Acidogenic fermentation is a technology that involves halting methanogenesis in the conventional anaerobic digestion process to produce mainly volatile fatty acids (VFAs). VFAs serve as direct precursors to energy-rich or higher value-added products upon undergoing additional processing. In this study, batch reactors were utilized to assess the individual and interaction effects of fermentation time and pH variables on VFA production from acidogenic fermentation of cassava wastewater through the establishment of a completely randomized design and a second-order response surface (rotatable central composite design), respectively. The maximum VFA production observed was 3444.04 mg of acetic acid (HAc)/L (0.58 gCOD_VFA/gCOD) in a fermentation time of 6 days, with acetic (48.5%), propionic (28.3%), and butyric (13.6%) acids identified as the main metabolites. Additionally, in the assessment of the effect of pH, the maximum VFA production reached 2547.72 mgHAc/L (0.34 gCOD_VFA/gCOD) at pH 5.9, and acetic acid was identified as the predominant organic acid. Statistically, the fermentation time and pH variables individually affect VFA production from cassava wastewater; however, the interaction between them generated a non-significant effect. Full article

Given the crucial predictive implications of microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancer (CRC), MSI screening is commonly performed in those with and at risk for CRC. Here, we compared results from immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) MSI assay on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 48 patients who underwent surgery for colon and rectal cancer by calculating Cohen’s kappa measurement (k), revealing high agreement between the methods (k = 0.915). We performed Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and univariate and multivariate Cox regression to assess the prognostic significance of ddPCR-based MSI and to identify clinicopathological features associated with CRC outcome. Patients with MSI-high had better overall survival (OS; p = 0.038) and disease-free survival (DFS; p = 0.049) than those with microsatellite stability (MSS). When stratified by primary tumor location, right-sided CRC patients with MSI-high showed improved DFS, relative to those with MSS (p < 0.001), but left-sided CRC patients did not. In multivariate analyses, MSI-high was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.221, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.026–0.870, p = 0.042), whereas the loss of DNA mismatch repair protein MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) expression was associated with worse OS (HR = 0.133, 95% CI: 0.001–1.152, p = 0.049). Our results suggest ddPCR is a promising tool for MSI detection. Given the opposing effects of MSI-high and MLH1 loss on OS, both ddPCR and IHC may be complementary for the prognostic assessment of CRC. Full article

We develop a frequency domain template subtraction approach to attenuate the maternal ECG in the abdominal ECG measured from pregnant women. The proposed approach was tested on five public fetal ECG datasets simultaneously measured with ECG from the fetal scalp. The method’s performance was compared with the template subtraction approach in the time domain using the accuracy and association metrics. The accuracy was calculated by counting the number of fetal complexes in the processed data that coincided with the fetal complexes in the scalp fetal ECG. The association is quantified as the coherence between the processed data and the gold standard. The maximum coherence values calculated for each approach were compared using the paired t-test. Our results showed no difference in the accuracy between the frequency and time domain approach (p = 0.733). However, the association was higher between the frequency domain data and the gold standard compared to the template subtraction data and the gold standard (p = 0.049), indicating that the frequency domain approach yielded a signal that resembled that of the scalp ECG compared to the time domain approach. Full article

Viruses exploit the host cell machinery to enable infection and propagation. This review discusses the complex landscape of DNA virus–host interactions, focusing primarily on herpesviruses and adenoviruses, which replicate in the nucleus of infected cells, and vaccinia virus, which replicates in the cytoplasm. We discuss experimental approaches used to discover and validate interactions of host proteins with viral genomes and how these interactions impact processes that occur during infection, including the host DNA damage response and viral genome replication, repair, and transcription. We highlight the current state of knowledge regarding virus–host protein interactions and also outline emerging areas and future directions for research. Full article

