Emerging roles of plant transcriptional gene silencing under heat.

Plants continuously endure unpredictable environmental fluctuations that upset their physiology, with stressful conditions negatively impacting yield and survival. As a contemporary threat of rapid progression, global warming has become one of the most menacing ecological challenges. Thus, understanding how plants integrate and respond to elevated temperatures is crucial for ensuring future crop productivity and furthering our knowledge of historical environmental acclimation and adaptation. While the canonical heat-shock response and thermomorphogenesis have been extensively studied, evidence increasingly highlights the critical role of regulatory epigenetic mechanisms. Among these, the involvement under heat of heterochromatic suppression mediated by transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) remains the least understood. TGS refers to a multilayered metabolic machinery largely responsible for the epigenetic silencing of invasive parasitic nucleic acids and the maintenance of parental imprints. Its molecular effectors include DNA methylation, histone variants and their post-translational modifications, and chromatin packing and remodeling. This work focuses on both established and emerging insights into the contribution of TGS to the physiology of plants under stressful high temperatures. We summarized potential roles of constitutive and facultative heterochromatin as well as the most impactful regulatory genes, highlighting events where the loss of epigenetic suppression has not yet been associated with corresponding changes in epigenetic marks.

Discovering melting temperature prediction models of inorganic solids by combining supervised and unsupervised learning.

The melting temperature is important for materials design because of its relationship with thermal stability, synthesis, and processing conditions. Current empirical and computational melting point estimation techniques are limited in scope, computational feasibility, or interpretability. We report the development of a machine learning methodology for predicting melting temperatures of binary ionic solid materials. We evaluated different machine-learning models trained on a dataset of the melting points of 476 non-metallic crystalline binary compounds using materials embeddings constructed from elemental properties and density-functional theory calculations as model inputs. A direct supervised-learning approach yields a mean absolute error of around 180 K but suffers from low interpretability. We find that the fidelity of predictions can further be improved by introducing an additional unsupervised-learning step that first classifies the materials before the melting-point regression. Not only does this two-step model exhibit improved accuracy, but the approach also provides a level of interpretability with insights into feature importance and different types of melting that depend on the specific atomic bonding inside a material. Motivated by this finding, we used a symbolic learning approach to find interpretable physical models for the melting temperature, which recovered the best-performing features from both prior models and provided additional interpretability.

Sex and adrenal hormones in association with insecticide biomarkers among adolescents living in ecuadorian agricultural communities.

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate, pyrethroid, and neonicotinoid insecticides have resulted in adrenal and gonadal hormone disruption in animal and in vitro studies; limited epidemiologic evidence exists in humans. We assessed relationships of urinary insecticide metabolite concentrations with adrenal and gonadal hormones in adolescents living in Ecuadorean agricultural communities. METHODS: In 2016, we examined 522 Ecuadorian adolescents (11-17y, 50.7% female, 22% Indigenous; ESPINA study). We measured urinary insecticide metabolites, blood acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), and salivary testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17ß-estradiol, and cortisol. We used general linear models to assess linear (ß = % hormone difference per 50% increase of metabolite concentration) and curvilinear relationships (ß2 = hormone difference per unit increase in squared ln-metabolite) between ln-metabolite or AChE and ln-hormone concentrations, stratified by sex, adjusting for anthropometric, demographic, and awakening response variables. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression was used to assess non-linear associations and interactions. RESULTS: The organophosphate metabolite malathion dicarboxylic acid (MDA) had positive associations with testosterone (ßboys = 5.88% [1.21%, 10.78%], ßgirls = 4.10% [-0.02%, 8.39%]), and cortisol (ßboys = 6.06 [-0.23%, 12.75%]. Para-nitrophenol (organophosphate) had negatively-trending curvilinear associations, with testosterone (ß2boys = -0.17 (-0.33, -0.003), p = 0.04) and DHEA (ß2boys = -0.49 (-0.80, -0.19), p = 0.001) in boys. The neonicotinoid summary score (ßboys = 5.60% [0.14%, 11.36%]) and the neonicotinoid acetamiprid-N-desmethyl (ßboys = 3.90% [1.28%, 6.58%]) were positively associated with 17ß-estradiol, measured in boys only. No associations between the pyrethroid 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and hormones were observed. In girls, bivariate response associations identified interactions of MDA, Para-nitrophenol, and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (organophosphates) with testosterone and DHEA concentrations. In boys, we observed an interaction of MDA and Para-nitrophenol with DHEA. No associations were identified for AChE. CONCLUSIONS: We observed evidence of endocrine disruption for specific organophosphate and neonicotinoid metabolite exposures in adolescents. Urinary organophosphate metabolites were associated with testosterone and DHEA concentrations, with stronger associations in boys than girls. Urinary neonicotinoids were positively associated with 17ß-estradiol. Longitudinal repeat-measures analyses would be beneficial for causal inference.

