Solar Tracking Control Algorithm Based on Artificial Intelligence Applied to Large-Scale Bifacial Photovoltaic Power Plants.

The transition to a low-carbon economy is one of the main challenges of our time. In this context, solar energy, along with many other technologies, has been developed to optimize performance. For example, solar trackers follow the sun's path to increase the generation capacity of photovoltaic plants. However, several factors need consideration to further optimize this process. Important variables include the distance between panels, surface reflectivity, bifacial panels, and climate variations throughout the day. Thus, this paper proposes an artificial intelligence-based algorithm for solar trackers that takes all these factors into account-mainly weather variations and the distance between solar panels. The methodology can be replicated anywhere in the world, and its effectiveness has been validated in a real solar plant with bifacial panels located in northeastern Brazil. The algorithm achieved gains of up to 7.83% on a cloudy day and obtained an average energy gain of approximately 1.2% when compared to a commercial solar tracker algorithm.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells before vaccination in the Mexican population.

The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 has been extensively studied following the pandemic outbreak in 2020; however, the presence of specific T cells against SARS-CoV-2 before vaccination has not been evaluated in Mexico. In this study, we estimated the frequency of T CD4+ and T CD8+ cells that exhibit a specific response to S (spike) and N (nucleocapsid) proteins in a Mexican population. We collected 78 peripheral blood samples from unvaccinated subjects and the presence of antibodies against spike (RBD) and N protein was determined. PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) were isolated and stimulated with a pool of S or N protein peptides (Wuhan-Hu-1 strain). IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-2, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF levels were quantified in the supernatant of the activated cells, and the cells were stained to assess the activation and memory phenotypes. Differential activation frequency dependent upon serological status was observed in CD4+ cells, but not in CD8+ cells. The predominantly activated population was the central memory T CD4+ cells. Only 10% of the population exhibited the same phenotype with respect to the response to nucleocapsid peptides. The cytokine profile differed between the S and N responses. S peptides induced a more proinflammatory response compared with the N peptides. In conclusion, in a Mexican cohort before vaccination, there was a significant response to the S and N SARS-CoV-2 proteins resulting from previous infections with seasonal coronaviruses or previous undetected exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

A comparison of outcomes including bile duct injury of subtotal cholecystectomy versus open total cholecystectomy as bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis: A multicenter real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Dense inflammation obscuring the hepatocystic anatomy can hinder the ability to perform a safe standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy in severe cholecystitis, requiring use of a bailout procedure. We compared clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open subtotal cholecystectomy against the traditional standard of open total cholecystectomy to identify the optimal bailout strategy for the difficult gallbladder. METHODS: A multicenter, multinational retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis. Procedures were compared using one-way analysis of variance/Kruskal-Wallis tests and χ2 tests with multiple pairwise comparisons, maintaining a family-wise error rate at 0.05. Multiple multivariate linear/logistical regression models were created. RESULTS: In 11 centers, 727 bailout procedures were conducted: 317 laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomies, 172 open subtotal cholecystectomies, and 238 open cholecystectomies. Baseline characteristics were similar among subgroups. Bile leak was common in laparoscopic and open fenestrating subtotal cholecystectomies, with increased intraoperative drain placements and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(P < .05). In contrast, intraoperative bleeding (odds ratio = 3.71 [1.9, 7.22]), surgical site infection (odds ratio = 2.41 [1.09, 5.3]), intensive care unit admission (odds ratio = 2.65 [1.51, 4.63]), and length of stay (Δ = 2 days, P < .001) were higher in open procedures. Reoperation rates were higher for open reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomies (odds ratio = 3.43 [1.03, 11.44]) than other subtypes. The overall rate of bile duct injury was 1.1% and was not statistically different between groups. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy had a bile duct injury rate of 0.63%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a feasible surgical bailout procedure in cases of severe cholecystitis where standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy may carry undue risk of bile duct injury. Open cholecystectomy remains a reasonable option.