The combustion characteristics of micro-combustors significantly impact the performance of micro-thermophotovoltaic (MTPV) systems. This study aims to investigate the effects of sinusoidal-shaped walls and catalyst segmentation on flame stability and combustion performance in a micro-combustor by using numerical methods. The numerical simulation with detailed gas-phase and surface reaction mechanisms is reliable, as the results of numerical simulation align with experimental data. The results show that the interplay between flame stability and sinusoidal-shaped walls is crucial, particularly because of the cavities formed by the sinusoidal-shaped walls of the micro-combustor. The gas-phase ignition position of the sinusoidal-shaped wall combustor moves upstream by 0.050 m compared to the planar-wall combustor, but the flame is stretched. The catalyst segments coated on the crest can shorten the flame length and increase the average temperature by a maximum 62 K, but delay the gas-phase ignition. Conversely, catalyst segments coated on the trough can advance ignition, but this results in flame elongation and a decrease in the average temperature. The rational combination of catalyst segmentation and sinusoidal-shaped walls facilitates moving the ignition position upstream by a maximum of 0.065 m while substantially reducing the length of the combustor required for complete fuel conversion by more than 60%. These attributes are highly beneficial for improving efficiency and minimizing the length of the micro-combustor for MTPV application. Full article

The relationship between DM yield/cutting and the fermentable organic matter (FOM) content of tropical grasses was appropriately investigated to re-assess optimal grass maturity to feed dairy cattle. Nine different grass species belonging to the genera Brachiaria spp. (Mulato II, Ruzi), Panicum spp. (Guinea, Hamil, Mombasa, TD58), and Pennisetum spp. (King, Napier, VA06) were chemically analysed and subjected to an in vitro gas production (IVGP) test. For 72 h, gas production (GP) was continuously recorded with fully automated equipment. A triphasic, nonlinear, regression procedure was applied to analyse GP profiles. Across all the grasses, it was found that the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents increased with increasing maturity of the grass while the CP contents decreased with increasing NDF contents. In all nine grasses, digestible organic matter (dOM) was significantly affected by the week of cutting but IVGP was similar between the weeks of cutting in Ruzi, Hamil, Mombasa, and Napier grasses. Except for Guinea grass, the lowest dOM values were found when the grasses were cut after ≥5 weeks of regrowth. Harvesting grass one or two weeks earlier than the normal cutting time is a practically relevant intervention in increasing forage quality and productivity of dOM and fermentation potential. Full article

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) results from protozoa Leishmania infantum and L. donovani infection. This study investigated whether host factors would explain the relapses. First, susceptibility to amphotericin B of L. infantum isolates was evaluated in vitro. Then, clinical data and the lipid profile of patients with relapsing and non-relapsing VL were assessed. Susceptibility to amphotericin B was similar between the isolates. CD4+ lymphocytes were reduced in both groups of patients in the first episode and with relapsing VL. Still, the strongest blood cell indicator associated with relapses was low total lymphocyte counts. Total plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and, uniquely, triglycerides of the six individuals in the first episode and twenty-three with relapsing VL were lower in relapsing patients than those in the first episode. Deceased patients had extremely low low-density lipoprotein. After CD4+ decreases, lymphocyte CD8+ reduction is the final stage of immunological failure. The lower lipid concentrations appear to be secondary to the depletion of fat stores by inflammation-induced cachexia and fat exhaustion provoked by the co-occurrence of both diseases, which can finally lead to death. Full article

In orthopedics and dentistry, there is an urgent need to obtain low-stiffness implants that suppress the stress shielding caused by the use of metallic implants. In this study, we aimed to fabricate alloys that can reduce the stiffness by increasing the strength while maintaining a low Young’s modulus based on the metastable β-Ti alloy. We designed alloys in which Ti was partially replaced by Zr based on the ISO-approved metastable β-Ti alloy Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al. All alloys prepared by arc melting and subsequent solution treatment showed a single β-phase solid solution, with no formation of the ω-phase. The alloys exhibited a low Young’s modulus equivalent to that of Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al and a high strength superior to that of Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al and Ti-6Al-4V. This strengthening was presumed to be due to solid-solution strengthening. The biocompatibility of the alloys was as good as or better than that of Ti-6Al-4V. These alloys have potential as metallic materials suitable for biomedical applications. Full article

