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Hundreds of edible wild plants form a vegetal environment that provides a supply of nutritious and delightful food. It also contains a wealth of nutritious ingredients such as proteins, iron, calcium, and vitamins, as well as fibers, and mineral salts that our bodies require. Knowing these plants also aids in preserving the traditional users' cultural heritage. It is crucial to describe, characterize, and search the nutritional content of these plants. This is a very intriguing topic to explore and advance due to the variety of plants that have been harvested and their usage in various industries (nutritional, medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical). The leaves and stems of some plants are used in cooking or eaten raw in salads. The limited research that has been done in Algeria has not demonstrated the potential contribution of these items to ration balance. The aim of this work was to gauge the chemical composition of two raw and cooked plants, leaves and petioles of wild spinach (Chenopodium vulvaria) and leaves of purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and to apply chemometric methods to obtain information that permit their characterization. Five samples of ten bunches of each plant were purchased from different retail traders in different markets of Constantine (Algeria) and prepared according to standard AFNOR. The samples were analyzed by determining moisture, total lipids, proteins, ash, minerals, dietary fibers, as well as, total carbohydrates and energy value by calculation. A multivariate data analysis method such as principal components analysis (PCA), was applied on a data matrix consisting of the analytical parameters of raw and cooked spinach leaves and petioles; and of raw and cooked purslane leaves. The results obtained showed that the samples of cooked spinach were characterized by the total carbohydrate and nutritional fiber (ADF, NDF and lignin). As for raw spinach, it was associated with lipid, protein, dry matter, energy value, carbohydrate and ash. The PCA of minerals revealed that the leaves are separated from petioles and are richer in minerals. PCA also enabled demonstration of the distinction between raw and cooked purslane. The dry matter content of the leaves of spinach and purslane decreased after cooking. It would be interesting to continue the work by studying the composition of fatty acids, tocopherols and pigments. In addition, the study could be broadened to include other cooking methods, and harvested plants that grow in Algeria. Key words: Spinach (Chenopodium vulvaria), Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Nutritional composition, Principal Components Analysis, Cooking, INTRODUCTION Plants are multicellular or unicellular living organisms that serve as the primary component of the planet's ecosystem's complete food chain [1]. Where there were no methods of transportation or [...]

Nosocomial infections are a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased treatment costs in hospitals. This study aimed to analyze the factors determining the implementation of biosafety measures by the nursing staff of four hospitals in Piura via a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 215 nurses from various hospitals in the region participated by completing an online survey. The results demonstrated that extrinsic factors (FEX) positively influence the implementation of biosafety measures (BIOM) (β = 0.319 ***), as do intrinsic factors (FINT) (β = 0.520 **). Furthermore, intrinsic factors mediate the relationship between extrinsic factors and the implementation of biosafety measures (β = 0.443 ***). In conclusion, this study provides a deeper understanding of biosafety dynamics in healthcare settings and lays the groundwork for the development of customized interventions and ongoing training programs that ensure the optimal implementation of biosafety measures in hospitals.

This study evaluated the effects of increasing levels of crude glycerol (CG) on the effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF) in Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex Chiov (kikuyu forage) and ruminal fermentation parameters in grazing dairy cows. Four non-lactating cannulated Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of CG infusion in the rumen at the following levels: 0 (G0), 500 (G500), 1000 (G1000), and 1500 (G1500) g/animal/day. Two kikuyu forages harvested (D) at 35 (DR35) and 45 (DR45) days of regrowth were incubated in the rumen for 72 h. The infusion of CG into the rumen increased (p < 0.05) EDNDF in both incubated forages. Total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and pH values in the ruminal fluid were unaffected (p > 0.05) by the infusion of CG. However, propionate and butyrate molar proportions increased (p < 0.05) at the expense of acetate at all CG levels. In addition, the NH3-N levels decreased (p < 0.05) by approximately 20% with the infusion of 1000 and 1500 g of CG. In conclusion, supplementation with CG increases ruminal EDNDF, improving rumen fermentation dynamics in cows grazing kikuyu forage under tropical conditions. This greater EDNDF was achieved for both harvesting times.