Medical students' knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccine and head and neck cancer.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that significantly affects the population worldwide. HPV preventive methods include vaccination, prophylactics, and education. Different types of cancers associated with HPV usually take years or decades to develop after infections, such as Head and Neck Cancer(HNC). Therefore, HPV prevention can be considered cancer prevention. A sample of medical students in Puerto Rico was evaluated to assess their knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccine, and HNC through two previously validated online questionnaires composed of 38 dichotomized questions, we measured HPV, HPV vaccination(HPVK), and HNC knowledge (HNCK). Out of 104 students surveyed, the mean HPVK score obtained was 20.07/26, SD = 3.86, while the mean score for HNCK was 6.37/12, SD = 1.78. Bidirectional stepwise regression showed study year and HPV Vaccine name had been the most influential variables on HPVK and HNCK. MS1 participants scored lower than MS2-MS4 participants, with no significant difference between MS2-MS4 scores. The results reveal knowledge gaps in HPV/HPV Vaccine and HNC among surveyed medical students. Our findings also suggest an association between knowledge of personal vaccination status, self-perceived risk, and how uncertainty in these factors may affect the medical students' understanding of HPV, HPV vaccination, and associated cancers.

Computational Analysis of the Tripartite Interaction of Phasins (PhaP4 and 5)-Sigma Factor (σ24)-DNA of Azospirillum brasilense Sp7.

Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 produces PHB, which is covered by granule-associated proteins (GAPs). Phasins are the main GAPs. Previous studies have shown phasins can regulate PHB synthesis. When A. brasilense grows under stress conditions, it uses sigma factors to transcribe genes for survival. One of these factors is the σ24 factor. This study determined the possible interaction between phasins and the σ24 factor or phasin-σ24 factor complex and DNA. Three-dimensional structures of phasins and σ24 factor structures were predicted using the I-TASSER and SWISS-Model servers, respectively. Subsequently, a molecular docking between phasins and the σ24 factor was performed using the ClusPro 2.0 server, followed by molecular docking between protein complexes and DNA using the HDOCK server. Evaluation of the types of ligand-receptor interactions was performed using the BIOVIA Discovery Visualizer for three-dimensional diagrams, as well as the LigPlot server to obtain bi-dimensional diagrams. The results showed the phasins (Pha4Abs7 or Pha5Abs7)-σ24 factor complex was bound near the -35 box of the promoter region of the phaC gene. However, in the individual interaction of PhaP5Abs7 and the σ24 factor, with DNA, both proteins were bound to the -35 box. This did not occur with PhaP4Abs7, which was bound to the -10 box. This change could affect the transcription level of the phaC gene and possibly affect PHB synthesis.

Father's Absence in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is associated with alterations in paternal behavior, T, cort, presence of ERα, and AR in mPOA/ BNST.

Testosterone (T), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and androgen receptor (AR) play a significant role in the regulation of paternal behavior. We determined the effects of deprivation of paternal care on alterations in paternal behavior, T concentrations in plasma, and the presence of ERα and AR in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial amygdala (MeA), and olfactory bulb (OB), as well as the corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in plasma caused by deprivation of paternal care in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Twenty pairs of gerbils were formed; the pups were deprived of paternal care (DPC) in 10 pairs. In another 10 pairs, the pups received paternal care (PC). Ten males raised in DPC condition and 10 males raised in PC conditions were mated with virgin females. When they became fathers, each DPC male and PC male was subjected to tests of paternal behavior on day three postpartum. Blood samples were obtained to quantify T and CORT concentrations, and the brains were removed for ERα and AR immunohistochemistry analyses. DPC males gave less care to their pups than PC males, and they had significantly lower T concentrations and levels of ERα and AR in the mPOA and BNST than PC males. DPC males also had higher CORT concentrations than PC males. These results suggest that in the Mongolian gerbil father's absence causes a decrease in paternal care in the offspring, which is associated with alterations in the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate it.

Lipopolymer mediated siRNA delivery targeting aberrant oncogenes for effective therapy of myeloid leukemia in preclinical animal models.

The clinical development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has led to great strides in improving the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. But even the new generation TKIs are rendered futile in the face of evolving landscape of acquired mutations leading to drug resistance, necessitating the pursuit of alternative therapeutic approaches. In contrast to exploiting proteins as targets like most conventional drugs and TKIs, RNA Interference (RNAi) exerts its therapeutic action towards disease-driving aberrant genes. To realize the potential of RNAi, the major challenge is to efficiently deliver the therapeutic mediator of RNAi, small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using aliphatic lipid (linoleic acid and lauric acid)-grafted polymers (lipopolymers) for the delivery of siRNAs against the FLT3 oncogene in AML and BCR-ABL oncogene in CML. The lipopolymer delivered siRNA potently suppressed the proliferation AML and CML cells via silencing of the targeted oncogenes. In both AML and CML subcutaneous xenografts generated in NCG mice, intravenously administered lipopolymer/siRNA complexes displayed significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Combining siFLT3 complexes with gilteritinib allowed for reduction of effective drug dosage, longer duration of remission, and enhanced survival after relapse, compared to gilteritinib monotherapy. Anti-leukemic activity of siBCR-ABL complexes was similar in wild-type and TKI-resistant cells, and therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in vivo through prolonged survival of the NCG hosts systemically implanted with TKI-resistant cells. These results demonstrate the preclinical efficacy of lipopolymer facilitated siRNA delivery, providing a novel therapeutic platform for myeloid leukemias.