The skin mycobiota plays a significant role in infection risk, pathogen transmission, and personalized medicine approaches in intensive care settings. This prospective multicenter study aimed to enhance our understanding of intensive care units’ (ICUs’) Candida colonization dynamics, identify modifiable risk factors, and assess their impact on survival risk. Specimens were taken from 675, 203, and 110 patients at the admission (D1), 5th (D5), and 8th (D8) days of ICU stay, respectively. The patient’s demographic and clinical data were collected. Candida isolates were identified by conventional culture-based microbiology combined with molecular approaches. Overall, colonization was 184/675 (27.3%), 87/203 (42.8%), and 58/110 (52.7%) on D1, D5, and D8, respectively. Candida colonization dynamics were significantly associated with ICU type (odds ratio (OR) = 2.03, 95% CI 1.22–3.39, p = 0.007), respiratory infection (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.17–2.58, p = 0.006), hemodialysis (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.17–4.10, p = 0.014), COVID-19 (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.99, p = 0.048), and with a poor 3-month outcome (p = 0.008). Skin Candida spp. colonization can be an early warning tool to generate valuable insights into the epidemiology, risk factors, and survival rates of critically ill patients, and should be considered for epidemiological surveillance. Full article

Background: Recognizing the positive or negative effects of students’ mental health promotes personal development, well-being, and academic success. Academic life exposes college students to multiple adjustments, demands, and vulnerabilities that can cause stress and mental health problems. This study aims to identify psychological well-being and psychological distress effects on college students’ mental health. Methods: A correlational study was designed involving a non-probabilistic 560 sample of students (446 women) aged 18 to 41 years (M = 19.6; SD = 1.68). An online self-report questionnaire was used including demographic, relational, academic, and health behaviors variables, and the measures: Mental Health Inventory; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Academic Life Satisfaction Scale; and Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Results: Regression analyses indicate that male students, dating, good academic performance, exercise, sleeping seven hours, satisfaction with social support, and academic life satisfaction were significant correlates (p < 0.05) of psychological well-being, with the last two having great weight in the model. Females, low income, aged 21–24 years, sleeping less than 6 h, moderate psychological vulnerability, and perception of vulnerability were significant (p < 0.05) negative effects of psychological distress. Conclusions: This study addresses the positive and negative effects of psychological well-being and distress in college students. Specific mental health promotion and morbidity prevention programs can improve students’ mental health literacy and resilience. Full article

Undeniably, COVID-19 disrupted higher education. The concepts of traditional learning were challenged, online learning was thrust into the mainstream in colleges and universities, and the student population was unavoidably affected. It became apparent that maintaining the status quo that existed prior to the pandemic was not the path to the future sustainability of higher education. As higher education institutions began the long road to recovery, important challenges emerged due to increased demand for online learning and emotional health concerns for students. The current research collected data from online undergraduates at private and public universities in the United States for multivariate data analyses to examine controllable elements in the online learning environment that can enhance student quality of life and psychological well-being. These elements relate to perseverance for students and may promote the sustainability of higher education institutions. The focus of this study is to emphasize the importance of reinforcing online students’ emotional health as an important sustainability strategy for higher education. The findings confirm that higher education institutions can facilitate online students’ quality of life and psychological well-being by implementing elements into the classroom that create procedural and interpersonal justice, which enhances the formation of social and structural bonds. Full article

