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Abstract Motivation Accurate determination and quantification of the taxonomic composition of microbial communities, especially at the species level, is one of the major issues in metagenomics. This is primarily due to the limitations of commonly used 16S rRNA reference databases, which either contain a lot of redundancy or a high percentage of sequences with missing taxonomic information. This may lead to erroneous identifications and, thus, to inaccurate conclusions regarding the ecological role and importance of those microorganisms in the ecosystem. Results The current study presents MIMt, a new 16S rRNA database for archaea and bacteria’s identification, encompassing 47 001 sequences, all precisely identified at species level. In addition, a MIMt2.0 version was created with only curated sequences from RefSeq Targeted loci with 32 086 sequences. MIMt aims to be updated twice a year to include all newly sequenced species. We evaluated MIMt against Greengenes, RDP, GTDB and SILVA in terms of sequence distribution and taxonomic assignments accuracy. Our results showed that MIMt contains less redundancy, and despite being 20 to 500 times smaller than existing databases, outperforms them in completeness and taxonomic accuracy, enabling more precise assignments at lower taxonomic ranks and thus, significantly improving species-level identification.

Abstract Statin drugs lower blood cholesterol levels for cardiovascular disease prevention. Women are more likely than men to experience adverse statin effects, particularly new-onset diabetes (NOD) and muscle weakness. Here we find that impaired glucose homeostasis and muscle weakness in statin-treated female mice are associated with reduced levels of the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), impaired redox tone, and reduced mitochondrial respiration. Statin adverse effects are prevented in females by administering fish oil as a source of DHA, by reducing dosage of the X chromosome or the Kdm5c gene, which escapes X chromosome inactivation and is normally expressed at higher levels in females than males. As seen in female mice, we find that women experience more severe reductions than men in DHA levels after statin administration, and that DHA levels are inversely correlated with glucose levels. Furthermore, induced pluripotent stem cells from women who developed NOD exhibit impaired mitochondrial function when treated with statin, whereas cells from men do not. These studies identify X chromosome dosage as a genetic risk factor for statin adverse effects and suggest DHA supplementation as a preventive co-therapy.

The present study aimed to examine the ability of a parenteral vaccine of direct application in suckling pigs to generate adaptive immunity against pathogenic Escherichia coli under field conditions as well as the long-term immune response at the end of productive life and the influence on the prevalence of pathogens involved in the Porcine Enteric Disease Complex (PEDC). Pigs were divided into vaccinated (n = 1,893) and non-vaccinated (control, n = 1,869) groups. We collected fecal swabs from nursery pigs presenting diarrhea and intestinal tissue at slaughter to assess E. coli virulence factors genes, PEDC pathogens, histology, IgA-producing cells, and cytokines levels. Fecal swabs: vaccinated group 0% pathogenic E. coli vs. 94.1% in control (p

Background Patients with aortic stenosis may continue to have an increased risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, and death after successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors may be beneficial in this setting. We aimed to explore whether ramipril improves the outcomes of patients with aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods and Results PROBE (Prospective Randomized Open, Blinded Endpoint) was a multicenter trial comparing ramipril with standard care (control) following successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction >40%. The primary end point was the composite of cardiac mortality, heart failure readmission, and stroke at 1‐year follow‐up. Secondary end points included left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis. A total of 186 patients with median age 83 years (range 79–86), 58.1% women, and EuroSCORE‐II 3.75% (range 3.08–4.97) were randomized to receive either ramipril (n=94) or standard treatment (n=92). There were no significant baseline, procedural, or in‐hospital differences. The primary end point occurred in 10.6% in the ramipril group versus 12% in the control group (P=0.776), with no differences in cardiac mortality (ramipril 1.1% versus control group 2.2%, P=0.619) but lower rate of heart failure readmissions in the ramipril group (3.2% versus 10.9%, P=0.040). Cardiac magnetic resonance analysis demonstrated better remodeling in the ramipril compared with the control group, with greater reduction in end‐systolic and end‐diastolic left ventricular volumes, but nonsignificant differences were found in the percentage of myocardial fibrosis. Conclusions Ramipril administration after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with preserved left ventricular function did not meet the primary end point but was associated with a reduction in heart failure re‐admissions at 1‐year follow‐up. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT03201185.

The salamander Dendrotriton megarhinus (Rabb, 1960) (Caudata, Plethodontidae), previously known only from Cerro Tres Picos in La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico, has been found at Cerro La Bola, Chiapas, extending its geographic range. In this report we provide four new records and outline aspects of the species’ ecology as well as threats to its habitat. Despite conservation efforts, the species remains Vulnerable to threats like climate change and infectious disease. We emphasize the impor-tance of its conservation and the continued monitoring of the species and its habitat.

The InBIO Barcoding Initiative (IBI) Dataset - DS-IBILP08 contains records of 2350 specimens of moths (Lepidoptera species that do not belong to the superfamily Papilionoidea). All specimens have been morphologically identified to species or subspecies level and represent 1158 species in total. The species of this dataset correspond to about 42% of mainland Portuguese Lepidoptera species. All specimens were collected in mainland Portugal between 2001 and 2022. All DNA extracts and over 96% of the specimens are deposited in the IBI collection at CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources.The authors enabled "The InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: DNA barcodes of Portuguese moths" in order to release the majority of data of DNA barcodes of Portuguese moths within the InBIO Barcoding Initiative. This dataset increases the knowledge on the DNA barcodes of 1158 species from Portugal belonging to 51 families. There is an increase in DNA barcodes of 205% in Portuguese specimens publicly available. The dataset includes 61 new Barcode Index Numbers. All specimens have their DNA barcodes publicly accessible through BOLD online database and the distribution data can be accessed through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and treatment of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Systemic sclerosis (SSc) present significant challenges for clinicians. Although various studies have observed changes in serum levels of selectins between healthy donors and patients with autoimmune diseases, including SLE and SSc, their potential as biomarkers has not been thoroughly explored. We aimed to investigate serum profiles of PSGL-1 (sPSGL-1), ADAM8 (sADAM8) and P-, E- and L-selectins (sP-, sE- and sL-selectins) in defined SLE and SSc patient cohorts to identify disease-associated molecular patterns.MethodsWe collected blood samples from 64 SLE patients, 58 SSc patients, and 81 healthy donors (HD). Levels of sPSGL-1, sADAM8 and selectins were analyzed by ELISA and leukocyte membrane expression of L-selectin and ADAM8 by flow cytometry.ResultsCompared to HD, SLE and SSc patients exhibited elevated sE-selectin and reduced sL-selectin levels. Additionally, SLE patients exhibited elevated sPSGL-1 and sADAM8 levels. Compared to SSc, SLE patients had decreased sL-selectin and increased sADAM8 levels. Furthermore, L-selectin membrane expression was lower in SLE and SSc leukocytes than in HD leukocytes, and ADAM8 membrane expression was lower in SLE neutrophils compared to SSc neutrophils. These alterations associated with some clinical characteristics of each disease. Using logistic regression analysis, the sL-selectin/sADAM8 ratio in SLE, and a combination of sL-selectin/sE-selectin and sE-selectin/sPSGL-1 ratios in SSc were identified and cross-validated as potential serum markers to discriminate these patients from HD. Compared to available diagnostic biomarkers for each disease, both sL-selectin/sADAM8 ratio for SLE and combined ratios for SSc provided higher sensitivity (98% SLE and and 67% SSc correctly classified patients). Importantly, the sADAM8/% ADAM8(+) neutrophils ratio discriminated between SSc and SLE patients with the same sensitivity and specificity than current disease-specific biomarkers.ConclusionSLE and SSc present specific profiles of sPSGL-1, sE-, sL-selectins, sADAM8 and neutrophil membrane expression which are potentially relevant to their pathogenesis and might aid in their early diagnosis.