Tuning the Potency of Farnesol-Modified Polyethylenimine with Polyanionic Trans-Booster to Enhance DNA Delivery.

Low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) based lipopolymers become an attractive strategy to construct nonviral therapeutic carriers with promising transfection efficiency and minimal toxicity. Herein, this paper presents the design and synthesis of novel farnesol (Far) conjugated PEI, namely PEI1.2k-SA-Far7. The polymers had quick DNA complexation, effective DNA unpacking (dissociation), and cellular uptake abilities when complexed with plasmid DNA. However, they were unable to provide robust transfection in culture, indicating inability of Far grafting to improve the transfection efficacy significantly. To overcome this limitation, the commercially available polyanionic Trans-Booster additive, which is capable of displaying electrostatic interaction with PEI1.2k-SA-Far7, has been used to enhance the uptake of pDNA polyplexes and transgene expression. pDNA condensation was successfully achieved in the presence of the Trans-Booster with more stable polyplexes, and in vitro transfection efficacy of the polyplexes was improved to be comparable to that obtained with an established reference reagent. The PEI1.2k-SA-Far7/pDNA/Trans-Booster ternary complex exhibited good compatibility with cells and minimal hemolysis activity. This work demonstrates the exemplary potency of using additives in polyplexes and the potential of resultant ternary complexes for effective pDNA delivery.

Role of Incretins in Muscle Functionality, Metabolism, and Body Composition in Breast Cancer: A Metabolic Approach to Understanding This Pathology.

A poorly studied issue in women with breast cancer is the role of incretins (GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)) in the quantity and quality of muscle mass in lean and obese individuals. The current report aims to analyze the patterns of association and the role of incretin in muscle functionality and body composition in women with cancer compared with healthy women (mammography BI-RADS I or II) to elucidate whether GIP and GLP-1 can be used to estimate the risk, in conjunction with overweight or obesity, for breast cancer. We designed a case-control study in women with a breast cancer diagnosis confirmed by biopsy in different clinical stages (CS; n = 87) and healthy women with a mastography BI-RADS I or II within the last year (n = 69). The women were grouped according to body mass index (BMI): lean (<25 kg/m2BS), overweight (≥25-<30 kg/m2BS), and obese (≥30 kg/m2BS). We found that GLP-1 and GIP levels over 18 pg/mL were associated with a risk of breast cancer (GIP OR = 36.5 and GLP-1 OR = 4.16, for the entire sample), particularly in obese women (GIP OR = 8.8 and GLP-1 OR = 6.5), and coincidentally with low muscle quality indexes, showed an association between obesity, cancer, incretin defects, and loss of muscle functionality.

Understanding and treating body image disturbances in eating disorders through body illusion interventions: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND: We plan a scoping review aimed to synthesize what is known about the use of sensory-driven body illusion (BI) interventions for understanding and treating body image disturbance (BID) in people diagnosed with clinical eating disorders (EDs) and people with subclinical ED symptomatology. Our study will provide an outline of the current literature, identify gaps within the literature, and suggest novel directions for future research. METHODS/DESIGN: The scoping review process will be guided by the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley, subsequent recommendations by Levac et al., and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The following electronic databases will be systematically searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Furthermore, to identify additional studies, we will use a search engine such as Google Scholar, and for grey literature, we will include Proquest for Dissertations and Theses. A search strategy has been identified and agreed upon by the research team in conjunction with a research librarian. Two researchers will screen the titles and abstracts independently and then assess the full text of the selected citations for the inclusion criteria. A third reviewer will be involved in cases of disagreement. Data will be extracted, collated, and charted to summarize all the relevant methods, outcomes, and key findings in the articles. DISCUSSION: A better understanding of this topic will aid in the development and refinement of current treatments aimed at treating BID in people with EDs. Implications and recommendations for research, policy, and practice in the context of the ED community will be discussed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/3bcm6/?view_only=83b2e8a2445d4266909992e3dfb51929.