Abstract Saponins are plant secondary metabolites comprising glycosylated triterpenoids, steroids or steroidal alkaloids with a broad spectrum of toxicity to microbial pathogens and pest organisms that contribute to basal plant defense to biotic attack. Secretion of glycosyl hydrolases that enzymatically convert saponins into less toxic products was thus far the only mechanism reported to enable fungal pathogens to colonize their saponin-containing host plant(s). We studied the mechanisms that the fungus Botrytis cinerea utilizes to be tolerant to well-characterized, structurally related saponins from tomato and Digitalis purpurea. By gene expression studies, comparative genomics, enzyme assays and testing a large panel of fungal (knockout and complemented) mutants, we unraveled four distinct cellular mechanisms that participate in the mitigation of the toxic activity of these saponins and in virulence on saponin-producing host plants. The enzymatic deglycosylation that we identified is novel and unique to this fungus-saponin combination. The other three tolerance mechanisms operate in the fungal membrane and are mediated by protein families that are widely distributed in the fungal kingdom. We present a spatial and temporal model on how these mechanisms jointly confer tolerance to saponins and discuss the repercussions of these findings for other plant pathogenic fungi, as well as human pathogens.

Abstract Background The leaves of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (K. pinnata), a succulent plant native to tropical regions, are used as a medicinal alternative against cancer in several countries worldwide; however, its therapeutic potential to fight cancer has been little addressed. In this study, we analyzed the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and selectivity of K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract against different human cancer cell lines in vitro. Methodology This study subjected the ethanolic extract to enzymatic assays to quantify the phytochemical content (phenolics, flavonoids, and anthraquinones) and its radical scavenging and iron-reducing capacities. Also, the phytoconstituents and major phenolic compounds present in the extract’s subfractions were identified by GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR. Human cancer (MCF-7, PC-3, HT-29) and normal colon (CoN) cell lines were treated with different concentrations of K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract, and the changes in cell proliferation (sulforhodamine B assay), caspases activity (FITC-VAD-FMK reporter), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, rhodamine 123 assay), chromatin condensation/fragmentation (Hoechst 33342 stain), and ROS generation (DCFH2 probe assay) were assessed. Results The results showed that the K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract is rich in phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential, including phenols (quercetin and kaempferol), flavonoids, fatty acid esters (34.6% of the total composition), 1- triacontanol and sterols (ergosterol and stigmasterol, 15.4% of the total composition); however, it presents a poor content of antioxidant molecules (IC50 = 27.6 mg/mL for H2O2 scavenging activity vs. 2.86 mg/mL in the case of Trolox). Notably, the extract inhibited cell proliferation and reduced MMP in all human cell lines tested but showed selectivity for HT-29 colon cancer cells compared to CoN normal cells (SI = 8.4). Furthermore, ROS generation, caspase activity, and chromatin condensation/fragmentation were augmented significantly in cancer-derived cell lines, indicating a selective cytotoxic effect. Conclusion These findings reveal that the K. pinnata leaf ethanolic extract contains several bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential, capable of displaying selective cytotoxicity in different human cancer cell lines.

