to analyze traffic accident mortality in 33 cities in Argentina with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants during the period 2010-2016. Ecological study in 33 Argentine cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Data from the Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud, linked to the cities of the SALURBAL project, were used. Deaths due to traffic accidents were identified with ICD-10 codes. Specific rates were calculated by age, sex and type of user, and age-adjusted rates were calculated using the direct method. A total of 17,606 deaths were recorded. The crude rate was 8.65 per 100,000 population. Adjusted rates decreased in 2015 and 2016, with heterogeneity between cities. Males aged 20-24 years presented the highest risk. Automobile occupants had the highest rates in both sexes. This study provides an important advancement in the analysis of traffic accident mortality focused on large urban agglomerations in Argentina. These results, together with other approaches, allow for a comprehensive and detailed understanding of this complex problem in order to obtain valuable information that leads to effective and sustainable solutions for the prevention and reduction of traffic accidents, thereby improving road safety and protecting the health and lives of people. Analizar la mortalidad por accidentes de tránsito en 33 ciudades argentinas con más de 100.000 habitantes entre 2010 y 2016. Estudio ecológico en 33 ciudades argentinas con más de 100.000 habitantes. Se utilizaron datos de la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud, vinculados a las ciudades del proyecto SALURBAL. Las muertes por accidentes de tránsito se identificaron con códigos CIE-10. Se calcularon tasas específicas por edad, sexo y tipo de usuario, y tasas ajustadas por edad mediante el método directo. Se registraron 17.606 muertes. La tasa cruda fue de 8,65 por 100.000 habitantes. Las tasas ajustadas disminuyeron en 2015 y 2016, con heterogeneidad entre ciudades. Los varones de 20 a 24 años presentaron el mayor riesgo. Los ocupantes de automóviles tuvieron las tasas más altas en ambos sexos. Este estudio aporta un avance importante en el análisis de la mortalidad por accidentes de tránsito focalizado en grandes aglomerados urbanos de Argentina. Estos resultados juntamente con otros abordajes permiten comprender de manera integral y detallada este complejo problema, con el fin de obtener información valiosa que conduzca a soluciones efectivas y sostenibles para la prevención y reducción de los accidentes de tránsito, mejorando así la seguridad vial y protegiendo la salud y la vida de las personas.
Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and high rates of recurrence following platinum-based chemotherapy. Growing evidence implicates cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in OC relapse, as these cells exhibit enhanced chemoresistance, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the capacity to remodel the tumor microenvironment. Inhibitors of DNA-binding (ID) 1-4 proteins are transcription factors with known redundancy; however, their collective role in OC chemotherapy response remains poorly defined. Here, we examined how ID family signaling responds to chemotherapy and contributes to CSC-associated features and microenvironment remodeling. Methods: Publicly available patient data, OC cell lines, and a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model were used to correlate changes in ID1-4 expression with CSCs, EMT, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). OC cell lines were used for in vitro assays to evaluate CSC features and IL-6 production in the presence of carboplatin and/or a small molecule inhibitor of ID proteins, AGX51. Results: Analysis of clinical datasets, cell lines, and in vivo models revealed enrichment of ID1-4 following chemotherapy, with additive increases across treatment cycles. In vivo ID2 and ID4 expression was associated with IL-6 secretion and loss of anti-tumoral macrophages. Pan-ID inhibition demonstrated that cumulative ID activity minimally supports CSC maintenance during chemotherapy, while more strongly regulating IL-6 secretion. Conclusions: IL-6 production from cancer cells was at least partially dependent on ID proteins, linking collective ID signaling to microenvironment remodeling and relapse potential in ovarian cancer.
