.802). The findings suggest that HE students' knowledge and positive attitudes toward ChatGPT do not guarantee its effective adoption and use. It is important to investigate how attitudes of optimism, skepticism, or apathy toward AI develop and how these attitudes influence the intention to use technologies such as the ChatGPT in HE settings. The dependence on ChatGPT raises ethical concerns that must be addressed with responsible use programs in HE. No sex or age differences were found in the relationship between the use of ChatGPTs and perceived ethics among HE students. However, further studies with diverse HE samples are needed to determine this relationship. To promote the ethical use of the ChatGPT in HE, institutions must develop comprehensive training programs, guidelines, and policies that address issues such as academic integrity, privacy, and misinformation. These initiatives should aim to educate students and university teachers on the responsible use of ChatGPT and other AI-based tools, fostering a culture of ethical adoption of AI to leverage its benefits and mitigate its potential risks, such as a lack of academic integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) are of particular concern due to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes associated with mobile genetic elements. In this study, we collected 687 carbapenem-resistant strains recovered among clinical samples from 41 hospitals in nine Southern European countries (2016-2018). We identified 11 major clonal lineages, with most isolates belonging to the high-risk clones ST258/512, ST101, ST11, and ST307. blaKPC-like was the most prevalent carbapenemase-encoding gene (46%), with blaOXA-48 present in 39% of isolates. Through the combination and comparison of this EURECA collection with the previous EuSCAPE collection (2013-2014), we investigated the spread of high-risk clones circulating in Europe exhibiting regional differences. We particularly found blaKPC-like ST258/512 in Greece, Italy, and Spain, blaOXA-48 ST101 in Serbia and Romania, blaNDM ST11 in Greece, and blaOXA-48-like ST14 in Türkiye. Genomic surveillance across Europe thus provides crucial insights for local risk mapping and informs necessary adaptions for implementation of control strategies. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen of increasing concern due to the spread of carbapenem resistance. In this study, the authors sequence carbapenem-resistant strains from a hospital surveillance network in southern Europe, describe evolution of high-risk clones, and identify locally important lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The prognostic utility and biological correlates of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a potential biomarker of the balance between immune response and the inflammatory status, are still uncertain in breast cancer (BC). Methods: We analysed a cohort of 959 women with early breast cancer, mostly treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical and pathological data, survival, NLR (continuous and categorical) and stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) were evaluated. Results: NLR was only weakly associated with Ki67, while no association was found for grade, histology, immunohistochemical subtype or stage. Lymphocyte infiltration of the tumor did not correlate with NLR (Rho: 0.05, p = 0.30). These results were similar in the whole group and across the different BC subtypes, with no differences in triple negative BC. Relapse free interval (RFI), breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) changed according to pre-treatment NLR neither in the univariate nor in the multivariate Cox models (RFI: HR 0.948, p = 0.61; BCSS: HR 0.920, p = 0.57; OS: HR 0.96, p = 0.59). Conclusion: These results question the utility of NLR as a prognostic biomarker in early breast cancer and suggest the lack of correlation of NLR with tumor microenvironment immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term postoperative complications of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are more frequent than those of primary surgery. Robotic-assisted procedures offer several advantages over traditional laparoscopy, but there are limited data. A retrospective study of 29 patients who underwent a revisional robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RRYGB) in a Tertiary Level Hospital. Variables included were demographics, causes for revision, operative details, complications, and weight loss outcomes up to 54 month post-RRYGB. Causes for conversion were weight loss failure (WLF), weight regain (WR), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or Joint Pain (JP). We assessed 29 patients. Causes for conversion included WLF (34%), WR (15%), WR with GERD (20%), GERD (24%), and JP (3%). Initial BMI was 53.43 kg/m2 ± 8.75. Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 2 days. Total operative time was 126 min. ± 43.45. Excess weight loss at 1 year post-surgery was 82.66% (p < 0.0001), with mean BMI of 30.93 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). At 3 years, mean %EWL was 71.26% and a mean BMI 33.81 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). At 4.5 years, mean %EWL was 59.29% and mean BMI 37.27 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). One complication (8%) was found (jejunojejunal stenosis). There was no mortality. The initial experience with RRYGB shows acceptable outcomes, including low morbidity, no mortality, excellent weight loss after the revisional surgery, and promising reduction in operative times, with important implications on reduction of the total cost of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes an alternative for producing carbon quantum dots through green synthesis using Hibiscus sabdariffa as a carbon source. The synthesis methodology incorporates mesoporous zeolite 4A as a refractory material during thermal treatment and as a sieve for particle size selection. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed a narrow size distribution of approximately 1.2 nm, aligning with the α-cage diameter of zeolite 4A. Additionally, the CQDs were evaluated as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates on a pyridoxine molecule (C8H11NO3), which showed an enhancement of the pyridinic ring breathing mode at approximately 1000 cm−1. Furthermore, employing density functional theory (DFT), several carbon structures were theoretically used to represent the CQD–pyridoxine interaction. Based on the molecular descriptor behavior, the charge transfer effects between both systems were studied to determine the elements responsible for the SERS effect associated with the chemical enhancement mechanism. This comprehensive approach provides insight into the structural and optical properties of the synthesized CQDs, with significant implications for their potential application in different areas, particularly in SERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]