Abstract Sphaerellopsis species are putative hyperparasites of rust fungi and may be promising biological control agents (BCA) of rust diseases. However, few detailed studies limit potential BCA development in Sphaerellopsis. Here, we explored the biogeography, host-specificity, and species diversity of Sphaerellopsis and examined the early infection stage of one species, S. macroconidialis, to infer its trophic status. We randomly screened 5,621 rust specimens spanning 99 genera at the Arthur Fungarium for the presence of Sphaerellopsis. We identified 199 rust specimens infected with Sphaerellopsis species on which we conducted morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. Five Sphaerellopsis species were recovered, infecting a total of 122 rust species in 18 genera from 34 countries. Sphaerellopsis melampsorinearum sp. nov. is described as a new species based on molecular phylogenetic data and morphological features of the sexual and asexual morphs. Sphaerellopsis paraphysata was the most commonly encountered species, found on 77 rust specimens, followed by Sphaerellopsis macroconidialis on 56 and S. melampsorinearum on 55 examined specimens. The type species, Sphaerellopsis filum, was found on 12 rust specimens and Sphaerellopsis hakeae on a single specimen. We also recovered and documented for the first time, the sexual morph of S. macroconidialis, from a specimen collected in Brazil. Our data indicate that Sphaerellopsis species are not host specific and furthermore that most species are cosmopolitan in distribution. However, S. paraphysata is more abundant in the tropics, and S. hakeae may be restricted to Australia. Finally, we confirm the mycoparasitic strategy of S. macroconidialis through in-vitro interaction tests with the urediniospores of Puccinia polysora. Shortly after germination, hyphae of S. macroconidialis began growing along the germ tubes of P. polysora and coiling around them. After 12 days of co-cultivation, turgor loss was evident in the germ tubes of P. polysora, and appressorium-like structures had formed on urediniospores. The interaction studies indicate that Sphaerellopsis species may be more effective as a BCA during the initial stages of rust establishment.

Background: This work aimed to determine the role and action points for the involvement of medical societies in the European Health Technology Assessment (EU HTA) Methods: An online pre-convention survey was developed addressing four areas related to the EU HTA: (i) medical societies’ role; (ii) role of clinical guidelines; (iii) interface with the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS); and (iv) approaching ‘best-available evidence’ (BAE). A descriptive analysis of questionnaire outcomes was conducted to inform the European Access Academy (EAA) Fall Convention 2023. Within the working groups (WGs), action points were identified and prioritised. Results: A total of 57 experts from 15 countries responded to the survey. The WGs were attended by (i) 11, (ii) 10, (iii) 12, and (iv) 12 experts, respectively, representing a variety of national backgrounds and stakeholder profiles. The most relevant action points identified were as follows: (i) incorporation of clinical context into population, intervention, comparator, outcomes (PICO) schemes, (ii) timely provision of up-to-date therapeutic guidelines, (iii) ensuring the inclusion of MCBS insights into the EU HTA process, and (iv) considering randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as the gold standard and leveraging regulatory insights if development programs only include single-arm trials. Conclusions: The involvement of medical societies is a critical success factor for the EU HTA. The identified key action points foster the involvement of patient associations and medical societies.

Background Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as "all the physical and mental attributes possessed by the older person." This concept has gained momentum in recent years because it provides insights into the changes in the functional capacity of individuals during their life. This study examined common factors associated with IC decline among older adults in Mexico and Colombia. Methods This cross-sectional, correlational study included 348 community-dwelling older adults. Sociodemographic, clinical, and family conditions were assessed as possible associated factors, and IC was analyzed across five domains: cognitive, locomotor, psychological, vitality (malnutrition through deficiency and excess), and sensory (visual and auditory). Parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed. Results The common factors associated with impairment according to domain were family dysfunctionality (cognitive domain); myocardial infarction, family dysfunctionality, age >80 years, home occupation, and not having a partner (locomotor domain); dysfunctional family and risk of falls (psychological domain); age >80 years and not having a partner (malnutrition by deficiency domain); age 60–79 years, walking

