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The objective of this work was to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of bioactive compounds from byproducts of V. vinifera and C. sinensis using the Taguchi methodology. Moreover, the flavonoid content and the subsequent evaluation of the antioxidant potential through three different assays (ABTS∙+ radical inhibition, ferric-reducing power (FRAP), and OH• radical inhibition) were determined. Furthermore, the potential of these metabolites to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme and their protective effect to inhibit the hemolysis due to oxidative processes was assessed. In addition, functional group analysis was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Taguchi L9 statistical model enabled the increase in bioactive compound yields by evaluating factors such as particle size, temperature, time, and solvent concentration. The samples were found to contain flavonoid-type compounds, which translated into their ability to inhibit free radicals (ABTS∙+ and OH•) and act as reducing agents (FRAP). They exhibited inhibitory effects on the α-amylase enzyme involved in the assimilation of starch and its derivatives, along with providing over 50% protection to erythrocytes in the presence of free radicals generated by AAPH. Furthermore, FTIR analysis facilitated the identification of characteristic functional groups of phenolic compounds (O–H, C–H, C=C, C–C, C=O). These findings suggest that the analyzed byproducts can effectively serve as sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the formulation of functional foods and medicines. However, it is necessary to conduct compound identification and toxicity analysis to ensure the safety of these bioactive compounds.

In this paper, the convergence of the spectral parameter power series method, proposed by Kravchenko, is performed for the Sturm–Liouville equation with Kurzweil–Henstock integrable coefficients. Numerical simulations of some examples are also presented to validate the performance of the method.

The prevalence of endoparasites associated with chaetognath abundance in the coastal waters of the Mexican Central Pacific was studied fortnightly from November 2010 to December 2011. A total of 35 (0.21%) out of 16,407 chaetognaths were found to be parasitized. Five out of twelve chaetognath species (Flaccisagitta enflata, F. hexaptera, Parasagitta euneritica, Serratosagitta pacifica, Zonosagitta bedoti) were found to be parasitized by nine endoparasitic taxa: Protists (two morphotypes), digenean metacercariae [Didymozoidae, Hemiuridae, Parahemiurus sp., Lepocreadiidae, Prosorhynchus sp. (Bucephalidae)], and cestodes (metacestodes) [Tetraphyllidea (two morphotypes)]. Parasagitta. euneritica and Z. bedoti were the most abundant chaetognath species, and Protist sp. 2 and Tetraphyllidea sp. 1 were the most abundant parasites. The highest prevalence for most of the endoparasite species occurred in June, and the values varied according to three hydroclimatic periods: stratified (S), semi-mixed (SM), and mixed (M). Eight non-infected chaetognath species, two parasitized chaetognaths (F. enflata and S. pacifica), and two parasites (Protist sp. 1 and Tetraphyllidea sp. 2) were associated with warm temperatures (S and SM periods); in contrast, P. euneritica, Z. bedoti, parasitized F. hexaptera, and the parasite Tetraphyllidea sp. 1 showed a strong local preference for cooler temperatures, high productivity, and high biomass conditions (M periods). We discovered the occurrence of the digenean Prosorhynchus sp. (Bucephalidae) parasitizing the chaetognath P. euneritica, and this is the first report of Prosorhynchus parasitizing chaetognaths worldwide. We also confirmed the presence of Lepocrediidae (metacercariae larval stage) infecting F. hexaptera, a parasite that had only been recorded infecting other chaetognaths of the Atlantic Ocean. The parasite diversity affecting the chaetognath populations of the Central Mexican Pacific coast likely differs between the offshore, outer slope areas, and the surveyed coastal system.

BackgroundOlder adults with tuberculosis (TB) present unusual clinical features and can be challenging to diagnose. Culture after evaluation of sputum smear (AFB) may result in improved diagnosis performance, however it has not yet been evaluated in Peruvian older adults. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic relation of TB culture after the AFB in patients aged ≥ 65 years derived for the diagnosis of pulmonary (PTB) and extra-pulmonary (EPTB) in Lima, Peru.MethodsA cross-sectional study was developed in Lima, Peru, in order to evaluate the relationship of TB culture after AFB test in older adults (≥ 65 years) during the PTB and EPTB diagnosis. The frequency of contaminated cultures and the discrepancies between the conventional AFB test and Ogawa-Kudoh culture were analyzed.ResultsOf the 10,461 sputum and 2,536 extrapulmonary samples analyzed during 2015–2017, PTB was diagnosed in 282 (2.7%) and EPTB in 88 (3.5%), respectively. The performance of AFB in the diagnosis of PTB had a sensitivity of 78.2% and specificity of 99.8%. The performance of AFB in EPTB had a sensitivity of 45.5% and specificity of 99.9%. Negative AFB with positive culture was more frequent in ≥ 82 years (p = 0.031). We determined a good agreement in the diagnosis of PTB (κ = 0.84) and moderate for EPTB (κ = 0.55).ConclusionOur findings suggest that diagnosis through culture should be performed after the AFB smear evaluation due to the moderate performance of AFB, especially in patients ≥ 82 years old.

Los vertederos de residuos urbanos, por su proximidad a la ciudad, constituyen lugares con un gran potencial para el cambio, llenos de posibilidades. La constante expansión de la metrópoli hace que la distancia entre el vertedero y la ciudad sea siempre relativa. Primero expulsados, después incorporados. La ciudad del siglo XXI interactúa con el territorio. Esta interacción construye un nuevo paisaje que se produce desde un mecanismo arquitectónico fundamental como base del paisaje contemporáneo, amalgama entre lo natural y lo artificial: el plano del suelo como una topografía manipulada y soporte de nuevas actividades. El parque forestal de Valdemingómez en Madrid, ubicado sobre el antiguo vertedero, deviene en palimpsesto de nuestra sociedad, una huella del pasado sobre la que se escribirá el futuro. La basura convertida en suelo, soporte de nuevas actividades contemporáneas, se convierte en registro de la memoria de la ciudad.

PURPOSEThe incidence of GI cancers is increasing in sub-Saharan African countries. We described the oncological care pathway and assessed presentation, diagnosis, and treatment intervals and delays among patients with GI cancer who presented to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.METHODSWe analyzed data from 545 patients with GI cancer in the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) database. We defined presentation interval as the interval between symptom onset and presentation to tertiary hospital, diagnostic interval as between presentation and diagnosis, and treatment interval as between diagnosis and initiation of treatment. We considered >3 months, >1 month, and >1 month to be presentation, diagnosis, and treatment delays, respectively. We compared lengths of intervals using Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression.RESULTSThe most frequent cancer types were pancreatic (32%) and colorectal (28%). Most patients presented at stages III (38%) and IV (30%). The median presentation interval was 84 days (IQR, 56-191), and 49% presented after 3 months or longer. The median diagnosis and treatment intervals were 0 (IQR, 0-8) and 7 (IQR, 0-23) days, respectively. There was no relationship between age, sex, education, or distance to tertiary hospital and presentation delay, but patients with stage III to IV versus I to II had higher odds of presentation delay (odds ratio [OR], 1.68 [95% CI, 1.13 to 2.50]). Among patients with pancreatic cancer, older patients were less likely to have a diagnosis delay (OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.25 to 0.98]).CONCLUSIONAbout half of patients with GI cancer in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, did not present to tertiary hospitals until more than 90 days after noticing symptoms. Efforts are warranted to improve public knowledge of GI cancer symptoms and to strengthen health systems for prompt diagnosis and referral to specialty care.

Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) in young adulthood is associated with CVD in later life, yet CVH in young adults in the United States falls below ideal levels, with noticeable sex differences. Research on CVH in young adults in Puerto Rico is scarce. This study examined CVH and sex differences in CVH in a large cohort of young adults in Puerto Rico. Methods and Results Data from 2162 Puerto Rican young adults aged 18 to 29 residing in PR were obtained from the PR‐OUTLOOK (Puerto Rico Young Adults' Stress, Contextual, Behavioral, and Cardiometabolic Risk) study (2020–2023). Participants were recruited through various media and community outreach. CVH scores, graded on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale, were derived from survey responses, physical exams, and laboratory assays. Linear regression with the margins postestimation command was used to determine adjusted means (95% CIs) for CVH scores by sex, controlling for age, marital status, education, childhood material deprivation, subjective social status, health insurance, and depressive symptoms. CVH was less than ideal (score

Para lograr una mayor supervivencia de los implantes dentales, es importante una sólida integración de los tejidos blandos en la región transmucosa con los pilares protésicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si las superficies del pilar de titanio recubiertas con óxido de grafeno mejoraban la adhesión celular. Se ha demostrado que el óxido de grafeno favorece la integración y estabilidad de las células que componen los tejidos blandos periimplantarios, aumentando la biocompatibilidad, adhesión celular y propiedades antibacterianas del titanio. En este estudio se recubrieron las superficies de pilares de titanio anodizados de la empresa Nobel Biocare, mediante inmersión en una suspensión de óxido de grafeno con agua; posteriormente, se colocaron en una mufla a 180 °C durante 2 horas para fijar y secar el recubrimiento. Se caracterizó la película de óxido de grafeno mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido, espectroscopía por dispersión de rayos X (EDS) y mapeo elemental. Finalmente, se evaluaron los pilares protésicos de titanio anodizado con o sin recubrimiento de óxido de grafeno mediante ensayos de adhesión. La microscopía electrónica de barrido permitió observar las capas de óxido de grafeno depositadas sobre la superficie del pilar, el mapeo comprobó la presencia del carbono en toda la superficie y el EDS la presencia de carbono y titanio. Los ensayos biológicos demostraron un incremento significativo en la adhesión celular en los pilares de titanio recubierto con óxido de grafeno en comparación con sus contrapartes sin recubrir. Estos resultados permiten concluir que se lograron recubrir con éxito las superficies de los pilares de titanio anodizado con óxido de grafeno y que este recubrimiento tuvo una influencia favorable en la adhesión celular.

IntroductionAnemia is one of the most serious health problems impacting people worldwide. The disease is quiet, moving slowly and producing only a few physical symptoms. Anemia during pregnancy raises the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal anomalies, and it can have a substantial financial impact on society and families. However, there was a paucity of studies on the magnitude and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women in southern Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Hawella Tula Sub-city of Hawassa City in 2021.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was done on 341 randomly selected pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics. Data were obtained using a standardized semi-structured questionnaire. To identify the associated factors for the magnitude of anemia logistic regression model was used with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health facilities of Hawella Tula Sub-city was 113 (33.7%) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (28.8, 38.9). Male-headed household (AOR = 2.217, 95% CI: 1.146, 4.286), rural resident (AOR = 3.805, 95% CI: 2.118, 6.838), early marriage below 18 years (AOR = 2.137, 95% CI: 1.193, 3.830), and recurrent of illness during pregnancy (AOR = 3.189, 95% CI: 1.405, 7.241) were associated factors for anemia.ConclusionAnemia prevalence among pregnant women was 113 (33.7%). Anemia among pregnant women was associated with rural residents, early marriage age below 18 years, and repeated illnesses during pregnancy.

Abstract Background Nurses turnover intention, representing the extent to which nurses express a desire to leave their current positions, is a critical global public health challenge. This issue significantly affects the healthcare workforce, contributing to disruptions in healthcare delivery and organizational stability. In Ethiopia, a country facing its own unique set of healthcare challenges, understanding and mitigating nursing turnover are of paramount importance. Hence, the objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to determine the pooled proportion ofturnover intention among nurses and to identify factors associated to it in Ethiopia. Methods A comprehensive search carried out for studies with full document and written in English language through an electronic web-based search strategy from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar and Ethiopian University Repository online. Checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the studies’ quality. STATA version 17 software was used for statistical analyses. Meta-analysis was done using a random-effects method. Heterogeneity between the primary studies was assessed by Cochran Q and I-square tests. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to clarify the source of heterogeneity. Result This systematic review and meta-analysis incorporated 8 articles, involving 3033 nurses in the analysis. The pooled proportion of turnover intention among nurses in Ethiopia was 53.35% (95% CI (41.64, 65.05%)), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 97.9, P = 0.001). Significant association of turnover intention among nurses was found with autonomous decision-making (OR: 0.28, CI: 0.14, 0.70) and promotion/development (OR: 0.67, C.I: 0.46, 0.89). Conclusion and recommendation Our meta-analysis on turnover intention among Ethiopian nurses highlights a significant challenge, with a pooled proportion of 53.35%. Regional variations, such as the highest turnover in Addis Ababa and the lowest in Sidama, underscore the need for tailored interventions. The findings reveal a strong link between turnover intention and factors like autonomous decision-making and promotion/development. Recommendations for stakeholders and concerned bodies involve formulating targeted retention strategies, addressing regional variations, collaborating for nurse welfare advocacy, prioritizing career advancement, reviewing policies for nurse retention improvement.

La tasa de movilidad independiente infantil ha sufrido un descenso significativo durante las últimas décadas. Esta situación ha provocado que la infancia tenga más dificultades a la hora de explorar, jugar o caminar de forma autónoma por las calles de sus barrios y ciudades. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo conocer las razones que impulsan o dificultan que los niños y niñas puedan tener experiencias de autonomía como en este caso a través del trayecto escolar sin una figura adulta y ver, así como es su percepción sobre el entorno, como influye la decisión parental y conocer cómo son sus propias capacidades personales. En el estudio han participado un total de 1.002 niños y niñas de entre 8 y 16 años de varios municipios de Bizkaia (norte de España). Las respuestas han sido recogidas mediante preguntas abiertas y analizadas mediante el software Iramuteq. Se han realizado tres tipos de análisis, el método Reinert, el análisis de similitudes léxicas y análisis de espeficidades. Los resultados muestran que los y las menores que obtienen el permiso de sus familias para realizar el trayecto escolar de manera autónoma, tienen una mayor percepción de seguridad sobre su entorno. Por el contrario, aquellos que van acompañados a la escuela, perciben sus calles como más inseguras y repiten más frecuentemente las dificultades que puede conllevar la realización del camino de forma independiente. Finalmente, se ha observado que los niños y niñas con mayores tasas de movilidad independiente se perciben con mayor madurez y mejores capacidades para moverse por su entorno.