Abstract Objective A reliable taxonomic identification of species from molecular samples is the first step for many studies. For researchers unfamiliar with programming, running a BLAST analysis, filtering, and organizing results for hundreds of sequences through the BLAST web interface can be difficult. Additionally, sequences deposited in GenBank can have outdated taxonomic identification. The use of reliable Reference Sequences Library (RSL) containing accurate taxonomically-identified sequences facilitates this task. Pending the availability of a RSL with the user, we developed a tool that automates the molecular taxonomic identification of sequences. Results We developed PARSID, a Python script running through the command-line that automates the routine workflow of blasting an input sequence file against the user’s RSL, and retrieves the matches with the highest percentage of identity in five steps. PARSID accepts cut-off parameters and supplementary information in a.csv file for filtering the results. The final output is visualized in a spreadsheet. We tested its functioning using 10 input sequences simulating different situations of the molecular taxonomic identification of sequences against an example RSL containing 25 sequences. Step-by-step instructions and test files are publicly available at https://github.com/kokinide/PARSID.git .

BackgroundFunctional impairment is one of the most decisive prognostic factors in patients with complex chronic diseases. A more significant functional impairment indicates that the disease is progressing, which requires implementing diagnostic and therapeutic actions that stop the exacerbation of the disease. ObjectiveThis study aimed to predict alterations in the clinical condition of patients with complex chronic diseases by predicting the Barthel Index (BI), to assess their clinical and functional status using an artificial intelligence model and data collected through an internet of things mobility device. MethodsA 2-phase pilot prospective single-center observational study was designed. During both phases, patients were recruited, and a wearable activity tracker was allocated to gather physical activity data. Patients were categorized into class A (BI≤20; total dependence), class B (2060; moderate or mild dependence, or independent). Data preprocessing and machine learning techniques were used to analyze mobility data. A decision tree was used to achieve a robust and interpretable model. To assess the quality of the predictions, several metrics including the mean absolute error, median absolute error, and root mean squared error were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and Python for the machine learning modeling. ResultsOverall, 90 patients with complex chronic diseases were included: 50 during phase 1 (class A: n=10; class B: n=20; and class C: n=20) and 40 during phase 2 (class B: n=20 and class C: n=20). Most patients (n=85, 94%) had a caregiver. The mean value of the BI was 58.31 (SD 24.5). Concerning mobility aids, 60% (n=52) of patients required no aids, whereas the others required walkers (n=18, 20%), wheelchairs (n=15, 17%), canes (n=4, 7%), and crutches (n=1, 1%). Regarding clinical complexity, 85% (n=76) met patient with polypathology criteria with a mean of 2.7 (SD 1.25) categories, 69% (n=61) met the frailty criteria, and 21% (n=19) met the patients with complex chronic diseases criteria. The most characteristic symptoms were dyspnea (n=73, 82%), chronic pain (n=63, 70%), asthenia (n=62, 68%), and anxiety (n=41, 46%). Polypharmacy was presented in 87% (n=78) of patients. The most important variables for predicting the BI were identified as the maximum step count during evening and morning periods and the absence of a mobility device. The model exhibited consistency in the median prediction error with a median absolute error close to 5 in the training, validation, and production-like test sets. The model accuracy for identifying the BI class was 91%, 88%, and 90% in the training, validation, and test sets, respectively. ConclusionsUsing commercially available mobility recording devices makes it possible to identify different mobility patterns and relate them to functional capacity in patients with polypathology according to the BI without using clinical parameters.

The tomb TT 100, belonging to the vizier Rekhmire, in the Theban necropolis (Luxor, Egypt), one of the best examples of funerary architecture of the Egyptian New Kingdom, has been widely studied since the beginning of the 20th century from the iconographic, historical and archaeological points of view. However, it has an anomalous structural feature for the classic Theban tomb typology of this period: a longitudinal corridor with a sloping ceiling ending in a combination of false stela and niche for a funerary statue. The anomaly, widely noted in classical literature, has been vaguely explained and often forgotten due to the celebrated decorative program that occupies the tomb. This study aims to offer a reinterpretation of this architectural feature of the tomb based on a landscape archaeology approach. According to this methodology, the ancestral landscape of the necropolis, and the architectural and artistic features of the tomb of his relative and predecessor in the vizierate Useramun are significant elements for the interpretation of this element. The main result is Rekhmire’s clear intention to emulate and replicate Useramun’s double funerary structure, not only from the artistic point of view (already demonstrated in previous studies) but also from the spatial point of view, copying the phenomenological experience of space and landscape in the architectural development of his tomb. An example of how landscape archaeology can be useful in the study of the art of this ancient culture.

A nondispersive quantum pendulum is presented. The proposed setup consists of an ultracold atomic cloud, featuring attractive interatomic interactions, loaded into a tilted ring potential. The classical and quantum domains are switched on by tuned interactions, and the classical dynamical stabilization of unstable states, i.e., à la Kapitza, is shown to be driven by quantum phase imprinting. One potential application of this system as a gravimeter is discussed.

Abstract Coralsnakes of the genus Micrurus are a diverse group of venomous snakes ranging from the southern United States to southern South America. Much uncertainty remains over the genus diversity, and understanding Micrurus systematics is of medical importance. In particular, the widespread Micrurus nigrocinctus spans from Mexico throughout Central America and into Colombia, with a number of described subspecies. This study provides new insights into the phylogenetic relationships within M. nigrocinctus by examining sequence data from a broad sampling of specimens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The recovered phylogenetic relationships suggest that M. nigrocinctus is a species complex originating in the Pliocene and composed of at least three distinct species-level lineages. In addition, recovery of highly divergent clades supports the elevation of some currently recognized subspecies to the full species rank while others may require synonymization.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is organized into two plexuses—submucosal and myenteric—which regulate smooth muscle contraction, secretion, and blood flow along the gastrointestinal tract under the influence of the rest of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are mainly located in the submucosa between the two muscle layers and at the intramuscular level. They communicate with neurons of the enteric nerve plexuses and smooth muscle fibers and generate slow waves that contribute to the control of gastrointestinal motility. They are also involved in enteric neurotransmission and exhibit mechanoreceptor activity. A close relationship appears to exist between oxidative stress and gastrointestinal diseases, in which ICCs can play a prominent role. Thus, gastrointestinal motility disorders in patients with neurological diseases may have a common ENS and central nervous system (CNS) nexus. In fact, the deleterious effects of free radicals could affect the fine interactions between ICCs and the ENS, as well as between the ENS and the CNS. In this review, we discuss possible disturbances in enteric neurotransmission and ICC function that may cause anomalous motility in the gut.

