Two decades after the antiretroviral therapy (ART) introduction, several challenges still prevail in maintaining people living with HIV (PLHIV), even with "Test and Treat" and/or "Rapid Start of ART" initiatives, as well as the scale-up of ART worldwide to promote access and adherence to treatment. This review examined articles on ART adherence in Africa between 2016 and 2023, published in English and indexed in PubMed. A total of 16 articles out of 2415 were eligible and included for analyses. Overall, ART adherence rates in SSA regions ranged from 43% to 84%. Rates in the centre of the SSA region ranged from 58% to 80%, in the north from 50% to 83%, in the south from 77% to 84%, in the west from 43% to 60% and in the east from 69% to 73%. Most African countries use the self-report to assess treatment adherence, although unreliable. The main factors with negative influence on ART adherence were comorbidities, lack of motivation, socioeconomic difficulties or side effects. Conclusion: Adherence to ART is a good indicator for controlling the spread of HIV. It is important to overcome the barriers that make it difficult to comply with ART and reinforce the factors that facilitate the accession of medication.

Aiming at the limitations of single-functionality, limited applicability, and complex designs prevalent in current metasurfaces, we propose a terahertz multifunctional and multiband tunable metasurface utilizing a VO2-metal hybrid structure. This metasurface structure comprises a top VO2-metal resonance layer, a middle polyimide dielectric layer, and a gold film reflective layer at the bottom. This metasurface exhibits multifunctionality, operating independently of polarization and incident angle. The varying conductivity states of the VO2 layers, enable the metasurface to achieve various terahertz functionalities, including single-band absorption, broadband THz absorption, and multiband perfect polarization conversion for linear (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) incident waves. Finally, we believe that the functional adaptability of the proposed metasurface expands the repertoire of options available for future terahertz device designs.

The affinity constant, also known as the equilibrium constant, binding constant, equilibrium association constant, or the reciprocal value, the equilibrium dissociation constant (K_d), can be considered as one of the most important characteristics for any antibody-antigen pair. Many methods based on different technologies have been proposed and used to determine this value. However, since a very large number of publications and commercial datasheets do not include this information, significant obstacles in performing such measurements seem to exist. In other cases where such data are reported, the results have often proved to be unreliable. This situation may indicate that most of the technologies available today require a high level of expertise that does not seem to be available in many laboratories. In this paper, we present a simple approach based on standard immunoassay technology that is easy and quick to perform. It relies on the effect that the molar IC₅₀ approaches the K_d value in the case of infinitely small concentrations of the reagent concentrations. A two-dimensional dilution of the reagents leads to an asymptotic convergence to K_d. The approach has some similarity to the well-known checkerboard titration used for the optimization of immunoassays. A well-known antibody against the FLAG peptide, clone M2, was used as a model system and the results were compared with other methods. This approach could be used in any case where a competitive assay is available or can be developed. The determination of an affinity constant should belong to the crucial parameters in any quality control of antibody-related products and assays and should be mandatory in papers using immunochemical protocols.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a significant challenge to global health, with its prevalence projected to rise dramatically by 2045. This narrative review explores the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis (PD) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms derived by the interplay between oral microbiota and the host immune response. A comprehensive search of literature published between 2008 and 2023 was conducted to elucidate the association between these two diseases. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship, with individuals with T1DM exhibiting heightened susceptibility to periodontitis, and vice versa. The review includes recent findings from human clinical studies, revealing variations in oral microbiota composition in T1DM patients, including increases in certain pathogenic species such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, along with shifts in microbial diversity and abundance. Molecular mechanisms underlying this association involve oxidative stress and dysregulated host immune responses, mediated by inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and MMPs. Furthermore, disruptions in bone turnover markers, such as RANKL and OPG, contribute to periodontal complications in T1DM patients. While preventive measures to manage periodontal complications in T1DM patients may improve overall health outcomes, further research is needed to understand the intricate interactions between oral microbiota, host response, periodontal disease, and systemic health in this population.

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) was recently detected in Mozambique and appears to be limited to the provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Zambezia, but it has great potential to spread to other provinces. Despite its importance, nothing is known about the BBTV isolates that occur in Mozambique. In this study, the sequences of the S and R genes of 40 isolates chosen as representatives of samples collected previously from eleven farms of the four administrative posts of the district of Chóckwè, Gaza province, were sequenced and analyzed. The S-DNA nucleotide sequences of the analyzed isolates were highly conserved, with identity ranging from 97% to 100%. The same was observed for the R-DNA sequences, with most identities ranging between 98% and 100% among the isolates from Chókwè and above 90% when compared to the isolates from GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Mozambican BBTV isolates belong to the Pacific-Indian Oceans (PIO) group, showing greater proximity to the isolate JQ820453 from Malawi than to the isolates from sub-Saharan countries, which were grouped in a distinct subclade. This is the first study conducted to determine the molecular characteristics of BBTV isolates present in Mozambique.

In the intricate dance between viruses and host cells, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) serve as crucial orchestrators of gene expression and cellular processes. We will delve into the riveting realm of viral hijacking, where viruses deftly exploit host RBPs to manipulate cellular machinery for their replication and pathogenesis. Through a masterstroke of molecular subterfuge, viruses co-opt RBPs involved in various facets of RNA metabolism - from transcription to degradation - to promote viral gene expression and evade host immune defenses. This manipulation leads to global alterations in cellular RNA metabolism, impacting essential host genes vital for immune responses and homeostasis.Unveiling this clandestine alliance between viruses and RBPs is not just a scientific pursuit, but a critical imperative for devising innovative antiviral strategies to disrupt these interactions. By unraveling the intricate interplay between viral proteins and host RBPs throughout the viral life cycle - from entry to assembly - researchers aim to identify vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Strategies such as disrupting viral protein-RBP interactions hold promise for inhibiting viral replication and curbing pathogenesis, offering a beacon of hope in the battle against viral infections.Our manuscript elucidates the indispensable roles played by RBPs in viral replication, translation, and pathogenesis, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms driving viral success. Delving deeper, it explores how viruses intricately entwine with host RBPs, manipulating cellular signaling pathways to create a hospitable environment for viral spread. By dissecting these manipulative tactics, researchers uncover new targets for antiviral therapy, envisioning a future where tailored interventions disrupt viral-host RBP interactions with precision and efficacy.As the narrative unfolds, the therapeutic implications of targeting RBPs or their interactions with viral proteins emerge as a promising frontier in the fight against viral infections. From small molecule inhibitors to RNA-based therapeutics, innovative approaches are on the horizon, offering new avenues for combatting viral diseases. We set the stage for future research, beckoning researchers to delve deeper into the molecular intricacies of viral hijacking of RBPs and charting a course towards novel therapeutic interventions that promise to reshape the landscape of antiviral therapy.\Ultimately, it beckons the scientific community to embark on a voyage of discovery, unraveling the secrets of viral hijacking of RBPs and paving the way for transformative advances in antiviral therapeutics. The stage is set for a new chapter in the battle against viral infections, where knowledge becomes the sword and innovation the shield against the pernicious machinations of viral pathogens.

We hypothesise that anti-inflammatory macrolides can alleviate both the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and accelerated senescence in alveolar macrophages in COPD and/or response to cigarette smoke. Lung tissues from COPD patients and mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke, cultures of human primary alveolar macrophages and macrophages derived from blood (MDM) or THP-1 monocytes were analysed for markers of macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation and accelerated senescence using multifluorescence quantitative confocal microscopy, Western blot, flow cytometry and histochemistry. Cultured macrophages were stimulated with 10% cigarette smoke extract (CSE), with or without presence of non-antibiotic macrolides 2'-desoxy-9-(S)-erythromycylamine and azithromycin-based 2'-desoxy molecule. Cigarette smoke and CSE induced in macrophages significant (p

Maize is an important staple food crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the average grain yield on farmers’ fields falls considerably short of the demand of the region’s population. In addition, the normal endosperm maize widely consumed in SSA is deficient in vitamin A. Drought, a consequence of climate change, is a major constraint to maize production, resulting in seasonal low grain yield in farmers’ fields. The objectives of this study were to assess the performance of newly developed extra-early maturing provitamin A hybrids under managed drought and well-watered conditions, compare the outcomes of multiple trait base-index and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index selection procedures, and identify drought-tolerant hybrids with stable performance across contrasting environments for commercialization in SSA. One hundred and ninety provitamin A hybrids and six checks were evaluated under managed drought and well-watered conditions at Ikenne for two seasons between 2021 and 2023. A 14*14-lattice design was used for the field evaluations under both research conditions. Drought stress was achieved by the complete withdrawal of irrigation water 25 days after planting. Results revealed significant differences among the hybrids under drought and well-watered conditions. Grain yield, ears per plant, and plant aspect under managed drought were correlated to the same traits under well-watered conditions suggesting that the expression of these traits is governed by common genetic factors. Twenty-nine hybrids were identified as top-performing drought-tolerant hybrids by the multiple trait base index and multiple-trait genotype–ideotype distance index. Of the selected outstanding 29 hybrids, 34% were derived from crosses involving the tester TZEEIOR 197, demonstrating the outstanding genetic potential of this inbred line. Further analysis of the 29 selected hybrids revealed TZEEIOR 509 × TZEEIOR 197 as the hybrid that combined the most drought-tolerant adaptive traits. However, the hybrids TZEEIOR 526 × TZEEIOR 97, TZEEIOR 384 × TZEEIOR 30, TZEEIOR 515 × TZEEIOR 249, TZEEIOR 510 × TZEEIOR 197, TZEEIOR 479 × TZEEIOR 197, and TZEEIOR 458 × TZEEIOR 197 were identified as the most stable hybrids across drought and well-watered conditions. These hybrids should be extensively tested in multi-location trials for deployment and commercialization in SSA.

Background: Several studies recently confirmed the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs in sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple first-line treatment (MFT) is one of the measures envisaged to respond to the emergence and spread of this resistance. The aim of this study was to identify perceived advantages and disadvantages of several MFT deployment strategies and to better understand potential implementation drivers and barriers. Methods: A qualitative survey was conducted in seven sub-Saharan countries amongst key opinion-leaders, national decision-makers, and end users. A total of 200 individual interviews were conducted and findings were analyzed following a thematic inductive approach. Results: From a policy perspective, the new MFT intervention would require endorsement at the global, national, and regional levels to ensure its inclusion in guidelines. Funding of the MFT intervention could be a bottleneck due to costs associated with additional training of healthcare workers, adaptation of drug delivery mechanisms, and higher costs of drugs. Concerning the MFT deployment strategies, a slight preference for the segmentation strategy was expressed over the rotation and geographic approaches, due to the perception that a segmentation approach is already in place at country level. Conclusions: The findings highlighted the need for a collective approach to MFT deployment through the engagement of stakeholders at all levels of malaria management.

Very heavy stratiform precipitation (> 200 mm/per day) occurred in the Hokitika region on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand on 18 June 2015, under north-westerlies with small CAPE (< 25 J/kg). Analyses of model simulations and observations showed that this heavy rainfall was due to cold front lifting enhanced by orographic lifting over the Southern Alps. At 1.5 km grid-length, the model terrain underestimated the average height of the 103 tallest mountains over the South Island by ~ 800 m. This leads to weaker orographic lifting and mountain blocking, and a faster-moving and stronger cold front in the Hokitika region. As a result, large errors in the heavy rainfall prediction occur. By increasing either the resolved or the sub-grid mountain heights, the simulated rainfall errors were largely reduced through stronger orographic lifting and mountain blocking, and a better simulation of the cold front movement and strength. All the experiments have the same “flow-over” regime with mountain waves and/or wave breaking (Fm ranges 0.61 – 1.21). However, the rainfall amount and distribution on the windward side of mountains altered significantly. Our new findings were that the Southern Alps can have significant indirect effects on heavy rainfall by altering the speed and strength of the cold front, in addition to the well-known direct dynamical effects (i.e., orographic lifting and mountain blocking). A combination of these direct and indirect effects makes the heavy rainfall simulation sensitive to mountain heights even under the same “flow-over” regime.

As technology and multimedia production have advanced, there has been a significant rise in attacks on digital media, resulting in duplicated, fraudulent, and altered data and the infringement of copyright laws. This paper presents a robust and secure digital image watermarking technique that has been implemented in the spatial domain and exploits the erratic and chaotic behaviour of the powerful elementary cellular automata rule-30. The crucial characteristics of the watermarking system, i.e., imperceptibility, capacity, and robustness, have been perfectly balanced by the suggested blind watermarking technique. In this approach, prior to embedding, the grayscale watermark image is downsized to its two Most Significant Bits (MSBs). Then, the 2-MSBs watermark is encrypted using an ECA rule-30 so as to level up the security attribute of the system. Then, the host image is scrambled using ECA rule-30 to distribute the watermark pixels throughout the host image and thus achieve the highest robustness against geometrical attacks. Finally, the encrypted watermark data is embedded into the scrambled host image using the ECA rule-30-based embedding key. The proposed method performs better in terms of imperceptibility, capacity, and robustness when compared to several systems with similar competencies. The simulation's findings demonstrate strong imperceptibility as evaluated by the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), which has an average value of 58.3735 dB and a high payload. The experimental outcomes, observed across a diverse range of standardized attack scenarios, unequivocally establish the ascendancy of the proposed algorithm over competing methodologies in the realm of image watermarking.

Non-coding RNAs have been described as crucial regulators of gene expression and guards for cellular homeostasis. Some recent papers are focused on vault RNAs, one of the classes of non-coding RNA, and their role in cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, cancer response to therapy, and autophagy, which made them potential therapy targets in oncology. In the human genome, four vault RNA paralogues can be distinguished. They are associated with vault complexes, considered the largest ribonucleoprotein complex. The protein part of these complexes consists of a major vault protein (MVP) and two minor vault proteins (vPARP and TEP1). The name of the complex, as well as vault RNA, comes from the hollow barrel-shaped structure that reminds a vault. Their sequence and structure are highly evolutionary conserved and show many similarities in comparison with different species, but vault RNAs show various roles. Vaults were discovered in 1986, and their functions remained unclear for many years. Although not much is known about their contribution to cell metabolism, it has become clear that vault RNAs are involved in various processes and pathways associated with cancer progression and modulating cell functioning in normal and pathological stages. In this review, we discuss known functions of the human vault RNAs in the context of cellular metabolism, emphasizing processes related to cancer and cancer therapy efficacy.