The hydrocarbon generation potential of the Campano-Maastrichtian to Paleogene shales from the Benin Flank (located in SW Nigeria) of the Anambra Basin, has been previously investigated mostly by studying outcrops and by relatively few subsurface data-based studies. Thus, it is expedient undertaking an assessment of the hydrocarbon generation potential of this frontier area from subsurface samples. Campano-Maastrichtian to Paleogene shale samples obtained from Egoli-1 borehole in the Benin Flank of the Anambra Basin are studied by means of HAWK programmed pyrolysis, organic petrography, and mineralogy (XRD), with the aim to explore the petroleum-generating potential and the thermal maturity. The obtained results display a significant variation of the TOC content ranging from very low (5%), indicating poor to excellent oil potential based on S2 values under the condition, of course, the studied formations reached the oil window. The shales of the Nsukka and Imo Formations display lower petroleum-generating potential than these of the Mamu Formation. All the studied samples are dominated by gas-prone (type III) and inert (type IV) kerogens, with few displaying mixed II/III (oil- and gas-prone). The organic-petrography observations support partly the results of the HAWK programmed pyrolysis, as they reveal an organic-richer Mamu Formation in comparison to the Nsukka and Imo Formations; huminite/vitrinite particles (both indigenous and recycled) along with variable contents of liptinite (mostly alginite and bituminite) and inertinite macerals (mostly inertodetrinite) are hosted in the shales. The latter display a typical composition for fine-grained clastic sediments; mostly kaolinite, illite/montmorillonite, quartz, and subordinately, anatase. In terms of thermal maturity, huminite/vitrinite reflectance data points to immature stage; however, the occurrence of solid bitumens, displaying equivalent vitrinite reflectance values within the oil window, points to an active petroleum system in sequences deeper than the examined ones.

El proceso de desinfección es esencial para prevenir proliferación de bacterias que pueden contaminar los alimentos causando pérdida dentro de la cadena de suministro. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de la propuesta tuvo como finalidad la fabricación y control de un sistema de desinfección integrando una banda transportadora multinivel y luz UV-C LED. La metodología consistió en adaptar la automatización al mecanismo, mediante la programación con base en GEMMA y GRAFCET. Se integró un Controlador Lógico Programable (PLC, por sus siglas en inglés) e Interfaz Hombre Máquina (HMI, por sus siglas en inglés) como elementos de control. Adicionalmente, se configuraron diferentes rutinas como la velocidad de la banda, altura de las lámparas, el tiempo de exposición, paro de emergencia y emisión de la luz UV-C LED en cada zona de radiación. Se realizó un conteo microbiológico para evaluar el proceso de desinfección de la semilla de ajo (Allium sativum L.), utilizando dosis reportadas en la literatura. Los resultados demostraron que la propuesta es un producto científico tecnológico semi-industrial. Los niveles de la banda transportadora permiten que la semilla de ajo rote durante el proceso de desinfección. Con un efecto germicida del 92.30 % en mesófilos aerobios, se atiende adecuadamente el funcionamiento de los mecanismos de transporte y emisión de luz UV-C LED. Se puede concluir que el sistema puede adaptarse a cualquier producto del sector agroindustrial, además la automatización se puede extender con la inclusión de mayores parámetros. Para trabajo futuro queda determinar la mejor dosis, manejo de otros productos y combinaciones de radiación UV LED, así como un conteo microbiológico más exhaustivo.

El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar económicamente tres tratamientos de zeolita natural en suelo aplicados en el cultivo de chile jalapeño. La herramienta utilizada fue el análisis económico y financiero para determinar la rentabilidad, los principales costos variables asociados fueron la semilla, sueldos, agua, costos de zeolita y otros. La información obtenida se analizó en Excel utilizando las fórmulas respectivas. Los resultados mostraron que los tres tratamientos de zeolita utilizados son favorables y se ve reflejado en los ingresos del productor. La relación beneficio costo de aplicar zeolita en 15 ton por ha genera un ingreso de 0.14 centavos por cada peso invertido, en 10 ton se obtuvo 0.13 centavos por peso y en 5ton fue de 0.10 centavos por peso invertido. Se concluye que el tratamiento más costoso fue aquel con la aplicación de 15 ton ha-1, mientras que el más rentable fue el que usó 10 ton ha-1.

Abstract Background The majority of non-metastatic breast cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa are recommended to have mastectomy. The impact of mastectomy on a predominantly young African patient population requires evaluation. The BREAST-Q is a validated patient-reported outcome measure of quality-of-life following breast surgery that has been translated into 30 languages-none in Africa. This study aimed to translate and assess the psychometric properties of the mastectomy module of the BREAST-Q for use in Nigeria. Methods The BREAST-Q mastectomy module was translated from English to Yoruba and its psychometric properties assessed using best practice guidelines. Translation was performed in 4 steps: forward translation (x2), back translation, back translation review, and cognitive interviews with post-mastectomy patients. The translated BREAST-Q instrument was administered to post-mastectomy patients (n = 21) alongside the EORTC-QLQ BR23 to evaluate construct validity. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC); surveys were re-administered 4 weeks apart. Results The translation process identified English phrases not amenable to direct translation, including “emotionally healthy” and descriptions of pain (“nagging,” “throbbing,” “sharp”). Translations were amended to reflect local context and question intent. During cognitive interviews, patients provided suggestions to simplify complex phrases, e.g. “discomfort in your breast area.”. Internal consistency within scales was over 0.70 for psychosocial wellbeing (α = 0.84–0.87), sexual wellbeing (α = 0.98–0.99), physical wellbeing in chest (α = 0.84–0.86), and satisfaction with care (α = 0.89–0.93). ICC for test-retest reliability was moderate (0.46–0.63). Conclusions The Yoruba version of the BREAST-Q mastectomy module presents a unique opportunity to adequately capture the experiences of Nigerian women post mastectomy. This instrument is being used in a pilot study of Nigerian patients to identify targets for intervention to improve the patient experience and compliance with breast cancer surgery.

En respuesta al crecimiento de la demanda de energía eléctrica, este estudio se centra en la eficiente previsión del consumo eléctrico en el cantón Salcedo, Ecuador. Se adoptaron las técnicas de aprendizaje automático Random Forest y XGBoost para pronosticar la demanda de seis parroquias en el sector residencial con registros de enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2022. La metodología abarcó la recopilación de datos, preprocesamiento, entrenamiento y evaluación de modelos. Se utilizaron métricas como el RMSE y MAPE para validar el rendimiento, destacando Random Forest como el más eficaz en la previsión de la demanda en todas las parroquias, mostrando una adaptación más adecuada a las peculiaridades del consumo eléctrico. Este enfoque no solo proporciona una base para la planificación eficiente de la generación y distribución de energía, sino que también destaca la utilidad de las técnicas de aprendizaje automático en entornos de previsión de consumo energético.