Estudio Histológico en Embriones de Cobayo (Cavia porcellus) y su Utilidad como Modelo para la Comprensión del Desarrollo Embrionario Humano / Histological Study in Guinea Pig Embryos (Cavia porcellus) and its Usefulness as a Model for Understanding Human Embryonic Development

El cobayo es un modelo animal ampliamente utilizado en la investigación biomédica debido a sus similitudes biológicas con los seres humanos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es proporcionar sustento morfológico para utilizar preparados histológicos de embriones de cobayo como modelo de estudio para comprender los procesos del desarrollo embrionario humano. Nuestros resultados muestran que los embriones de cobayo presentan características morfológicas similares a las observadas en los embriones humanos, lo que sugiere que pueden utilizarse como un modelo efectivo para estudiar el desarrollo embrionario humano. Este hallazgo tiene importantes implicancias para la investigación y la docencia utilizando este modelo animal. Se analizaron preparados histológicos de embriones de cobayo teñidos con hematoxilina eosina, adquiridos por la Universidad Autónoma de Chile. Se tomaron microfotografías de preparados histológicos de cobayo en diferentes estadios del desarrollo y se seleccionaron las mejores imágenes para la descripción de estructuras y establecer estimados de la embriogénesis. Del análisis de los preparados se desprende que órganos como esófago, médula espinal y corazón presentan similitudes anatómicas e histológicas que hacen posible compararlas con el desarrollo embrionario humano y la edad de gestación en etapas tempranas. El uso de preparados de embriones de cobayo y su análisis desde un aspecto histológico resulta ser una estrategia metodológica factible debido a las similitudes en la embriogénesis de los mamíferos y las concordancias morfológicas con el desarrollo de los órganos entre humanos y roedores. Esto permite implementar este modelo animal como una herramienta para comprender el desarrollo embrionario humano.

SUMMARY: The guinea pig is an animal model widely used in biomedical research due to its biological similarities with humans. The objective of our study is to provide morphological support to use histological preparations of guinea pig embryos as a study model to understand the processes of human embryonic development. Our results show that guinea pig embryos present morphological characteristics similar to those observed in human embryos, suggesting that they can be used as an effective model to study human embryonic development. This finding has important implications for research and teaching using this animal model. Histological preparations of guinea pig embryos stained with hematoxylin eosin, acquired by the Autonomous University of Chile, were analyzed. Photomicrographs of histological preparations of guinea pigs at different stages of development were taken and the best images were selected to describe structures and establish estimates of embryogenesis. From the analysis of the preparations it is clear that organs such as the esophagus, spinal cord and heart present anatomical and histological similarities that make it possible to compare them with human embryonic development and gestation age in early stages. The use of guinea pig embryo preparations and their analysis from a histological aspect turns out to be a feasible methodological strategy due to the similarities in mammalian embryogenesis and the morphological concordances with the development of organs between humans and rodents. This allows this animal model to be implemented as a tool to understand human embryonic development.

Biodistribution of Therapeutic Small Interfering RNAs Delivered with Lipid-Substituted Polyethylenimine-Based Delivery Systems.

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have emerged as a powerful tool to manipulate gene expression in vitro. However, their potential therapeutic application encounters significant challenges, such as degradation in vivo, limited cellular uptake, and restricted biodistribution, among others. This study evaluates the siRNA delivery efficiency of three different lipid-substituted polyethylenimine (PEI)-based carriers, named Leu-Fect A-C, to different organs in vivo, including xenograft tumors, when injected into the bloodstream of mice. The siRNA analysis was undertaken by stem-loop RT-PCR, followed by qPCR or digital droplet PCR. Formulating siRNAs with a Leu-Fect series of carriers generated nanoparticles that effectively delivered the siRNAs into K652 and MV4-11 cells, both models of leukemia. The Leu-Fect carriers were able to successfully deliver BCR-Abl and FLT3 siRNAs into leukemia xenograft tumors in mice. All three carriers demonstrated significantly enhanced siRNA delivery into organs other than the liver, including the xenograft tumors. Preferential biodistribution of siRNAs was observed in the lungs and spleen. Among the delivery systems, Leu-Fect A exhibited the highest biodistribution into organs. In conclusion, lipid-substituted PEI-based delivery systems offer improvements in addressing pharmacokinetic challenges associated with siRNA-based therapies, thus opening avenues for their potential translation into clinical practice.

Structure-based Virtual Screening from Natural Products as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and ACE2-h Receptor Binding and their Biological Evaluation In vitro.