Effect of the chromaticity of stimuli on night vision disturbances.

The perception of halos and other night vision disturbances is a common complaint in clinical practice. Such visual disturbances must be assessed in order to fully characterize each patient's visual performance, which is particularly relevant when carrying out a range of daily tasks. Visual problems are usually assessed using achromatic stimuli, yet the stimuli encountered in daily life have very different chromaticities. Hence, it is important to assess the effect of the chromaticity of visual stimuli on night vision disturbances. The aim of this work is to study the influence of the chromaticity of different visual stimuli on night vision disturbances by analyzing straylight and visual discrimination under low-light conditions. For that, we assessed the monocular and binocular visual discrimination of 27 subjects under low illumination using the Halo test. The subjects' visual discrimination was assessed after exposure to different visual stimuli: achromatic, red, green, and blue, both at the monitor's maximum luminance and maintaining the same luminance value for the different visual stimuli. Monocular straylight was also measured for an achromatic, red, green, and blue stimuli. The blue stimulus had the greatest effect on halos in both monocular and binocular conditions. Visual discrimination was similar for the red, green, and achromatic stimuli, but worsened at lower luminance. The greatest influence of straylight was observed for the blue stimulus. In addition, visual discrimination correlated with straylight measurements for achromatic stimuli, wherein greater straylight values correlated with an increased perception of halos and other visual disturbances.

Glyoxal crosslinking of electro-responsive alginate-based hydrogels: Effects on the properties.

To improve the features of alginate-based hydrogels in physiological conditions, Ca2+-crosslinked semi-interpenetrated hydrogels formed by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonic acid and alginate (PEDOT/Alg) were subjected to a treatment with glyoxal to form a dual ionic/covalent network. The covalent network density was systematically varied by considering different glyoxalization times (tG). The content of Ca2+ was significantly higher for the untreated hydrogel than for the glyoxalized ones, while the properties of the hydrogels were found to largely depend on tG. The porosity and swelling capacity decreased with increasing tG, while the stiffness and electrical conductance retention capacity increased with tG. The potentiodynamic response of the hydrogels notably depended on the amount of conformational restraints introduced by the glyoxal, which is a very short crosslinker. Thus, the re-accommodation of the polymer chains during the cyclic potential scans became more difficult with increasing number of covalent crosslinks. This information was used to improve the performance of untreated PEDOT/Alg as electrochemical sensor of hydrogen peroxide by simply applying a tG of 5 min. Overall, the control of the properties of glyoxalized hydrogels through tG is very advantageous and can be used as an on-demand strategy to improve the performance of such materials depending on the application.

Spectrum of somatic mutational features of colorectal tumors in ancestrally diverse populations.

Ancestrally diverse and admixed populations, including the Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e community, are underrepresented in cancer genetic and genomic studies. Leveraging the Latino Colorectal Cancer Consortium, we analyzed whole exome sequencing data on tumor/normal pairs from 718 individuals with colorectal cancer (128 Latino, 469 non-Latino) to map somatic mutational features by ethnicity and genetic ancestry. Global proportions of African, East Asian, European, and Native American ancestries were estimated using ADMIXTURE. Associations between global genetic ancestry and somatic mutational features across genes were examined using logistic regression. TP53 , APC , and KRAS were the most recurrently mutated genes. Compared to non-Latino individuals, tumors from Latino individuals had fewer KRAS (OR=0.64, 95%CI=0.41-0.97, p=0.037) and PIK3CA mutations (OR=0.55, 95%CI=0.31-0.98, p=0.043). Genetic ancestry was associated with presence of somatic mutations in 39 genes (FDR-adjusted LRT p<0.05). Among these genes, a 10% increase in African ancestry was associated with significantly higher odds of mutation in KNCN (OR=1.34, 95%CI=1.09-1.66, p=5.74×10 -3 ) and TMEM184B (OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.10-2.12, p=0.011). Among RMGs, we found evidence of association between genetic ancestry and mutation status in CDC27 (LRT p=0.0084) and between SMAD2 mutation status and AFR ancestry (OR=1.14, 95%CI=1.00-1.30, p=0.046). Ancestry was not associated with tumor mutational burden. Individuals with above-average Native American ancestry had a lower frequency of microsatellite instable (MSI-H) vs microsatellite stable tumors (OR=0.45, 95%CI=0.21-0.99, p=0.048). Our findings provide new knowledge about the relationship between ancestral haplotypes and somatic mutational profiles that may be useful in developing precision medicine approaches and provide additional insight into genomic contributions to cancer disparities. Significance: Our data in ancestrally diverse populations adds essential information to characterize mutational features in the colorectal cancer genome. These results will help enhance equity in the development of precision medicine strategies.