Adherence is vital for medicine to have an effect, yet adherence is considered to be low. However, research into adherence tends to focus on quantitative analysis of performance, something which fails to perceive how people are adherent in their many different environments. As a contribution to gaining a deeper understanding, interviews were held with 30 individuals in UK, Egypt, Kazakhstan and 6 countries in sub-Saharan Africa to understand their perceptions on adherence for a range of drugs, and these were compared with an existing well-regarded list. New reasons for non-adherence were discovered, and a new viewpoint on adherence derived which considers adherence to be a single act and therefore as an individual opportunity to be adherent, permitting greater focus on the enablers and inhibitors of adherence at a point in time.

Smoking is a pervasive global health concern associated with a myriad of diseases, but its impact on cellular aging, particularly in relation to telomeres, is increasingly recognized. Telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, play a crucial role in maintaining genomic integrity. This review critically examines the existing evidence on the association between smoking and telomere atrophy, exploring the molecular mechanisms involved and the implications for accelerated aging and heightened disease risk. The comprehensive analysis encompasses both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, elucidating potential gender and age disparities. Insights into the molecular pathways linking smoking to telomere shortening are discussed, along with the broader implications for public health. The review concludes by outlining potential interventions and suggesting future research directions in this critical area.

Sub-micro dislocation cellular structures formed during rapid solidification break the strength-ductility trade-off in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-processed 316L stainless steel through high-density dislocations and segregated elements or precipitates at the cellular boundaries. The high-density dislocation entangled at the cellular boundary accommodates solidification strains among the cellular structures and cooling stresses through elastoplastic deformation. Columnar grains with cellular structures typically form along the direction of thermal flux. However, the ultra-low misorientations between the adjacent cellular structures and their interactions with the cellular boundary formation remain unclear. In this study, we revealed the ultra-low misorientations between the cellular structures in LPBF-processed 316L stainless steel using conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The conventional EBSD and TKD analysis results could provide the misorientation angles smaller than 2° while the resolution mainly depends on the specimen quality and scanning step size, and so on. TEM technique with higher spatial resolution provides accurate information between adjacent dislocation cells with misorientation angles smaller than 1°. This study presents that TEM method is the better and more precise analysis method of the misorientation measurement of the cellular structures and provides insights into measuring the small misorientation angles between adjacent dislocation cells and nanograins in nanostructured-metals and alloys with ultrafine-grained microstructures.

Candidate vaccines against African swine fever virus (ASFV) based on naturally attenuated or genetically modified viruses have the potential to generate protective immune responses, although there is no consensus on what defines a protective immune response against ASFV. Studies, espe-cially in sensible host species, focused on unravelling protective mechanisms will contribute to the development of safer and more effective vaccines. The present study provides a detailed analysis of phenotypic and functional data on cellular responses induced by intradermal immunization and subsequent boosting of domestic pigs with the naturally attenuated field strain Lv17/WB/Rie1, as well as the mechanisms underlying protection against intramuscular challenge with the virulent genotype II Armenia/07 strain. The transient mild to moderate increase of IL-8 and IL-10 in serum observed after immunization might be directly correlated with survival. Protection was also associated with a robust ASFV-specific polyfunctional memory T cell response, where CD4CD8 and CD8 T cells were identified as the main cellular sources of virus-specific IFNγ and TNFα. In parallel to cytokine response, these T-cell subsets also showed specific cytotoxic activity as evidenced by the increased expression of the CD107a degranulation marker. Along with virus-specific multifunctional CD4CD8 and CD8 T responses, the increased levels of antigen experienced cytotoxic CD4 T cells observed after challenge in immunized pigs might also contribute to control virulent infection by killing mechanisms targeting infected antigen-presenting cells. Future studies should elucidate whether the memory T-cell responses evidenced in the present study persist and provide long-term protection against further ASFV infections.

Cellular Technology came into existence in Japan in 1979. From that time, we have seen many advances in technology. Currently, most of the person uses either 4G or 5G, among which 5G is a newer technology. 4G network was the first network to use LTE. LTE stands for Long Term Evaluation. Most people get confused between 4G and LTE, they assume both to be the same. In reality, LTE has evolved on the 4G technology. It was first introduced in 2008 to provide higher efficiency and data rates to the cellular network. It was designed to evolve the performance of the networks which includes the evolution of hardware components, optimization of software, power and cost efficiency. This work presents a study on LTE, LTE-A and VoLTE technology. We also discussed about the several packet scheduling algorithms that are being used for transmission of packets. It brings out new opportunities for the researchers to work on increasing the efficiency of those algorithms by modifications.

A comprehensive investigation was undertaken at Vytautas Magnus University Experimental Station, located at 54°52’50” N latitude and 23°49’41” E longitude on soil (Epieutric Endocalcaric Planosol – PLe-gln-w) since 1999, to understand the impacts of different agrotechnical measures on soil health and crop yield. Two primary factors were assessed. Factor A incorporated practices of straw removal versus straw chopping and spreading, while Factor B evaluated a spectrum of tillage techniques: conventional deep ploughing, shallow ploughing, ploughless tillage, single seedbed discing, and two no-tillage practices, one of which involved cover crops. Findings from this long-term study highlight the significant potential of specific farming systems in enhancing soil organic carbon. It has a positive effect on the release of CO2 emissions from the soil, thus promoting soil resilience and increasing plant productivity. These insights are paramount in devising sustainable agricultural strategies to counter the challenges of climate change on agroecosystems. This research showcases the profound effects of combining residue management and tillage practices, setting a novel standard for sustainable soil management of climatic uncertainties.

Background: One challenge in implant dentistry is to reduce marginal bone resorption to avoid long-term esthetic and biological complications. Sub-gingival implant placement has been suggested as a suitable strategy. Methods: 38 healthy patients were enrolled to receive bone level (BL – Control group) or 2 mm sub-crestal (SC - Test group) conical connection, platform-switched implants. An immediate tissue level abutment was used in the Test group by following a One Time Abutment (OTA) restorative procedure. Marginal Bone Modification (MBM) was calcu-latied on standardized radiographs at surgery (T0), loading (T1), and 6 months (T2) and 12 months after loading (T3), and cathegorised in Bone Loss (BL) if the resorption occurred below the implant neck and Bone Remodeling (BR) if above. Pocket probing depth (PPD), Bleeding on probing (BoP) and Plaque Index (PI) were also collected. Results: The mean MBM in the test group after 12 months was 0.61mm, compared to 0.52mm in the control group. However, no BL was observed in the test group, as the MBM completely occurred above the implant neck as BR, whilst in the control group MBM corresponded in total to BL. The average PPD was 2.38mm in the test group and 3.04mm in the control group after 12 months, BoP 50% and 43%, PI 33% and 19.44% respectively. Conclusions: Sub-crestal conical connection, platform-switched implants could be a suitable clinical choice to avoid BL with exposure of the treated implants surfaces.

Background and Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent world-wide. It progresses from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Fibrosis is often present during NAFLD progression; however, factors determining which subjects develop NASH or fibrosis are unclear. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) is a family of secreted proteins involved in senescence and scarring mainly synthetized in the liver. Here we aimed to study the association of IGFBP and its induced senescence with the progression of NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods: 16 weeks old male C57BL/6 mice weighing 23 ± 3 g were fed either Methionine-Choline Deficient or control diet for 2, 8 or 12 weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected; histological assessment of NAFLD and fibrosis was performed. Fat contents were measured. Cellular senescence was evaluated in the liver. IGFBP levels were assessed in liver and serum. Data was expressed as Mean ± SD and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed Tukey’s test. Lineal regression models were applied for NAFLD and fibrosis progression. p

Due to their high specificity, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades, with advancements in production processes, such as high seeding density (HSD) strategies, contributing to improved titers. This study provides a thorough investigation of high seeding processes for mAb production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Using a metabolic network and flux balance analysis, we compared standard fed-batch (STD FB) with HSD cultivations, exploring supplementary lactate and cysteine, and a bolus medium enriched in amino acids. We observed high glycolytic fluxes and depletion of asparagine simultaneously with the lactate shift building kinetic models around this and other observations. An ensemble of kinetic models assessed the impact of a feeding medium enriched with additional asparagine, revealing a missing lactate shift without enhancing mAb productivity in the experiments. This research provides valuable model-based insights into cellular metabolism during HSD processes, laying the foundation for refined CHO cell-based mAb production. The proposed hypothesis on the regulations guides future experimental validation and bioprocess optimization for enhanced mAb production efficiency.

Nanocomposites of TiO₂ Degussa P25 nanoparticles/activated carbon (TiO₂/AC ) were prepared at various mass ratios of (4:1), (3:2), (2:3), and (1:4) by a facile process. The effects of TiO₂/AC mass ratios on the structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties were systematically studied in comparison with bare TiO₂ and bare AC. TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited dominant anatase and minor rutile phases, and a crystallite size of approximately 21 nm; while AC had XRD peaks of graphite and carbon, and a crystallite size of 49 nm. The composites exhibited tight decoration of TiO₂ nanoparticles on micron-/submicron AC particles, and uniform TiO₂/AC composites were obtained as evidenced by the uniform distribution of Ti, O, and C in an EDS mapping. Moreover, Raman spectra show the typical vibration modes of anatase TiO₂ (e.g., E_1g⁽¹⁾, B_1g⁽¹⁾, E_g⁽³⁾) and carbon materials with D and G bands. The TiO₂/AC with (4:1), (3:2), and (2:3) possessed higher reaction rate constants (k) in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) than that of either TiO₂ or AC. Among the investigated materials, TiO₂/AC = 4:1 achieved the highest photocatalytic activity with a high k of 55.2×10^-3 min^-1 and an MB removal efficiency of 96.6% after 30 min treatment under UV-Vis irradiation (120 mW/cm²). The enhanced photocatalytic activity for TiO₂/AC is due to the synergistic effect of the high adsorption capability of AC and the high photocatalytic activity of TiO₂. Furthermore, TiO₂/AC promotes the separation of photoexcited electron/hole (e^-/h⁺) pairs to reduce their recombination rate and thus enhance photocatalytic activity. The optimal TiO₂/AC composite in this study can be used for treating industrial or household wastewater with organic pollutants.

In recent years, machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as an efficient and effective technology within the petroleum industry. This paper focuses on the current application of ML in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) through CO2 injection, which exhibits promising economic and environmental benefits of climate-change mitigation strategy. Our comprehensive review explores the diverse use cases of ML techniques in CO2-EOR, including aspects such as minimum miscible pressure (MMP) prediction, well location optimization, oil production and recovery factor prediction, multi-objective optimization, Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) properties estimation, Water Alternating Gas (WAG) analysis, and CO2-foam EOR, from 101 reviewed papers. In this comprehensive review, we catalog relative information, including the input parameters, objectives, data sources, train/test/validate information, results, evaluation, and rating score for each area based on criteria such as data quality, ML building process, and analysis of results. We also briefly summarized the benefits and limitations of ML methods in petroleum industry applications. Our detailed and extensive study could serve as an invaluable reference for employing ML techniques in the petroleum industry. Based on the review, we found that ML techniques offer great potential in solving problems in the majority of CO2-EOR areas involving prediction and regression. With the generation of massive amounts of data in the everyday oil and gas industry, machine learning techniques can provide efficient and reliable preliminary results for the industry.

Our goal was to determine the cellular immune response (CIR) among a random sample of the Borriana COVID-19 cohort (Spain) to identify its associated factors and their relationship with infection, reinfection and sequelae. We conducted a nested case-control study using a randomly selected sample of 225 individuals age 18 and older, including 36 individual naïve to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 189 infected patients. We employed flow cytometry-based immunoassays for intracellular cytokine staining, utilizing Wuhan and BA.2 antigens and chemoluminescence microparticle immunoassay for detection SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Logistic regression models were used. A total of 215 (95.6%) participants exhibited T-cell response (TCR) to at least one antigen. Positive responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were 89.8% and 85.3% respectively. No difference in CIR was found for naïve and infected patients. Patients who experienced sequelae exhibited higher CIR than those without. A positive correlation was observed between TCR and Anti-Spike IgG levels. Factors positive associated with TCR included A-blood group, number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses received, and Anti-N IgM; factors inversely related were the time elapsed since the last vaccine dose or infection, and B-blood group. These findings contribute valuable insights into the nuance immune landscape shaped by SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.

This study introduces a novel nanocomposite coating composed of PANI/CeO2 nanocomposite films, aimed at addressing corrosion protection needs. Analysis through FTIR spectra and XRD patterns confirms the successful formation of the nanocomposite films. Notably, the PANI/CeO2 nanocomposite films exhibit a hydrophilic nature. The bandgap energy of the PANI composite film measures at 3.74 eV, while the introduction of CeO2 NPs into the PANI matrix reduces the bandgap energy to 3.67 eV. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the PANI composite film is observed to be 0.40 S.cm-1, with the incorporation of CeO2 NPs leading to an increase in electrical conductivity to 1.07 S.cm-1. To evaluate its efficacy, electrochemical measurements were conducted to assess the corrosion protection performance. Results indicate a high protection efficiency of 92.25% for the PANI/CeO2 nanocomposite film.

Decarbonization of air mobility requires the decarbonization of its energy. While biofuels will play an important role, other low carbon energy carriers based on electricity are considered: battery electrification, liquid hydrogen (LH₂) or eFuel, a hydrogen-based energy carrier. Each energy carrier has its own conversion steps and losses and its own integration effects with the aircraft. These combinations lead to different energy requirements and must be understood to compare their cost and CO₂ emissions. Since they are all electricity-based, this study compares these energy carriers using the well to rotor methodology when applied to a standard Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) air mobility mission. This novel approach allows one to understand that the choice of the energy carrier dictates the propulsive system architecture, leading to integration effects with the aircraft which can significantly change the energy required, from 400 to 2665 kWh for the same mission. These deviations lead significant differences in CO₂ emissions and costs. Battery electrification is impacted by the battery manufacturing but has the lowest electricity consumption. It is an optimum solution but only until the battery weight can be lifted. In all scenarios eFuel is more efficient than LH₂. We conclude that carrying the most efficient molecule in an aircraft pays the extra energy cost spent on the ground. Finally, we found that for each of these energy carriers, it is the electricity carbon intensity and price which will dictate the cost and CO₂ emissions of an air mobility mission.