BACKGROUND: In the last years, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused more than 760 million infections and 6.9 million deaths. Currently, remains a public health problem with limited pharmacological treatments. Among the virus drug targets, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein attracts the development of new anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to identify new compounds derived from natural products (BIOFACQUIM and Selleckchem databases) as potential inhibitors of the spike receptor binding domain (RBD)-ACE2h binding complex. METHODS: Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and ADME-Tox analysis were performed to screen and select the potential inhibitors. ELISA-based enzyme assay was done to confirm our predictive model. RESULTS: Twenty compounds were identified as potential binders of RBD of the spike protein. In vitro assay showed compound B-8 caused 48% inhibition at 50 µM, and their binding pattern exhibited interactions via hydrogen bonds with the key amino acid residues present on the RBD. CONCLUSION: Compound B-8 can be used as a scaffold to develop new and more efficient antiviral drugs.

A Pilot Study of the Effect of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation on Micturition-Related Brain Activity and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms After Stroke.

PURPOSE: Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) is a novel neuromodulation modality developed to promote functional restoration in patients with neurological injury or disease. Previous pilot data suggest that lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) due to stroke may be partially alleviated by TSCS. In this study, we examine the mechanism of this effect by evaluating bladder-related brain activity in patients before and after TSCS therapy and comparing it to healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who developed storage LUTD after a stroke and healthy volunteers without LUTD were recruited. Patients and healthy volunteers underwent simultaneous urodynamics and functional MRI. Patients then completed 24 biweekly sessions of TSCS and underwent another simultaneous urodynamics-functional MRI study. Clinical outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires and voiding diary. RESULTS: Fifteen patients and 16 healthy volunteers completed the study. Following TSCS, patients exhibited increased blood-oxygen-level-dependent activity in areas including periaqueductal grey, the insula, the lateral prefrontal cortex, and motor cortex. Prior to TSCS therapy, healthy controls exhibited higher blood-oxygen-level-dependent activity in 17 regions, including multiple regions in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. These differences were attenuated after TSCS with no frontal brain differences remaining between healthy volunteers and stroke participants who completed therapy. Neuroimaging changes were complemented by clinically significant improvements in questionnaire scores and voiding diary parameters. CONCLUSIONS: TSCS therapy modulated bladder-related brain activity, reducing differences between healthy volunteers and stroke patients with LUTD. These changes, alongside improved clinical outcomes, suggest TSCS as a promising approach for LUTD management.

COVID-19-Associated Portal Vein Thrombosis Post-Cholecystitis.

This case study describes a 45-year-old Caucasian male with a past medical history of obesity, hypertension, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, who in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, developed portal vein thrombosis (PVT) presenting as an acute abdomen after hospital discharge from a cholecystitis episode. PVT is a very infrequent thromboembolic condition, classically occurring in patients with systemic conditions such as cirrhosis, malignancy, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, autoimmunity, and thrombophilia. PVT can cause serious complications, such as intestinal infarction, or even death, if not promptly treated. Due to the limited number of reports in the literature describing PVT in the COVID-19 setting, its prevalence, natural history, mechanism, and precise clinical features remain unknown. Therefore, clinical suspicion should be high for PVT, in any COVID-19 patient who presents with abdominal pain or associated signs and symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of COVID-19-associated PVT causing extensive thrombosis in the portal vein and its right branch, occurring in the setting of early-stage cirrhosis after a preceding episode of cholecystitis.

Metagenomics harvested genus-specific single-stranded DNA-annealing proteins improve and expand recombineering in Pseudomonas species.

The widespread Pseudomonas genus comprises a collection of related species with remarkable abilities to degrade plastics and polluted wastes and to produce a broad set of valuable compounds, ranging from bulk chemicals to pharmaceuticals. Pseudomonas possess characteristics of tolerance and stress resistance making them valuable hosts for industrial and environmental biotechnology. However, efficient and high-throughput genetic engineering tools have limited metabolic engineering efforts and applications. To improve their genome editing capabilities, we first employed a computational biology workflow to generate a genus-specific library of potential single-stranded DNA-annealing proteins (SSAPs). Assessment of the library was performed in different Pseudomonas using a high-throughput pooled recombinase screen followed by Oxford Nanopore NGS analysis. Among different active variants with variable levels of allelic replacement frequency (ARF), efficient SSAPs were found and characterized for mediating recombineering in the four tested species. New variants yielded higher ARFs than existing ones in Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and expanded the field of recombineering in Pseudomonas taiwanensisand Pseudomonas fluorescens. These findings will enhance the mutagenesis capabilities of these members of the Pseudomonas genus, increasing the possibilities for biotransformation and enhancing their potential for synthetic biology applications. .