Relationship between microstructure formation and in vitro starch digestibility in baked gluten-starch matrices.

Increased prevalence of diabetes prompts the development of foods with reduced starch digestibility. This study analyzed the impact of adding soluble dietary fiber (inulin-IN; polydextrose-PD) to baked gluten-starch matrices (7.5-13%) on microstructure formation and in vitro starch digestibility. IN and PD enhanced water-holding capacity, the hardness of baked matrices, and lowered water activity in the formulated matrices, potentially explaining the reduced starch gelatinization degree as IN or PD concentration increased. A maximum gelatinization decrease (26%) occurred in formulations with 13% IN. Micro-CT analysis showed a reduction in total and open porosity, which, along with the lower gelatinization degree, may account for the reduced in vitro starch digestibility. Samples with 13% IN exhibited a significantly lower rapidly available glucose fraction (8.56 g/100 g) and higher unavailable glucose fraction (87.76 g/100 g) compared to the control (34.85 g/100 g and 47.59 g/100 g, respectively). These findings suggest the potential for developing healthier, starch-rich baked foods with a reduced glycemic impact.

Alcohol effects on drivers' speed management: The influence of visual performance and road complexity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to assess how drivers adapt their driving speed as a self-regulation mechanism when driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA), and the influence of alcohol consumption, visual performance, road complexity, and personal traits. METHOD: Thirty one volunteers took part in the study. All of them underwent three experimental sessions: Baseline (no alcohol), Alcohol 1 (low-moderate dose), and Alcohol 2 (moderate-high dose). Vision was tested by means of contrast sensitivity and retinal straylight. Driving performance was assessed using a driving simulator. The difference between the driving speed and the speed limit was calculated in 10 road scenarios of different complexity. RESULTS: Drivers adapted their driving speed less (i.e., drove faster) in Alcohol 1 condition compared to Alcohol 2 (p = 0.007). This indicate that participants felt more confident under the influence of a low-moderate dose of alcohol. Participants with better contrast sensitivity drove faster (p = 0.021). The complexity of the road and other factors such as driving experience, gender, or DUIA frequency, also influenced speed choice. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers under the influence of a low-moderate dose of alcohol seem to be less aware of the risk. Contrast sensitivity is a good predictor of the speed choice when DUIA. A better understanding of drivers' behavior under the influence of substance use may be useful to adjust and improve the traffic laws and driving regulations.

Relationship Between Hemorrhage Type and Development of Emotional and Behavioral Dyscontrol After Hemorrhagic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Emotional and behavioral dyscontrol (EBD), a neuropsychiatric complication of stroke, leads to patient and caregiver distress and challenges to rehabilitation. Studies of neuropsychiatric sequelae in stroke are heavily weighted toward ischemic stroke. This study was designed to compare risk of EBD following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to identify risk factors for EBD following hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for nontraumatic hemorrhagic stroke between 2015 and 2021. Patients or legally authorized representatives completed the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL) EBD short-form inventory 3 months after hospitalization. Univariable and multivariable analyses identified risk factors for EBD after hemorrhagic stroke. RESULTS: The incidence of EBD was 21% (N=15 of 72 patients) at 3 months after hemorrhagic stroke. Patients with ICH were more likely to develop EBD; 93% of patients with EBD (N=14 of 15) had ICH compared with 56% of patients without EBD (N=32 of 57). The median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital admission was lower among patients who developed EBD (13 vs. 15 among those without EBD). Similarly, admission scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were higher among patients with EBD (median NIHSS score: 7 vs. 2; median APACHE II score: 17 vs. 11). Multivariable analyses identified hemorrhage type (ICH) and poor admission GCS score as predictors of EBD 3 months after hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ICH and a low GCS score at admission are at increased risk of developing EBD 3 months after hemorrhagic stroke and may benefit from early intervention.