In this paper, the integrated performance of a modular biomass boiler with an existing industrial Rankine steam heat and power cycle and a supplementary supercritical-CO2 (sCO2) Brayton cycle is analyzed. The aim is to leverage the high efficiency supplementary sCO2 cycle to increase net generation and energy efficiency from the existing biomass boiler. Two sCO2 heater configurations situated within the flue gas flow path are investigated, namely a single convective-dominant heater, and a dual heater configuration with a radiative and a convective heater. A quasi-steady-state 1D model was developed to simulate the integrated cycle, including detailed component characteristics for the Rankine and Brayton cycles. The model solves the mass, energy, momentum, and species balance equations. The system is analyzed for three cases: (i) the existing Rankine cycle without the sCO2 integration, (ii) with the single convective-dominant sCO2 heater configuration, and (iii) the dual sCO2 heater configuration. The results show the required rate of overfiring for the sCO2 configurations, with a 15.3% increase in fuel flowrate resulting in an additional 21.2% in net power output. The model quantifies the impact of the sCO2 heaters, with reduced heat uptakes for downstream boiler heat exchangers. Furnace water wall heat uptake increased due to overfiring, offsetting the reduced heat uptakes at downstream evaporative heat exchangers. The dual configuration has more impact on Rankine cycle operation due to the radiative sCO2 heater placement in front of the second superheater, absorbing some of the direct radiation from the furnace.

New ideas on the framework of Neutrosophic SuperHyperGraph for different styles of Neutrosophic SuperHyper-Wheel and Neutrosophic SuperHyper-Star are introduced. More instances and more clarifications alongside sufficient references are featured with a specific type of independency of SuperHyperVertices.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are gaining traction in the realm of network communication, renowned for their adaptability, configuration, and flexibility. The forthcoming network traffic within WSNs can be forecasted through temporal sequence models. In this correspondence, We present a method (TSENet) that can accurately predict the traffic in the cellular network. TSENet is composed of transformers and self-attention network. We have designed a temporal transformer module specifically for extracting temporal features. This module accomplishes this by modeling the traffic flow within each grid of the communication network at both near-term and periodical intervals. Simultaneously, we amalgamate the spacial features of each grid with information from its correlated grids, generating spacial predictions within the spacial transformer. Furthermore, we employ self-attention aggregation to capture dependencies between external factor features and celluar data features. Empirical assessments performed on a genuine cellular traffic dataset offer compelling evidence substantiating the efficacy of TSENet.

Intestinal epithelial cell activities during homeostasis and regeneration are well described, but their potential interactions with stromal cells remain unresolved. Exploring the functions of these heterogeneous intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells (iMSCs) remains challenging due to the lack of specific markers for most functionally homogenous subpopulations. In recent years, however, novel clustering techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), confocal microscope, and computational remodeling of intestinal anatomy have helped identify and characterize some specific iMSC subsets. These methods help researchers learn more about the localization and functions of iMSC populations during intestinal morphogenic and homeostatic conditions. Furthermore, it is imperative to understand their cellular pathways for activation and how they interact with surrounding cellular components, particularly during intestinal epithelial regeneration that follows mucosal injury. This review provides insights into the spatial distribution and functions of some identified iMSC subtypes in intestinal morphogenesis, homeostasis, and regeneration. We reviewed related signaling mechanisms implicated during epithelial and subepithelial stromal cell crosstalk. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular intermediates of these regulatory pathways to open a new frontier for potential therapeutic targets that can alleviate intestinal mucosa-related injuries.

Background: Waterborne diseases pose a significant global public health threat, compelling enhanced comprehensive surveillance. This study investigates the current infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance systems, including wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES), in three sub-Saharan African countries: Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The three countries have their specificities regarding wastewater networks and logistic systems. So, emphasizing the need to strengthen existing disease surveillance, the paper advocates for incorporating WES systems specifically designed for countries' context to monitor waterborne and re-emerging pathogens, as well as AMR.Methods: National workshops were conducted to assess the current clinical and environmental surveillance systems and identify priority pathogens for new environmental monitoring. Data were collected through surveys from experts in academia, research, policy, and healthcare. Results: Prioritized pathogens for WES include waterborne (poliovirus, Salmonella Typhi, Vibrio cholerae), respiratory (influenza A&B, SARS-CoV-2), other (Measles and Rubella, Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Recommended AMR pathogens include drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing E. coli. Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and the DRC employ DHSI2-based centralized electronic systems for clinical data collection, complemented by Excel and paper-based registries. The WES approach is commonly employed for monitoring poliovirus and rarely for AMR and other pathogens. Discussion and conclusions: WES is a valuable tool for early detection of locally circulating human-derived pathogens, aiding in outbreak detection, data-driven epidemic response, and prevention. The availability of WES results underscores the importance of effective sanitation for safeguarding human, animal, and environmental health. WES is a pivotal tool for integrated risk management, preventing waterborne outbreaks, protecting drinking water sources, and ultimately gaining various UN Sustainable Development Goals. The study highlights the importance of customized WES systems in line with each country's context, emphasizing localized approaches for effective monitoring of waterborne pathogens and AMR.

The subject of the research are materials formed as a result of hydrothermal treatment, in this case cellular concretes, both traditional and modified with plastics (HIPS). There are two types of materials resulting from hydrothermal treatment: autoclaved sand-lime bricks and autoclaved concrete. Both in the case of ABK and silicates, the basic stubstrates used during their production are: lime, sand and water (cement is also added to cellular concrete). The article presents the methodology of testing the porous structure of autoclaved materials with the use of computed tomography. Aerated concrete (light autoclaved concrete) has a compressive strength of 2-6 MPa. The tests included aerated concrete modified with high-impact polystyrene, commonly known as HIPS. HIPS high-impact polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer that is obtained by block-suspension polymerization of styrene with the addition of synthetic rubber. As a result of polymerization, small particles of polybutadiene remain in the polystyrene male, changing its physical and mechanical properties. The results from the content of air voids in the autoclaved concrete sample with HIPS were on average: 52.53%.

The effects of chemical composition and solidification rate on the solidification behavior of high-Cr white irons were investigated through directional solidification. Increasing the solidi-fication rate in hypoeutectic alloys caused the finer dendrite arm spacing as expected. The eutec-tic structure which formed in the interdendritic region comprised of M7C3 and austenite, how-ever, secondary dendrite arms of hypoeutectic alloys contained a few M7C3 particles that solidi-fied prior to the eutectic structure. The transition from cellular to dendritic solidification oc-curred at a solidification rate between 50 µm/s and 100 µm/s in a near eutectic alloy. In the near eutectic alloy with cellular solidification, a directionally arrayed in-situ composite of M7C3/austenite formed within the cell. Speckle-like feature appeared in the intercellular region due to M23C6 carbide precipitation during subsequent cooling after freezing. Like dendrite arm spacing in hypoeutectic alloys, the inter-speckle spacing and the inter-fibre spacing became finer with increasing solidification rate in the cellular solidification range.

Epidemiological and clinical evidence have extensively documented the role of obesity in the develop-ment of endometrial cancer. However, the effect of fatty acids on cell growth in endometrial cancer has not been widely studied. Here we reported that palmitic acid significantly inhibited cell proliferation of endometrial cancer cells and primary cultures of endometrial cancer, and reduced tumor growth in a transgenic mouse model of endometrial cancer, in parallel with increased cellular stress and apoptosis and decreased cellular adhesion and invasion. Inhibition of cellular stress by N-acetyl-L-cysteine effec-tively reversed the effects of palmitic acid on cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasive capacity in the endometrial cancer cells. Palmitic acid increased the intracellular formation of lipid droplets in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Depletion of lipid droplets by blocking DGAT1 and DGAT2 effectively increased the ability of palmitic acid to inhibit cell proliferation and induce cleaved caspase 3 activity. Collectively, this study provides new insight into the effect of palmitic acid on cell proliferation, inva-sion and the formation of lipid droplets that may have potential clinical relevance in the treatment of obesity-driven endometrial cancer

Our target point within this following steps, is prostate cancer. Phosphatases are implicated in differents cell alterations, including proliferation, differentiation and carcinogenesis. In specific life circumstances, proteins are regulators with implications in intracellular signaling pathways. Alterations in phosphatases functionality represent a key point in malignancy development. We try within our description, to focus on an important process refering to dysregulation of phosphatase activity. More than, we will discuss therapeutic key points refering to compounds that inhibits phosphatase proteins with implications in carcinogenesis. So finally after folowing describtion steps, purposed aim is to conclude on prostate cancer and different key points abordation.

My innovative entropy measure, Ismail entropy, namely, (IE) is an ultimate generalization to numerous generalized entropies within the literature. The fractal dimension of IE is identified in this paper. On another applicative note, this paper offers some potential applications of fractal dimension to smart cities. The paper ends with closing remarks combined with some challenging open problems and the next phase of research.

This case study focuses on exploring the potential of biogas as a direct substitute for conventional fossil fuels in industrial applications. Instead of being limited to its common uses as a vehicle fuel or for power generation, this research aims to investigate how biogas can be integrated into industrial processes as an advanced and sustainable energy solution. By conducting a detailed analysis of the financial implications associated with the utilization of landfill gas and gas derived from biomass, a comprehensive understanding of their practical applications in the industrial sector can be obtained. This research goes beyond a superficial examination and delves into the intricate aspects of incorporating biogas as a viable alternative fuel source. When we say that utilizing biogas is technically feasible, it means that the necessary infrastructure and technologies are available to support its integration into industrial processes. This implies that there are existing methods and systems in place that can efficiently harness and utilize biogas for various industrial applications. These technologies ensure a seamless transition from conventional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial landscape. Moreover, the statement that utilizing biogas is economically feasible emphasizes that the financial viability of employing biogas in industrial processes is advantageous. This research explores the potential cost savings and benefits associated with substituting conventional fuels with biogas. By carefully examining the economic aspects, such as initial investments, operational costs, and potential revenue streams, a comprehensive understanding of the financial impact of adopting biogas solutions in the industrial sector can be gained. By expanding and broadening the understanding of the technical and economic feasibility of biogas integration, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of advanced biogas solutions for industrial applications. Indeed, to make biogas a viable and sustainable option as a raw material, it is necessary to establish farming subsidies and financial support specifically tailored for biogas production, similar to the existing support provided for food production. These subsidies and financial incentives play a crucial role in promoting and encouraging the growth of the biogas industry. By establishing such support systems, farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector can be incentivized to participate in the production of biogas. This can involve the utilization of agricultural waste, organic residues, or dedicated energy crops for biogas generation. The financial assistance can help offset the initial investment costs, provide incentives for production, and ensure the economic viability of biogas projects. Moreover, when considering large-scale landfills or situations where industrial demands for energy are relatively low, landfill gas becomes a viable and practical option. Landfill gas, which is generated by the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, can be harnessed and utilized for various industrial purposes. This not only helps in managing waste but also provides a valuable source of renewable energy. In summary, while farming subsidies and financial support are crucial for promoting biogas production, landfill gas remains a viable option for large landfills or situations with minor industrial demands. The combination of these two approaches offers a comprehensive outlook on utilizing biogas as a renewable energy source for industrial applications.

This work presents noble composites of AAILs@MCM-48 by functionalizing ordered mesopo-rous silicon MCM-48 with two amino acid-based ionic liquids (AAILs) ([Emim][Gly] and [Em-im][Ala]) to improve carbon capture and selectivity of CO2 over nitrogen. Thermogravimetric and XRD analyses of the composites show that the MCM-48 support's thermal and structural in-tegrity was preserved after the AAILs were encapsulated. An N2 adsorption-desorption study at 77 K also confirms AAIL encapsulation in the porous support. Under post-combustion flue gas conditions, both [Emim][Gly]@MCM-48 and [Emim][Ala]@MCM-48 demonstrated improved CO2 adsorption in comparison to unmodified MCM-48, with a CO2 partial pressure of around 0.15 bar. In terms of maximal CO₂ uptake, the 40wt%-[Emim][Gly] composite outperformed the others at 303K, with values of 0.74 and 0.82 mmol g-1, respectively, at 0.1 and 0.2 bar. These numbers show a 10x and 5x increase, respectively, as compared to the pure MCM-48 under iden-tical conditions. In addition, the selectivity of the composites was improved significantly, at 0.1 bar, the selectivity of composites containing 40wt% [Emim][Ala] increased to 17, compared to 2 for pristine MCM-48.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection represents the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. We have shown that the delivery of HDV replication-competent genomes to the hepatocytes using adenoassociated virus (AAV-HDV) as gene delivery vehicles offers a unique platform to investi-gate the molecular aspects of HDV and associated liver damage. Here, we generated HDV ge-nomes modified by site directed mutagenesis aimed to: i) prevent some post-translational modi-fications of HDV antigens (HDAgs) such as Large-HDAg (L-HDAg) isoprenylation or Short-HDAg (S-HDAg) phosphorylation ii) alter the localization of HDAgs within the subcellular compartments and iii) inhibit the right conformation of the delta ribozyme. First, the different HDV mutants were tested in vitro using plasmid-transfected Huh-7 cells and then in vivo in C57BL/6 mice using AAV vectors. We found that Ser 177 phosphorylation and the ribozymal ac-tivity are essential for HDV replication and HDAg expression. Mutation of the isoprenylation domain prevent the formation of infectious particles and increase cellular toxicity and liver dam-age. Finally, altering the intracellular localization od HDAg have a profound on viral replication in vivo but liver toxicity is maintained. Mutation in the nuclear export signal impair the for-mation of infectious viral particles. These findings contribute valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms of HDV biology and have implications for therapeutic considerations

A reduction of melatonin function contributes to the acceleration of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and understanding molecular processes of melatonin-related signaling is critical for intervention of AD progression. Recently, we synthesized and tested a series of melatonin derivates with donepezil fragments in silico and in vitro. In this study, one of the most potent compounds, 3c, was studied in an in vivo rat model of pinealectomy (pin) and subsequent icvAβ1-42 infusion. Melatonin was used as a referent drug. The treatment with melatonin and 3c (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) exerted a beneficial effect on memory decline and concomitant rise of Aβ1-42 and pTAU in the hippocampus in the pin + icvAβ1-42 rats. Melatonin supplementation facilitated the non-amyloidogenic signaling via a non-receptor (histone deacetylase sirtuin 1, SIRT1) and receptor-related signaling (MT/ERK/CREB). The hybrid 3c derivate up-regulated the MT1A and MT2B receptors, pERK and pCREB. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that melatonin-related derivates may become a promising drug candidate in AD therapy.