Despite modern advances in the study of rivers globally, there remains a plethora of work to be done especially in the area of fluvial sedimentology of some present-day river systems. Previous studies on fluvial sedimentology of the sediments of the river Ethiope (in southern Nigeria) are meagre. Grain size analytical methods are indispensable to infer siliciclastic sediments' hydrodynamic conditions, transportation mode(s), and sedimentary environments. Twenty-eight samples (n=28) of the river Ethiope sediments were selected and studied using granulometric analyses (mechanical sieving and pebble morphometric methods). The granulometric analyses results revealed that the obtained sediments were comprised of 82.75% sand, 9.33% gravel, and 7.92% mud. A ternary diagram of sand-gravel-mud shows the sediments are mainly gravelly sand, with few indicating slightly gravelly sand, gravelly muddy sand, muddy sand, and sandy gravel. The grain size statistical analysis shows that the river Ethiope sediments consist of medium to coarse, poorly-sorted to moderately well-sorted, strongly coarse skewed to strongly fine skewed, and very platykurtic to extremely leptokurtic sands. The pebble morphometric analysis revealed that the pebbles range in shape from bladed (B) 22%, compact-bladed (CB) 17%, compact (C) 16%, compact-platy (CP) 16%, compact-elongated (CE) 12%, platy (P) 5%, to elongated (E) 5%. The integration of bivariate plots, ternary diagrams, and C-M patterns plotted for the sediments of the river Ethiope indicated a fluvial environment with sediments characterised by low to moderately high energy that transport sediments of different sizes and grades through saltation, traction, and suspension modes. This study also confirms that sediment transport modes such as saltation, traction, and suspension typify river environments. In general, the existing sedimentologic models derived from grain size analysis of sediments and pebble morphometric methods obtained from modern-day rivers can be applied to better understand transport modes, sedimentary processes, and palaeoenvironments of their ancient counterparts.

Los videojuegos han emergido como una poderosa herramienta educativa versátil que puede tener un impacto significativo en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Cuando se integran de manera adecuada y equilibrada en el entorno educativo, los videojuegos tienen el potencial de hacer que el proceso de aprendizaje sea más atractivo, interactivo y efectivo para los estudiantes de todas las edades. La finalidad de este trabajo investigativo fue desarrollar un videojuego infantil de las leyendas de la ciudad de Riobamba, utilizando la plataforma DREAMS como un método de gamificación para el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de los estudiantes de quinto de básica de la escuela San Mateo. El videojuego cumple con funciones, características y conceptos claros y concretos, con una gran capacidad de ser entendida por el público objetivo, gracias a la implementación de la metodología de desarrollo SUM, que proporciona diferentes fases que otorgan al desarrollador definir y estructurar actividades, gestionando los posibles riesgos que puedan surgir a través de ellas, esta cuenta con cinco fases principales: planificación, elaboración, beta, cierre y gestión de riesgos. Por último, para saber si el videojuego cumple con los estándares establecidos y determinar si efectivamente puede ser utilizado como un método de enseñanza se evalúa. La validez del marco de trabajo fue comprobada con la aplicación de distintos parámetros sugeridos por la escala de Likert, obteniendo una alta satisfacción y criterios positivos a partir de su utilización.

Toxic effluents from cassava processing mills through leaching and percolation are transported into groundwater, which may be detrimental to the health of humans when consumed. Our knowledge on how these toxic effluents are transported into groundwater is limited and has not received the needed attention. The objective of the study is to stimulate groundwater flow and migration pattern of cassava effluents, stimulate the impact of recharge and discharge on the fate of cassava plume migration and, lastly to suggest a remediation techniques. Groundwater modelling system (GMS) software was used for the stimulation of migration of cyanide from the surface into groundwater. The results revealed that transport of Cyanide is considerably influenced by the subsurface geology of the unsaturated zone, groundwater recharge, pumping and dispersion rates, respectively. In a well at the source, a cyanide mass of 3.5 × 105 mg was observed under increased recharge conditions for 7300 days and 7.6 × 104 mg when reduced. Increased pumping rate for 7300 days, cyanide mass of 8.8 × 104 mg was detected and it was 2.6 × 105 mg when reduced. Increased dispersion results in 2.3 × 105 mg and 3.1 × 105 mg when reduced. Of these parameters simulated, recharge has the greatest impact on the transport of cyanide. The effectiveness of using MODFLOW and MT3DMS to understand the way cyanide is transported into groundwater is fully demonstrated. The pump-and treat remediation types is recommended for groundwater resource management and planning.

Abstract Reconfigurable plasmonic-photonic electromagnetic devices have been incessantly investigated for their great ability to optically modulate through external stimuli to meet today's emerging needs, with chalcogenide phase-change materials being promising candidates due to their remarkably unique electrical and optics, enabling new perspectives in recent photonic applications. In this work, we propose a reconfigurable resonator using planar layers of stacked ultrathin films based on Metal-dielectric-PCM, which we designed and analyzed numerically by the Finite Element Method (FEM). The structure is based on thin films of Gold (Au), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and PCM (In3SbTe2) used as substrate. The modulation between the PCM phases (amorphous and crystalline) allows the alternation from the filter to the absorber structure in the infrared (IR) spectrum (1000–2500 nm), with an efficiency greater than 70% in both cases. The influence of the thickness of the material is also analyzed to verify tolerances for manufacturing errors and dynamically control the efficiency of transmittance and absorptance peaks. The physical mechanisms of field coupling and transmitted/absorbed power density are investigated. We also analyzed the effects on polarization angles for Transversal Electric (TE) and Transversal Magnetic (TM) polarized waves for both cases.

O artigo destaca a importância de ensinar a fazer perguntas para, assim, estimular a compreensão dos alunos sobre o objeto de conhecimento, desvendando o que é comum, o que é diferente, o que é essencial, e, assim, conseguir que eles incorporem a pergunta como parte de sua atividade na vida diária e desenvolver o pensamento teórico. Aprender a perguntar implica aprender a ouvir, a levar em conta a opinião dos outros, a modular um processo de ensino-aprendizagem onde a apropriação do conteúdo de ensino seja, antes de tudo, uma oportunidade de aprender de forma significativa. O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar dois procedimentos didáticos para conversação literária, assumindo as Fases para o desenvolvimento da Conversa Literária de Leibrandt e o Procedimento Didático Aprender a perguntar é retomado.

Abstract Background Exploration of biomarkers for debilitating diseases such as cervical spondylosis is important to revolutionize clinical diagnosis and management of such conditions. The study aimed to determine the correlation between neck pain and disability and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), osteoprotegerin (OPG), estradiol (E2), testosterone (TES), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) among individuals with symptomatic cervical spondylosis. Methods This study was a cohort design. The participants were new referrals to two Nigerian physical therapy clinics. Participants’ neck pain intensity (PI), neck disability index (NDI), IL-6, OPG, E2, TES, Ca, and Mg were measured at baseline and after 13 weeks of follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results Forty individuals aged 52.40 ± 8.60 years participated in the study. Women had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (t = − 2.392, p = 0.026), OPG (t = − 3.235, p = 0.005), E2 (t = − 6.841, p = 0.001), but lower TES (t = 17.776, p = 0.001). There were no significant sex differences in PI and NDI. There were significant correlations between PI and OPG (r = 0.385, p

Introduction and objectives: Liver disease causes approximately 1.75 million deaths per year and chronic liver disease (CLD) and is usually detected in advanced stages (cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma) that require partial ablation or transplant. STAT-3 has been identified as a therapeutic target in cancer. Moreover, collagen matrix scaffolds (CMS) can be used as carriers of antineoplastic drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective was to determine the capacity of CMS as vehicle of WP1066 (inhibitor of STAT3) in an in vitro HCC model. Materials and Patients: WP1066 was incubated with HCC cell lines to determine the IC50 by the Resazurin method. After this, the IC50 concentration of WP1066 was added to CMS during 1, 3 and 7 days before the incubation with each HCC cell, then the WP1066 stability was evaluated by mass spectrometry. The pH of the RPMI medium was evaluated in all the experimental conditions using a potentiometer. Whereas the cell viability was compared with untreated cells and CMs without WP1066 by Resazurin method. Results: The IC50 of WP1066 for HEPA 1-6 and HEPG2 was similar 1.54 uM ± 0.07 and 1.68 ± 0.16 uM, respectively. WP1066 showed stability after 7 days of preparation in DMSO. The pH evaluation of RPMI with WP1066, CMS and WP1066+CMS was similar (pH 7.2) at 72 h of incubation. Cell viability of both HHC cell lines was reduced 80% in the combination of CM plus WP1066 (p