The recent energy crisis has renewed interest in forecasting crude oil prices. This paper focuses on identifying the main drivers determining the evolution of crude oil prices and proposes a statistical learning forecasting algorithm based on regression analysis that can be used to generate future oil price scenarios. A combination of a generalized additive model with a linear transfer function with ARIMA noise is used to capture the existence of combinations of non-linear and linear relationships between selected input variables and the crude oil price. The results demonstrate that the physical market balance or fundamental is the most important metric in explaining the evolution of oil prices. The effect of the trading activity and volatility variables are significant under abnormal market conditions. We show that forecast accuracy under the proposed model supersedes benchmark specifications, including the futures prices and analysts’ forecasts. Four oil price scenarios are considered for expository purposes.

Abstract The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a multigene family responsible for pathogen detection, and initiation of adaptive immune responses. Duplication, natural selection, recombination, and their resulting high functional genetic diversity spread across several duplicated loci are the main hallmarks of the MHC. Although these features were described in several jawed vertebrate lineages, a detailed MHC IIβ characterization at the population level is still lacking for chondrichthyans (chimaeras, rays and sharks), i.e. the most basal lineage to possess an MHC-based adaptive immune system. We used the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula, Carcharhiniformes) as a case-study species to characterize MHC IIβ diversity using complementary molecular tools, including publicly available genome and transcriptome datasets, and a newly developed high-throughput Illumina sequencing protocol. We identified three MHC IIβ loci within the same genomic region, all of which are expressed in different tissues. Genetic screening of the exon 2 in 41 individuals of S. canicula from a single population revealed high levels of sequence diversity, evidence for positive selection, and footprints of recombination. Moreover, the results also suggest the presence of copy number variation in MHC IIβ genes. Thus, the small-spotted catshark exhibits characteristics of functional MHC IIβ genes typically observed in other jawed vertebrates.

Introduction: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker that is easily calculated with data from the differential white blood cell count. The aim of our study was to analyse the role of the NLR in the detection of negative appendectomies and to compare its usefulness with other clinical, sonographic and laboratory factors previously described. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in patients aged less than 16 years who underwent appendectomy in our hospital between 2017 and 2020. We divided patients into 2 groups based on appendiceal histological findings: NA group (negative appendicitis: absence of appendiceal inflammation) and PA group (positive appendicitis: presence of inflammation in any layer of the appendiceal wall). We analysed demographic, clinical, sonographic and laboratory characteristics. Results: We included a total of 1269 patients, 1244 in the PA group and 25 in the NA group, with no differences between groups in demographic characteristics. The proportion of patients that presented with nausea and vomiting was significantly smaller in the NA group compared to the PA group (P

In this manuscript, we present EventGeoScout, an innovative framework for collaborative geographic information management, tailored to meet the needs of the dynamically changing landscape of geographic data integration and quality enhancement. EventGeoScout enables the seamless fusion of open data from different sources and provides users with the tools to refine and improve data quality. A distinctive feature of our framework is its commitment to platform-agnostic data management, ensuring that processed datasets are accessible via standard Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, reducing the maintenance burden on organizations while ensuring the continued relevance of the data. Our approach goes beyond the boundaries of traditional data integration, enabling users to fully harness the power of geospatial information by simplifying the data creation process and providing a versatile solution to the complex challenges posed by layered geospatial data. To demonstrate the versatility and robustness of EventGeoScout as an optimization tool, we present a case study centered on the Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem (UFLP), where a genetic algorithm was used to achieve outstanding performance on both traditional computing platforms and smartphone devices. As a concrete case study, we applied our solution in the context of the Málaga City Marathon, using the latest data from the last edition of the marathon.

The democratic transitions in Southern Europe in the 1970s were developed almost in parallel and attracted the enormous interest of international actors, such as the US and the EEC. Moreover, despite the peculiarities and the different origins of each case, the transitions resulted in the establishment of democratic systems, fully integrated in the EEC. This article aims to focus both on the international dimensions of the transitions, as well as on the possible transnational interactions of the democratization in Spain, Portugal and Greece. In addition, it addresses these issues through three chapters. In the first, the article examines the international relations of the Iberian regimes and Greece with the most important international actors, most notably the US and the EEC, the second chapter focuses on the influence these actors had during the transitions and the third chapter on the implications the EEC integration process had on the relation between the three countries.

This article presents the NeuralSens package that can be used to perform sensitivity analysis of neural networks using the partial derivatives method. The main function of the package calculates the partial derivatives of the output with regard to the input variables of a multi-layer perceptron model, which can be used to evaluate variable importance based on sensitivity measures and characterize relationships between input and output variables. Methods to calculate partial derivatives are provided for objects trained using common neural network packages in R, and a 'numeric' method is provided for objects from packages which are not included. The package also includes functions to plot the information obtained from the sensitivity analysis. The article contains an overview of techniques for obtaining information from neural network models, a theoretical foundation of how partial derivatives are calculated, a description of the package functions, and applied examples to compare NeuralSens functions with analogous functions from other available R packages.

Introduction: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for an increasing number of cases and deaths. From a preventive and therapeutic point of view, there are two concerns that affect institutions and healthcare professionals: global immunization (which is still far from being achieved) and the availability of drugs capable of preventing its consequences in the infected patient. In this sense, the role that melatonin can play is has been assessed in the recent literature. Justification and Objectives: the serious health, social and economic consequences of COVID-19 have forced an urgent search for preventive methods, such as vaccines, among others, and therapeutic methods that could be alternatives to the drugs currently used. In this sense, it must be accepted that one of the most recommended has been the administration of melatonin. The present study proposes to carry out a systematic review of its possible role in the treatment and/or prevention of COVID-19. Material and methods: a systematic review of the literature related to the prevention of COVID-19 through the administration of melatonin was carried out, following the sequence proposed by the Prisma Declaration regarding the identification and selection of documents, using the specialized health databases Trip Medical Database, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline Plus, BVS, Cuiden and generic databases such as Dialnet, Web of Science and Google Scholar for their retrieval. Appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria are described for the articles assessed. The main limitation of the study has been the scarcity of works and the lack of defining a specific protocol in terms of dosage and administration schedule. Results: once the selection process was completed, and after an in-depth critical analysis, 197 papers were selected, and 40 of them were finally used. The most relevant results were: (1) melatonin prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection, (2) although much remains to be clarified, at high doses, it seems to have a coadjuvant therapeutic effect in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and (3) melatonin is effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Discussion: until group immunization is achieved in the population, it seems clear that we must continue to treat patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and, in the absence of a specific and effective antiviral therapy, it is advisable to continue researching and providing drugs that demonstrate validity based on the scientific evidence. In this regard, we believe that the available studies recommend the administration of melatonin for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, sleep-inducing, CD147, Mpro, p65 and MMP9 protein suppressing, nephrotoxicity-reducing and highly effective and safe effects. Conclusions: (1) melatonin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and Mpro and MMP9 protein-inhibitory activity. (2) It has been shown to have a wide margin of safety. (3) The contributions reviewed make it an effective therapeutic alternative in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. (4) Further clinical trials are recommended to clearly define the administration protocol.