Nowadays, it is highly desired to develop highly active and humidity resistive ozone decomposition catalyst to eliminate the ozone contaminant, one of the primary pollutants in air. In this work, a series of Cu2S hollow structured materials are rapidly synthesized using different structured Cu2O templates. The Cu2S from porous Cu2O shows the highest ozone catalytic decomposition efficiency of >95% to 400 ppm ozone with a weight hourly space velocity of 480,000 cm3g-1h-1 in dry air. Importantly, the conversion still keeps >85% in a high relative humidity of 90%. The mechanism is explored by diffusive reflectance infrared spectroscopy which shows the decomposition intermediate of O22-, and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the dual active site of both Cu and S. All these results show the effective decomposition of ozone by Cu2S especially in harsh environments, promising for active ozone elimination.

This article utilized electrodeposition technology to fabricate Zn and Zn-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ composite coatings on Q235 steel plates. The composite coatings were obtained by adding Y₂O₃/Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L) to acidic chloride solutions. This study then examined the impact of these nanoparticles on the microstructure, morphology, microhardness, hydrophobicity, and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. The results indicate that the addition of the nanoparticles increased the nucleation sites on the surface of the coating, thereby refining the grain size and reducing the roughness of the coating surface. When 10g/L of Y₂O₃ and 10g/L of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were added, the hardness of the composite coating (369 Hv) was 2.49 times higher than that of the pure Zn coating (148 Hv), which was attributed to the dispersion strengthening and grain refinement effects of the nanoparticles. The corrosion resistance of the Zn and Zn-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ composite coatings was studied using linear sweep voltammetry and AC impedance spectroscopy. The addition of the nanoparticles improved the corrosion resistance of the composite coating, and the composite coating prepared in an electrolyte containing 10 g/L of Y₂O₃ and 10 g/L of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibited the best corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, the composite coating exhibited good hydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 120.9°, 1.94 times that of the pure Zn coating (62.2°). The Zn-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite coating material has significant potential advantages in the field of steel corrosion.

This study investigates the influence of economic growth on CO2 emissions levels in three developed countries—Argentina, Equatorial Guinea, and South Korea—based on their status as high-income countries. We test the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis using the time series approaches to check the relationship and direction of causality among the variables over a sample spanning 1974–2020. The results show an inverted U-shaped short-run relationship in all three countries. In the long run, only South Korea supports the EKC hypothesis. Further, Granger causality results indicate the existence of causality. These long-run causal relationships between economic growth and emissions recommend one policy implication that wealthy governments must expand investments in renewable clean energy projects and R&D, with regulatory measures to suppress harmful environmental procedures and support environmentally friendly development.

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is a variant that has been increasingly linked to severe, life threatening infections including pyogenic liver abscess and bloodstream infections. HvKp belonging to the capsular serotypes K1 and K2 have been reported worldwide, however very scarce studies are available on the their genomics and virulence. In the current study we report four hypermucoviscous hvKp ESBL clinical strains of capsular serotype K1 and K2 isolated from pus and urine of critically ill patients in tertiary care hospitals in Oman. These strains belong to diverse sequence types (STs) namely ST-23(K1), ST-231(K2), ST-881(K2), and ST-14(K2). To study their virulence, Galleria Mellonella model and resistance to human serum killing were used. The G. mellonella model revealed that the K1/ST-23 isolate is the most virulent as 50% of the larvae died in the first day, followed by isolate K2/ST-231 for which 75% of the larvae died in the second day and isolate K2/ST-14 for which 50% of the larvae died in the second day. Resistance to human serum killing showed there was complete inhibition of bacterial growth of all four isolates by the end of the first hour and up to the third hour. For ST-23(K1), ST-231(K2), ST-881(K2), and ST-14(K2), there was a gradual decrease in the number of colonies up to the second to third hour, which indicates neutralization of bacterial cells by the serum components. However, this was followed by sudden increase of bacterial growth, indicating possible resistance of bacteria against human serum bactericidal activity. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that hvKp strains display unique genetic arrangement of k-loci. Whole genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that these hvKp isolates are phylogenetically distinct, belonging to diverse clades and belong to different STs in comparison to global isolates. This is the first report from Oman detailing the WGS of hvKp clinical isolates and assessing their resistance and virulence genomics, which reinforce our understanding of their epidemiology and dissemination in clinical settings.

Telomeres in epithelial tumours are usually maintained by telomerase, however, in the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line, polyploid cells, induced by doxorubicin (DOX) were found, after mitotic slippage, transiently shifting to recombinatory alternative telomere lengthening (ALT) in PML bodies (APBs). The involvement of the meiotic recombination proteins was evidenced here by juxta-co-localisation of SPO11, DMC1 and RAD51/γH2AX with APBs in these and melanoma SkMel28-DOX-treated cells. Using sublethal doses of DOX we also observed the formation of the PML dimeric rod tandems linking γH2AX/TRF2 foci into ribbons discontinuously inserted into lamin B1 and circumventing cell nuclei. Next, we link these PML-lamin B1 insertions and peripheral rotation of the tandemly linked telomere repeats with the mobility of the nuclear envelope limited chromatin sheets (ELCS). ELCSs comprise two layers of the criss-crossed ~30 nm granules derived from surface heterochromatin (epichromatin) which contains telomere repeats enriched in GpC, PML, and ALU. ELCS protrude, circumvent, loop, split, fuse, and rejoin polyploid cell nuclei. We propose this gear-wheel-like turnover of telomere repeats to be used for the homology search. Interstitial and end-telomere repeats flanked by fragile ALU-Z flipons become recognised by SPO11 nuclease, attract TRF2, PML, and meiotic recombinases. Subsequently, they perform ALT recombining subtelomeres and telomeres or undergo non-homologous end-joining and chromosome rearrangements with ELCS. This mechanism increases the chance of cell survival and may be involved in chromothripsis.

The thermoelectric generator (TEG) has much potential as a renewable energy technology that could be used in ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). This technique employs TEGs and heat exchangers as substitutes for the intricate elements found in conventional OTEC systems, including pressure valves, evaporators, condensers, and turbine generators. By harnessing the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater, it facilitates the conversion of this thermal gradient into electrical energy. This study used computer simulations to look at and compare three different types of heat exchangers: a cavity-type heat exchanger, a heat exchanger with flat fins, and a heat exchanger with longitudinal vortex generators (LVGs). The objective was to evaluate the influence of these designs on the thermoelectric conversion performance when implemented in OTEC systems. The study's findings indicate that using heat exchanger configurations featuring flat fins, or LVGs, enhances the efficiency of thermal energy transfer from warm seawater to TEGs, resulting in a notable enhancement in the output power of TEGs. Furthermore, the efficiency of TEG thermoelectric conversion is influenced by varying seawater flow rates in relation to the performance of flat fins and LVGs. In contrast to the cavity-type heat exchanger, the utilization of a heat exchanger equipped with flat fins has been found to yield a notable enhancement in the output power of TEGs by approximately 22.92%. Furthermore, this configuration demonstrates a substantial improvement in thermoelectric conversion efficiency, exhibiting an increase of around 40.01%. These improvements are observed under certain conditions pertaining to flow rates and fin heights. Utilizing heat exchangers equipped with LVGs has been found to enhance the output power of TEGs by 13.02% and improve the overall thermoelectric conversion efficiency by 17.72%. These improvements are observed under certain conditions, including specific flow rates, LVG tilt angles, and locations.

This contribution deals with the assessment of air pollution caused by atmospheric aerosol particulate matter fraction PM10 and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the urban agglomeration of Ostrava, located in the Czech Republic in Central Europe. The motivation for this research was the need to identify the sources of air pollution in the area, particularly in locations where the contribution of different sources to concentrations of pollutants of concern has not been elucidated yet. In this study, source apportionment in the vicinity of the industrial hot-spot was performed by statistically evaluating measured pollutant concentrations as a function of meteorological variables and using the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor model. A significant methodological innovation and improvement over previous assessments was the higher monitoring resolution of benzo[a]pyrene, with samples collected at three-hour intervals instead of the standard 24-hour collection period. The key findings indicate that in the cold part of the year, secondary particles - specifically sulphates and ammonium nitrates - were responsible for the most significant portion of PM10 air pollution throughout the area of interest. The contribution of these particles ranged from one third to two fifths of the total concentration, except at the industrial site of Ostrava-Radvanice (TORE), where they accounted for approximately one fifth of the measured pollution concentration level. Emissions from individual household heating were identified as the main source of this type of pollution. With regards to benzo[a]pyrene air pollution, the study found that in the whole area of interest, except for the Ostrava-Radvanice site, it mainly originated from individual heating with coal (90%). In contrast, at the Ostrava-Radvanice site, two-thirds of the benzo[a]pyrene pollution came from the premises of Liberty Ostrava a.s., primarily from coke production, and less than one-third from local domestic heating. This study also determined the spatial extent of the occurrence of extremely high benzo[a]pyrene concentrations (above 5 ng/m3), which are estimated to affect nearly 10,000 inhabitants. The results confirm that the data from the TORE station are only representative of its immediate surroundings and are not applicable to the assessment of air quality and causes of air pollution in the whole city of Ostrava or the urban area of Ostrava-Radvanice as a whole. After years of research, these findings provide the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic and the government with an accurate basis for implementing measures to address the identified pollution sources in the area of interest. The success of this study was made possible by the adoption of a more detailed sampling approach, which involved a resolution of 3 hours instead of 24 hours. This methodological improvement is a significant finding and will be useful for future source apportionment studies.

A novel low-power MOS-only voltage reference is presented. The Enz-Krummenacher-Vittoz (EKV) model is adopted to provide a new perspective on the operating principle. The normalized charge density, introduced as a new variable, serves as an indicator when trimming the output temperature coefficient. The proposed voltage reference consists of a specific current generator and a 5-bit trimmable load. Thanks to the well-match between the current source stage and the output stage, the non-linear temperature dependence of carrier mobility is automatically canceled out. The circuit is designed in 55 nm COMS technology. The operating temperature ranges from -40 ∘C to 120 ∘C. The average temperature coefficient of the output voltage can be reduced to 21.7 ppm/∘C by trimming. The power consumption is only 23.2 nW with a supply voltage of 0.8 V. The line sensitivity and the power supply rejection ratio at 100 Hz are 0.011 %/V and -89 dB respectively.

The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, and the potential of LNG as a major energy source is a topic of intense debate. In order to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy supply, it is crucial to maximize the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the LNG supply chain. This research aims to leverage computational modeling and optimization techniques to enhance the production units involved in LNG production. By harnessing the power of advanced algorithms and simulations, we can identify and implement innovative strategies that minimize energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the overall sustainability of LNG. Through this study, we seek to uncover novel approaches to address the challenges faced by the LNG industry, including improving operational efficiency, optimizing liquefaction processes, and enhancing the utilization of natural resources. By integrating cutting-edge computational tools and considering environmental factors, we aspire to pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future powered by LNG. By exploring the immense potential of computational modeling and optimization, we strive to contribute to the ongoing efforts in advancing energy sustainability and shaping the future of LNG as a crucial global energy source."In this paper, our focus is on simulating and optimizing the process of converting natural gas to LNG. Our goal is to achieve the minimum energy consumption per ton of LNG produced. Through our research, we have identified that utilizing a three-stage exchanger is the most effective approach for minimizing energy consumption in an LNG industrial production unit. Moreover, we have discovered that the outlet pressure from the compressor and the type of refrigerant in the cooling system play significant roles in determining the rate of energy conservation. By carefully considering these factors and optimizing their settings, we can further enhance the overall energy efficiency of the LNG production process. Our research aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to industry professionals and decision-makers in the LNG sector. By implementing the findings of this study, we can contribute to the sustainable development and utilization of LNG as a cleaner and more environmentally energy source. Friendly It's great to see the optimized parameters for the refrigerants and pressure settings in the liquefaction and subcooling cycles. With the mass fraction of 0.89 for methane and 0.14 for ethane in the liquefaction cycle, and 0.59 for methane and 0.3 for nitrogen in the composition for achieving energy efficiency in the LNG production subcooling cycle, The optimized outlet pressure of 650 kPa for the compressors in the liquefaction cycle and 1800 kPa for the subcooling cycle furtherr ccontribute to minimizing energy consumption. Based on your findings, the amount of consumed energy at 14.81 kW per ton of produced LNG highlights the success of the optimization efforts. Reducing the energy consumption per ton of LNG produced is a significant accomplishment towards achieving energy sustainability and environmental friendliness in the LNG industry. These results demonstrate the importance of computational modeling and optimization in identifying the best parameters for eenhancing energy efficiency in LNG production. By implementing these optimized settings, we can work towards a more sustainable future with reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact

Recently, Shehata et al. [37] introduced the r+1Rs(B;C; z) matrix function and established some properties. The aim of this study established to devote and derive certain basic properties including analytic properties, recurrence matrix relations, dierential properties, new integral representations, k- Beta transform, Laplace transform, fractional k-Fourier transform, fractional integral properties, the k-Riemann{Liouville and k-Weyl fractional integral and derivative operators an extended version of r+1Rs;k matrix function. We establish its relationships with other well known special matrix functions which have some particular cases in the context of three parametric Mittag-Leer matrix function, k- Konhauser and k-Laguerre matrix polynomials. Finally, some special cases of the established formulas are also discussed.

