Search

Control and analytics retrofits in commercial buildings provide owners and operatorswith tools for improved maintenance and operations, and are an effective strategy for advancingthe ambitious carbon reduction objectives mandated by state and federal governments. However,current retrofit processes are labor-intensive, error-prone, and expensive, thereby limitingscalability. There are two primary issues. First, control sequences are: a) typically manuallyspecified in English language using non-standard terminology; b) often not tested prior toinstallation; and c) more complex when they aim for higher performance (greater efficiency,grid-flexibility). Second, naming conventions used to label the data are often inconsistent, andmay vary by practitioner and project. These problems result in significant manual labor andincreased cost, lead to malfunctioning operation, and limit scaled deployment of new, highperformance control sequences such as needed for heat pump plants with energy storage.This paper presents recent progress towards digitization of these processes, facilitated bytwo new ASHRAE standards that underwent first public review in 2024. Standard 231Pfacilitates vendor-neutral, machine-readable representations of control sequences, enablingcreation of vendor-agnostic libraries of high performance control sequences that can betranslated digitally to building automation systems. Standard 223P facilitates interoperabilitybetween controls/analytics and building systems by enabling semi-automatic configuration usingsemantic models.We first provide a preliminary glimpse into the content of these new standards. Second,we describe their relationships with the established ASHRAE Standard 135 (BACnetcommunication protocol) and Guideline 36 (high-performance control sequences), and suggesthow new automated techniques can be integrated with current human-centric practices. Finally,we discuss how the proposed workflows could impact different industry stakeholders, includingowners, designers, control vendors, installers, commissioning agents, and facilities managers.These standards and guidelines enable new workflows that can significantly reducedeployment efforts and costs, and provide a path for scaled deployment of new sequences suchas needed for combined chiller and heat pump plants.

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) consists of a set of understandings, knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective performance in specific teaching and learning situations. Using Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science databases, the study examines the progress of the PCK in science teacher education between 2011 and 2021. In total, 59 articles were reviewed, and 13 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Among the findings, it stands out that the articles emphasize a series of tools used when teaching applied sciences, such as the use of educational technologies beyond the textbook or the integration of students' thinking. The articles state that PCK transcends subject knowledge and leads to subject knowledge for teaching. Finally, the literature has tried to answer how science teachers use PCK in the classroom, demonstrating strategies and practical value, both of which are vital for the functioning and application of their educational work.

This study illuminates community partner perspectives regarding their relationship with a public academic health center (AHC) in a health care shortage area (HCSA). Community-based and statewide leadership invested deeply in the AHC's programs and initiatives to prepare health care providers for practice in the region, to decrease the provider shortage and improve local health care outcomes. The mixed-methods study sought to identify current community engagement partnerships and examine relationships from the perspective of community partners. Phase 1 of the study utilized an adaptation of the Outreach and Engagement Measurement Instrument (OEMI) as a survey to gather data from employees at the institution. Phase 2 of the study gathered data from the community partners through communities of interest focus groups. Data was analyzed using the Kellogg Commission's seven-part test of engagement. Findings from the survey identified community partner perspectives that informed AHC and partner collaborations during a period of multiple crises.

The purpose of the article is to identify the games and the playful experience of children, as well as to understand the educational processes triggered by this social practice in the context of school recess, in eight public primary schools located in the province of Talca, Maule region, Chile. In methodological terms, the research is inscribed in the perspective of the interpretive-comprehensive paradigm, through qualitative methodology, with a design that consisted of applying the nonparticipant observation technique, in such a way that they carried out 32 units of direct observations, with 138 events described during the months of August to November of the year 2019. The results revealed that the schoolyard was a space rich in children's experiences and learning, with regard to the repertoire of games and interactions between children, in the context of these recreational activities. The need to value play in the time and space of the schoolyard is highlighted, for the child's learning and its articulation with pedagogical practices. In terms of conclusions, it is proposed to delve into studies of this nature, since it is relevant that the school considers recess as a pedagogical tool, since it is at that moment when children naturally manifest themselves and express their emotions, in an eminently playful and socializing.