Janet Pope,1 Axel Finckh,2 Lucia Silva-Fernández,3 Peter Mandl,4 Haiyun Fan,5 Jose L Rivas,6 Monica Valderrama,6 Maria Montoro6 1Division of Rheumatology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; 2Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; 3Rheumatology Department, A Coruña University Hospital Complex, A Coruña, Spain; 4Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; 5Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA; 6Pfizer SLU, Madrid, SpainCorrespondence: Maria Montoro, Pfizer SLU, Madrid, Spain, Email maria.montoro@pfizer.comPurpose: To evaluate the characteristics, efficacy, and retention of tofacitinib monotherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world data (RWD).Patients and Methods: Three patient groups receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily (BID) monotherapy were defined for post hoc RCT/long-term extension (LTE) analyses: (1) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-inadequate responder patients from phase 3/3b/4 RCTs; (2) methotrexate-naïve patients from a phase 3 RCT; and (3) index study patients continuing in an LTE study. Outcomes included low disease activity (LDA)/remission rates defined by Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI); Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28-4), erythrocyte sedimentation rate; DAS28-4, C-reactive protein (DAS28-4[CRP]); and rates of/time to discontinuation due to lack of efficacy/adverse events. RWD were identified by non-systematic literature searches of PubMed, Embase, and American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology congress abstracts (2012– 2022).Results: RCT/LTE analyses included 1000/498 patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg BID monotherapy. Baseline disease activity was high; patients tended to receive concomitant glucocorticoids; most were biologic DMARD-naïve. CDAI LDA rates were 32.2– 62.2% for Groups 1/2 (months 3– 12) and 64.0– 70.7% for Group 3 (months 12– 72). In Groups 1, 2, and 3, 4.0%, 15.6%, and 27.7% of patients, respectively, discontinued tofacitinib monotherapy due to lack of efficacy/adverse events. From 11 RWD publications, 16.6– 66.1% received tofacitinib monotherapy. Consistent with clinical data, tofacitinib monotherapy effectiveness (month 6 CDAI LDA, 30.2%; month 3 DAS28-4[CRP] remission, 53.4%) and persistence were observed in RWD, with retention comparable to tofacitinib combination therapy.Conclusion: Tofacitinib monotherapy demonstrated clinically significant responses/persistence in RCT/LTE analyses, with effectiveness observed and persistence comparable to combination therapy in RWD.Trial Registration: NCT00814307, NCT02187055, NCT01039688, NCT00413699, NCT00661661 (ClinicalTrials.gov).Keywords: autoimmune, JAK inhibitor, clinical practice, long-term, efficacy, retention

Much work has been done to understand and improve soil and water conservation where agriculture has driven land use intensification. Less is known about soil- and water-related impacts from intensification driven by solar farming, especially at watershed-scales. Here we employed Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) to model Pond Creek, a rural watershed in Texas, USA. Land use is primarily crop cultivation and secondarily pasture for cattle grazing. Presently, several industrial-scale projects are planned to convert ≈15–30% of Pond Creek from agriculture to solar farms. The model was parameterized using public data sources and information from local stakeholders, then calibrated to several historical precipitation events. Experiments were conducted by varying precipitation depth, duration, and land uses: native vegetation pre-cultivation (control), cultivation (current), current conditions with 15% solar farm conversion (solar), and current conditions with 30% solar farm conversion (solar x2). Shifting to solar farming led to significant increases in cumulative sediment load (+12%–30%), with no significant differences in peak discharge rate changes (+0.38%–4%). Comparison to soil loss tolerance values showed current and solar treatment erosion rates exceeded tolerance values between 0.17 and 2.29 tons per hectare and all treatments were significantly different than the native treatment. We discuss high leverage strategies applicable to solar farm development sites as well as watersheds where they reside. Accelerating demand for land for renewable energy such as solar farming warrants greater attention from the soil and water conservation community to anticipate and mitigate impacts across landscapes.