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) remain a major global public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In eastern Colombia, the department of Meta reports a high incidence of arboviral infections such as dengue, as well as parasitic diseases including malaria and leishmaniasis. This study aimed to conduct baseline entomological surveillance and molecular screening of Diptera vectors to detect the circulation of arboviruses and parasitic pathogens in two municipalities of Meta, Fuente de Oro and Vista Hermosa. Adult mosquitoes and sand flies were collected in both municipalities and identified primarily at the genus level, with Anopheles specimens identified to species level. A total of 790 insects were collected, of which 780 were processed in 148 pools and 10 were analyzed individually. Molecular detection of pathogens was performed using PCR and RT-PCR to screen for dengue virus (DENV) serotypes, Zika virus (ZIKV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Oropouche virus (OROV), Plasmodium spp., and Leishmania spp. DENV was detected in 34.8% (55/158) of the processed pools, with DENV-1 identified as the most prevalent serotype. Culex was the most abundant genus overall, particularly in Fuente de Oro, while Aedes predominated in Vista Hermosa. MIR estimates indicated higher molecular detection likelihood in Aedes compared with Culex. Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum were detected in pools of Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles rangeli, respectively. No molecular evidence of Leishmania DNA was detected in Lutzomyia specimens, and no positive detections were observed for ZIKV, CHIKV, or OROV. The molecular detection of DENV and Plasmodium spp. in field-collected vectors provides valuable baseline evidence of pathogen circulation in Meta, Colombia. While the findings do not imply vector competence, they highlight the importance of sustained entomological surveillance to inform integrated vector control strategies and guide future studies incorporating species-level identification and longitudinal sampling in endemic regions.
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells, primarily driven by JAK2 mutations. Even though there are established diagnostic and therapeutic standards, there is not a lot of information about the clinical and molecular features of PV in Latin America. Our aim was to characterize the demographic, clinical, hematological, and treatment characteristics of patients with polycythemia vera at a specialized hematology/oncology center in southern Colombia. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis involving patients aged 18 years and older diagnosed with polycythemia vera at Hemato Oncólogos S.A. and Clínica Imbanaco in Cali, Colombia, from July 2015 to July 2023. We looked at 59 consecutive medical records to get demographic information, JAK2 mutational status, hematologic parameters, initial treatment, relapse reasons, and outcomes. We used descriptive statistics and compared groups using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Student's t-test, ANOVA, or non-parametric alternatives for continuous variables. A p-value under 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There were 59 patients in all, with a slight male majority (50.8%) and an average age of 70.1 ± 12.3 years; the average age at diagnosis was 60.1 ± 11.3 years. In 61.0% of patients, JAK2 mutations were found, and in 81.4% of patients, the risk was high. The average hemoglobin level upon diagnosis was 17.2 ± 2.9 g/dL, but by the last follow-up, it had dropped to 14.4 ± 2.6 g/dL. The main treatments were acetylsalicylic acid plus hydroxyurea (32.2%) or phlebotomy (28.8%). During the follow-up period (mean 0.9 ± 3.6 years), 37.3% of individuals experienced recurrence, sometimes requiring an increase in treatment to hydroxyurea or ruxolitinib. The overall death rate was 15.3%. No statistically significant differences were seen between patients who survived and those who died concerning baseline hemoglobin, age, JAK2 status, or therapeutic mode. This study provides one of the first extensive characterizations of PV in southern Colombia, confirming internationally recognized clinical features, including advanced age at diagnosis, increased prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, and a predominance of high-risk classification. The low rate of finding JAK2 mutations suggests that molecular testing may not be as easy to get as it could be. Even if the treatment followed the guidelines, the risk of recurrence and thrombosis remained, showing that PV is a long-term and worsening condition. These findings highlight the urgent need to expand access to molecular diagnostics, develop tailored risk-adapted medicines, and initiate prospective multicenter studies in Latin America to optimize outcomes and quality of life in PV.
In the original publication [...].
Background/Objectives: Non-specific chronic neck pain is one of the biggest problems in the current population, with high levels of pain and disability and a decrease in the quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess possible variables that may be associated with neck pain, such as disability, pain, quality of life, sex, neck muscle endurance, active range of motion (AROM) and frequency of drug use. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of non-specific chronic neck pain with a total of 105 subjects. The variables pain-related disability, pain, quality of life, sex, AROM and frequency of drug use were evaluated. Results: A total of 105 patients with chronic neck pain were included (mean age 40.47 ± 12.18 years; 67.6% women). Neck pain-related disability showed significant negative correlations with all cervical AROM variables, particularly left rotation (r = -0.507) and right rotation (r = -0.489) (p < 0.001). Disability was also negatively correlated with health-related quality of life (r = -0.604) and positively correlated with pain intensity (r = 0.414) and frequency of drug consumption (r = 0.546) (p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that disability was associated with reduced left rotation mobility and higher drug consumption (R2 = 0.424). Pain intensity was associated with female sex, reduced right rotation mobility, and higher drug consumption (R2 = 0.246). Lower health-related quality of life was associated with higher drug consumption and female sex (R2 = 0.174). Conclusions: Being female, having a reduction in active rotational mobility, and a high frequency of drug consumption are associated with greater pain-related disability and pain intensity, and a lower HRQoL in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain.