Despite the well-known relevance of polyamines to many forms of life, little is known about how polyamines regulate osteogenesis and skeletal homeostasis. Here, we report a series of in vitro studies conducted with human-bone-marrow-derived pluripotent stromal cells (MSCs). First, we show that during osteogenic differentiation, mRNA levels of most polyamine-associated enzymes are relatively constant, except for the catabolic enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), which is strongly increased at both mRNA and protein levels. As a result, the intracellular spermidine to spermine ratio is significantly reduced during the early stages of osteoblastogenesis. Supplementation of cells with exogenous spermidine or spermine decreases matrix mineralization in a dose-dependent manner. Employing N-cyclohexyl-1,3-propanediamine (CDAP) to chemically inhibit spermine synthase (SMS), the enzyme catalyzing conversion of spermidine into spermine, also suppresses mineralization. Intriguingly, this reduced mineralization is rescued with DFMO, an inhibitor of the upstream polyamine enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC1). Similarly, high concentrations of CDAP cause cytoplasmic vacuolization and alter mitochondrial function, which are also reversible with the addition of DFMO. Altogether, these studies suggest that excess polyamines, especially spermidine, negatively affect hydroxyapatite synthesis of primary MSCs, whereas inhibition of polyamine synthesis with DFMO rescues most, but not all of these defects. These findings are relevant for patients with Snyder-Robinson syndrome (SRS), as the presenting skeletal defects-associated with SMS deficiency-could potentially be ameliorated by treatment with DFMO.

PURPOSE: Following motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), patients often undergo extensive computed tomography (CT) imaging. However, pregnant trauma patients (PTPs) represent a unique population where the risk of fetal radiation may supersede the benefits of liberal CT imaging. This study sought to evaluate imaging practices for PTPs, hypothesizing variability in CT imaging among trauma centers. If demonstrated, this might suggest the need to develop specific guidelines to standardize practice. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study (2016-2021) was performed at 12 Level-I/II trauma centers. Adult (≥18 years old) PTPs involved in MVCs were included, with no patients excluded. The primary outcome was the frequency of CT. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables, and ANOVA was used to compare the means of normally distributed continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 729 PTPs sustained MVCs (73% at high speed of ≥ 25 miles per hour). Most patients were mildly injured but a small variation of injury severity score (range 1.1-4.6, p < 0.001) among centers was observed. There was a variation of imaging rates for CT head (range 11.8-62.5%, p < 0.001), cervical spine (11.8-75%, p < 0.001), chest (4.4-50.2%, p < 0.001), and abdomen/pelvis (0-57.3%, p < 0.001). In high-speed MVCs, there was variation for CT head (12.5-64.3%, p < 0.001), cervical spine (16.7-75%, p < 0.001), chest (5.9-83.3%, p < 0.001), and abdomen/pelvis (0-60%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in mortality (0-2.9%, p =0.19). CONCLUSION: Significant variability of CT imaging in PTPs after MVCs was demonstrated across 12 trauma centers, supporting the need for standardization of CT imaging for PTPs to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure while ensuring optimal injury identification is achieved.

Purpose of Review: Describe the rationale for preconditioning MSCs prior to use as therapy and the state-of-the-art of using preconditioning of MSCs in clinical settings. Recent Findings: Mounting preclinical data supports preconditioning of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Most research has focused on cytokine priming and hypoxic preconditioning, while other approaches, such as glycoengineering, remain relatively understudied. Despite strong preclinical data, clinical evidence supporting preconditioning strategies are limited to six Phase I clinical trials (most of them in progress). Summary: Here, we succinctly discuss the rationale for preconditioning using cytokines, hypoxia, and glycoengineering, while elaborating on the respective clinical experiences. Overall, we note that preconditioning is highly dependent on the desired application, and therefore requires elucidating the mechanism of action of the MSCs used for therapy. Preconditioning may also help mitigate heterogeneity of MSC lots. Based on the remarkable safety profile of MSCs, even when used in allogeneic settings, the role of preconditioning prior to their final formulation might be the key to reach expected therapeutic outcomes.

Information technology can increase energy efficiency by improving the control ofenergy-using devices and systems. Awareness of this potential is not new—ideas forapplications of information technology for energy efficiency have been promotedfor more than 20 years. But much of the potential gain from the application ofinformation technology has not yet been realized. Today a combination of newrequirements for the operation of the electricity system and the development ofnew technology has the potential to cause a rapid increase in the pace of adoptionof improved controls. In this paper we discuss one promising avenue fortechnology advancement. First, we review some basic concepts with emphasis onopen software-architecture. Then we describe the components of XBOS, arealization of this open software-architecture. XBOS has the ability to monitor andcontrol many different sensors and devices using both wired and wirelesscommunication and a variety of communication protocols. Finally, we illustrate thecapabilities of XBOS with examples from an XBOS installation in a smallcommercial office building in Berkeley California.