"Chemical absorption is currently the most advanced technique for capturing carbon dioxide after combustion. A fascinating approach within amine-based technology for post-combustion carbon removal is the utilization of aqueous ammonia as a solvent, leading to a method called chilled ammonia capture. This study aims to enhance the performance of chilled ammonia capture through a thermodynamic assessment, focusing on crystalline configuration.""This study explores the development of an improved second generation chilled ammonia capture process, which involves the formation of solids to enhance capturing efficiency. The simulation software ASPEN is employed to model the expanded UNIQUAC Thermodynamics hypothesis. The modeling encompasses both the conventional carbon ammonia capture process and the more advanced carbon ammonia capture system powered by a crystallizerIn this study, the energy costs associated with implementing different technologies for carbon ammonia capture in typical ultra supercritical power plants are evaluated. The introduction of solid formation in the carbon ammonia capture system has yielded promising results. The findings indicate that the energy required for the carbon ammonia capture system, which utilizes a crystallizer, is approximately 10% lower compared to the overall cost associated with the conventional carbon ammonia capture system. These results highlight the potential for significant energy savings and improved efficiency in carbon capture processes

This article systematically reviews the research achievements on the MnOx/TiO2 catalyst doped with transition metals or rare earth metals for the catalytic selective catalytic reduction of NH3 (SCR-NH3) reaction. The Methodi Ordinatio systematic literature analysis method was employed to rank relevant articles based on journal impact factors, publication years, and citation counts. The ranking data shows that the undoped MnOx/TiO2 catalysts exhibit a catalytic efficiency of up to approximately 90% for NOx reduction, while the doped MnOx/TiO2 catalysts with transition metals or rare earth metals can achieve a maximum reduction efficiency of 100%. Among all the doped metals, the catalyst doped with nickel demonstrates the best NOx reduction performance. The comprehensive literature research concludes that MnOx/TiO2-based SCR catalysts, especially those doped with transition metals or rare earth metals, have significant catalytic efficiency and development potential in reducing NOx emissions in SCR reactions.

Past epigenetic information refers to the epigenetic modifications that have occurred in the past have since been updated. These modifications may no longer be present and not actively influencing on cellular functions. When past epigenetic modifications disappear, the precise records of those modifications typically may be vanish. If it is indeed true, a critical question arises: Can an organism sustain continuous survival and evolution without the information about past epigenetic modifications up to the present? It is reasonable to assume that among the information about past modifications, there could be crucial data essential for survival and evolution. If all these experiences were to vanish, rendering them unknowable in the present, it would undoubtedly pose significant challenges to survival and evolution. Therefore, the argument that such epigenetic information has been securely stored somewhere within the cell is not merely speculative but likely a factual reality.In this study, a new term “Epigenetic Archive”, is introduced in biology. It refers to a data repository that encompasses all experience data on past epigenetic modifications. The argument presented here underscores the importance of Epigenetic Archive and the need for its secure preservation. According to the argument, the information that cells experience should be continuously and securely stored, and any distortion of this information is said to be inconsistent with the principles of evolution and survival. This information is seen as evidence of a cell's successful existence up to the present, and it is emphasized that this successful record must be preserved. From this perspective, Epigenetic Archive should be designed to safely store past biological experiences and link this information securely to the present data. This study proposes that the data architecture in Epigenetic Archive is indeed akin to the principles of blockchain technology, particularly in terms of immutability and a distributed ledger securely preserving information across generations and ensuring that all cells possess consistent epigenetic information across a biological organism.The applications and implications of such an analogy of blockchain to Epigenetics could be an original contribution for future research on biology and genetics.

We are introducing a highly efficient 48-channel ultrasound beamforming system ideal for ultrasound endoscopy applications. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver, which allow for low-area, high-resolution imaging acquisition. The transmitter uses a charge redistribution HV (high voltage) scheme to generate three-level pulses that actuate the transducer, implemented with the standard CMOS process for optimal cost and power savings. Meanwhile, the receiver features a sub-array structure and a delay generator that reduces area usage. To achieve high-resolution ultrasound imaging acquisition with low computational power, we developed the Shift Coherence Factor (SCF) algorithm, which is hardware-friendly. This approach delivers a lateral resolution over 20% better than the conventional delay and sum (DAS) algorithm, with a contrast ratio of over 30 dB. The system was implemented in a 180 nm standard CMOS process with an area of 24.98 mm2, power consumption of 8.23 mW per channel, achieving a delay resolution of 8.33 ns, and a low-area implementation of 0.52 mm2 per channel. The system offers high-quality imaging acquisition with minimal additional area and power consumption, which has great potential for 3D imaging or catheterized ultrasound systems.

Natural Gas (NG) processing is a prominent industrial separation process. Among the available techniques, the innovative membrane process shows potential for efficient removal of impurities, including carbon dioxide (CO₂). This study focuses on utilizing breakthroughs in membrane separation to drive sustainable CO₂ extraction from natural gas. Through comprehensive research and analysis, we explore the effectiveness and feasibility of membrane-based systems in removing CO₂ impurities from NG, thus promoting greener and more sustainable industrial practices. Our findings underscore the transformative nature of membrane separation technology, presenting new possibilities for a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable approach to CO₂ extraction from natural gas.Natural Gas (NG) processing utilizes various techniques for impurity removal, with the membrane process emerging as a promising option for efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction. This research proposes the integration of a simple mathematical model into ASPEN HYSYS to design a membrane system for CO₂/CH₄ separation. The study also investigates parameter sensitivities by altering operating conditions, such as feed composition and pressure, as well as membrane properties, including selectivity. By analyzing these variables, we aim to optimize the performance and efficiency of the membrane system, facilitating the sustainable extraction of CO₂ from NG. The findings contribute to advancing the design and operation of membrane-based processes for CO₂ separation, paving the way for greener and more sustainable industrial practices. In addition, this study explores various configurations for optimizing the design of the membrane system, including single-stage with and without recycling as well as double-stage configurations. The investigation demonstrates that methane recovery can be enhanced through the recycling of the permeate stream and by implementing a double stage membrane system. These findings highlight the potential for improving the efficiency and performance of the membrane system, enabling higher methane recovery rates. By considering different configurations, this research contributes to the development of more effective and sustainable CO₂ extraction processes from natural gas.

Deficient wound healing is frequently observed in patients diagnosed with diabetes, a clinical complication that compromises mobility and leads to limb amputation, decreasing patient autonomy and family lifestyle. Fibroblasts are crucial for secreting the extracellular matrix to pave the wound site for endothelial and keratinocyte regeneration. The biosynthetic pathways for collagen production are one of the main components of the extracellular matrix, as the crosslinking of extracellular collagen fibers is intimately related to fibroblast redox homeostasis. In this study, human dermic fibroblasts were cultured with 1 mM sodium selenite (inorganic) and 1 mM of two selenium amino acids (organic), Se-cysteine and Se-methionine. This concentration was compatible with long-term exposure necessary for extracellular matrix production and allowed us to examine the impact of these three compounds on the state and response of the thiol-based HyPer biosensor expressed in the cytoplasm. In addition, the abundance of extracellular matrix and ultrastructural properties were evaluated by Picrus Sirius red staining and scanning electronic microscopy, respectively. We also evaluated whether these selenium compounds effectively ameliorated the perturbations induced by culturing fibroblasts at high glucose levels (25 mM) regarding cytoplasmic redox, extracellular matrix, and glycation on collagen fibers. Our results indicate that cytoplasm protein oxidation was sensitive to selenium compound supplementation. Selenium amino acids increased the sensitivity to protein oxidation, and only Se-cysteine increased the disulfide bond reduction in fibroblasts maintained in high glucose. Despite the lack of effect of selenium compounds on the glu-cose-induced increase in matrix fiber thickness, we found that endothelial migration improved in the matrix generated by high glucose-cultured fibroblasts.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular events are the leading cause of morbidity and mortal-ity in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Identifying risk factors can help in the effort to reduce cardi-ovascular risk and improve life expectancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of CHA2DS2-VASc score [risk index of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF)] in patients with end stage kidney disease, to predict stroke, major cardiovascular events and mortality. Materials and Meth-ods: CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED (bleeding risk from use of anticoagulation in AF) scores were calculated in 237 HD patients, [99 women, median age 76 (15) years], at time they com-menced on HD. The scores’ ability to predict long term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality was estimated, both in those with and without AF. Results: CHA2DS2-VASc score was signifi-cantly increased in AF (n=69) compared to non-AF (n=168) patients, 5 (2.5) versus 4 (2), p<0.0001, respectively. Increased CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with heart failure (p=0.007, p=0.024), stroke (p<0.0001, p<0.0001) and risk of all-cause mortality (p<0.0001, p<0.0001), in both groups, respectively. C statistics indicated that CHA2DS2-VASc score performed modest discrimination in this HD population with and without AF for heart failure, stroke, and all-cause mortality, but for cardiovascular mortality in AF group only. Conclusions: Increased CHA2DS2-VASc score at time starting on HD, can predict stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality in HD patients in-dependent of the presence of AF. Risk of cardiovascular mortality could be predicted only on patients with AF.

: Poultry products in Zambia form an integral part of the human diet in many households, as they are cheap and easy to produce. The burden of poultry diseases has, however, remained a major challenge. Growing consumer demand for poultry products in Zambia has resulted in non-prudent antimicrobial use on farms, intending to prevent and treat poultry diseases for growth optimization and maximising profits. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the different types of bacteria causing diseases in chickens in Lusaka and to detect the extended-spectrum-lactamase (ESBL)-encoding genes. We collected 215 samples from 91 diseased chickens at three post-mortem facilities and screened them for gram-negative bacteria. Of these samples, 103 tested positive for various clinically relevant Enterobacteriaceae, including Enterobacter (43/103, 41.7%), Escherichia coli (20/103, 19.4%), Salmonella (10/103, 9.7%), and Shigella (8/103, 7.8%). Other isolated bacteria included Yersinia, Morganella, Proteus, and Klebsiella, which accounted for 21.4%. E. coli, Enterobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The results revealed that E. coli, Enterobacter, and shigella were highly resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while Salmonella showed complete susceptibility to all antibiotics. The observed resistance patterns correlated with antimicrobial usage estimated from sales data from a large-scale wholesale and retail company. Six (6/14, 42.9%) E. coli isolates tested positive for bla_CTX-M, whilst eight (8/14, 57.1%) Enterobacter samples tested positive for bla_TEM. Interestingly, four (4/6, 66.7%) of the E. coli isolates carrying bla_CTX-M-positive strains were also positive for bla_TEM. Sanger sequencing of the PCR products revealed that five (5/6,83.3%) of the abovementioned isolates possessed the bla_CTX-M-15 allele. The results suggest the presence of potentially pathogenic ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in poultry, threatening public health. Keywords:. Enterobacteriaceae, bla_CTX-M, bla_TEM

With the development of modern industry, the issue of water pollution has garnered increasing attention. Photocatalysis, as a novel green environmental technology that is resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, and highly promising, has found extensive applications in the field of organic pollutant treatment. However, common semiconductor materials exhibit relatively low photocatalytic efficiency in the visible light range or inefficient separation of photogenerated charges, resulting in their limited ability to harness solar energy effectively. Consequently, the development of new photocatalysts has become a pivotal focus in current photocatalysis research to enhance solar energy utilization. This revision provides a brief explanation of the photocatalytic mechanism of the AgIO3/CTF heterojunction photocatalyst. Due to the Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, Ag nanoparticles demonstrate significant absorption in the visible light region, playing a crucial role in the highly efficient photocatalytic reduction of organic pollutants.

This study leverages the relationships between the Great Plains low-level jet (GP-LLJ) and the circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) to enhance the 30-day rainfall forecast skill in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). The assessment of 30-day simulated precipitation using the Climate Forecast System (CFS) is contrasted with the North American Regional Reanalysis, searching for sources of precipitation predictability associated with extended wet and drought events. We analyze the 30-day sources of precipitation predictability using (1) the characterization of dominant statistical modes of variability of 900-mb winds associated with the GP-LLJ, (2) the large-scale atmospheric patterns based on 200-mb geopotential height (HGT), and (3) the use of GP-LLJ and CGT conditional probability distributions using a continuous correlation threshold approach to identify when and where the forecast of NGP precipitation occurs. Two factors contributing to the predictability of precipitation in the NGP are documented. We found that multi-scale geospatial interactions occur at the daily and sub-seasonal time windows. The CFS reforecast suggests that the ability to forecast sub-seasonal precipitation increases in response to the enhanced simulation of the GP-LLJ and CGT. Finally, the multi-dimensional analysis of covariance reveals that high-precipitation forecasting skill is associated with a better prognostic of GP-LLJ and CGT.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of the frailty syndrome in older patients hospitalized in the geriatric ward depending on the diagnostic criteria used, the feasibility of particular diagnostic scales in hospitalized patients, and their compatibility. Material and methods: Patients admitted to the Department of Geriatrics of Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Bialystok within eight months were included in the study. Four diagnostic scales were used to identify the frailty syndrome: Fried criteria, 7-point Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), 40-item Frailty Index (FI), and FRAIL Scale. The compatibility of the scales was determined using Cohen's Kappa statistics. Results: 416 patients (mean age 81.2 ± 6.91 years, 77.4% women) were included in the study. Depending on the scale, the prevalence of frailty syndrome varied from 26.8% ( FRAIL Scale), 52.3% (Clinical Frailty Scale), and 58.1% (Fried criteria) up to 62.9% (Frailty Index). We observed the highest feasibility for CFS (100%), intermediate for Frailty Index (95.2%), FRAIL Scale (89.7%), and the lowest for Fried scale (79.8%). The highest level of agreement was found between the CFS and Fried scale, with 70.2% consistent ratings (Cohen Kappa 0.49). Conclusions: Patients in the geriatric ward are characterized by a high prevalence of frailty, although it differs depending on the criteria. The Frailty Index found the highest prevalence and the lowest in the case of the FRAIL scale. The feasibility of scales and their comparability differed; the most difficult to use in daily practice was the Fried scale, while the Clinical Frailty Scale was determined feasible in all patients. The highest agreement was observed between the Fried criteria and the Clinical Frailty Scale and the lowest between the FRAIL scale and the remaining ones.

Blood-derived products (BP) like citrate-platelet-rich plasma (CPRP) or hyperacute serum (HAS) are known to contain many growth factors. Combined mitogenic and DNA damaging stimuli might lead to increased senescent cell burden and altered senescence-associated secretory pheno-type (SASP). Therefore, the senescent state was extensively tested by γH2AX staining, p21 Q-PCR and western blot, growth curves and senescence associated ß-galactosidase staining. Two main treatments with BP were performed early (immediately after etoposide) and late (after addition-al 11days). Effects of the BP treatment was evaluated by IL-6 and IL-8 measurement as well as collagen (COL1) and p21 mRNA expression. Additionally, XTT assays, cell size measurements, viability assays, and cell number calculations were performed. HAS treated cells in early treat-ment had the lowest observed IL-6 and IL-8. In contrast, there was a clear inflammatory response for IL-8 on HAS and CPRP treated cells in late treatment. For COL1 expression an upregulation in early treatment could be shown, meanwhile cells in the late treatment group remained unaf-fected. In CPRP treated cells, the COL1 expression decreased. All in all, BP treatment seems to have slightly positive effects regarding skin rejuvenation.