The cooking process is fundamental for bean consumption and to increase the bioavailability of its nutritional components. The study aimed to determine the effect of cooking on bean seed coat through morphological analyses with different microscopy techniques and image analyses. The chemical composition and physical properties of raw black bean (RBB) and cooked black bean (CBB) seeds were determined. The surface and cross-sectional samples were studied by Optical microscopy (OM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The composition of samples showed significant differences after the cooking process. OM images and gray level co-occurrence matrix algorithm (GLCM) analysis indicated that cuticle-deposited minerals significantly influence texture parameters. Seed coat surface ESEM images showed cluster cracking. Texture fractal dimension and lacunarity parameters were effective in quantitatively assessing cracks on CBB. AFM results showed arithmetic average roughness (Ra) (121.67 nm) and quadratic average roughness (Rq) (149.94 nm). The cross-sectional ESEM images showed a decrease in seed coat thickness. The CLSM results showed an increased availability of lipids along the different multilayer tissues in CBB. The results generated from this research work offer a valuable potential to carry out a strict control of bean seed cooking at industrial level, since the structural changes and biochemical components (cell wall, lipids and protein bodies) that occur in the different tissues of the seed are able to migrate from the inside to the outside through the cracks generated in the multilayer structure that are evidenced by the microscopic techniques used.

En este texto se explica y problematiza el concepto de inclusión en el ámbito educativo, puesto que implica aceptar el neoliberalismo que lo sustenta ideológicamente; con ello, se perpetúan las estructuras injustas de la sociedad que, bajo el binarismo que lo caracteriza, excluyen los saberes bioculturales no occidentales. Los antecedentes son algunos textos de filosofía latinoamericana y filosofía intercultural, desde los cuales se explica que, para el neoliberalismo, la inclusión es de utilidad para arrasar con las creencias y prácticas bioculturales de las comunidades marginadas, al intentar homogeneizarlas con la cultura occidental. Dado que la inclusión educativa refleja la lógica del neoliberalismo, la hipótesis apunta a la necesidad de una filosofía intercultural que defienda las creencias y prácticas de la diversidad epistémica. Lo anterior se justifica en que algunos Estados promueven la inclusión de poblaciones marginadas en el sistema educativo y en el laboral como forma de contrarrestar la exclusión del sistema económico capitalista. Sin embargo, la inclusión impone normas occidentales que uniforman a las personas excluidas. Por eso, en lugar de incentivar la inclusión, se propone la interculturalidad como alternativa que fomenta el diálogo entre diversos saberes; el cual es necesario para construir un conocimiento integrador, transdisciplinar y complejo.

BackgroundSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is manifested by deformation of the chest wall, including a bell-shaped chest. We determined the ability of a novel non-ionizing, non-volitional method to measure and quantify bell-shaped chests in SMA.MethodsA 3D depth camera and a chest x-ray (CXR) were used to capture chest images in 14 SMA patients and 28 controls. Both methods measure the distance between two points, but measurements performed by 3D analysis allow for the consideration of the curve of a surface (geodesic measurements), whereas the CXR allows solely for the determination of the shortest path between two points, with no regard for the surface (Euclidean measurements). The ratio of the upper to lower chest distances was quantified to distinguish chest shape in imaging by both the 3D depth camera and the CXR, and the ratios were compared between healthy and SMA patients.ResultsThe mean 3D Euclidean ratio of distances measured by 3D imaging was 1.00 in the control group and 0.92 in the SMA group (p = 0.01), the latter indicative of a bell-shaped chest. This result repeated itself in the ratio of geodesic measurements (0.99 vs. 0.89, respectively, p = 0.03).ConclusionThe herein-described novel, noninvasive 3D method for measuring the upper and lower chest distances was shown to distinguish the bell-shaped chest configuration in patients with SMA from the chests of controls. This method bears several advantages over CXR and may be readily applicable in clinical settings that manage children with SMA.

Purpose To better understand the long-term hand and shoulder outcomes of upper brachial plexus birth injuries.

IntroductionOne of the unexpected outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was the relatively low levels of morbidity and mortality in Africa compared to the rest of the world. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, accounted for less than 0.01% of the global COVID-19 fatalities. The factors responsible for Nigeria's relatively low loss of life due to COVID-19 are unknown. Also, the correlates of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of pre-existing immunity on the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa are yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the natural and vaccine-induced immune responses from vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria throughout the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. We also examined the pre-existing immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 from samples collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe used spike RBD and N- IgG antibody ELISA to measure binding antibody responses, SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype assay protocol expressing the spike protein of different variants (D614G, Delta, Beta, Omicron BA1) to measure neutralizing antibody responses and nucleoprotein (N) and spike (S1, S2) direct ex vivo interferon gamma (IFNγ) T cell ELISpot to measure T cell responses. ResultOur study demonstrated a similar magnitude of both binding (N-IgG (74% and 62%), S-RBD IgG (70% and 53%) and neutralizing (D614G (49% and 29%), Delta (56% and 47%), Beta (48% and 24%), Omicron BA1 (41% and 21%)) antibody responses from symptomatic and asymptomatic survivors in Nigeria. A similar magnitude was also seen among vaccinated participants. Interestingly, we revealed the presence of preexisting binding antibodies (N-IgG (60%) and S-RBD IgG (44%)) but no neutralizing antibodies from samples collected prior to the pandemic. DiscussionThese findings revealed that both vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria make similar magnitude of both binding and cross-reactive neutralizing antibody responses. It supported the presence of preexisting binding antibody responses among some Nigerians prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, hybrid immunity and heterologous vaccine boosting induced the strongest binding and broadly neutralizing antibody responses compared to vaccine or infection-acquired immunity alone.

IntroductionHealth care providers faced a challenge with the emergence of COVID-19 and its rapid spread. Early studies measuring the psychological impact of COVID-19 on the general population found high levels of anxiety and sleep disorders. The primary goal of this project was to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on physicians in Puerto Rico.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study of physicians in Puerto Rico was conducted anonymously and electronically from February 2021 through April 2021. The electronic survey included socio-demographic data and 4 self-administered assessment tools (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Perceived Stress Scale-10, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and COVID-19 Organizational Support) for anxiety, perceived stress, sleep disturbances, and organizational support during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 145 physicians completed the survey, with a female predominance of 53.5% and a majority practicing in the San Juan metropolitan area (50.3%). Mild anxiety symptoms were reported in 26.9% of physicians, and 33.8% had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Moderate to high perceived stress was found in 69.9% of participants, and women reported statistically significantly higher levels of anxiety symptoms (8.84 ± 5.99; p = 0.037) and stress (19.0 ± 6.94, p = 0.001). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index reported 67.9% of physicians with global scores associated with poor sleep quality. Assessment of perceived organizational support found a high perception of work support (65.7%) but low perception of personal support (43.4%) and risk support (30.3%). A correlation analysis found a negative correlation for work and personal support, but a positive correlation for risk support, all statistically significant.ConclusionCOVID-19 had a lasting psychological impact in health care providers in Puerto Rico a year after the beginning of the pandemic. Our data supports the importance of organizational support and its correlation with the development of anxiety. It is thus essential to develop strategies to identify individuals at risk of experiencing psychological disturbances and to provide effective support for medical professionals during medical emergencies for their well-being and optimal delivery of patient care.