Mucopolysaccharidosis III (MPSIII, Sanfilippo syndrome) is a devastating lysosomal storage disease that primarily affects the central nervous system. MPSIIIA is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene coding for sulfamidase (N-sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase/SGSH) resulting in SGSH enzyme deficiency, a buildup of heparin sulfate and subsequent neurodegeneration. There is currently no cure or disease modifying treatment for MPSIIIA. A mouse model for MPSIIIA was characterized in 1999 and later backcrossed onto the C57BL/6 background. In the present study, a novel immune deficient MPSIIIA mouse model (MPSIIIA-TKO) was created by backcrossing the immune competent, C57BL/6 MPSIIIA mouse to an immune deficient mouse model lacking Rag2, CD47 and Il2rg genes. The resulting mouse model has undetectable SGSH activity, exhibits histological changes consistent with MPSIIIA and lacks T cells, B cells and NK cells. This new mouse model has the potential to be extremely useful in testing human cellular therapies in an animal model as it retains the MPSIIIA disease phenotype while tolerating xenotransplantation.

The following article is a qualitative study that analyses the perception of parents and high school students regarding teaching in times of Coronavirus disease COVID-19, with the idea of recognizing the facilitators and barriers for the teaching-learning process in the pandemic. The above, in the understanding that due to the sudden appearance of SARS-CoV-2, educational systems around the world had to adapt to virtual teaching, as a result of the confinement to which the population has been subjected during the year 2020 and a good part of the year 2021. The research is based on the interpretative-comprehensive paradigm, with a qualitative methodology, which considered the realization of four focus groups with students and four focus groups with secondary school parents, from two public high schools located in the province of Talca, Maule region, Chile. The findings of the study are related to the adverse effects of the pandemic on student learning, as a result of connectivity difficulties, and the emotional impact on the quality of life of young people and their families. On the other hand, learning at home is related to limited pedagogical strategies and evaluative aspects that do not allow verifying the real learning of the students.

Objective: In patients with non–small cell lung cancer, lymph node assessment is essential for appropriate staging. The intrapulmonary lymph nodes (IPLNs) should be considered when assigning the N stage but are infrequently evaluated in Colombian centers, resulting in understaging that may hinder optimal treatment. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of IPLN dissection in patients with clinical stage I or II non–small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical resection at 9 institutions in Colombia between 2021 and 2023. IPLN dissection was performed by trained surgeons who collected lymph nodes from fresh specimens after resection and before formalin fixation. Results: One hundred patients were eligible for the analysis. Their mean age was 67 ± 10.9 years, and 76% were women. Most (74%) had adenocarcinoma, 20% had neuroendocrine tumors, and 6% had squamous cell carcinoma. Successful sampling and histopathologic analysis of at least one IPLN station was obtained in 85% of patients, 9% had upstaging due to positive N2 lymph nodes, and 5% had upstaging due to positive N1 lymph nodes. Among the patients with pN0 or pN1 disease, 3.2% (3 out of 91) were upstaged exclusively due to positive IPLNs. Conclusions: Fresh-specimen dissection to collect IPLNs is appropriate and feasible to achieve more accurate pathological staging in Colombian lung cancer patients. In clinical N0 patients, IPLN dissection maximizes selection for adjuvant therapy.

Abstract Background Carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) have been the standard of care for advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer (EC) for many years. However, this chemotherapy combination shows limited efficacy and recurrences often occur in less than 12 months. ABTL0812 is a novel drug that selectively kill cancer cells by cytotoxic autophagy and has shown anticancer efficacy in preclinical models of EC in combination with CP. Methods ENDOLUNG was an open-label, phase 1/2 clinical trial designed to determine the safety and efficacy of Ibrilatazar (ABTL0812) with CP in patients with advanced/recurrent EC and non-irradiable stage III and IV squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC). The phase 1 part consisted of a 3 + 3 de-escalation design followed by an expansion cohort with 12 patients. The primary endpoint was safety. ABTL0812 starting dose was 1300 mg tid combined with carboplatin at area under the curve (AUC) 5 and paclitaxel at 175 mg/m2 both administered every 21 days for up to 8 cycles. The phase 2 part included a total of 51 patients. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) and the secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results During the phase 1 only one dose limiting toxicity (DLT), a grade 4 neutropenia, was observed in 1 out of 6 patients, thus no de-escalation was applied. One additional DLT, a grade 3 febrile neutropenia, was observed in the expansion cohort, thus the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for ABTL0812 was established at 1300 mg tid. Most frequent hematological adverse events (AE) of the combination were neutropenia (52.9%), anemia (37.3%) and thrombocytopenia (19.6%). Nausea (66.7%), asthenia (66.7%), diarrhea (54.9%) and vomiting (54.9%) were the most frequent non-hematological adverse events (AEs). The combination of ABTL0812 plus CP showed an ORR of 65.8% (13.2% complete response and 52.6% partial response) with a median DOR of 7.4 months (95% CI: 6.3–10.8 months). Median PFS was 9.8 months (95% CI: 6.6–10.6) and median OS 23.6 months (95% CI 6.4-ND). Pharmacokinetic parameters were compatible with target engagement observed in preclinical studies, and blood pharmacodynamic biomarkers indicated sustained target regulation during, at least, 28 days after starting the treatment. Conclusions This study suggests that the combination of ABTL0812 with CP is safe and feasible with an encouraging activity in patients with advanced/recurrent EC. Our data warrant further confirmation in prospective randomized trials. Trial registration EU Clinical Trial Register, EudraCT number 2016-001352-21 and National Clinical Trials Number, NCT03366480. Registration on 19 September 2016.