The removal of H2S from natural gas and other gases such as biogas, refinery gases, and coal gas is required because H2S is toxic and corrosive, even in traces. Zeolites are widely used in the removal of H2S from the above-mentioned gases. In this work, we prepared an Ag-exchanged 13X molecular sieve by using different concentrations of AgNO3 to increase its adsorption properties. XRD, SEM, and BET techniques were used to characterize samples. When compared to unmodified 13X, the adsorption capacity of AgII-13X increased by about 50 times. The results of this study suggest that the silver-modified 13X molecular sieve is highly effective at extracting H2S from natural gas.

The manuscript presents the comprehensive integrative theory of the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease - the amyloid degradation toxicity hypothesis - and describes the logic that underlies it.The analysis of amyloid biomarkers and stable-isotope label kinetics (SILK) studies suggest that AD diagnosis is associated with higher cellular uptake of beta-amyloid. Uptake of beta-amyloid by cells is needed for its cytotoxicity, so the uptake rate should correlate with the rate of neurodegeneration. Also, the initial step in forming extracellular aggregates cannot occur in the interstitial fluid due to the extremely low concentration of beta-amyloid but can occur intralysosomally. Therefore, the density of extracellular aggregates should positively correlate with the rate of cellular amyloid uptake. The model, which considers that both cytotoxicity and aggregation of beta-amyloid are defined by cellular uptake, successfully reproduces the probability distribution of AD diagnosis in the population. Cellular uptake of beta-amyloid is mediated by endocytosis. Endocytosed beta-amyloid induces lysosomal permeabilization that occurs without plasma membrane damage. Lysosomal permeabilization explains ion disturbances, such as an accumulation of intracellular calcium, caused by cell exposure to extracellular beta-amyloid. Some amyloid fragments, produced from beta-amyloid by lysosomal proteases, can form membrane channels in lysosomal membranes, which are large enough to leak cathepsins to the cytoplasm. Appearance of proteases in the cytoplasm results in necrosis and/or initiation of apoptosis. If the cell survives, the damage of lysosomes leads to autophagy failure and slow recycling of mitochondria, promoting the production of reactive oxygen species and potentiating cell damage.Considering the above, the integrative theory of AD etiology and pathogenesis can be formulated. The etiology of AD is the membrane channel formation by amyloid fragments produced in lysosomes. The pathogenesis includes lysosomal permeabilization by giant membrane channels, which leak lysosomal proteases into the cytoplasm. The correlation between the density of amyloid aggregates and the probability of AD appears because the intensity of cellular uptake defines both aggregation rates in vivo and cytotoxicity of beta-amyloid.The amyloid degradation toxicity hypothesis is the integrative theory of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It successfully interprets multiple phenomena and paradoxes associated with AD pathobiology at various levels, from molecular and cellular to biomarkers. The hypothesis explains the limitations of currently used biomarkers of AD and proposes etiology-related parameters. These parameters could be measured in humans and become novel diagnostic and prognostic clinical tools. Based on the proposed framework, we foresee the development of effective medications to treat, stall the progression of, or prevent disease development.

Food and nutrition insecurity, affecting 30% of the global population in 2020, poses a significant challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 - Zero Hunger. Urbanization, particularly in sub-Saharan African cities e.g. Lagos, Nigeria, exacerbates these issues, impacting resources and contributing to informal settlements. There is emphasis on innovative solutions in urban farming, with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) emerging as one of the promising approach due to its efficiency in space and capital utilization. However, maintaining optimal conditions in RAS, crucial for SDG 2 and 11, requires robust water quality monitoring. This study explores the availability of digital tools for water quality monitoring in small-scale urban RAS, evaluating handheld devices and IoT sensors' reliability through t-test statistical method. The results aim to guide practitioners in selecting effective monitoring tools, contributing valuable insights for sustainable aquaculture in urban areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to affordable digital solutions is pivotal for success and can attract youth to agri-food technologies.

In this paper, the overall performance of Cu-(In,Ga)-Se₂ (CIGSe) solar cells was improved in the ultraviolet (UV)–visible wavelength region by two-segment process. In which, adjusting DC sputtering powers (20–40 W) for absorbers (segment I), and metal-alloy compositions (CdS, ZnO/CdS, ZnMgO/CdS and ZnMgO) for buffers (segment II) were explored and characterized. Upon choosing the optimal-30-W CIGSe-absorber (with 0.95-CGI ratio) sputtered by the segment-I process, the Cu-rich film can distinctly boost grain growth, thus reducing the trap state density. After segment-II process as the toxic-CdS alternative, the optimal Zn_0.9Mg_0.1O-alloy buffer can reach the best conversion efficiency (η = 8.70%) was attained for the environmental protection. Meanwhile, and the overall internal/external quantum efficiencies (IQE/EQE) were improved by 13.15%, respectively for the 2.48–3.62-eV bandgap (short wavelength) range. The developed photovoltaic (PV) module (with 9 optimum-CIGSe cells) exhibits acceptable stability with a variance within ±5% over the 60-day experiment. This discovery in PV-device research contributes to a new scientific understanding of renewable energy. Furthermore, this study undeniably enhances the progress of practical applications for PV-modules in alignment with sustainable development goals. It also actively supports the development of eco-friendly communities.

This paper presents a Modified Gate Diffusion Input (MGDI) design with four inputs for Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) technology. QCA is a promising nanotechnology that offers benefits such as low power consumption, and high density, making it a potential alternative to CMOS technology. The proposed planar cell design has advantages over previous designs, including a 19% reduction in the number of cells, a 29% reduction in total energy consumption, and a 44% reduction in average energy loss at the same occupancy level. The proposed block is capable of implementing 21 basic combinational functions and various sequential functions. The simulation of functions in 18nm technology and energy consumption calculation indicates that the resulting circuits have improvements of 41%, 27%, 27%, and 20% compared to multiplexers, comparators, four-bit parity circuits, and single-bit memory, respectively. Additionally, the number of cells in the proposed circuits has improved by 10%, 7%, 22%, and 19%, respectively.

Air pollution has been a major environmental issue worldwide from the last few decades. It is a man-made issue that has a serious harmful impact on the environment and the health of humans. There are different sources of emission, but industrial processes and motor vehicles contribute to a chief part of air pollution. It has acute as well as chronic effects on the health of humans and affects different organs. It is thought the main environmental risk factor in the incidence and progression of several diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Long-term exposure to air pollution has different toxicological impacts on humans such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neuropsychiatric complications, eye irritation and skin diseases. As per the study by the World Health Organization (WHO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals are the major air contaminants. These pollutants are different in their properties, composition and time of disintegration. The aim of this study is to review the different sources, types, impacts, challenges and mitigation of air pollution in detail.

This article describes the challenges, pharmacological strategies, and recommendations for managing multidrug-resistant breast cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). By examining the current breast cancer treatment landscape, region-specific challenges, and promising pharmacological interventions, the objective is to bring to light the insufficient research on breast cancer and its multidrug resistance in this part of the world and guide healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers in developing evidence-based strategies for improved breast cancer care in SSA. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity in SSA, necessitating continuous advancements in its management. This overview explores the evolution of breast cancer treatment, including surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite these advancements, multidrug resistance poses a significant challenge, impacting treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.The article provides insights into various breast cancer treatment modalities, emphasizing surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Each approach is discussed in detail, highlighting its significance in managing breast cancer. The effectiveness of these treatments is contingent on timely diagnosis and intervention. Multidrug resistance is examined as a critical obstacle in breast cancer treatment, elucidating its impact on treatment failure and patient outcomes. Mechanisms such as the efflux system, enhanced DNA repair, apoptosis inhibition, alterations in drug targets, and the tumor microenvironment contribute to multidrug resistance, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted understanding.The unique challenges faced in SSA regarding multidrug-resistant breast cancer are delineated. These include the lack of comprehensive data, late presentation and diagnosis, poor genomic studies, limited access to specialized care, financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and psychosocial support issues. Addressing these challenges is crucial for devising effective strategies. In response to multidrug resistance, the article discusses contemporary treatment strategies such as P-glycoprotein inhibitors, combined chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Notable advancements, including the use of Tariquidar and synergistic effects of combined chemotherapy, are highlighted, presenting promising avenues for overcoming resistance.The article proposes recommendations to enhance breast cancer management in SSA, encompassing strengthening primary healthcare services, creating specialized oncology facilities and long-term monitoring and data collection. Breast cancer management in SSA is multifaceted, marked by challenges and evolving solutions. Multidrug resistance remains a significant hurdle, demanding a holistic approach. Promising advancements in pharmacological interventions offer hope, while comprehensive recommendations serve as a roadmap for progress. By implementing these strategies, SSA can substantially improve multidrug-resistant breast cancer care and overall patient well-being.

Vanadium(IV) chalcogenide materials are of increasing interest for use in catalysis and energy conversion-related applications. Since no ternary compounds are yet known in the V–Se–Te system, we studied ternary VwSeyTe2–y (w = 1.10, 1.13; y = 0.42, 0.72) phases crystallizing in space group P3m1 (no. 164). Two single-crystal specimens with differing compositions of a solid solution were obtained using the ceramic method. All products were characterized by either single-crystal or powder X-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters increase with rising tellurium content in accordance to the larger ionic radius of the tellurium anion compared to selenium. The chemical compositions were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Further, magnetic measurements revealed mostly antiferromagnetic properties. Simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analyses in nitrogen atmosphere showed endothermic decomposition accompanied by the formation of VN. The results of this work can serve as a basis for the synthesis of new phases in the V–Se–Te and related vanadium chalcogenide systems.

Human keratinocytes and melanoma can stick together to form clusters after eight days in co-culture. As in dynamic system concepts, one can consider cluster formation as the system attractor, cell seeding as the initial condition, and density change over time as a path within the basin of attraction. Herein, Cellular Automata, which is a class of Agent-Based Models, and Boolean Networks are discrete modeling methods used in population dynamics such that running the dynamics of cellular automata backward reveals an underlying network in terms of basin of attraction, also known as global dynamics. Thus, we hypothesize that one can estimate the local dynamic of an agent-based model from the basin of attraction of a boolean network. Here, we propose an approach to estimating these agent-based model rules, which consists of comparing the density states within each state transition and reaching a consensus among state transitions belonging to a basin of attraction of a boolean network. The objectives of this study are: (1) to infer a boolean network from the co-culture growth curve; (2) to estimate the rules of agent-based models; and (3) to implement spatial dynamics simulations. The binarization of the growth curve shows high population density after four days; the estimated agent-based model rules were compatible with cell proliferation and migration in agreement with literature, so we had to propose individual rules for survival and death. Spatial dynamics shows that (1) keratinocytes exhibit a higher density in neighborhoods where melanoma is present; (2) the chance of keratinocyte migration increases until the fourth day, then decreases, and the probability of survival increases substantially after four days; and (3) cells with low proliferation capacity die and free space for those with high ones. Our approach suggests that the attractor state of cell co-culture is induced mainly by an increase in keratinocyte migration and survival. Our approach has the potential to offer valuable clues about microenvironmental interactions or configurations that drive population dynamics.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) stands as a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Despite extensive research in various model animals, the cellular signal mechanisms of ALS remain elusive, impeding the development of efficacious treatments. Among these models, a well-characterized and diminutive organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), has arisen as a potent tool for investigating the molecular and cellular dimensions of ALS pathogenesis. This review summarizes the contributions of C. elegans models to our comprehension of ALS, emphasizing pivotal findings pertaining to genetics, protein aggregation, cellular pathways, and potential therapeutic strategies. We analyze both the merits and constraints of C. elegans system in the realm of ALS research, and point towards future investigations that could bridge the chasm between C. elegans foundational discoveries and clinical applications.

The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated attention to the medicinal applications of messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA is expected to be applied not only to vaccines but also to regenerative medicines. The purity of mRNA is important for its medicinal application. However, the current mRNA synthesis techniques have problems, e.g., contamination of undesired 5’-uncapped mRNA and double-stranded RNAs. Recently, our group developed a completely capped mRNA synthesis technology that contributed to the progress of mRNA research. The introduction of chemically modified nucleosides, e.g., N1-methylpseudouridine and 5-methylcytidine, have been demonstrated by Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman which opened the practical application of mRNA for vaccines and regenerative medicines. Dr. Yamanaka reported the production of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) by the introduction of 4 types of genes using a retrovirus vector. iPSCs are widely used for research about regenerative medicines and the preparation of disease models to screen new drug candidates. Of the Yamanaka factors, Klf4 and c-Myc are oncogenes, and there is a tumor development risk if these are integrated into genomic DNA. Therefore, regenerative medicines using mRNA, which has no risk of genome insertion, have attracted attention. In this review, we summarized the synthesis of mRNA and its application for regenerative medicine.

Background and Aims: The impact of antibody response after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected recipients before and after liver transplantation (LT) is still undetermined. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we aimed to explore the association of changes in anti-HCV antibody titers after pre-LT DAA therapy with allograft injury, including biliary complications (BCs) and acute cellular rejection (ACR). Results: A total of 153 cases were enrolled from January 2015 to February 2021. Serum anti-HCV antibody titers were assessed before and after (day 30) LT. Among all recipients, 31/153 (20.3%) had pre-LT DAA therapy (DAA group) and 122/153 (79.7%) did not undergo pre-LT DAA therapy (DAA-naïve group). Higher incidence of post-LT BCs was observed in the DAA group (P = 0.028). Compared with the DAA-naïve group, the DAA group had a significantly higher mean level of anti-HCV titer upregulation (P = 0.0024); furthermore, among the recipients with BCs (n = 28) and ACR (n = 41), those in the DAA group exhibited significantly higher mean levels of anti-HCV antibody titer upregulation (P < 0.005). Conclusion: In conclusion, we speculated that anti-HCV antibody titer upregulation, which might have been induced by restoration of HCV-specific immune responses with pre-LT DAA therapy, were associated with post-LT allograft injury.