Objectives This systematic review aims to identify the secondary attack rates (SAR) to adults and other children when children are the index cases within household settings.Methods This literature review assessed European-based studies published in Medline and Embase between January 2020 and January 2022 that assessed the secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within household settings. The inclusion criteria were based on the Population, Exposure, Outcome framework for systematic reviews. Thus, the study population was restricted to humans within the household setting in Europe (population), in contact with paediatric index cases 1–17 years old (exposure) that led to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 reported as either an SAR or the probability of onward infection (outcome).Results Of 1819 studies originally identified, 19 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the SAR ranged from 13% to 75% in 15 studies, while there was no evidence of secondary transmission from children to other household members in one study. Evidence indicated that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 index cases also have a lower SAR than those with symptoms and that younger children may have a lower SAR than adolescents (>12 years old) within household settings.Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 secondary transmission from paediatric index cases ranged from 0% to 75%, within household settings between January 2020 and January 2022, with differences noted by age and by symptomatic/asymptomatic status of the index case. Given the anticipated endemic circulation of SARS-CoV-2, continued monitoring and assessment of household transmission is necessary.

In clinical practice, increased “work of breathing” (WOB) is used to rapidly identify the acutely ill child in need of immediate clinical care, and is commonly used to support a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. However, this key clinical sign is poorly understood and inconsistently defined. This review discusses the physiology, measurement, and clinical assessment of WOB, highlighting its utility in the recognition of pneumonia in under-resourced settings, where access to diagnostic imaging may be limited.

In this work, we aimed at investigating cell and tissue responses of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, following the inoculation of the zoonotic pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. Different doses were tested (10, 20, 65, and 100 M CFU) and the mortality rate was negligible. The histopathogenesis was followed at 4, 9, and 28 days after inoculation. Overt histopathological lesions were consistently observed after the two largest doses only. In the lung, marked hemocyte aggregations, including intravascular nodule formation, were observed within the large blood veins that run along the floor and roof of this organ. Hemocyte aggregations were found occluding many of the radial sinuses supplying the respiratory lamina. Acid-fast bacilli were contained in the different hemocyte aggregations. In addition, hemocytes were observed infiltrating the storage tissue, which makes up most of the lung wall, and the connective tissue of the mantle edge. Additionally, signs of degradation in the storage tissue were observed in the lung wall on day 28. In the kidney, nodules were formed associated with the constitutive hemocyte islets and with the subpallial hemocoelic space, in whose hemocytes the acid-fast structures were found. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of bacteria-containing phagosomes within hemocytes located in the surface zone of the islets. Additionally, electron-dense spheroidal structures, which are likely remnants of digested mycobacteria, were observed in close proximity to the hemocytes’ nuclei. The size attained by the hemocyte nodules varied during the observation period, but there was no clear dependence on dose or time after inoculation. Nodules were also formed subpallially. Some of these nodules showed 2–3 layers with different cellular composition, suggesting they may also form through successive waves of circulating cells reaching them. Nodular cores, including those formed intravascularly in the lung, would exhibit signs of hemocyte dedifferentiation, possibly proliferation, and death. Hemocyte congestion was observed in the hemocoelic spaces surrounding the pallial ends of the renal crypts, and the renal crypts themselves showed de-epithelization, particularly on day 28. The diverse cellular responses of P. canaliculata to M. marinum inoculation and the high resilience of this snail to the pathogen make it a suitable species for studying mycobacterial infections and their effects on cellular and physiological processes.

Objetivo. Identificar características demográficas y hallazgos clínicos más frecuentes en perros con urolitiasis de oxalato de calcio (OxCa) en México. Materiales y métodos. De la base de datos del laboratorio se seleccionaron perros que forman urolitos de OxCa y se realizó un análisis de comparación entre dos distintas poblaciones de perros para identificar los factores de riesgo demográficos. Se describieron los datos clínicos del análisis de orina y las características radiográficas y físicas de los urolitos. El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo, y se utilizaron medidas de asociación y regresión logística multivariada para la identificación de factores de riesgo. Resultados. En México la frecuencia de OxCa en los urolitos analizados fue del 27.3%, siendo el segundo tipo de urolitiasis más común en perros. Los perros machos, los de talla pequeña y los mayores de 6 años tuvieron una mayor probabilidad (p

Abstract Background Research shows that trust in government is associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is no empirical evidence suggesting the pathway by which this association is formed. This study examines how dimensional attitudes towards vaccination explain the relationship between mistrust in government and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. Methods The study was an online cross-sectional survey involving 1026 adults (of which 58.9% are female) resident in Nigeria with a mean age of 26.09 (±8.46) years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing the level of mistrust in government, dimensional attitudes towards vaccination, and acceptance to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Results Results show that 56.8% of participants mistrust the government, while COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rate was 28.2%. Mistrust in government was significantly associated with low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, mistrust in the government was predictive of negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination which include worries about unforeseen future effects of vaccines, mistrust of vaccine benefits (MVB), concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), and preference for natural immunity. The outcomes of indirect effect analyses indicated that mistrust in government was associated with high mistrust in vaccine benefits (MVB) and increased concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), which in turn lead to low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Mistrust in the government was high and was coupled with low vaccination acceptance. It is important to initiate culturally relevant awareness programs aiming at combating false notions about COVID-19 vaccination such as MVB and CCP arising from mistrust in government.

La insuficiencia alimentaria en maíz, la crisis de agua y fertilizantes a nivel mundial, demandan incrementar la eficiencia en el uso de recursos incrementando o conservando la producción. El objetivo del trabajo fue definir la respuesta de cuatro híbridos de maíz blanco (Tlaoli Puma, Atziri Puma, H-49 AE y H-47 AE) en dos ambientes con dos densidades de población y dos dosis de fertilización y testigo sin fertilizar. Como arreglo factorial, en los ambientes Cuautitlán (FESC-UNAM) y Texcoco (CEVAMEX), Estado de México, se evaluaron los híbridos con dos densidades de siembra (D1=75 000; D2=90 000 plantas ha-1) y tres tratamientos de fertilización (F1=160-80-00, F2=120-40-00, F3=00-00-00). El experimento en bloques completos al azar se conformó con los tratamientos y la combinación de los factores 2×4×2×3 establecidos en tres repeticiones. Las medias se compararon con el método Tukey (P < 0.05). Para el rendimiento de grano y productividad del agua, en la FESC-UNAM con menor agua total, resultaron de 5.96 Mg ha-1 y 1.29 kg m-3 en CEVAMEX 4.76 Mg ha-1 y 0.5 kg m-3; el híbrido Atziri Puma sobresalió con 6.52 Mg ha-1 y 1.09 kg m-3. No se observó efecto significativo de la densidad de siembra y D1 resultó con 5.32 Mg ha-1 y 0.9 kg m-3 contra D2 con 5.4 Mg ha-1 y 0.9 kg m-3. En la fertilización, F1 fue superior estadísticamente con 5.64 Mg ha-1 y 0.94 kg m-3, pero no hubo diferencia entre F2 (5.24 Mg ha-1 y 0.88 kg m-3) y el control F3 (5.19 Mg ha-1 y 0.87 kg m-3). Se presentó interacción de los ambientes con los híbridos y destacó el híbrido Atziri Puma en la FESC-UNAM (7.3 Mg ha-1 y 1.58 kg m-3). El sitio FESC-UNAM tiene potencial productivo en condiciones de temporal con los híbridos Puma e INIFAP.