Background and Objectives: In recent years, there has been a notable increase in university students experiencing severe mental illness. The transition to university life can be demanding, leading to mental health disorders. Persistent stress and anxiety can cause demotivation, difficulties with concentration, cognitive impairment, and reduced academic performance. Mental health issues can also impact social relationships and overall well-being. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the mental health of medical students and compare it with the mental health of the non-student population. Materials and Methods: The survey collected demographic information such as age and gender. Participants were questioned about their self-perceived mental distress, diagnosed mental disorders, and history of therapy for mental distress. Various validated assessment tools were utilized to assess mental health and quality of life. Results: Medical students exhibit a higher self-perception of mental symptoms that does not translate into a significantly higher prevalence of diagnosed mental disorders. Medical students experience higher levels of anxiety and subclinical depressive symptoms and lower quality of life. Female participants reported lower QoL scores and higher levels of anxiety symptoms compared with male participants. While the prevalence of mental disorders did not differ significantly between genders (except for clinical anxiety), females tended to perceive a higher burden of mental health challenges. Conclusions: By addressing mental health issues among medical students, especially females, institutions can create a more supportive and conducive learning environment. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and providing accessible mental health services can help in destigmatizing mental health challenges and promoting early intervention when needed. Full article

Multidrug- and artemisinin-resistant (ART-R) Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites represent a challenge for malaria elimination worldwide. Molecular monitoring in the Kelch domain region (pfk13) gene allows tracking mutations in parasite resistance to artemisinin. The increase in illegal miners in the Roraima Yanomami indigenous land (YIL) could favor ART-R parasites. Thus, this study aimed to investigate ART-R in patients from illegal gold mining areas in the YIL of Roraima, Brazil. A questionnaire was conducted, and blood was collected from 48 patients diagnosed with P. falciparum or mixed malaria (Pf + P. vivax). The DNA was extracted and the pfk13 gene was amplified by PCR. The amplicons were subjected to DNA-Sanger-sequencing and the entire amplified fragment was analyzed. Among the patients, 96% (46) were from illegal mining areas of the YIL. All parasite samples carried the wild-type genotypes/ART-sensitive phenotypes. These data reinforce the continued use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Roraima, as well as the maintenance of systematic monitoring for early detection of parasite populations resistant to ART, mainly in regions with an intense flow of individuals from mining areas, such as the YIL. This is especially true when the achievement of falciparum malaria elimination in Brazil is planned and expected by 2030. Full article

Environmental decontamination and water disinfection practices are hallmarks of disease prevention and control in agricultural and public health settings. Informed fit-to-purpose biocontainment is thus dependent on methodologies accurately assessing microbial burden and viability. Also, rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of biocontrol measures implies monitoring microbial inactivation after decontamination/disinfection procedures. In this study, we used flow cytometry coupled with a resuscitation protocol to monitor the metabolic inactivation of bacteria capable of entering non-cultivable states, after the application of a chlorine-based water disinfectant. For this purpose, we used Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a model of slow-growing bacteria able to enter dormancy and representing a multi-host pathogen in a zoonotic disease system—animal tuberculosis—thriving both across temperate and semi-arid regions and involving environmental contamination. The biocide activity of a commercial sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) disinfectant against M. bovis BCG was evaluated through mock environmental matrix tests. Using the manufacturer-recommended dosage of NaDCC, BCG cells were apparently inactivated after 24 h upon exposure. However, we show via flow cytometry that, upon exposure to optimal growth conditions, mycobacterial cells were able to regain metabolic activity shortly after, highlighting a sublethal effect of NaDCC at the recommended commercial dosage due to reversible BCG cell damage. In contrast, increasing twice the disinfectant dosage completely inactivated BCG cells after 24 h of exposure, with full irreversible loss of metabolic activity. Methodological workflows based on conventional culture or PCR would have missed the detection of these dormant subpopulations that were in fact able to resume growth when following the recommendations of a commercial disinfectant. This study highlights the superior, high-resolution value of single-cell approaches, such as flow cytometry, to accurately assess the activity of biocides against metabolically heterogeneous and dormant pathogenic bacteria with environmental cycles, supporting data-driven prioritization of environmental management and disinfection options in contaminated vulnerable settings. Full article