In this empirical study, the relationships between religiosity, spirituality, a sense of life, searching for meaning, and a crisis of meaning are explored in relation to engagement and satisfaction with learning among university students. The results of the study, conducted with Spanish university students, revealed a committed sample to learning, not very satisfied with it, whose life has meaning and/or is in the process of seeking it, with a much lower incidence of a crisis of meaning. The presence of meaning in life and the crisis of meaning were shown to be related to vigor, dedication, and absorption in learning, all of which are expressions of commitment to it. Engagement with learning was also found to be linearly and positively related to a sense of life. Extrinsic and intrinsic religious orientations exhibited a similar pattern of relationships, positively correlating with vigor, absorption, and learning engagement, and remaining independent of dedication to learning and satisfaction with it. The results suggest that education should focus on aspects and spiritual practices that have personal meaning for students. The text emphasizes the importance of fostering an active and attentive disposition in students to engage in activities that provide meaning. It also suggests that curriculum content should relate to students’ interests and concerns, irrespective of their religious or spiritual dimensions.

Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems (BioMEMS) serve as a crucial catalyst in enhancing IoT communication security and safeguarding smart healthcare systems. Situated at the nexus of advanced technology and healthcare, BioMEMS are instrumental in pioneering personalized diagnostics, monitoring, and therapeutic applications. Nonetheless, this integration brings forth a complex array of security and privacy challenges intrinsic to IoT communications within smart healthcare ecosystems, demanding comprehensive scrutiny. In this manuscript, we embark on an extensive analysis of the intricate security terrain associated with IoT communications in the realm of BioMEMS, addressing a spectrum of vulnerabilities that spans cyber threats, data manipulation, and interception of communications. The integration of real-world case studies serves to illuminate the direct repercussions of security breaches within smart healthcare systems, highlighting the imperative to safeguard both patient safety and the integrity of medical data. We delve into a suite of security solutions, encompassing rigorous authentication processes, data encryption, designs resistant to attacks, and continuous monitoring mechanisms, all tailored to fortify BioMEMS in the face of ever-evolving threats within smart healthcare environments. Furthermore, the paper underscores the vital role of ethical and regulatory considerations, emphasizing the need to uphold patient autonomy, ensure the confidentiality of data, and maintain equitable access to healthcare in the context of IoT communication security. Looking forward, we explore the impending landscape of BioMEMS security as it intertwines with emerging technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics, quantum computing, and genomic integration, anticipating potential challenges and strategizing for the future. In doing so, this paper highlights the paramount importance of adopting an integrated approach that seamlessly blends technological innovation, ethical foresight, and collaborative ingenuity, thereby steering BioMEMS towards a secure and resilient future within smart healthcare systems, in the ambit of IoT communication security and protection.

Abstract Analysis of intra- and inter-population diversity has become important for defining the genetic status and distribution patterns of a species and a powerful tool for conservation programs, as high levels of inbreeding could lead into whole population extinction in few generations. Microsatellites (SSR) are commonly used in population studies but discovering highly variable regions across species’ genomes requires demanding computation and laboratorial optimization. In this work, we combine next generation sequencing (NGS) with automatic computing to develop a genomic-oriented tool for characterizing SSRs at the population level. Herein, we describe a new Python pipeline, named Micro-Primers, designed to identify, and design PCR primers for amplification of SSR loci from a multi-individual microsatellite library. By combining commonly used programs for data cleaning and microsatellite mining, this pipeline easily generates, from a fastq file produced by high-throughput sequencing, standard information about the selected microsatellite loci, including the number of alleles in the population subset, and the melting temperature and respective PCR product of each primer set. Additionally, potential polymorphic loci can be identified based on the allele ranges observed in the population, to easily guide the selection of optimal markers for the species. Experimental results show that Micro-Primers significantly reduces processing time in comparison to manual analysis while keeping the same quality of the results. The elapsed times at each step can be longer depending on the number of sequences to analyze and, if not assisted, the selection of polymorphic loci from multiple individuals can represent a major bottleneck in population studies.

IntroductionToll like receptors (TLRs) are at the front line of pathogen recognition and host immune response. Many TLR genes have been described to date with some being found across metazoans while others are restricted to specific lineages. A cryptic member of the TLR gene family, TLR15, has a unique phylogenetic distribution. Initially described in extant species of birds and reptiles, an ortholog has been reported for cartilaginous fish.MethodsHere, we significantly expanded the evolutionary analysis of TLR15 gene evolution, taking advantage of large genomic and transcriptomic resources available from different lineages of vertebrates. Additionally, we objectively search for TLR15 in lobe-finned and ray-finned fish, as well as in cartilaginous fish and jawless vertebrates.Results and discussionWe confirm the presence of TLR15 in early branching jawed vertebrates – the cartilaginous fish, as well as in basal Sarcopterygii – in lungfish. However, within cartilaginous fish, the gene is present in Holocephalans (all three families) but not in Elasmobranchs (its sister-lineage). Holocephalans have long TLR15 protein sequences that disrupt the typical TLR structure, and some species display a pseudogene sequence due to the presence of frameshift mutations and early stop codons. Additionally, TLR15 has low expression levels in holocephalans when compared with other TLR genes. In turn, lungfish also have long TLR15 protein sequences but the protein structure is not compromised. Finally, TLR15 presents several sites under negative selection. Overall, these results suggest that TLR15 is an ancient TLR gene and is experiencing ongoing pseudogenization in early-branching vertebrates.

Auscultation primarily relies upon the acoustic expertise of individual doctors in identifying, through the use of a stethoscope, the presence of abnormal sounds such as crackles because the recognition of these sound patterns has critical importance in the context of early detection and diagnosis of respiratory pathologies. In this paper, we propose a novel method combining autoregressive (AR)-based spectral features and a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to detect the presence of crackle events and their temporal location within the input signal. A preprocessing stage is performed to discard information out of the band of interest and define the segments for short-time signal analysis. The AR parameters are estimated for each segment to be classified by means of support vector machine (SVM) classifier into crackles and normal lung sounds using a set of synthetic crackle waveforms that have been modeled to train the classifier. A dataset composed of simulated and real coarse and fine crackles sound signals was created with several signal-to-noise (SNR) ratios to evaluate the robustness of the proposed method. Each simulated and real signal was mixed with noise that shows the same spectral energy distribution as typically found in breath noise from a healthy subject. This study makes a significant contribution by achieving competitive results. The proposed method yields values ranging from 80% in the lowest signal-to-noise ratio scenario to a perfect 100% in the highest signal-to-noise ratio scenario. Notably, these results surpass those of other methods presented by a margin of at least 15%. The combination of an autoregressive (AR) model with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier offers an effective solution for detecting the presented events. This approach exhibits enhanced robustness against variations in the signal-to-noise ratio that the input signals may encounter.