ECMO for drug-refractory electrical storm without a reversible trigger: a retrospective multicentric observational study.

AIMS: Drug-refractory electrical storm (ES) is a life-threatening medical emergency. We describe the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in drug-refractory ES without a reversible trigger, for which specific guideline recommendations are still lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective observational study in four Iberian centres on the indications, treatment, complications, and outcome of drug-refractory ES not associated with acute coronary syndromes, decompensated heart failure, drug toxicity, electrolyte disturbances, endocrine emergencies, concomitant acute illness with fever, or poor compliance with anti-arrhythmic drugs, requiring VA-ECMO for circulatory support. Thirty-four (6%) out of 552 patients with VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock were included [71% men; 57 (44-62) years], 65% underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation before VA-ECMO implantation, and 26% during cannulation. Left ventricular unloading during VA-ECMO was used in 8 (24%) patients: 3 (9%) with intraaortic balloon pump, 3 (9%) with LV vent, and 2 (6%) with Impella. Thirty (88%) had structural heart disease and 8 (24%) had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The drug-refractory ES was mostly due to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) (59%), isolated monomorphic VT (26%), polymorphic VT (9%), or VF (6%). Thirty-one (91%) required deep sedation, 44% overdrive pacing, 36% catheter ablation, and 26% acute autonomic modulation. The main complications were nosocomial infection (47%), bleeding (24%), and limb ischaemia (21%). Eighteen (53%) were weaned from VA-ECMO, and 29% had heart transplantation. Twenty-seven (79%) survived to hospital discharge (48 (33-82) days). Non-survivors were older [62 (58-67) vs. 54 (43-58); P < 0.01] and had a higher first rhythm disorder-to-ECMO interval [0 (0-2) vs. 2 (1-11) days; P = 0.02]. Seven (20%) had rehospitalization during follow-up [29 (12-48) months], with ES recurrence in 6%. CONCLUSIONS: VA-ECMO bridged drug-refractory ES without a reversible trigger with a high success rate. This required prolonged hospital stays and coordination between the ECMO centre, the electrophysiology laboratory, and the heart transplant programme.

Functional fitness benchmark values for older adults: a systematic review.

Introduction: The use of normative values and/or standards of functional fitness in adults is relevant to overall health and well-being. The objectives of the study were: to identify the physical tests of the senior fitness test (SFT) that have been applied since its proposal and to describe the proposed percentiles according to age, sex and country. Methods: A systematic review study was conducted in the Pubmed and Scopus databases. As eligibility criteria, we considered the period from 1999 to 2022 that presented data on SFT test used in the population over 60 years of age and that described normative values through percentiles. MeSH were used as: (1) Physical fitness, Exercise test, Senior Fitness Test, Functional fitness, Cardiorespiratory fitness, (2) older adult, aged, (3) Reference standards, standards, standards of care. Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" were included. Data extracted from the selected studies included: year of publication, country, sample age, sample size, sample sex, fitness component. Results and discussion: Seven studies were identified in five countries (03 in China, 01 in Poland, 01 in Portugal, 01 in Spain and 01 in United States). The age range ranged from 60 to 103 years. The studies were conducted in both sexes. The study with the smallest sample size was by Chung et al. (China) with 944 participants and the largest number of participants was the study by Rikli and Jones in the United States with 7,183 participants. In general, no study was able to complete 100% (8 components) of the tests proposed in the SFT. Normative values were presented through percentile distribution (p10, p50 and p90) organized by age ranges. Males presented better performance in FPF tests than females in all tests. Since the first publication of the SFT until 2022, seven articles have been published in countries such as United States, China (three regional studies), Poland, Portugal and Spain. No study has published the complete battery with its eight components. The percentiles of functional fitness reflect decline with advancing age. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42023441294: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023441294).