Background Physical activity plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of older adults, positively influencing various aspects of their quality of life. This study aims to explore the relationship between physical activity and body segments, as well as the risk indices of non-communicable chronic diseases in healthy elderly individuals. Methods The analyzed variables include weekly physical activity, the Postural Correction Index (PCI), measured using the system developed by Portland State University (PSU), and predictors of non-communicable chronic diseases assessed through body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. Results The results reveal a moderate positive relationship between physical activity and the PCI ( r=0.45; p≤0.05), with significant correlations in specific components of the PCI, such as thoracic depression ( r=0.51; pr=0.51; pr=0.53; p Conclusions It is concluded that physical activity has a significant positive impact on the posture of older adults, particularly in the trunk, contributing 40% to the improvement of PCI components. The PCI values obtained, exceeding 84.67 in men and 82.67 in women according to the PSU evaluation, underscore the effectiveness of physical activity in postural correction and the prevention of issues associated with chronic diseases.

Background Physical activity plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of older adults, positively influencing various aspects of their quality of life. This study aims to explore the relationship between physical activity and body segments, as well as the risk indices of non-communicable chronic diseases in healthy elderly individuals. Methods The analyzed variables include weekly physical activity, the Postural Correction Index (PCI), measured using the system developed by Portland State University (PSU), and predictors of non-communicable chronic diseases assessed through body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. Results The results reveal a moderate positive relationship between physical activity and the PCI ( r=0.45; p≤0.05), with significant correlations in specific components of the PCI, such as thoracic depression ( r=0.51; pr=0.51; pr=0.53; p Conclusions It is concluded that physical activity has a significant positive impact on the posture of older adults, particularly in the trunk, contributing 40% to the improvement of PCI components. The PCI values obtained, exceeding 82.67 in men and 84.67 in women according to the PSU evaluation, underscore the effectiveness of physical activity in postural correction and the prevention of issues associated with chronic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the burden of postacute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PASC) in low- and middle-income countries. We sought to characterize PASC with self-reported questionnaires and clinical examinations of end-organ function in Lima, Peru. METHODS: From January to July 2021, we recruited participants at least 8 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis from a case registry in Lima, Peru. We evaluated participants for PASC with questionnaires, neuropsychiatric evaluations, chest X-ray, spirometry, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. We used multivariable models to identify risk factors for PASC. RESULTS: We assessed 989 participants for PASC at a median 4.7 months after diagnosis. Clinically significant respiratory symptoms were reported by 68.3% of participants, particularly those who had been severely ill during acute COVID-19, and were associated with cardiac findings of ventricular hypertrophy or dilation on echocardiogram. Neuropsychiatric questionnaires were consistent with depression in 20.7% and cognitive impairment in 8.0%. Female sex and older age were associated with increased risk of respiratory (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.36 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.69-3.31] and aOR, 1.01 [95% CI, 1.00-1.03], respectively) and neuropsychiatric sequelae (aOR, 2.99 [95% CI, 2.16-4.18] and aOR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.03], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 survivors in Lima, Peru, experienced frequent postacute respiratory symptoms and depression, particularly among older and female participants. Clinical examinations highlighted the need for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation among persons with severe COVID-19; psychosocial support may be required among all COVID-19 survivors.

Este estudio evaluó la efectividad de la herramienta COSIS (Comportamiento Social con Integración Sonora) para medir habilidades sociales en niños de 8 a 12 años mediante musicoterapia en instituciones educativas de Colombia y Ecuador. La investigación se desarrolló bajo un enfoque cualitativo exploratorio-descriptivo, empleando una muestra intencional de 40 estudiantes, 20 en cada institución. Las sesiones de musicoterapia se organizaron en tres fases: caldeamiento, fase central y cierre, permitiendo observar los factores de emancipación, coherencia y liderazgo en los estudiantes. Durante cada sesión, los niños se expresaron a través de instrumentos y movimientos espontáneos, mientras las sesiones eran grabadas en video para un análisis posterior basado en los criterios de COSIS. Los resultados revelaron que los estudiantes colombianos tendieron a manifestar mayor autonomía y habilidades de liderazgo, mientras que los ecuatorianos mostraron una preferencia por roles colaborativos. Ambos grupos destacaron en el nivel de “Acompañante”, sugiriendo un balance entre la expresión individual y la cohesión grupal, fundamental para el desarrollo social. COSIS también facilitó la detección de áreas de mejora, como los niveles "Desvinculado" y "Sumiso" en algunos estudiantes ecuatorianos. En conjunto, COSIS y la musicoterapia demostraron ser herramientas efectivas y no invasivas para la evaluación socioemocional, proporcionando un entorno seguro y expresivo para los niños. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de adaptar las intervenciones a los valores culturales específicos de cada región, consolidando a COSIS como una herramienta innovadora en el desarrollo de habilidades sociales en programas educativos de América Latina.