The power sector is a major contributor to anthropogenic global warming and is responsible for 38% of total energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and 66% of carbon dioxide emission growth in 2018. In OECD member countries, the residential sector consumes a significant amount of electrical energy, with household refrigerating appliances alone accounting for 30–40% of the total consumption. To analyze the energy use of each domestic appliance, researchers have developed Appliance-Level Energy Characterization (ALEC), a set of techniques that provide insights into individual energy consumption patterns. This study proposes a novel methodology that utilizes robust probability density estimation to detect refrigerators with high energy consumption and recommend tailored energy-saving measures. The methodology considers two consumption features: base energy consumption (energy usage without human interaction) and relative energy consumption (energy usage influenced by human interaction). To assess the approach’s effectiveness, the methodology was tested on a dataset of 30 different appliances from monitored homes, yielding positive results that support the robustness of the proposed method.

This study suggests using wearable activity trackers to identify mobility patterns in chronic complex patients (CCPs) and investigate their relation with the Barthel index (BI) to assess functional decline. CCPs are individuals who suffer from multiple, chronic health conditions that often lead to a progressive decline in their functional capacity. As a result, CCPs frequently require the use of healthcare and social resources, placing a significant burden on the healthcare system. Evaluating mobility patterns is critical for determining a CCP’s functional capacity and prognosis. To monitor the overall activity levels of CCPs, wearable activity trackers have been proposed. Utilizing the data gathered by the wearables, time series clustering with dynamic time warping (DTW) is employed to generate synchronized mobility patterns of the mean activity and coefficient of variation profiles. The research has revealed distinct patterns in individuals’ walking habits, including the time of day they walk, whether they walk continuously or intermittently, and their relation to BI. These findings could significantly enhance CCPs’ quality of care by providing a valuable tool for personalizing treatment and care plans.

Resumen: Introducción: La retinopatía del prematuro (ROP) se caracteriza por el desarrollo vascular insuficiente en la retina que, en los casos severos precisa tratamiento precoz para evitar secuelas visuales. Es actualmente la segunda causa mundial de ceguera infantil prevenible. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de casos-controles sobre 233 recién nacidos prematuros explorados entre 1999-2019. Resultados: La ganancia de peso posnatal en las primeras 4 semanas, el peso al nacer, la edad gestacional, la ventilación mecánica, las transfusiones recibidas y la presencia de sepsis, ductus arteriovenoso persistente, enterocolitis necrosante, hemorragia intraventricular o leucomalacia periventricular, mostraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo de ROP no susceptible de tratamiento frente al grupo candidato a tratamiento. La ganancia ponderal media fue 12,75 ± 5,99 g/día en el grupo no susceptible de tratamiento y 9,50 ± 5,45 g/día en el susceptible de tratamiento. El riesgo de ROP candidata a tratamiento se redujo progresivamente con el aumento de ganancia ponderal. La reducción del riesgo fue de 2,76 - 8,35% en ganancias de 10 g/día, y alcanza el 7,17 - 12,76% en ganancias de 20 g/día. Conclusiones: El riesgo de presentar ROP severa candidata a tratamiento disminuye con el aumento de la ganancia de peso posnatal en las primeras 4 semanas. Esta relación se mantiene en ganancias de peso > 14 g/día. Sin embargo, se deben tener en cuenta la edad gestacional y peso al nacer del recién nacido, la duración de la ventilación mecánica y su comorbilidad para la evaluación global del riesgo de ROP que precisa tratamiento. Abstract: Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is characterised by insufficient vascular development in the retina, and requires early treatment to avoid visual disability in severe cases. ROP is currently the second leading cause of preventable child blindness in the world. Patients and methods: This was an observational, retrospective, case-control study including 233 preterm infants examined between 1999 and 2019. Results: Postnatal weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life, birth weight, gestational age, mechanical ventilation, transfusion, presence of sepsis, persistence of arterial ductus, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, or periventricular leukomalacia were found to be significantly different between the ROP groups requiring and not requiring treatment. The mean postnatal weight gain in the ROP group not requiring treatment was 12.75 ± 5.99 g/day, whereas it was 9.50 ± 5.45 g/day in the ROP group requiring treatment. The risk of developing ROP that required treatment decreased with an increase in weight gain. The risk reduction was 2.76 - 8.35% in preterm infants gaining 10 g/day, and 7.17 - 12.76% in infants gaining 20 g/day. Conclusions: The risk of developing ROP requiring treatment decreased with increasing weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life. This was applicable in infants with postnatal weight gain ≥ 14 g/day. However, gestational age, birth weight, time of mechanical ventilation, and comorbidity should be taken into account when evaluating the risk of ROP requiring treatment.

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is characterised by insufficient vascular development in the retina, and requires early treatment to avoid visual disability in severe cases. ROP is currently the second leading cause of preventable child blindness in the world. Patients and methods: This was an observational, retrospective, case-control study including 233 preterm infants examined between 1999 and 2019. Results: Postnatal weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life, birth weight, gestational age, mechanical ventilation, transfusion, presence of sepsis, persistence of arterial ductus, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, or periventricular leukomalacia were found to be significantly different between the ROP groups requiring and not requiring treatment. The mean postnatal weight gain in the ROP group not requiring treatment was 12.75 ± 5.99 g/day, whereas it was 9.50 ± 5.45 g/day in the ROP group requiring treatment. The risk of developing ROP that required treatment decreased with an increase in weight gain. The risk reduction was 2.76%–8.35% in preterm infants gaining 10 g/day, and 7.17%–12.76% in infants gaining 20 g/day. Conclusions: The risk of developing ROP requiring treatment decreased with increasing weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life. This was applicable in infants with postnatal weight gain ≥14 g/day. However, gestational age, birth weight, time of mechanical ventilation, and comorbidity should be taken into account when evaluating the risk of ROP requiring treatment. Resumen: Introducción: La retinopatía del prematuro (ROP) se caracteriza por el desarrollo vascular insuficiente en la retina que, en los casos severos precisa tratamiento precoz para evitar secuelas visuales. Es actualmente la segunda causa mundial de ceguera infantil prevenible. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de casos-controles sobre 233 recién nacidos prematuros explorados entre 1999−2019. Resultados: La ganancia de peso postnatal en las primeras 4 semanas, el peso al nacer, la edad gestacional, la ventilación mecánica, las transfusiones recibidas y la presencia de sepsis, ductus arteriovenoso persistente, enterocolitis necrotizante, hemorragia intraventricular o leucomalacia periventricular, mostraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo de ROP no susceptible de tratamiento frente al grupo candidato a tratamiento. La ganancia ponderal media fue 12,75 ± 5,99 g/día en el grupo no susceptible de tratamiento y 9,50 ± 5,45 g/día en el susceptible de tratamiento. El riesgo de ROP candidata a tratamiento se redujo progresivamente con el aumento de ganancia ponderal. La reducción del riesgo fue de 2,76–8,35% en ganancias de 10 g/día, y alcanza el 7,17–12,76% en ganancias de 20 g/día. Conclusiones: El riesgo de presentar ROP severa candidata a tratamiento disminuye con el aumento de la ganancia de peso postnatal en las primeras 4 semanas. Esta relación se mantiene en ganancias de peso >14 g/día. Sin embargo, se deben tener en cuenta la edad gestacional y peso al nacer del recién nacido, la duración de la ventilación mecánica y su comorbilidad para la evaluación global del riesgo de ROP que precisa tratamiento.