Histone chaperones and chromatin remodelers control nucleosome dynamics. Here the authors show that the Arabidopsis ASF1 chaperone primarily supplies histone variants to the HIRA complex to ensure proper epigenetic gene regulation.

Background: Code status discussions (CSDs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are frequently conducted by resident physicians. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) videos when used to aid ICU patients and families in code status decision making have been shown to have a positive impact. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a CPR video, when made available to supplement trainee?patient CSDs, on ICU residents' comfort level when conducting these discussions. Objectives: To assess whether a CPR video as an intervention tool would increase residents' comfort level when conducting CSDs. Methods: This is a pre- and postintervention pilot study. A presurvey querying details about trainees' comfort level when conducting CSDs was administered to the residents at the beginning of the ICU rotation, and a CPR video was availed to them to supplement their trainee?patient CSDs. A postsurvey was administered to trainees at the end of their ICU rotation to evaluate and analyze the impact of the CPR video on residents' comfort level when conducting trainee?patient CSDs. Results: A total of 118 trainees rotated through the ICU with 43 (36%) answering the presurvey and 28 (24%) answering the postsurvey. Twenty-two (51%) presurvey respondents felt extremely comfortable and 18 (42%) felt somewhat comfortable conducting CSDs. Thirteen (46%) postsurvey respondents felt extremely comfortable and 12 (43%) felt somewhat comfortable conducting CSDs. Most postsurvey respondents (79%) almost never used the video and (67%) neither agree nor disagree that the video was useful. Conclusion: In our small cohort, CPR video when made available to supplement trainee?patient CSDs did not impact resident physicians' comfort level when conducting these discussions. The residents' low level of engagement with this video, among other factors, could explain our results.

Introduction Omicron cases are surging in a pandemicweary US population. As breakthrough infections increase, and with just about a quarter of the US vaccinated population having received a booster dose, adherence to non-pharmacological anti-contagion measures is critical. We examined prevalence, trends, and correlates of adherence to non-pharmacological anti-contagion measures. Methods We used cross-sectional data from six cycles of the Household Pulse Survey during April–July 2021. The Pulse Survey is a telephone-based survey of adults aged ≥18 years in all 50 US states and D.C. Between 66262 and 78467 US adults completed each survey cycle (pooled n=425460). Results During the most recent cycle analyzed (23 June–5 July 2021), 13.6% of US adults reported ever COVID-19 diagnosis, ranging from 5.0% in Hawaii to 20.5% in North Dakota; in New York State, prevalence was 14.0%. Overall, 80.9% reported having received ≥1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during 23 June–5 July 2021, ranging from 93.5% in D.C. to 60.1% in Wyoming; in New York State, prevalence was 83.0%. Within trend analysis over the six survey cycles (14 April–5 July 2021), the percentage of vaccinated adults who reported ‘I have decreased prevention behaviors since getting a vaccine’ increased from 10.1% at baseline during 14 April–26 April 2021, to 52.5% during 23 June–5 July 2021 (p

Summary: Our study focused on deciphering the role of F-actin and related regulatory factors during SARS-CoV-2 particle production and transmission in human pulmonary cells. Quantitative high-resolution microscopies revealed that the late phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection induce a strong rearrangement of F-actin nanostructures dependent on the viral M, E, and N structural proteins. Intracellular vesicles containing viral components are labeled with Rab7 and Lamp1 and are surrounded by F-actin ring-shaped structures, suggesting their role in viral trafficking toward the cell membrane for virus release. Furthermore, filopodia-like nanostructures were loaded with viruses, potentially facilitating their egress and transmission between lung cells. Gene expression analysis revealed the involvement of alpha-actinins under the regulation of the protein kinase N (PKN). The use of a PKN inhibitor efficiently reduces virus particle production, restoring endoplasmic reticulum and F-actin cellular shape. Our results highlight an important role of F-actin rearrangements during the productive phases of SARS-CoV-2 particles.

Senescent cells accumulate in multicellular animals with aging, resulting in organ or tissue dysfunction. These alterations increase the incidence of a variety of illnesses, including infectious diseases, and, in certain instances, its severity. In search of a rationale for this phenomenon, we focused on the endophagocytic pathway in senescent cells. We first described the endocytic vesicle populations at different stages of maturation using confocal microscopy. There was an increase in the number of vacuoles per cell, which was partially explained by an increase in cell size. No changes in vesicle maturation or degradation capacities were determined by microscopy or Western blot assays. Also, we studied the internalization of various endophagocytic cargoes in senescent cells and observed only a decrease in the intracellular recovery of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Afterwards, we studied the intracellular traffic of S. aureus, and observed no differences in the infection between control and senescent cells. In addition we quantified the recovery of bacteria from control and senescent cells infected in the presence of several inhibitors of endophagosomal maturation, and no changes were observed. These results suggest that bacterial internalization is affected in senescent cells. Indeed, we confirmed this hypothesis by determining minor bacterial adherence and internalization by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that we found very similar results with cells from aged animals, specifically BMDMs. This alteration in senescent cells enlightens the diminished bacterial clearance and may be a factor that increases the propensity to suffer severe infectious conditions in the elderly.

In the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM), the Louisiana Shelf (LS) and Mississippi Bight (MB) subregions are influenced by eutrophication to varying degrees. Despite recognition that dissolved silicon may regulate diatom productivity in the nGoM, there is only one published data set reporting biogenic silica (bSiO2) production rates for each subregion. We report that bSiO2 production rates on the LS and MB are high and appear to be controlled by different nutrients among seasons. Despite exceptional upper trophic level biomass regionally, which suggests significant primary production by diatoms (as in other systems), gross euphotic-zone integrated bSiO2 production rates are lower than major bSiO2 producing regions (e.g. upwelling systems). However, when normalizing to the depth of the euphotic zone, the bSiO2 production rates on the LS are like normalized rates in upwelling systems. We suggest local river-plume influenced hydrography concentrates diatom productivity within shallow euphotic zones, making production more accessible to higher trophic organisms. Comparison of rates between the LS and MB suggest that the fluvial nitrate within the LS stimulates bSiO2 production above that in the MB, which has a smaller watershed and is less eutrophic (relatively). Beyond understanding the factors controlling regional bSiO2 production, these data offer the most comprehensive Si-cycle baseline to date as the LS and MB will likely exchange freely in the mid to late century due to land subsidence of the Mississippi River delta and/or sea-level rise.