Seizure-induced brain injury is central to the treatment urgency of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). Identifying biomarkers that reflect ongoing neuronal damage could inform therapeutic timing and improve outcomes. To quantify acute brain injury in patients with cryptogenic NORSE (cNORSE), etiology-defined status epilepticus (eSE), and chronic epilepsy. This was an international cross-sectional study conducted between 2013 and 2025. Patients were enrolled at 36 hospitals in the US, 2 in Canada, and 1 in Italy, France, and Belgium. Patients with cNORSE and eSE for which biological samples were obtained during ongoing seizure activity were enrolled in the study. Comparison groups without status epilepticus comprised individuals with chronic epilepsy and healthy participants. None were excluded. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and S100-beta (S100B) protein concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Degree of neuronal and glial damage, indexed by NfL and S100B levels, and their association with short-term functional outcomes. A total of 78 patients with cNORSE (mean [95% CI] age, 37 [30-41] years; 44 female [56%]) and 2 independent cohorts of 211 patients (mean [95% CI] age, 69 [66-71] years; 128 female [61%]) and 73 patients (mean [95% CI] age, 56 [45-65] years; 39 male [53%]) with eSE were included. NfL concentrations were markedly elevated in cNORSE-approximately 10-fold higher in CSF and 4-fold higher in serum-compared with the eSE cohorts (CSF: median [IQR], 6408 [1503-22 963] pg/mL compared with 694 [219-2389] pg/mL; serum: median [IQR], 231 [99-855] pg/mL compared with 55 [20-135] pg/mL; P <.001). Serum NfL levels were nearly 20-fold higher in cNORSE than in the cohort with epilepsy and in healthy controls (median [IQR], 11 [7-19 ] and 7 [5-14 ] pg/mL, respectively). Serum and CSF NfL levels were strongly correlated (Spearman ρ = 0.75; P < .001) and rose sharply between week 1 (median [IQR], 101 [51-137] pg/mL), week 2 (median [IQR], 197 [117-324] pg/mL), and week 3 (median [IQR], 598 [163-1000] pg/mL) after onset (P < .001). In contrast, S100B concentrations did not differ between groups and showed no consistent temporal pattern. NfL discriminated cNORSE from eSE (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90) and from cohorts without status epilepticus (AUROC, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.78-1.00). Higher serum NfL was independently associated with poor functional outcome at discharge (Glasgow Outcome Scale extended score, 1-4; odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .03). Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that acute neuroaxonal injury, as reflected by elevated NfL levels, was substantially greater in cNORSE than in the cohorts with eSE and in controls without status epilepticus. The rapid early rise in NfL highlights a narrow therapeutic window, emphasizing the need for prompt, effective, and potentially neuroprotective interventions in cNORSE.
Extensive research has examined extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in memory and synaptic plasticity, yet the mechanisms linking ERK activity to memory stabilization remain unclear. ERK dimerization is required for the activation of cytoplasmic targets involved in plasticity. Here, we investigated the role of ERK2 dimerization in long-term memory reconsolidation and synaptic plasticity. Reactivation of weak inhibitory avoidance (wIA) memory significantly reduced hippocampal ERK2 dimerization. Post-reactivation, intrahippocampal infusion of the ERK dimerization inhibitor DEL-22379 (DEL) produced bidirectional effects, impairing reconsolidation of strong inhibitory avoidance (sIA) memory, while enhancing reconsolidation of wIA memory. DEL administration efficiently blocked hippocampal ERK2 dimerization and impaired maintenance of high-frequency stimulation-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal slices. These findings demonstrate that ERK2 dimerization occurs in the intact mouse brain and plays a critical role in IA memory and synaptic plasticity, highlighting its relevance in memory reconsolidation processes.
Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an uncommon but serious complication of advanced cirrhosis, characterized by transudative pleural effusion in the absence of cardiopulmonary or renal pathology. Despite its relatively low prevalence, HH carries significant morbidity and mortality, often presenting complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The pathogenesis of HH is multifactorial, primarily involving the passage of ascitic fluid through diaphragmatic defects, exacerbated by altered hemodynamics, hypoalbuminemia, and neurohormonal dysregulation. Diagnosis relies on identifying transudative pleural effusion and excluding alternative etiologies. Management requires a stepwise multidisciplinary approach. Initial therapy includes sodium restriction, diuretics, and paracentesis to control ascites. Refractory cases may require serial thoracenteses, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), or surgical interventions in selected cases. Liver transplantation remains the definitive treatment leading to survival outcomes comparable to other transplant indications. HH develops in advanced cirrhosis and predicts a poor prognosis, with median survival often less than 1 year without transplantation. Optimal care requires early recognition, individualized treatment planning, and close multidisciplinary coordination between hepatology, pulmonology, interventional radiology, and surgical teams. Further research is needed to refine risk stratification and establish standardized management algorithms to improve patient outcomes. O hidrotórax hepático (HH) é uma complicação pouco frequente, mas grave, da cirrose avançada, caracterizada por um derrame pleural transudativo na ausência de patologia cardiopulmonar ou renal subjacente. Apesar da sua prevalência relativamente baixa, o HH associa-se a morbilidade e mortalidade significativas, apresentando frequentemente desafios diagnósticos e terapêuticos complexos. A patogénese do HH é multifatorial, envolvendo principalmente a passagem de líquido ascítico através de defeitos diafragmáticos, sendo exacerbada por alterações hemodinâmicas, hipoalbuminemia e desregulação neuro-hormonal. O diagnóstico baseia-se na identificação de um derrame pleural transudativo e na exclusão de etiologias alternativas. O tratamento requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar sistematizada em etapas sucessivas. A terapêutica inicial inclui restrição de sódio, diuréticos e paracenteses para controlo da ascite. Nos casos refratários pode ser necessária a realização de toracocenteses seriadas, a colocação de um shunt portossistémico intra-hepático transjugular (TIPS) ou intervenções cirúrgicas em doentes selecionados. O transplante hepático permanece como tratamento definitivo, proporcionando sobrevidas comparáveis a outras indicações de transplante. O HH surge na cirrose avançada e associa-se a um prognóstico reservado, com sobrevida frequentemente inferior a um ano na ausência de transplante. A abordagem otimizada requer reconhecimento precoce, planeamento terapêutico individualizado e estreita coordenação multidisciplinar entre equipas de hepatologia, pneumologia, radiologia de intervenção e cirurgia. São necessários estudos adicionais para otimizar a estratificação do risco e estabelecer algoritmos de tratamento padronizados que melhorem o prognóstico clínico dos doentes.
Clostridioides difficile is an anaerobic pathogen associated with diarrhea in humans and animals. Despite its importance, the circulation of C. difficile in wildlife is still poorly understood. The present work investigated the presence of C. difficile in 179 samples from mammals, birds and reptiles from the Amazon biome. Eleven samples (6.1%) were positive for C. difficile. Four toxigenic isolates were identified in animals with varying degrees of human contact. Sequence types ST42, ST35, ST149 (from Clade 1), as well as a novel ST1241 (cryptic clade C-I), were identified. Notably, isolates ST42 and ST35 clustered closely with human clinical isolates.