Introduction Autologous tissue transfers have been used in chest wall reconstruction for decades, with high morbidity. Recently, acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have emerged as an alternative. The aim of this article is to report our initial experience in the reconstruction of malformative chest wall deformities with ADM. Methods A prospective observational study was performed in patients with malformative chest wall deformities, who were reconstructed with ADM at our institution between 2018 and 2020. We analyzed demographic variables, surgical features, postoperative complications, and cosmetic results at 12 months' follow- up. Results Four male patients were included (median age: 16 years). Two patients had bilateral costal anomalies, one patient had a unilateral chest deformity, and one patient had Poland syndrome. In all patients, blunt dissection of the subcutaneous cellular tissue overlying the defect was performed through 2.5 to 3 cm skin incisions, creating a pouch. Afterwards, several sheets of Integra Single Layer were placed in the pouch, to replace the volume defect. All patients were discharged same-day. No postoperative infections, hematomas, or seromas were observed. Only one patient presented with a partial surgical wound dehiscence. Revisions were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. All 4 patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome (Nuss Questionnaire: median score: 16 points; Q1–Q3: 22–26). Conclusion The use of ADM in malformative chest wall deformities reconstruction has not been previously described in children. This study demonstrates that the use of ADM is a safe and reliable technique. However, more studies with long-term follow-up are warranted.

While temperature chaos is an equilibrium notion that denotes the extreme fragility of the glassy phase with respect to temperature changes, it remains unclear whether it is present in non-equilibrium dynamics. Here the authors use the Janus II supercomputer to prove the existence of dynamic temperature chaos, a nonequilibrium phenomenon that closely mimics equilibrium temperature chaos.

Objective. Only a few studies assessing the sleep effects of low doses of melatonin (aMT) have been performed in the past, most of them in adults, and only one in subjects with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the changes induced by aMT doses as low as 1 mg in the sleep pattern of pediatric patients with ADHD under treatment with methylphenidate (MPH). Methods. Children and adolescents (7–15 years) with ADHD who were receiving extended-release MPH were recruited. A seven-week sleep diary was collected prior to starting a four-week treatment with 1 mg of aMT (30 min before bedtime). Seven-day actigraphic assessments of sleep were performed before and after treatment. Results. Twenty-seven patients (17 males, 62.96%) participated in the study, who had been receiving MPH for 1.57 (1.11) months. A significant increase in sleep duration (TST) was observed after one month of treatment (463 (49) min to 485 (41) min; p < 0.040), with nonsignificant improvements in sleep-onset latency (SOL), nocturnal awakenings, or sleep efficiency. Only minor adverse effects were reported. Conclusion. Low doses of melatonin (1 mg) are able to increase TST in children and adolescents with ADHD receiving treatment with psychostimulants, with an adequate tolerability profile. Further placebo-controlled trials adjusting the time of aMT administration to the individual circadian profile should explore the effects of low doses of this hormone to shorten SOL in this population of patients.

Background: Although zinc oxide has been banned at therapeutic doses in the EU, its use is still legal in most countries with industrial pig farming. This compound has been shown to be very effective in preventing E. coli-related diseases. However, another strategy used to control this pathogen is vaccination, administered parenterally or orally. Oral vaccines contain live strains, with F4 and F18 binding factors. Since zinc oxide prevents E. coli adhesion, it is hypothesised that its presence at therapeutic doses (2500 ppm) may alter the immune response and the protection of intestinal integrity derived from the vaccination of animals. Methods: A group of piglets were orally vaccinated at weaning and divided into two subgroups; one group was fed a feed containing 2500 ppm zinc oxide (V + ZnO) for the first 15 days post-vaccination (dpv) and the other was not (V). Faeces were sampled from the animals at 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15 dpv. Unvaccinated animals without ZnO in their feed (Neg) were sampled simultaneously and, on day 15 post-vaccination, were also compared with a group of unvaccinated animals with ZnO in their feed (ZnO). Results: Differences were found in E. coli excretion, with less quantification in the V + ZnO group, and a significant increase in secretory IgA in the V group at 8 dpv, which later equalised with that of the V + ZnO group. There was also some difference in IFNα, IFNγ, IL1α, ILβ, and TNFα gene expression when comparing both vaccinated groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in gene expression for the tight junction (TJ) proteins responsible for intestinal integrity. Conclusions: Although some differences in the excretion of the vaccine strain were found when comparing both vaccinated groups, there are no remarkable differences in immune stimulation or soluble IgA production when comparing animals orally vaccinated against E. coli in combination with the presence or absence of ZnO in their feed. We can conclude that the immune response produced is very similar in both groups.

The fungal genus Plectosphaerella comprises species and strains with different lifestyles on plants, such as P. cucumerina, which has served as model for the characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana basal and nonhost resistance to necrotrophic fungi. We have sequenced, annotated, and compared the genomes and transcriptomes of three Plectosphaerella strains with different lifestyles on A. thaliana, namely, PcBMM, a natural pathogen of wild-type plants (Col-0), Pc2127, a nonpathogenic strain on Col-0 but pathogenic on the immunocompromised cyp79B2 cyp79B3 mutant, and P0831, which was isolated from a natural population of A. thaliana and is shown here to be nonpathogenic and to grow epiphytically on Col-0 and cyp79B2 cyp79B3 plants. The genomes of these Plectosphaerella strains are very similar and do not differ in the number of genes with pathogenesis-related functions, with the exception of secreted carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which are up to five times more abundant in the pathogenic strain PcBMM. Analysis of the fungal transcriptomes in inoculated Col-0 and cyp79B2 cyp79B3 plants at initial colonization stages confirm the key role of secreted CAZymes in the necrotrophic interaction, since PcBMM expresses more genes encoding secreted CAZymes than Pc2127 and P0831. We also show that P0831 epiphytic growth on A. thaliana involves the transcription of specific repertoires of fungal genes, which might be necessary for epiphytic growth adaptation. Overall, these results suggest that in-planta expression of specific sets of fungal genes at early stages of colonization determine the diverse lifestyles and pathogenicity of Plectosphaerella strains.