Abstract Due to their potential in numerous interdisciplinary fields, such as drug delivery, hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic nanoparticles have attracted widespread attention. In this study, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized with varying amounts of iron and cobalt ions, and their cytocompatibility is evaluated before and after surface modification with amino‐silane (AEPTMS). Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles is performed using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, it is observed that a slight reduction in the saturation magnetization of the coated materials. The cytotoxicity of these materials is evaluated using the MTT assay on fibroblast cells. This study focuses on the importance of the interface between the surface of magnetic nanoparticles, their coating, and their interaction with cells. This study presents an innovative approach to enhancing the cytocompatibility of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles through chemical substitution and surface modification with AEPTMS. The key findings demonstrate that the iron and cobalt ion ratio significantly impacts cytotoxicity, with the AEPTMS coating found to increase cell viability. These findings demonstrate the potential of these materials for biomedical applications, highlighting the importance of both the composition and surface coating of magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

It has been over 100 years since the discovery of one of the most fundamental statistical tests: the Student’s t test. However, reliable conventional and objective Bayesian procedures are still essential for routine practice. In this work, we proposed an objective and robust Bayesian approach for hypothesis testing for one-sample and two-sample mean comparisons when the assumption of equal variances holds. The newly proposed Bayes factors are based on the intrinsic and Berger robust prior. Additionally, we introduced a corrected version of the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), denoted BIC-TESS, which is based on the effective sample size (TESS), for comparing two population means. We studied our developed Bayes factors in several simulation experiments for hypothesis testing. Our methodologies consistently provided strong evidence in favor of the null hypothesis in the case of equal means and variances. Finally, we applied the methodology to the original Gosset sleep data, concluding strong evidence favoring the hypothesis that the average sleep hours differed between the two treatments. These methodologies exhibit finite sample consistency and demonstrate consistent qualitative behavior, proving reasonably close to each other in practice, particularly for moderate to large sample sizes.

Los coagulantes naturales a base de plantas se han usado para el tratamiento de aguas desde tiempos remotos y son amigables con el medio ambiente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la capacidad de remoción de turbiedad y color de una mezcla coagulante de polvo Crotaloria longirostrata y sulfato de aluminio vs sulfato de aluminio. Se evaluó la dosis optima de sulfato de aluminio comercial y las mezclas coagulantes natural de polvo de C. longirostrata y sulfato de aluminio (tratamientos) que tuvieran la mayor remoción de turbiedad y color (variable respuesta) de un agua residual doméstica. Se utilizó un equipo de prueba de jarras marca PhilesMR para la determinación de las dosis optimas de coagulantes. La turbiedad y color se midieron con un turbidímetro marca LamoteMR. Se usó un diseño simple completamente aleatorizado de un factor y un análisis de varianza seguido de un contraste múltiple de Tukey para encontrar diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los diferentes tratamientos. Las mezclas de polvo de C. longirostrata con sulfato de aluminio (75 mg/L de polvo de C. longirostrata + 175 mg/L de sulfato) removieron una mayor cantidad de turbiedad y color que la dosis optima de sulfato de aluminio (250 mg/L), con remociones de 83.4% de turbiedad y 64.9% de color respectivamente. Los resultados lograron reducir un 30% el uso del sulfato de aluminio. El uso de polvo C. longirostrata como coadyuvante en la remoción de turbiedad y color no tiene efectos tóxicos ya que es un arbusto comestible.

The freshwater gastropod Pomacea canaliculata fulfills the ideal conditions of a bioindicator species since its digestive gland bioconcentrates elements toxic for human and ecosystems health. The aim of this work was to study the balance between production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, and the generation of oxidative damage in the digestive gland of this mollusk after exposure (96 h) to three elements with differential affinities for functional biological groups: mercury (5.5 μg/L of Hg+2 as HgCl2), arsenic [500 μg/L of (AsO4)−3 as Na3AsO47H2O], or uranium [700 μg/L of (UO2)+2 as UO2(CH2COOH)2]. Bioconcentration factors of Hg, As, and U were 25, 23, and 53, respectively. Snails exhibited a sustained increase of reactive species (RS), and protein and lipid damage. Lipid radicals increased between 72 and 96 h, respectively, in snails exposed to U and Hg while this parameter changed early (24 h) in As- exposed snails. Snails showed protein damage, reaching maximum values at different endpoints. This redox disbalance was partially compensated by non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses α-tocopherol (α-T), β-carotene (β-C), uric acid, metallothionein (MTs). Snails consumed α-T and β-C in an element-dependent manner. The digestive gland consumed rapidly uric acid and this molecule was not recovered at 96 h. Digestive gland showed a significant increase in MTs after elemental exposure at different endpoints. The enzymatic antioxidant defenses, represented by the catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities, seems to be not necessary for the early stages of the oxidative process by metals. This work is the first attempt to elucidate cellular mechanisms involved in the tolerance of this gastropod to non-essential elements. The bioconcentration factors and changes in the oxidative status and damage confirm that this species can be used as a bioindicator species of metal pollution in freshwater bodies.

Introduction COVID-19 has placed substantial strain on the US nursing workforce. We measured the correlation between the number of state-specific COVID-19 hospitalizations per nurse and COVID-19 deaths, and assessed factors associated with nurses reporting an intention to leave their current job from stressors like those associated with COVID-19, including stress and burnout. Methods This study was of a cross-sectional design. Data came from the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (i.e. baseline) and the CDC COVID Data Tracker. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed at p

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are part of the key activities that contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Good knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) are essential to improving future antimicrobial use and reducing AMR, which is a priority in Ghana. A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted in six public hospitals in Ghana among key HCPs to assess their level of KAP towards AMS using a validated self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA version 14. Overall, 339 out of 355 HCPs responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 95.5%. Most responders were nurses (n = 256, 78.2%), followed by medical doctors (n = 45, 13.3%). The study recorded both poor knowledge (8.9%) and practice levels (35.4%), as well as a good attitude (78.8%) towards AMS. Ongoing exposure to AMS structured training, exposure to continuous professional development training on AMS in the previous year, and the number of years of working experience were predictors of the HCPs’ level of knowledge (aOR = 3.02 C.I = 1.12–8.11), attitude (aOR = 0.37 C.I = 0.20–0.69) and practice (aOR = 2.09 C.I =1.09–3.99), respectively. Consequently, concentrated efforts must be made to address current low levels of knowledge and poor practices regarding AMS among HCPs in Ghana as part of ongoing strategies in the National Action Plan to reduce AMR.

The Revillagigedo Archipelago, located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, stands out for its unique biological richness and endemism. These islands remained uninhabited until the second half of the twentieth century, allowing a better conservation status than on other oceanic islands. However, the continuous introduction of potentially invasive alien plant species, and the lack of adequate control or eradication actions, jeopardize the conservation and restoration of these islands’ fragile ecosystems. We present the most complete vascular plant species inventory and an updated list of alien plant species of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, which was compiled through an extensive review of national and international plant collections and other sources. Our 272 species list includes 106 alien plant species (39.3%; 104 in Socorro, and 16 in Clarion): 67 (24.8%) are naturalized, 14 (5.2%) are casual aliens, and 25 (9.3%) subsist under cultivation. The documented alien species belong to 73 families. Annual and perennial herbs are the prevailing life forms in the alien flora, while naturalized species are primarily native to North America. The number of introduced species has increased significantly since the islands became inhabited. Many of the recently introduced species pose a major invasion risk like on other islands of the world.