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This scoping review mapped common specifications, standards and overlapping regulations for high-risk and innovative medical devices (MDs) and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) in the European Union (EU), United States (US) and China to clarify compliance pathways and support regulatory harmonization. Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR guidance, we searched PubMed, Scopus/Embase and Web of Science for studies on MD/IVD regulation, standards and common specifications in the aforementioned territories. Eligible records were screened in two stages, with data extracted using a structured form and synthesized narratively by regulatory pathway, standards, common specifications, and guidelines. Of 3093 records identified, 2262 were screened and 275 met inclusion criteria. Across jurisdictions, regulation converges on risk-based classification, lifecycle clinical evidence, quality management and post-market surveillance. Differences persist in evidentiary thresholds, implementation timelines, regulator/notified-body capacity and requirements for software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), laboratory-developed tests and local testing, which are particularly challenging for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Regulatory frameworks in these territories are aligned in principle but variably specified and implemented, creating complexity for global market access. Clearer guidance on common specifications, explicit expectations for emerging technologies and harmonized post-market evidence requirements may reduce duplication while maintaining patient safety.Protocol registration on OSF (www.osf.io), identifier is 10.17605/OSF.IO/5JEX8.
Water-saving traits are critical for the adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) to arid environments. This study investigates how breeding history and specifically selection in High Rainfall (HR) versus Low Rainfall (LR) zones influences root hydraulics and the molecular regulation of aquaporins (AQP). The study utilized four contrasting hybrids to integrate physiological assays with anatomical and molecular phenotyping. Key methodologies included measuring transpiration responses to vapor pressure deficit (VPD), root pressurization, and pharmacological inhibition. These were coupled with anatomical characterization of root systems, aerial growth and transcriptional profiling of PIP and TIP (Plasma membrane/Tonoplast Intrinsic Protein) genes. LR hybrids exhibited an "opportunistic" strategy characterized by superior root and canopy growth supported by extensive metaxylem proliferation. However, these genotypes showed lower constitutive root hydraulic conductivity and a steeper transpiration increase during pressurization, suggesting a radial transport bottleneck. At the molecular level, HR hybrids significantly downregulated PIP2;3 in roots under high VPD. In contrast, LR hybrids maintained PIP2;3 expression, facilitating radial flow to match their high transpiration demand. The findings demonstrate that breeding for specific rainfall zones has shaped divergent hydraulic strategies. HR genotypes utilize a conservative "hydraulic brake" mechanism driven by AQP downregulation to conserve water. Conversely, LR genotypes employ an acquisitive strategy, relying on coordinated anatomical capacity and molecular gating to meet high transpiration demands. These distinct mechanisms provide a blueprint for selecting resilient crops based on specific environmental pressures.
Urban and social environments strongly shape adolescents' opportunities to engage in physical activity, with inequalities in socioeconomic status, infrastructure and neighbourhood conditions creating uneven access. This study explored the determinants underlying unequal participation in physical activity among adolescents in Madrid and Bilbao. A constructivist qualitative case study informed by grounded theory was conducted in secondary schools in Madrid and Bilbao between February 2022 and April 2024. Schools were selected from neighbourhoods with differing socioeconomic profiles. Fieldwork included thirty six semi structured interviews and twenty-four focus groups, analysed through open, axial and selective coding supported by Atlas.ti. Four major thematic categories were identified: 1) Household socioeconomic conditions as a determinant of physical activity; 2) The role of the educational community in shaping physical activity engagement; 3) Perceived insecurity, the appropriation of public space and gender; 4) Urban realities and their influence on physical activity practices. Distinct patterns emerged between Madrid and Bilbao, linked to urban structure, the use of sports facilities, and accessibility. Economic, spatial and social inequalities limit equitable access to physical activity. The findings underscore the need for context sensitive policies that integrate socioeconomic and urban factors and strengthen the role of schools in reducing adolescent health inequalities. El entorno sociourbano desempeña un papel decisivo en el acceso a prácticas saludables durante la adolescencia, etapa especialmente vulnerable a desigualdades estructurales asociadas al nivel socioeconómico, las infraestructuras disponibles y las dinámicas urbanas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue explorar los determinantes que generan desigualdades en la realización de actividad física (AF) entre adolescentes de Madrid y Bilbao. Se desarrolló un estudio cualitativo de caso, con enfoque constructivista y basado en la teoría fundamentada, en centros de Educación Secundaria de Madrid y Bilbao entre febrero de 2022 y abril de 2024. Se seleccionaron institutos situados en barrios con distintos perfiles socioeconómicos. El trabajo de campo incluyó treinta y seis entrevistas semiestructuradas y veinticuatro grupos de discusión. El análisis siguió procedimientos de teoría fundamentada constructivista mediante codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, apoyada en Atlas.ti. Emergieron cuatro categorías principales: 1) Diferencias en la práctica de actividad física según la situación socioeconómica familiar; 2) Influencia de la comunidad educativa en la realización de AF; 3) Inseguridad percibida, apropiación del espacio público y género; 4) Realidades urbanas y realización de AF. Se observaron diferencias entre Madrid y Bilbao vinculadas a estructura urbana, uso de instalaciones deportivas y accesibilidad. Las desigualdades económicas, espaciales y sociales limitan el acceso equitativo a la AF. Los resultados subrayan la necesidad de políticas sensibles al contexto urbano, al género y a la equidad, reforzando el papel de la comunidad educativa en la reducción de desigualdades en salud.
Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a powerful transactivating signal eliciting hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in humans to help combat infection. Most ISGs remain uncharacterized, and here we searched for actin-binding candidates that could potentially target intracellular pathogens to block their spread or promote immune cell migration into infected tissues. Dual RNA-Seq and in silico mining across 1,933 data sets discovered >225 actin-related genes; the most highly expressed was XIRP1 (xin actin binding repeat containing 1 protein), a new ISG with no reported immune function. We found XIRP1 induction required IFN-γ plus IL-1β or exposure to pathogenic Listeria, Shigella, or Salmonella in immune and non-immune cells. Within IFN-γ-activated human macrophages, the XIRP1 protein localized to actin-rich podosomes where it formed a dome-shaped cap facing the cytosol; genetic XIRP1 ablation led to significant actin loss from these structures. Within infected cells, XIRP1 was recruited onto cytosolic Listeria monocytogenes in an ActA-dependent manner. Live imaging found many listeriae were fully encapsulated by XIRP1 whereas incomplete XIRP1 coating allowed pathogen escape from the initial coat structure. Together, our results identify XIRP1 as a new podosome-associated ISG that targets cytosolic bacteria as part of the IFN-γ-induced defense program in humans.
This study presents a comprehensive and harmonized assessment of eight agricultural straw residues: barley, corn, oatmeal, rapeseed, rice, sunflower, triticale, and wheat. Sourced from Southern Spain (Andalusia), these residues were assessed through 75 physicochemical and energetic analyses performed under standardized CEN/ISO methodologies. The resulting dataset allows a robust evaluation of their suitability as solid biofuels for thermochemical energy conversion, supporting strategies to reduce CO₂ emissions and promote circular economy practices in Mediterranean agricultural regions. Most straws exhibited low ash contents (5.03–7.44%), meeting ISO 17225 quality classes A or B, whereas rice straw showed distinctly higher values (15.28%). Volatile matter ranged between 75 and 80% for all species except rice (70.09%). Net calorific values (15.0–19.0 MJ kg−1) were comparable to those of typical herbaceous biomasses, confirming the strong energy potential of these residues. Elemental analysis showed adequate carbon contents for combustion (45.70–49.73%), except for rice straw (41.10%). Nitrogen levels were consistently below 1.5% w/w, meeting Class A limits for NOx emissions. Sulphur concentrations remained within 0.20–0.30% w/w for most species, although rapeseed and corn straw exhibited elevated levels (0.65% and 0.30%, respectively). Empirical linear correlations were developed to predict the net calorific value from ash, volatile matter, carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine content, with species-specific models achieving high predictive performance. These correlations provide a practical tool for rapid energy quality estimation and process design. Overall, the study confirms that agricultural straw residues represent a promising renewable feedstock for heat generation within regional bioenergy systems.