El texto trata de la dimensión internacional de la transición sindical en Portugal y España. En concreto, analiza la contribución de la socialdemocracia alemana a la reconstrucción del movimiento sindical socialista, muy débil en ambos países al iniciarse el proceso de transición. Muestra cómo el temor a que el predominio comunista en las dos grandes centrales ibéricas, Intersindical y Comisiones Obreras, significase un factor de inestabilidad permanente en las nacientes democracias, movió a la DGB y la Fundación Ebert a implicarse masivamente en apoyo de las modestas organizaciones socialistas. El texto explora las líneas maestras de la colaboración con los cuadros sindicales del Partido Socialista portugués y con la española Unión General de Trabajadores. El autor defiende la tesis, que podrá refrendarse o refutarse cuando se permita el acceso a algunas fuentes relevantes en Madrid y Lisboa, que el apoyo alemán fue crucial para el meteórico ascenso del histórico sindicato socialista español y para la creación de homónima central portuguesa União Geral de Trabalhadores. Abstract This paper deals with the international dimension of the trade union transition in Portugal and Spain in the 1970s. It analyzes the contribution of German social democracy to the reconstruction of the socialist labor movement, which were extremely weak in both countries at the beginning of the transitions. It shows how the fear that the communist dominance in the two great Iberian unions, Intersindical and Comisiones Obreras, meant a permanent instability factor in the nascent democracies, moved the DGB and the Ebert Foundation to massively support the modest socialist labor movement. The text explores the main lines of the cooperation with the trade union cadres of the Portuguese Socialist Party and with the Spanish Unión General de Trabajadores. The author holds the thesis, which can be endorsed or refuted when access to some relevant sources in Madrid and Lisbon is allowed, that German support was crucial for the meteoric rise of the historic Spanish socialist union and for the creation of the homonym Portuguese União Geral de Trabalhadores.

Introducción al dossier

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: El objetivo primario de este estudio fue presentar la mortalidad total intrahospitalaria del registro español de implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI) desde su inicio hasta el año 2018, y como objetivos secundarios otros eventos clínicos intrahospitalarios, la mortalidad total a los 30 días y la evaluación de cuál ha sido la evolución temporal de este registro. Métodos: Fueron analizados todos los pacientes consecutivos incluidos en el registro español de TAVI. En este análisis temporal se dividió la población en pacientes tratados antes de 2014 (cohorte A: 2009-2013) y pacientes tratados entre los años 2014 y 2018 (cohorte B). Resultados: Desde agosto de 2007 hasta junio de 2018 se incluyeron 7.180 pacientes. La edad media fue de 81,2 ± 6,5 años y el 53% eran mujeres. El EuroSCORE logístico fue del 12% (8-20). Se utilizó un acceso transfemoral en el 89%. La mortalidad total intrahospitalaria fue del 4,7% y a los 30 días fue del 5,7%. En el análisis temporal durante la fase hospitalaria, las tasas de infarto, accidente cerebrovascular, necesidad de marcapasos, taponamiento, obstrucción coronaria y complicaciones vasculares fueron similares en ambos grupos. Sin embargo, en la cohorte B se observó una reducción de la necesidad de conversión a cirugía y de mala posición de la válvula, y además la tasa de éxito del implante fue mayor (93 frente a 96%; p < 0,001). La mortalidad por cualquier causa ajustada tanto intrahospitalaria como a los 30 días, fue significativamente menor en la cohorte B (odds ratio [OR] = 0,65; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%], 0,48-0,86; p = 0,003; y OR = 0,71; IC95%, 0,54-0,92; p = 0,002, respectivamente). Conclusiones: En el análisis temporal del registro español de TAVI se observan un cambio en el perfil clínico de los pacientes y una mejora en la evolución clínica tanto intrahospitalaria como a los 30 días en los pacientes tratados en los últimos años.

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives: This study primary endpoint was to present the in-hospital all-cause mortality of the Spanish TAVI registry from its inception until 2018. Secondary endpoints included other in-hospital clinical events, 30-day all-cause mortality, and an assessment of the time trend of this registry. Methods: All consecutive patients included in the Spanish TAVI registry were analyzed. In this time-based analysis, the population was been divided into patients treated before 2014 (cohort A: 2009-2013) and patients treated between 2014 and 2018 (cohort B). Results: From August 2007 to June 2018, 7180 patients were included. The mean age was 81.2 ± 6.5 years and 53% were women. The logistic EuroSCORE was 12% (8-20). Transfemoral access was used in 89%. In-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality was 4.7% and 5.7%, respectively. On the time-based analyses during the hospital stay, the rate of myocardial infarction, stroke, need for pacemakers, tamponade, coronary obstruction, and vascular complications was similar between both groups. However, cohort B showed less need for conversion to surgery and malapposition of the valve. Also, the implant success rate increased from 93% to 96% (P< .001). In-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality was significantly lower in cohort B, ([OR, 0.65; IC95%, 0.48-0.86; P= .003] and [OR, 0.71; IC95%, 0.54-0.92; P= .002], respectively). Conclusions: The time trend analysis of the Spanish TAVI registry showed a change in the patients’ clinical profile and an improvement in the in-hospital clinical outcomes and 30-day all-cause mortality in patients treated more recently.

JT-60SA is the superconducting tokamak that will be operated at the Naka Fusion Institute of QST (the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology) in Japan. The project is being developed under the framework of the Broader Approach Agreement between the EU and Japan (started in 2007) for an early realization of the fusion energy, aimed at conducting supportive and complementary work for the ITER experimental program towards DEMO. The assembly of the tokamak components as well as the related equipment was completed last year and the device is currently undergoing the integrated commissioning phase.Within the European contribution, Spain was one of the stakeholders that committed it, as a Voluntary Contributor, to design and manufacture one of the main components of the device: the cryostat. The cryostat is a large stainless steel vacuum vessel, 14 m diameter, 16 m high, which encloses the tokamak and provides the vacuum boundary (10−3 Pa) necessary to limit the heat loads on the magnets operated at cryogenic temperatures. The component is made up of the Cryostat Base (CB), the Cryostat Vessel Body Cylindrical Section (CVBCS), both designed and fabricated in Spain (through the National Fusion Laboratory at Ciemat), as well as the cryostat top lid (CTL) designed and procured by Japan (through QST).Within the manufacturing phases of the CB and CVBCS an extensive test program was carried out at Ciemat that focussed on the characterization of the welding processes selected for the manufacturing before their final approval. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the mechanical and microstructural tests performed on the welded joints.