Background: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established therapy for hematologic malignancies and serious non-malignant blood disorders. Despite its curative potential, HCT is associated with substantial toxicity and health resource utilization. Effective delivery of HCT requires complex hospital-based care, which limits the number of HCT centers in Canada. In Canada, the quantity, indications, temporal trends, and outcomes of patients receiving HCT are not known. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of first transplants reported to the Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC) registry between 2000 and 2019. We determined overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM), categorizing the cohort into early (2000-2009) and later (2010-2019) eras to investigate temporal changes. Results: Of 18,046 transplants, 10,475 were allogeneic and 7,571 were autologous. Comparing the two eras, allogeneic transplants increased in number by 22.3%, with greater use of matched unrelated donors in the later era. Autologous transplants increased by 10.9%. Temporal improvements in NRM were observed in children and adults. OS improved in pediatric patients and in adults receiving autologous HCT. In adults receiving allogeneic HCT, OS was stable despite the substantially older age of patients in the later era. Interpretation: HCT is an increasingly frequent procedure in Canada which has expanded to serve older adults. Noted improvements in NRM and OS reflect progress in patient and donor selection, preparation for transplant, and post- transplant supportive care. In allogeneic HCT, unrelated donors have become the most frequent donor source, highlighting the importance of continued growth of volunteer donor registries. These results serve as a baseline measure for quality improvement and health services planning in Canada.

Energy efficiency considerations in terms of reduced power dissipation is a significant issue in the design of digital circuits for very large-scale integration (VLSI) systems. Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is an emerging ultra-low power dissipation approach, distinct from the traditional complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, for building digital computing circuits. Developing fully reversible QCA circuits has the potential to significantly reduce energy dissipation. The multiplexer is a fundamental element in the construction of useful digital circuits. In this paper, a novel, multilayer, fully reversible QCA 8:1 multiplexer circuit, with ultralow energy dissipation, is introduced. The proposed multiplexer power dissipation is simulated using the QCADesigner-E version 2.2 tool, describing the microscopic physical mechanisms underlying the QCA operation. The results showed that the proposed reversible QCA 8:1 multiplexer consumes 89% less energy than the most energy-efficient 8:1 multiplexer circuit presented previously in the scientific literature.

We previously developed a highly sensitive and specific anti-PDPN mAb, LpMab-23 (mouse IgG1, kappa). In this study, we produced a humanized IgG1 version (humLpMab-23) and its defucosylated form (humLpMab-23-f) of an anti‑PDPN mAb to potentiate the ADCC activity. The humLpMab-23 could recognize PDPN‑overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 (CHO/PDPN) and PDPN-positive PC-10 and LN319 cells by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we found that humLpMab-23-f exerted ADCC and complement-dependent cytotoxicity against CHO/PDPN, PC-10 and LN319 cells in vitro and exhibited potent antitumor activities in the xenograft models. These results indicated that humLpMab-23-f could be useful for an antibody treatment regimen for PDPN-positive human cancers.

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a transcription factor crucial for regulating heat shock response (HSR), one of the significant cellular protective mechanisms. When cells are exposed to proteotoxic stress, HSF1 induces the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) to act as chaperones, correcting the protein-folding process and maintaining proteostasis. In addition to its role in HSR, HSF1 is overexpressed in multiple cancer cells, where its activation promotes malignancy and leads to poor prognosis. The mechanisms of HSF1-induced tumorigenesis are complex and involve diverse signaling pathways, dependent on cancer type. With its important roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, targeting HSF1 offers a novel cancer treatment strategy. In this article, we examine the basic function of HSF1 and its regulatory mechanisms, focus on the mechanisms involved in HSF1’s roles in different cancer types, and examine current HSF1 inhibitors as novel therapeutics to treat cancers.

The Third Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) has specified the Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) radio access technology in Releases 14 and 15, with a focus on facilitating direct communication between vehicles through the sidelink PC5 interface. This interface offers a robust cloud-native core network with end-to-end network slicing functionality. The performance of di-rect vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications has been improved by using the sidelink interface, which allows for network infrastructure by-pass. Sidelink transmissions make use of orthogonal resources that are either centrally allocated (Mode 1) or chosen by the vehicles themselves (Mode 2). The development of radio access technologies that enable dependable and low-latency vehicular communications has become of utmost relevance with the rise in interest in connected and autonomous vehicles. This is especially necessary when there are heavy traffic conditions and patterns. We thoroughly examined the New Radio (NR) sidelink’s performance under various vehicle densities, speeds, and distance settings. Thus, by evaluating sidelink’s strengths and drawbacks, we are able to optimize resource allocation to obtain maximum coverage in urban areas. The performance evaluation is conducted on Network Simulator 3 (NS3.34/5G-LENA) utilizing various network metrics such as average packet reception rate, throughput, and latency.

In this work, we propose a variation of the cellular particle swarm optimization algorithm with differential evolution hybridization (CPSO-DE), to include constrained optimization in it, named Ts-CPD. It is implemented as a kernel of electronic design automation (EDA) tool capable of sizing circuit components considering a single-objective design with restrictions and constraints. The aim is to improve the optimization solutions in the sizing of analog circuits. To evaluate our proposal’s performance, we present the design of three analog circuits: a deferential amplifier, a two-stage operational amplifier, and a folded cascode operational transconductance amplifier. Numerical simulation results indicate that Ts-CPD can find better solutions, in terms of the design objective and the accomplishment of constraints, than those reported in previous works.

SORL1 gene encodes LR11/SorLA, a protein that binds -amyloid precursor protein (bAPP) and drives its intracellular trafficking. SORL1 mutations occurring frequently in a subset of familial cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been documented but their pathogenic potential is not yet clear and questions remain concerning their putative influence on the physiopathological processing of bAPP. We have assessed the influence of three SORL1 mutations that were described as likely disease-causing and that were associated with either benign (SorLA924) or severe (SorLA141 and SorLA511) AD phenotypes. We examined the influence of wild-type and mutants SorLA in transiently transfected HEK293 cells expressing either wild-type or Swedish mutated bAPP on bAPP expression, secreted Ab and sAPPa levels, intracellular Ab40 and Ab42 peptides, APP-CTFs (C99 and C83) expressions, a-, b- and g-secretases expressions and activities as well as Ab and CTFs-degrading enzymes. These paradigms were studied in control conditions or after pharmacological proteasomal modulation. We also established stably transfected CHO cells expressing wild-type SorLA and established the colocalization of wild-type SorLA and bAPP. Overall, although we mostly confirmed previous data concerning the influence of wild-type SorLA on bAPP processing, we were unable to evidence significant alterations triggered by our set of SorLA mutants, whatever the cells or pharmacological conditions examined. Our study however does not rule out the possibility that other AD-linked SORL1 mutations could indeed affect bAPP processing and that pathogenic mutations examined in the present study could interfere with other cellular pathways/triggers in AD.

Developmental hazard evaluation is an important part of assessing chemical risks during pregnancy. Toxicological outcomes from prenatal testing in pregnant animals result from complex chemical-biological interactions, and while New Approach Methods (NAMs) based on in vitro bioactivity profiles of human cells offer promising alternatives to animal testing, most of these assays lack cellular positional information, physical constraints, and regional organization of the intact embryo. Here, we engineered a fully computable model of the embryonic disc in the compucell3d.org modeling environment to simulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition of epiblast cells and self-organization of mesodermal domains (chordamesoderm, paraxial, lateral plate, posterior/extraembryonic). Cell fate in the model is determined by an autonomous homeobox (HOX) clock driven by morphogenetic signals (e.g., FGF, WNT, ATRA, CDX). Executing the model renders a quantitative cell-level computation of mesodermal subpopulations and consequences of perturbation based on known embryogeny. For example, synthetic perturbation of the control network rendered altered phenotypes (cybermorphs) mirroring experimental mouse embryology, with 50% reductions in FGF4, FGF8 and BMP4 signaling resulting in 86%, 98% and 59% reductions, respectively in the posterior mesodermal population, while ATRA exposure also resulted in a 78% decrease in this population. This model enables integration of in vitro chemical bioactivity data for specific molecular targets with known embryology to test mechanistic veracity and quantitative prediction of altered development.

In this paper, new types of M-fractional wave solutions of mathematical physics model named as truncated M-fractional (1+1)-dimensional non-linear simplified Modified Camassa-Holm model are achieved by applying the modified simplest equation (MSE), Sardar sub-equation and generalized Kudryashov techniques. The gained solutions containing dark, bright, periodic and mixed wave solitons. Effect of fractional order derivative is also discussed. Achieved wave solitons are verified by Mathematica tool. Few of the gained wave solitons are also described through 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and contour graphs through Mathematica tool. The gained solutions are helpful for the further development of concerned model. Finally, these techniques are simple, fruitful and effective to deal with non-linear FPDEs.

Cellular automata are mathematical models that represent systems with complex behavior through simple interactions between their individual elements. These models can be used to study unconventional computational systems and complexity. One notable aspect of cellular automata is their ability to create structures known as gliders, which move in a regular pattern to represent the manipulation of information. This paper introduces the modification of mean-field theory applied to cellular automata, using random perturbations based on the system’s evolution rule. The original aspect of this approach is that the perturbation factor is tailored to the nature of the rule, altering the behavior of the mean-field polynomials. By combining the properties of both the original and perturbed polynomials, it is possible to detect when a cellular automaton is more likely to generate gliders without having to run evolutions of the system.This methodology is a useful approach to finding more examples of cellular automata that exhibit complex behavior. We start by examining elementary cellular automata, then move on to examples of automata that can generate gliders with more states. To illustrate the results of this methodology, we provide evolution examples of the detected automata.

Here, we found higher percentage of CD8+ T cells in piglets immunized with CVC1302-adjuvanted inactivated FMDV vaccine. We wonder whether promoted cellular immunity induced by CVC1302-adjuvanted inactivated FMDV vaccine due to the promoted antigen cross-presentation efficiency of OVA by DC mainly via the cytosolic pathways, demonstrated by enhanced levels of lysosomal escape of OVA in DC, loaded with OVA and CVC1302. Higher levels of ROS and significant enhanced elevated lysosomal pH in DC facilitated the lysosomal escape of OVA. Significant enhanced CTL activities were observed in mice immunized with OVA-CVC1302. Overall, CVC1302 increased the cross-presentation of exogenous antigens and the cross-priming of CD8+ T cells by alkalizing the lysosomal pH and facilitating the lysosomal escape of antigen. These studies shed new light on the development of immunopotentiators to improve the cellular immunity induced by vaccine.

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) remains the most frequent mode of presentation of glo-merular diseases in children; in addition, the NS is primitive, i.e., idiopathic in 90% of cases with an average age of onset between 2 and 10 years. The objective of our study was to describe the char-acteristics and outcome of NS in children from 3 major hospitals from one of the poorest countries worldwide (Chad). Patients and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and multicenter study which took place over a period of 36 months (January 1,2019-December 31,2021) carried out in 3 hospitals in N’Djamena (Chad). All children aged 1-15 years presenting with NS were included. Results: Out of 16,776 children hospitalized or followed-up in outpatient clinics, 24 cases of NS were identified, giving a prevalence of 0.14%. The median age at presentation was 6.16(1-10) years. Nineteen children were male (sex ratio 3.8). There were 8 impure NS (33.3%). Edema was present in all patients, oliguria in 29.16%(n=7), and arterial hypertension in 20.83%(n=5) of cases. Mean proteinuria, albuminemia and total proteins were 2.86g/L, 19.13g/L and 30.41g/L respectively. Median serum creatinine was 87.3 µmol/L(75-1375µmol/L); three patients had acute renal failure on admission. Four patients had secondary NS. All patients (n=20) with idiopathic NS had received corticosteroid therapy; steroid-sensitivity was found in 90% of patients. Those who were not ster-oid-sensitive or relapsed underwent kidney biopsy (n=7); the most represented histological lesion was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; n=4), followed by minimal change disease (n=2), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n=1). The median length of hospitalization stay was 10.67 (5-27) days. None of the patients with idiopathic NS died. At last follow-up sixteen patients (80%) achieved long-term complete remission with normal renal function; however, 4 had subse-quent relapses. 16 patients. One patient with secondary NS died. Conclusion: In Chad childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome involves mostly young male; steroid sensitivity is as high as 95% and in the long-term 80% of the patients are in remission with normal renal function.

Background: In March 2020, a COVID-19 outbreak associated with the Falles Festival in Borriana, Spain, led to significant infections. Methods: In June 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional follow-up study of 473 socially engaged adults aged 18 to 64, examining the cumulative experience after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination responses. Data included demographic details, lifestyle habits, medical history, infection records, and vaccinations from a population-based vaccine registry. Blood samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cellular immunity. We employed a doubly robust inverse weighted probability analysis to estimate the booster vaccine dose's impact on long COVID prevalence and symptom count. Results: 28.1% of participants met the WHO criteria for long COVID, with older individuals showing higher rates. Not complying with long COVID criteria associated with factors including O blood group, higher occupational status, physical activity, three vaccine doses, strong SARS-CoV-2-S-reactive IFNγ‐producing‐CD8+ response, and infection during the Omicron period. Conversely, increased age, high or low social activity, underlying health conditions, a severe initial COVID episode, and reinfection associated with higher long COVID likelihood. A booster dose, compared to one or two doses, reduced long COVID risk by 74% (95% CI: 56.4% to 91.7%) and symptom count by 55.2% (95% CI: 31.6% to 78.7%). Conclusion: Long COVID was prevalent in a significant portion of those who contracted COVID-19, underscoring the need for sustained follow-up and therapeutic strategies. Vaccinations, notably the booster dose, had a substantial beneficial effect on long-term infection outcomes, affirming the vaccination’s role in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection consequences.

Vaccination has proven highly effective against severe acute res-piratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the long-term immunogenicity and the functional preserved im-mune responses of vaccines are needed to inform evolving evi-dence-based guidelines for boosting schedules. We enrolled 205 healthcare workers into a cohort study; all had received three doses of BBIBP-CorV (China Sinopharm Bio-Beijing Company) inactivated vaccine. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 specific binding antibodies, neutralizing antibody, and peripheral T and B cell responses. We demonstrated that more robust antibody re-sponses to SARS-CoV-2 were elicited by booster immunization compared to primary vaccination. Neutralizing antibody titers to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant were also efficiently elevated post homologous vaccine booster despite in a lower titer compared to the prototype stain. In addition to S specific humoral and cellular immunity, BBIBP-CorV also induced N-specific antibody and ef-fector T cell responses. The third-dose vaccination led to further expansion of critical polyfunctional T cell responses, likely an essential element for vaccine protection. In particular, a func-tional role for Tfh cell subsets in immunity was suggested by the correlation between both CD4+Tfh and CD8+Tfh with total anti-body, IgG, B cell responses and neutralizing antibodies. Our study details the humoral and cellular responses generated by the BBIBP-CorV booster vaccination in a seven-month follow up study. There is a clear immunologic boosting value of homolo-gous inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine boosters, a consideration for future vaccine strategies.