In the present study, a Google Forms survey open questionnaire was applied to identify variables in hygiene habits that influence the contamination of toothbrushes in Mexican homes. A total of 275 questionnaires were validated, and 18 samples were analyzed to determine microbiology indicator groups (Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria [MAB], Coliform Organisms [CO], and Yeast and Molds [Y/M]) with dilution and plate casting methods. Results were compared with data obtained from surveys, which were encoded to construct conglomerates. Interestingly, a higher microbial count was found in toothbrushes stored in cases (4.9 × 10⁹ CFU/mL for MAB, 4.43 × 10⁹ CFU/mL for CO, and 4.38 × 10⁹ CFU/mL for Y/M), while the use and disposal of toothbrushes following recommendations of life expectancy limited bacterial growth (<10 CFU/mL for CO and Y/M), reducing the possible growth of pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas, among others. Finally, most people do not have the habit of disinfecting their toothbrushes periodically. Further, the survey revealed that disinfection techniques applied by a limited group (14% of the respondents) are improvised and are not standardized with the objective of disinfection. Full article

The use of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ) technology for surface treatment of carbon fabrics is investigated to estimate the increase in the fracture toughness of carbon-fiber composite materials. Nitrogen and a nitrogen–hydrogen gas mixture were used to size the carbon fabrics by preliminarily optimizing the process parameters. The effects of the APPJ on the carbon fabrics were investigated by using optical and chemical characterizations. Optical Emission Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflection, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy were adopted to assess the effectiveness of ablation and etching effects of the treatment, in terms of grafting of new functional groups and active sites. The treated samples showed an increase in chemical groups grafted onto the surfaces, and a change in carbon structure was influential in the case of chemical interaction with epoxy groups of the epoxy resin adopted. Flexural test, Double Cantilever Beam and End-Notched Flexure tests were then carried out to characterize the composite and evaluate the fracture toughness in Mode I and Mode II, respectively. N₂/H₂ specimens showed significant increases in G_IC and G_IIC, compared to the untreated specimens, and slight increases in P_max at the first crack propagation. Full article

Chlorogenic acid is one of the most prominent bioactive phenolic acids with great pharmacological, cosmetic and nutritional value. The potential of Berula erecta in tissue culture was investigated for the production of chlorogenic acid and its elicitation combined with light of different wavelengths and low temperature. The content of chlorogenic acid in the samples was determined by HPLC-UV, while the content of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of their ethanol extracts were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The highest fresh and dry biomasses were obtained in plants grown at 23 °C. This is the first study in which chlorogenic acid has been identified and quantified in Berula erecta. The highest chlorogenic acid content was 4.049 mg/g DW. It was determined in a culture grown for 28 days after the beginning of the experiment at 12 °C and under blue light. The latter also contained the highest content of total phenolic compounds, and its extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity. Berula erecta could, potentially, be suitable for the in vitro production of chlorogenic acid, although many other studies should be conducted before implementation on an industrial scale. Full article

The significant differences in data domains between SAR images and the expensive and time-consuming process of data labeling pose significant challenges to terrain classification. Current terrain classification methodologies face challenges in addressing domain disparities and detecting uncommon terrain effectively. Based on Style Transformation and Domain Metrics (STDMs), we propose an unsupervised domain adaptive framework named STDM-UDA for terrain classification in this paper, which consists of two steps: image style transfer and domain adaptive segmentation. As a first step, image style transfer is performed within the image space to mitigate the differences in low-level features between SAR image domains. Subsequently, leveraging this process, the segmentation network extracts image features, employing domain metrics and adversarial training to enhance alignment between domain gaps in the semantic feature space. Finally, experiments conducted on several pairs of SAR images, each exhibiting varying degrees of differences in key imaging parameters such as source, resolution, band, and polarization, demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method. It achieves remarkably competitive classification accuracy, particularly for unlabeled, high-resolution broad scenes, effectively overcoming the domain gaps introduced by the diverse imaging parameters under studies. Full article