El articulo problematiza en la necesidad de estándares de diseño y pautas arquitectónicas para adaptaciones de viviendas de personas mayores con y sin discapacidad para disminuir riesgos en las actividades diarias en sus viviendas. Para esto se utiliza el Modelo Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, la Discapacidad y la Salud (CIF) identificando los problemas de funcionalidad y discapacidades que afectan en las actividades domésticas de personas mayores. El objetivo es proponer criterios de diseño que mejoren la calidad de vida de la población mayor al facilitar las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria al interior de sus viviendas. Utilizando el análisis de contenido tanto del CIF, como las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria, se proponen criterios de diseño para viviendas de personas mayores en general y para personas mayores con discapacidades cognitiva (Alzheimer), sensoriales (visuales y auditivos) y física (usuarios de silla de ruedas).

En este trabajo se abordarán las nociones paradigmáticas que han sostenido la conformación legal societario en Colombia, expresado en el artículo 98 del Decreto 410 de 1971, frente a las tendencias vigentes que están poniendo en consideración la tradicional formula legislativa, en enfoque crítico prospectivo del derecho, y en este caso, del derecho societario y la integración de tecnologías disruptivas en la toma de decisiones como en la creación societaria. Con ello, se abordará el análisis del oficio 220-13960 de julio de 2023 del Superintendencia de Sociedades, en cual se estudió la constitución de sociedades mercantiles por SmartContract, ante los paradigmas actuales en vigor.

BackgroundThe incidence of mental health issues in children is increasing worldwide. In Chile, a recent surge in reports of deteriorating mental health among school populations and an increase in complaints related to poor school climate have been observed. Physical activity, specifically active breaks in the classroom, has shown positive effects on children’s health. However, evidence regarding its impact on mental health and school climate in children is limited.ObjectiveThis work outlines the design, measurements, intervention program, and potential efficacy of the “Active Classes + School Climate and Mental Health” project. This project will assess a 12-week program of active breaks through guided videos with curricular content in the school classroom, and its effects on mental health and school climate as its primary indicators. Additionally, it will measure physical activity, physical fitness, motor competence, and academic performance in students aged 6–10 years in the Biobío province, Chile, as secondary indicators. Methodology: A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 823 students from 1st to 4th grade (6–10 years old), six schools (three intervention and three control) will be conducted in the Biobío region, Chile. Participants belonging to the intervention group will implement video-guided active breaks through the “Active Classes” web platform, featuring curricular content, lasting 5–10 min and of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity, twice a day, Monday to Friday, over a span of 12 weeks. Expected Results/Discussion: To our knowledge, this will be the first study in Chile to evaluate the effects of incorporating video-guided active breaks with curricular content on mental health variables and school climate in schoolchildren. Thus, this study contributes to the scarce evidence on the effects of video-guided active breaks on mental health variables and school climate in schoolchildren worldwide. Additionally, it will provide crucial information about active teaching methodologies that have the potential to positively contribute to the wellbeing of students, thus addressing the problems of mental health and climate in Chilean schools. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06423404.