Sarocladium and Fusarium species are commonly identified as causal agents of rice sheath rot disease worldwide. However, limited knowledge exists about their genetic, pathogenic, and toxigenic diversity in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, where an increasing incidence of this disease has been observed. This study aimed at identifying, characterizing, as well as assessing the genetic, pathogenic, and toxigenic diversity of the pathogens associated with rice sheath rot disease in Mali, Nigeria, and Rwanda. In this study seventy fungal isolates were obtained from rice plants displaying disease symptoms on research and farmer’s fields in Mali, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Thus, an extensive comparative analysis was conducted to assess their genetic, pathogenic, and toxigenic diversity. The Fusarium spp. were characterized using the translation elongation factor (EF-1α) region, while a concatenation of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Actin-encoding regions were used to resolve Sarocladium species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four Fusarium species complexes. The dominant complex in Nigeria was the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), comprising F. hainanense, F. sulawesiense, F. pernambucatum, and F. tanahbumbuense, while F. incarnatum was found in Rwanda. The Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) was predominant in Rwanda and Mali, with species such as F. andiyazi, F. madaense, and F. casha in Rwanda, and F. annulatum and F. nygamai in Mali. F. marum was found in Nigeria. Furthermore, Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) members, F. callistephi and F. triseptatum, were found in Rwanda and Mali, respectively. Two isolates of F. acasiae-mearnsii, belonging to the Fusarium sambucinum species complex (FSAMSC) were obtained in Rwanda. Isolates of Sarocladium which were previously classified in three phylogenetic groups were resolved into three species which are: attenuatum, oryzae and sparsum. S. attenuatum was dominant in Rwanda, while S. oryzae and S. sparsum were found in Nigeria. Also, the susceptibility of FARO44, a rice cultivar released by Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) was tested against isolates from the four Fusarium species complexes and the three Sarocladium species. All isolates evaluated could induce typical sheath rot symptoms albeit with varying disease development levels. In addition, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine variation in the in vitro mycotoxins of the Fusarium species. Regional differences were observed in the in vitro mycotoxins profiling. Out of the forty-six isolates tested, nineteen were able to produce one to four mycotoxins. Notably, very high zearalenone (ZEN) production was specific to the two F. hainanense isolates from Ibadan-Nigeria, while Fusarium nygamai isolates from Mali produced high amounts of fumonisins. To the best of our knowledge, it seems this study is the first to elucidate genetic, pathogenic, and toxigenic diversity of Fusarium species associated with the rice sheath rot disease complex in selected countries in SSA.

This paper presents a design and performance analysis of a 10-element 5G massive MIMO antenna array for sub-6GHz mobile handsets, specifically for LTE bands 42 (3400-3600 MHz), 43 (3600-3800 MHz), 48/49 (3550-3700 MHz) applications. The proposed antenna array consists of 10 closely spaced linearly polarized inverted-F antennas with a compact size of 20 × 9 mm2 of a single element. The proposed antenna array provides high gain, high efficiency, and low correlation between the antenna elements, which results in improved channel capacity, increased data rate, and enhanced signal quality. The performance of the antenna array is evaluated in terms of the radiation pattern, gain, efficiency, and correlation coefficient. The simulation and measured results show that the proposed antenna array achieves an approximate peak gain of 3.1 dBi at the resonance frequency, a total efficiency of 65 %, and a low correlation coefficient of 0.06 between the antenna elements. Therefore, the proposed 5G massive MIMO antenna array is a promising candidate for sub-6 GHz mobile handsets, particularly for LTE bands 42/43/48/49 applications.

This paper proposes a reconceptualization of the hierarchical understanding of the human organism, challenging the conventional idea of the supremacy of the nervous system. We argue that symbiotic coexistence and functional interdependence among all systems provide the human body with remarkable resistance to the universal tendency of entropy. We first examine the basis of cellular life, referring to ATP and DNA, essential substances that resist the entropic tendency through complex energy mechanisms. Next, we analyze the collaboration between the body's systems, highlighting the critical role of erythrocytes, which constitute 83.9% of the total cells (24.9 trillion), in the context of energy maintenance and homeostasis. We challenge the conventional view that the nervous system, composed of neurons and glial cells, which together make up 0.6% of the total cells (0.17 trillion), occupies the apex of a biological hierarchy, arguing that the nervous system is merely a component of a broader, interdependent mechanism. Finally, we provide a detailed description of human cellular composition, emphasizing the importance of each cell type in the functional context, thus contributing to the totality of the organism. With this, we present a vigorous appeal for the realization of critical reassessments of fundamental premises in human biology.

(1) Background: Respiratory infections are a major public health problem worldwide, with potentially serious consequences. Indeed, these infections remain one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old in developing countries. Etiological information on respiratory infections is crucial for prevention and case management strategies. This systematic review aims to describe the etiology of respiratory infections reported in studies carried out in sub-Saharan African countries; (2) Methods: Using PubMed, HINARI and Google scholar search engines, a systematic search was carried out to identify published articles on the etiology of viral and/or bacterial respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa in patients of all ages. We have only considered data from sub-Saharan Africa. Papers published from 2010 to 2021, in English or French have been included in this review; (3) Results: After reviewing 115 articles reporting studies carried out in the African continent, only 32 articles were selected of which, studies were conducted in 15 sub-Saharan African countries, including 6/32 (18.75%) in Cameroon. Twenty (62.5%) were cross-sectional studies, and twenty-four (75%) were hospital-based investigations. In these studies, RT-PCR and culture methods were respectively used for viruses and bacteria investigations. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequently identified, with prevalence ranging from 0.6% to 59%, followed by rhinovirus (9.3% -73%), influenza virus (flu) A/B (0.9%-69.1%), and human adenovirus (0.9% - 30.8%). Streptococcus pneumoniae (14.2% - 96%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b (2.5% - 54%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.4% - 49.9%) were the most frequently detected bacteria; (4) Conclusions: This review has reported that many pathogens, mainly viruses, are associated with acute respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa in both children and adults. Unfortunately, the limited geographical distribution of data across sub-Saharan Africa does not allow most of countries to develop an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.

Scientists are gradually becoming aware of the challenges in the understanding of the very root mechanisms of massively parallel computations that are observed in literally all scientific disciplines ranging from cosmology, physics, across chemistry, biochemistry, and ending in biology. This leads us to the main motivation and simultaneously to the central thesis of this review: “Can we design artificial, massively-parallel, self-organized, emergent, error-resilient, computational environments?” A large number of simulations along with examples and counter-examples, finalized by a list of the future directions, are giving hints and partial answers to the main thesis. This all together is opening the crucial question whether there is existing a deeper, beyond the Turing machine theoretical description of massively-parallel computing. Important information dealing with this topic is reviewed along with highly expressive animations generated by the open-source, Python software GoL-N24. The perspective, future directions including applications in robotics and biology of this research are discussed in the light of known information.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals globally, and primary healthcare (PHC) nurses play a critical role in providing mental healthcare services. However, limited research has explored the experiences of PHC nurses in providing mental healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the experiences of PHC nurses in providing mental healthcare services during the pandemic in Durban, South Africa. The aim was to identify the challenges faced by healthcare providers and the potential for innovative approaches to improve access to care. A qualitative, exploratory design guided the study, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with twelve PHC nurses purposively selected. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings from interviews with primary healthcare nurses reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, including medication adherence issues, fear and uncertainty among patients, vaccine hesitancy, decreased clinic visits, and the mental and emotional toll on both patients and healthcare workers. PHC nurses adapted their services by increasing outreach efforts, prioritising patient care, and utilising technology and non-governmental organisations’ (NGO) support. Challenges included reduced patient visits, complexities in healthcare provision, and lack of adequate support. Positive changes observed include increased mental health awareness among healthcare professionals and younger generations. Recommendations include implementing outreach and awareness campaigns, providing accurate information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, and promoting cultural sensitivity in mental healthcare provision.

Thrombosis is characterized by the pathological formation of fibrin clots within a blood vessel, leading to the obstruction of blood flow. Fibrinolytic enzymes from microorganisms have exhibited promising effects to dissolve clots in a more efficient and safe way. Then, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biomass and fibrinolytic enzyme production of Tetradesmus obliquus under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions using different concentration of corn steep liquor (CSL). Different extraction and precipitating methods were tested, and the enzyme was purified by ion exchange chromatography. More advantageous culture condition was mixotrophic using 0.25% CSL, showing the highest values of biomass productivity (Px = 169.3 ± 44.36 mg∙L-1day-1) and specific growth rate (µmax = 0.17 ± 0.00 day-1), and significant fibrinolytic production (391.34 ± 40.03 U∙mg-1). Moreover, fibrinolytic activity was higher when extracted by homogenization and precipitated using acetone, which exhibited clear zone of fibrin degradation in the fibrinolytic plate assay. Additionally, the purified enzyme showed specific activity of 1176.90 ± 140.37 U∙mg-1 and molecular weight around 97 kDa. Finally, the enzyme has higher enzymatic activity than various fibrinolytic enzymes, and the obtained enzyme has potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent in thrombosis treatment. Additional studies are need to investigate the biochemical properties and biological profile of this enzyme.

In light of the current situation where no testing equipment is available for measuring thermal deformation of objects, this paper proposes a novel method for accurate and precise measurement. The method overcomes the limitations of previous approaches that relied on pitch angle. By utilizing the principle of biplane multiple reflections, a bivariate laser spot displacement analysis algorithm is devised to attain highly precise measurements of bivariate angles. Additionally, a temperature gradient comparison algorithm is introduced to calculate the indicator test results under specific temperature conditions. To validate the effectiveness and reliability of this method, a testing system is constructed and utilized. The results demonstrate that the thermal deformation angle change test achieves an impressive accuracy of 0.015″ and a rate of thermal deformation angle change of 0.3247″/°C. These values are in close agreement with the previously simulated analysis result of 0.359″/°C, with only a relative error of 9.55%. Therefore, the test results confirm the efficacy and reliability of this testing method along with the feasibility of the algorithm processing.

This essay critically discusses the integration of queer theory into human geography while emphasizing its ties to the principles of traditional geography. The need for a separate sub-discipline called queer geography is questioned. At the same time, legitimate concerns about possible departures from the fundamental goals of geography and the risks of anachronistic interpretations in applying modern concepts to historical landscapes are acknowledged. In this discourse, we strongly advocate for values such as freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and international human rights. It is important to emphasize that it is not the intent of this essay to denigrate campaigns for feminism or equality or to disparage the scholarship that emerges from the application of queer theory. On the contrary, we recognize the emergence of gender theories out of a need to advance social justice approaches. We believe that traditional human geography, itself, is capable of comprehensively examining space, time, and the complexity of human experience and offering workable solutions within its established framework. We therefore believe that the inclusion of queer theory can be harmoniously integrated into the contours of human geography, eliminating the need for a separate sub-discipline while preserving the integrity and purpose of the discipline.

In this paper, we succeed to discover the new exact wave solutions to the truncated M-fractional complex three coupled Maccari’s system by utilizing the Sardar sub-equation scheme. The obtained solutions are in the form of trigonometric and hyperbolic forms. These solutions have many applications in nonlinear optics, fiber optics, deep water-waves, plasma physics, mathematical physics, fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics and engineering where the propagation of nonlinear waves is important. Achieved solutions are verified with the use of Mathematica software. Some of the achieved solutions are also described graphically by 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and contour plots with the help of Maple software. The gained solutions are helpful for the further development of concerned model. Finally, this technique is simple, fruitful and reliable to handle the nonlinear FPDEs.

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) are a promising nanoscale computing technology that exploits the quantum mechanical tunneling of electrons between quantum dots in a cell and electrostatic interaction between dots, in neighboring cells. QCA can achieve higher speed, lower power, and smaller areas than conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Developing QCA circuits in a logically and physically reversible manner can provide exceptional reductions in energy dissipation. The main challenge of reversible QCA design is to maintain reversibility down to the physical level. The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is an essential component of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. It performs various arithmetic and logical operations on the data that the CPU processes. Current QCA ALU designs are either irreversible or logically reversible; however, they lack physical reversibility, a crucial requirement to increase energy efficiency. In this paper, we present a novel multilayer design for a logically and physically reversible QCA ALU based on majority gates as the key components, which can perform 16 different operations. We use QCADesigner-E software to simulate and evaluate energy dissipation. The proposed logically and physically reversible QCA ALU offers an improvement of 88.8% in energy efficiency. Compared to the next most efficient 16-operation QCA ALU, this ALU uses 51% fewer QCA cells and 47% less area.

One of the hallmarks of microgravity-induced effects in several cellular models is represented by the alteration of oxidative balance with the consequent accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). It is well known that male germ cells are sensitive to oxidative stress and to changes of gravitational force even if published data on germ cell models are scarce. To gain more insights into the mechanisms of male germ cell response to altered gravity, a 3D cell culture model has been established from TCam-2 cells, a seminoma-derived cell line considered the only human cell line available to study in vitro mitotically active human male germ cells. TCam-2 cell spheroids were cultured for 24 hours under unitary gravity (Ctr) or simulated microgravity (s-microgravity) conditions, these last ones were obtained using the Random Positioning Machine (RPM). A significant increase in intracellular ROS and mitochondria superoxide anion levels has been observed after RPM exposure. In line with these results a trend of protein and lipid oxidation increase, and increased pCAMKII expression levels were observed after RPM exposure. The ultrastructural analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed that RPM-exposed mitochondria appeared enlarged and, even if seldom, disrupted. Notably, even the expression of the main enzymes involved in the redox homeostasis appears modulated by RPM exposure in a compensatory way, being GPX1, NCF1, and CYBB downregulated, whereas NOX4 and HMOX1 upregulated. Interestingly, HMOX1 is involved in the heme catabolism of mitochondria cytochromes, and therefore the positive modulation of this marker can be associated to the observed mitochondria alteration. All together, these data demonstrate TCam-2 spheroid sensitivity to acute SM exposure and indicate the capability of these cells to trigger compensatory mechanisms that allow to overcome the exposure to altered gravitational force.