Abstract Background Effective pain management during labor induction for pregnancy termination is essential. However, to date, no effective treatment has been identified. The primary aim of this study was to measure the analgesic efficacy of a sufentanil sublingual tablet system during pregnancy termination and patient satisfaction by comparing nulliparous and multiparous women. The secondary aims were to characterize the safety profile by reporting any side effects or adverse events and to determine the need for rescue therapy. Methods We conducted an observational, retrospective, single-center study involving 48 women. The data retrieved for analysis included the total and hourly doses of sublingual sufentanil, evaluations of pain management satisfaction using a 5-point rating scale (ranging from 1, indicating “not satisfied” to 5, denoting “completely satisfied”), occurrence of side effects and adverse events, and the rate of rescue analgesic use. Categorical and numerical variables were compared between the two groups, and a correlation analysis was performed. Results The median total dose of sufentanil required was 60 mcg. Nulliparous women required a higher dose of sufentanil compared with multiparous women (105 mcg vs. 45 mcg; P = 0.01). Additionally, they underwent a longer labor, indirectly measured by the time of device usage (625 min vs. 165 min; P = 0.05). Regarding satisfaction, 40 patients (83.4%) were satisfied or completely satisfied, whereas only 8 patients (16.6%) reported dissatisfaction. Multiparous women exhibited higher satisfaction levels than did nulliparous women (P = 0.03). No adverse events were reported, and the most common side effects were nausea and vomiting (31.2%). Four patients (12%) required acetaminophen due to insufficient analgesia, with only one patient necessitating a switch to intravenous morphine. Conclusions Sublingual sufentanil was effective in both nulliparous and multiparous women with minimal side effects. Therefore, sublingual sufentanil can be considered a valid strategy for analgesia during labor induction for pregnancy termination.

Abstract Force transmission through adherens junctions (AJs) is crucial for multicellular organization, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Recent studies shed light on the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction at the AJs. However, the canonical model fails to explain force transmission when essential proteins of the mechanotransduction module are mutated or missing. Here, we demonstrate that, in absence of α-catenin, β-catenin can directly and functionally interact with vinculin in its open conformation, bearing physiological forces. Furthermore, we found that β-catenin can prevent vinculin autoinhibition in the presence of α-catenin by occupying vinculin´s head-tail interaction site, thus preserving force transmission capability. Taken together, our findings suggest a multi-step force transmission process at AJs, where α-catenin and β-catenin can alternatively and cooperatively interact with vinculin. This can explain the graded responses needed to maintain tissue mechanical homeostasis and, importantly, unveils a force-bearing mechanism involving β-catenin and extended vinculin that can potentially explain the underlying process enabling collective invasion of metastatic cells lacking α-catenin.

The objective of this study was to examine possible antecedents and consequences of teachers' emotions in the classroom. Based on a cognitive-social perspective and self-determination theory, we examined the relationship between basic psychological needs (BPNs), teachers' class-related emotions and teachers' life satisfaction. A sample of 595 teachers from Andalusia (Spain) participated in an online survey. A structural equation model was tested, in which BPNs predicted teachers' emotions ([beta] = 0.69; p < 0.001 positive emotions and [beta] = -0.42; p < 0.001 negative emotions). In addition, BPNs ([beta] = 0.36; p < 0.001) and positive emotions ([beta] = 0.23; p < 0.001) predicted satisfaction with life. The results show that the fulfilment of work-related BPNs is important to generate positive emotions and well-being in teachers. In addition, the study is the first to provide extensive details on the psychometric properties for assessing teacher emotions with the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire - Teachers (AEQ-T) in a Spanish sample.