IntroductionWearable in-ear electroencephalographic (EEG) devices hold significant promise for integrating brain monitoring technologies into real-life applications. However, despite the introduction of various in-ear EEG systems, there remains a necessity for validating these technologies against gold-standard, clinical-grade devices. This study aims to evaluate the signal quality of a newly developed mobile in-ear EEG device compared to a standard scalp EEG system among healthy volunteers during wakefulness and sleep.MethodsThe study evaluated an in-ear EEG device equipped with dry electrodes in a laboratory setting, recording a single bipolar EEG channel using a cross-ear electrode configuration. Thirty healthy participants were recorded simultaneously using the in-ear EEG device and a conventional EEG cap system with 64 wet electrodes. Based on two recording protocols, one during a resting state condition involving alternating eye opening and closure with a low degree of artifact contamination and another consisting of a daytime nap, several quality measures were used for a quantitative comparison including root mean square (RMS) analysis, artifact quantification, similarities of relative spectral power (RSP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) based on alpha peak criteria, and cross-signal correlations of alpha activity during eyes-closed conditions and sleep activities. The statistical significance of our results was assessed through nonparametric permutation tests with False Discovery Rate (FDR) control.ResultsDuring the resting state, in-ear and scalp EEG signals exhibited similar fluctuations, characterized by comparable RMS values. However, intermittent signal alterations were noticed in the in-ear recordings during nap sessions, attributed to movements of the head and facial muscles. Spectral analysis indicated similar patterns between in-ear and scalp EEG, showing prominent peaks in the alpha range (8–12 Hz) during rest and in the low-frequency range during naps (particularly in the theta range of 4–7 Hz). Analysis of alpha wave characteristics during eye closures revealed smaller alpha wave amplitudes and slightly lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values in the in-ear EEG compared to scalp EEG. In around 80% of cases, cross-correlation analysis between in-ear and scalp signals, using a contralateral bipolar montage of 64 scalp electrodes, revealed significant correlations with scalp EEG (p

We consider a possible resummation of subleading effects in two-body systems with a large scattering length as described by a short-range effective field theory (EFT). In particular, we investigate the consequences of a resummation of part of the range corrections. Explicit calculations of the two-body phase shifts and charge form factor indicate that, except for extreme choices, resummations do not alter the convergence of the EFT expansion and are often beneficial at the lowest orders. We have considered the expansion when the regulator cutoff is removed as well as when it is finite, and find that the cutoff is not an important factor for resummations. Our results connect with other works where the partial resummation is induced by potentials with finite cutoffs or interaction ranges.

Introduction and Objectives: There are different situations in which an extrahepatic bile duct replacement or substitute is needed, such as initial and localized stages of bile duct cancer, agenesis, stenosis, or bile duct disruption. Materials and Methods: A prosthesis obtained by electrospinning composed of Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PGLA) - Polycaprolactone (PCL) - Gelatin (Gel) was developed, mechanical and biological tests were carried out to evaluate resistance to tension, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, morphological analysis and cell culture. The obtained prosthesis was placed in the extrahepatic bile duct of 15 pigs with a 2-year follow-up. Liver function tests and cholangioscopy were evaluated during follow-up. Results: Mechanical and biological evaluations indicate that this scaffold is biocompatible and biodegradable. The prosthesis implanted in the experimental model allowed cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, maintaining bile duct permeability without altering liver function tests. Immunohistochemical analysis indicates the presence of biliary epithelium. Conclusions: A tubular scaffold composed of electrospun PGLA-PCL-Gel nanofibers was used for the first time to replace the extrahepatic bile duct in pigs. Mechanical and biological evaluations indicate that this scaffold is biocompatible and biodegradable, making it an excellent candidate for use in bile ducts and potentially in other tissue engineering applications.

In September 2023 members of the cell adhesion and cell migration research community came together to share their latest research and consider how our work might be translated for clinical practice. Alongside invited speakers, selected speakers and poster presentations, the meeting also included a round table discussion of how we might overcome the challenges associated with research translation. This meeting report seeks to highlight the key outcomes of that discussion and spark interest in the cell adhesions and cell migration research community to cross the perceived valley of death and translate our work into therapeutic benefit.