Indocyanine green (ICG)-guided near-infrared fluorescence has been recently adopted in pediatric surgery, although its use in the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism has not been reported. We present a case of focal congenital hyperinsulinism in which ICG-navigation with ICG was used during surgical treatment. A 3-month-old infant was referred to our institution from a peripheral hospital for episodes of persistent hypoglycemia since birth, with no response to intravenous treatment with diazoxide, octreotide, or hydrochlorothiazide. An abdominal positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan showed a hypermetabolic nodule in the proximal portion of the body of the pancreas, compatible with focal congenital hyperinsulinism. A heterozygous mutation in the ABCC gene (Ala1516Glyfs*19) frameshift type inherited from the father was identified, which supported this diagnosis. Laparoscopy-assisted surgery was performed with ICG-guided near-infrared fluorescence, with intravenous injection of 16 mg ICG (2 mg/mg), which allowed localization of the focal lesion in the body of the pancreas. The lesion was resected with bipolar electrocautery and intraoperative histological study confirmed complete resection. Plasma glucose values normalized 6 hours after surgery and the patient was discharged 5 days later. In conclusion, the use of ICG in the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism helps to identify hypermetabolic pancreatic nodules, decreasing the likelihood of incomplete resection.

Homodyne demodulation is a convenient technique for signal detection in interferometric sensors. The demodulation process is typically developed using analog circuits. However, to improve the performance of the demodulator, a digital system must be employed. In this study, we developed an optical fiber sensor by combining: (a) a Michelson interferometer, (b) a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device, and (c) a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based interrogator. Signal processing was integrated into the FPGA-embedded system. The homodyne demodulation algorithm was implemented with hardware modules developed in the hardware description language (HDL) to provide a portable, low-cost, and scalable digital system. The present study successfully demonstrates the development and validation of an FPGA-based interrogator capable of processing interferograms through a homodyne demodulation scheme. The experimental results reveal proper displacement measurements of the proof-mass MEMS and the low amount of hardware resources used. The displacement measurements obtained from the system matched those obtained from a certified characterization system. As the system can be easily reconfigured to the required measured signal, a similar measurement methodology can be developed using other demodulation schemes and optical fiber sensors.

Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs are being used to foster holistic growth in children and adolescents. The hybridized application of two or more programs of this type has acquired special relevance in recent years. Although their application is common in the school context, there are few research studies that attempt their implementation in an extracurricular context. This study analyzed the effects of an intervention based on a hybrid PYD program on personal responsibility (PR) and social responsibility (SR) in youth volleyball players in an extracurricular context. A hybrid program was applied during the competitive season, with a total of 37 sessions with 30 girl students (15 experimental and 15 control) aged between 8 and 10 years (M = 8.87, SD = 0.82). A convergent mixed methods design was applied to integrate the following: (a) semi-structured interviews and field notes and (b) personal and social responsibility questionnaires. The results indicated that the implementation of the hybrid program appeared to yield a positive perception of learning in both the participants and the coach. Although there were no statistically significant intergroup or intragroup differences, the findings suggest that the hybrid program seems to be effective in fostering PR and SR in youth girl volleyball players.

IoT devices present an ever-growing domain with multiple applicability. This technology has favored and still favors many areas by creating critical infrastructures that are as profitable as possible. This paper presents a hierarchical architecture composed of different licensing entities that manage access to different resources within a network infrastructure. They are conducted on the basis of well-drawn policy rules. At the same time, the security side of these resources is also placed through a context awareness module. Together with this technology, IoT is used and Blockchain is enabled (for network consolidation, as well as the transparency with which to monitor the platform). The ultimate goal is to implement a secure and scalable security platform for the Smart Grid. The paper presents the work undertaken in the SealedGRID project and the steps taken for implementing security policies specifically tailored to the Smart Grid, based on advanced concepts such as Opinion Dynamics and Smart Grid-related Attribute-based Access Control.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a key role in synaptic plasticity, spatial learning, and anxiety-like behavioral processes. While IGF-1 regulates neuronal firing and synaptic transmission in many areas of the central nervous system, its signaling and consequences on excitability, synaptic plasticity, and animal behavior dependent on the prefrontal cortex remain unexplored. Here, we show that IGF-1 induces a long-lasting depression of the medium and slow post-spike afterhyperpolarization (mAHP and sAHP), increasing the excitability of layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the rat infralimbic cortex. Besides, IGF-1 mediates a presynaptic long-term depression of both inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in these neurons. The net effect of this IGF-1-mediated synaptic plasticity is a long-term potentiation of the postsynaptic potentials. Moreover, we demonstrate that IGF-1 favors the fear extinction memory. These results show novel functional consequences of IGF-1 signaling, revealing IGF-1 as a key element in the control of the fear extinction memory.

Dirofilaria immitis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode that infects domestic and wild canids, among its vertebrate hosts. The genetic analysis of D. immitis nowadays transcends the need for genetic taxonomy of nematodes, such as the study of resistance to macrocyclic lactone. We expanded the use of long-read nanopore-based sequencing technology on nematodes by performing genomic de novo assembly of a D. immitis specimen retrieved from a canine cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis case using the ONT MinION platform, followed by the study of macrocyclic lactone resistance. The assembled genome of D. immitis consists of 110 contigs with an N50 of 3687191. The genome size is 87899012 and contains a total of 9741 proteins; 6 ribosomal RNAs, with three belonging to the small subunit (18S) and three to the large subunit (28S); and 73 tRNAs. Subsequent analysis of six loci previously characterized as being associated to macrocyclic lactone resistance selection pressure showed that four have a genotype associated with either some loss of efficacy or the resistance phenotype. Considering the zoonotic potential of D. immitis, the identification of a resistant parasite alerts for the overuse of macrocyclic lactone in the region, which poses a potential risk to both veterinary and human public health.

PSGL-1 is expressed in all plasma cells, but only in a small percentage of circulating B cells. Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) show reduced expression of PSGL-1 in B cells and increased prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension. PSGL-1 deficiency leads to a SSc-like syndrome and SSc-associated pulmonary hypertension in female mice. In this work, the expression of PSGL-1 was assessed during murine B cell development in the bone marrow and in several peripheral and spleen B cell subsets. The impact of PSGL-1 absence on B cell biology was also evaluated. Interestingly, the percentage of PSGL-1 expressing cells and PSGL-1 expression levels decreased in the transition from common lymphoid progenitors to immature B cells. PSGL-1−/− mice showed reduced frequencies of peripheral B cells and reduced B cell lineage-committed precursors in the bone marrow. In the spleen of WT mice, the highest percentages of PSGL-1+ populations were shown by Breg (90%), B1a (34.7%), and B1b (19.1%), while only 2.5–8% of B2 cells expressed PSGL-1; however, within B2 cells, the class-switched subsets showed the highest percentages of PSGL-1+ cells. Interestingly, PSGL-1−/− mice had increased IgG+ and IgD+ subsets and decreased IgA+ population. Of note, the percentage of PSGL-1+ cells was increased in all the B cell subclasses studied in peritoneal fluid. Furthermore, PSGL-1 engagement during in vitro activation with anti-IgM and anti-CD40 antibodies of human peripheral B cells, blocked IL-10 expression by activated human B cells. Remarkably, PSGL-1 expression in circulating plasma cells was reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. In summary, although the expression of PSGL-1 in mature B cells is low, the lack of PSGL-1 compromises normal B cell development and it may also play a role in the maturation and activation of peripheral naïve B cells.