This study investigates the process of long-term (bio)degradation of polyethylene (PE) in an old municipal waste landfill (MWL) and its implications for environmental and human health. Advanced techniques, such as ICP–ES/MS and IC–LC, were used to analyze heavy metals and anions/cations, demonstrating significant concentration deviations from control samples. The soil’s chemical composition revealed numerous hazardous organic compounds, further indicating the migration of additives from PE to the soil. Toxicological assessments, including Phytotoxkit F^TM, Microtox^® bioassay, and Ostracodtoxkit^®, demonstrated phytotoxicity, acute toxicity, and high mortality in living organisms (over 85% for Heterocypris Incongruens). An unusual concentration of contaminants in the MWL’s middle layers, linked to Poland’s economic changes during the 1980s and 1990s, suggests increased risks of pollutant migration, posing additional environmental and health threats. Moreover, the infiltration capability of microorganisms, including pathogens, into PE structures raises concerns about potential groundwater contamination through the landfill bottom. This research underscores the need for vigilant management and updated strategies to protect the environment and public health, particularly in older landfill sites. Full article

The present study was performed to determine the chemical constituents, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of the aerial parts of Glaucium acutidentatum Hausskn. and Bornm. (family Papaveraceae). Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared by maceration, homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) and infusion. Results showed that the highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents were obtained from the methanol extracts obtained by HAE (53.22 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g) and maceration (30.28 ± 0.51 mg RE/g), respectively. The aporphine, beznyltetrahydroisoquinoline, and protopine types of Glaucium alkaloids have been tentatively identified. Among them, glaucine was identified in all extracts. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, organic acids and fatty acids were also detected. Methanolic extract obtained using the HAE method displayed the highest anti-DPPH (41.42 ± 0.62 mg TE/g), total antioxidant (1.20 ± 0.17 mmol TE/g), Cu²⁺ (113.55 ± 6.44 mg TE/g), and Fe³⁺ (74.52 ± 4.74 mg TE/g) reducing properties. The aqueous extracts obtained by infusion and HAE methods exerted the best anti-ABTS (103.59 ± 1.49 mg TE/g) and chelating (19.81 ± 0.05 mg EDTAE/g) activities, respectively. Methanolic extract from HAE recorded the highest acetylcholinesterase (2.55 ± 0.10 mg GALAE/g) and α-amylase (0.51 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g) inhibition activities, while that obtained by maceration showed the best butyrylcholinesterase (3.76 ± 0.31 mg GALAE/g) inhibition activity. Both extracts revealed the best tyrosinase inhibitory activity (25.15 ± 1.00 and 26.79 ± 2.36 mg KAE/g, p ≥ 0.05). G. acutidentatum maceration-derived aqueous extract showed selective anticancer activity against cells originating from human hypopharyngeal carcinoma. In conclusion, these findings indicated that G. acutidentatum is a promising source of alkaloids and phenolic compounds for variable pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

The cell-free aqueous extract from the coelomic fluid of Holothuria tubulosa was prepared and examined for its glucose-lowering effect on HepG2 cells in vitro. In particular, employing a combination of cytochemical, flow cytometric, PCR, and protein blot techniques, we evaluated its role on glucose internalization and storage and on the upregulation and surface translocation of the two glucose transporters GLUT-2 and -4. The changes in expression, synthesis, and/or activation of the GLUT2-related transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1α) and the GLUT-4-translocation regulatory factors insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and AKT were also studied. Our results showed the improved glucose response by HepG2 cells, leading to an evident increase in glucose consumption/uptake and glycogen storage upon exposure. Moreover, the extract induced molecular reprogramming involving the upregulation of (i) IRS1 gene expression, (ii) the transcription and translation levels of HNF1α, AKT, and GLUT-4, (iii) the phosphorylation level of AKT, (iv) the synthesis of GLUT-2 protein, and (v) the translocation of GLUT-2 and -4 transporters onto the plasma membrane. Cumulatively, our results suggest that the coelomic fluid extract from H. tubulosa can be taken into consideration for the development of novel treatment agents against diabetes mellitus. Full article