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Developing safe and effective treatments against emerging RNA viruses is an important goal in pandemic preparedness efforts. 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU) is a broad-spectrum antiviral that was shown to inhibit viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps). Given its notable range of antiviral activity, this class of nucleoside analogs warrants further investigation. Here, we studied the antiviral activity and underlying mechanism of inhibition of 4'-fluoroadenosine (4'-FlA). Like 4'-FlU, 4'-FlA demonstrates a broad-spectrum of antiviral activity against eight prototypic viruses representing diverse families. Enzyme kinetics show that the triphosphate (4'-FlA-TP) is efficiently incorporated by viral RdRps. A cryo-EM structure of the RdRp of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in complex with double-stranded RNA and the incorporated monophosphate (4'-FlA-MP) characterizes interactions at the active site. The incorporated analog elicits heterogeneous inhibition patterns in primer extension reactions. In contrast, templates with embedded 4'-FlA-MP inhibit incorporation of complementary UTP across the viral RdRps. However, incorporation of 4'-FIA-TP is not limited to viral polymerases and likewise includes human mitochondrial RNA polymerase. These results demonstrate the general potential for 4'-fluorinated nucleotides as antiviral drugs and guide the development of more selective derivatives for medical use in appropriate settings.
Horticultural intensification in Mediterranean areas has increased the risk of nitrate pollution due to inefficient irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation management. The availability of simulation models aimed at rational nitrogen management in outdoor crops is limited. The objective of this study is to adapt the VegSyst model, initially developed for greenhouse vegetables, for use in open-field conditions in relevant crops, such as processing peppers and broccoli in Extremadura. VegSyst simulates dry matter production and nitrogen uptake by incorporating the influence of evaporative demand (TUE approach) in addition to the effect of radiation (RUE approach). Experimental field data obtained in five campaigns (peppers: 2020-2022; broccoli: 2020 and 2022) under different nitrogen doses were used. The model was calibrated, and critical N dilution curves were developed for each crop. Subsequently, the simulation of fi-PAR, dry matter production (DMP) and N uptake was validated using statistical indices (RMSE, RE, d, EF) and regression analysis. The model showed a high predictive capacity for N uptake in both crops, with values of d ≥ 0.98 and EF ≥ 0.90 in the validation campaigns. The fi-PAR simulation was acceptable in peppers and excellent in broccoli. In contrast, the DMP prediction showed notable deviations in peppers, especially in 2022, attributable to interannual variations in weather conditions and physiological limitations not considered by the model. In both crops, the TUE-based strategy was a better fit for the measurements than the RUE-based strategy, indicating that under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions, transpiration is the limiting factor for biomass production. The adaptation of the VegSyst-Outdoors model proved to be robust for simulating N uptake and sufficiently accurate to be integrated into decision support tools aimed at efficient fertilisation and irrigation management.
Aflatoxins are carcinogenic metabolites produced by toxigenic Aspergillus species that contaminate foods. This cross-sectional study, nested within the Maule Cohort (MAUCO)-a population-based prospective cohort of 9,462 rural adults aged 38 to 74 years in Molina, Chile-measured urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a biomarker of recent aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure, in 1,000 randomly selected first-morning urine samples collected at baseline (2014-2017) using a validated ELISA kit. Of these, 95 were excluded due to extreme dilution or concentration (creatinine <0.3 or >3 mg/mL), leaving 905 for analysis. Detectable AFM1 was found in 29.2% of samples, with 4% quantifiable at a mean (SD) of 0.44 (±0.09) ng/mL or 0.42 (±0.20) ng/mg creatinine. Using substitution methods in all 905 participants (modified Lower, Medium, and Upper Bound), estimated mean probable daily intakes (PDI) of AFB1 ranged from 1.06 (±1.98) to 5.24 (±3.43) ng/kg BW/day. The margin of exposure for detectable subjects ranged from 243 to 5,856, indicating a public health concern (MOE < 10,000). Adjusted (for age, sex, ethnicity, and education) modified Poisson regression revealed a significant association between urinary AFM1 and consumption of fresh and dried red chilli, with prevalence ratios [PR] of 1.52 (CI95% 1.02-2.26) and 1.93 (1.24-3.00), respectively; current smokers had a PR of 1.40 (1.10-1.78), and those with moderate fatty liver had a PR of 1.41 (1.11-1.81). AFB1 exposure warrants prioritisation in Chilean food safety risk management, along with further education and monitoring of good agricultural practices in chilli production.