Prognostic Factors for Residual Lithiasis in Patients With Staghorn Calculi Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Maya Region of Yucatan, Mexico: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Yucatan stands out as the state with the highest prevalence of urolithiasis in Mexico, placing significant demands on healthcare services, such as consultation and surgical intervention. Staghorn calculi are related to recurrent urinary tract infections, and their management is always surgical. The stone-free rate is a parameter used to measure the success of surgery, with residual stones considered those persisting four weeks after surgical management. There are understudied prognostic factors that can predict the success of achieving stone-free status, taking into account the number of stones, their location, and the anatomical variations of the patient's collecting system. The study aims to determine the prognostic factors for residual lithiasis in patients with staghorn calculi treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the High Specialty Regional Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula. METHODS: A case-control study was performed including 188 patients, aged 18 years or older, and diagnosed with staghorn calculus from January 2022 to June 2023, grouping the patients according to their stone-free rate evidence on postoperative computed tomography. Data were collected from the records of the Urology Department at a high-specialty hospital in Yucatan. The groups were analyzed, aiming to establish an association between preoperative factors and postoperative outcomes measured in terms of stone-free rate. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients with staghorn calculi were included, with a predominance in females (58.5%) and a mean age of 45.4 ± 11.9 years. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (29.8%), and 27.7% had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Regarding the Sampaio classification, B1 was the most prevalent in our population with 66 cases (35.1%), while Type A2 was the least common (13.8%). According to what was obtained through the multivariate logistic regression model, the calyceal anatomy Type A1 and A2 were associated with residual lithiasis (p= 0.016 OR: 2.994 CI: 1.223-7.331), and Grade IV was associated with a higher rate of residual lithiasis (p=0.005 CI: 1.586-13.100). A statistically significant association was found between stone burden and the presence of residual lithiasis (p=< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Guy's Score Grade IV showed a higher incidence of residual lithiasis, seemingly associated with stone burden, leading to the conclusion that both factors were categorized as predictors for the development of post-surgical residual lithiasis. Regarding anatomical variations according to Sampaio, it was observed that types A1 and A2 showed a lower rate of stone-free status. Therefore, we also consider them as variables that may influence the achievement of success in endourological management. Personalized patient assessment allows for more accurate prognostic factors, enabling a more comprehensive surgical planning in the presence of staghorn calculi.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Geogrids Manufactured from Recycled Plastics for Slope Stabilization-A Case Study.

This study aimed to investigate the sustainable use of recycled plastics, specifically polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), in the manufacture of geogrids for geotechnical and civil engineering applications. Plastics were collected from a recycling center, specifically targeting containers used for food, cleaning products, and other domestic packaging items. These plastics were sorted according to the Möbius triangle classification system, with HDPE (#2) and PP (#5) being the primary categories of interest. The research methodologically evaluates the mechanical properties of PP/HDPE (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0% w/w) composites through tensile and flexural tests, exploring various compositions and configurations of geogrids. The results highlight the superiority of pure recycled HDPE processed into 1.3 mm thick laminated yarns and hot air welded for 20 to 30 s, exhibiting a deformation exceeding 60% in comparison to the PP/HDPE composites. Through SolidWorks® Simulation, it was shown that the adoption of a trigonal geogrid geometry optimizes force distribution and tensile strength, significantly improving slope stabilization efficiency. Based on the results obtained, a laboratory-scale prototype geogrid was developed using an extrusion process. The results underscore the importance of careful composite design and yarn configuration selection to achieve the desired mechanical properties and performance in geogrid applications. It emphasizes the potential of recycled plastics as a viable and environmentally friendly solution for stabilizing slopes, contributing to the reduction in plastic waste and promoting sustainable construction practices.

T3-T4 index as a prognostic marker of response to biological treatments in elderly patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Following the growing trend of trying to individualise treatment in inflammatory bowel disease and in view of the challenge posed by elderly patients requiring biologic treatments, we have conducted a study in our centre to assess the T3/T4 index as a predictor of response to biologic treatments in elderly patients.

Cribado poblacional de aneurismas de la aorta abdominal. Estudio piloto en Salamanca / Population screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Pilot study in Salamanca

Introducción: una estrategia para reducir la mortalidad de los aneurismas de la aorta abdominal es conocer su existencia en fase asintomática. Así podremos clasificar los pacientes, en función del tamaño del aneurisma, en candidatos a cirugía programada o a seguimiento periódico. Objetivos: conocer la eficacia, la seguridad y la aceptabilidad de un programa piloto de cribado de aneurismas de la aorta abdominal mediante ecografía abdominal realizada en una población de riesgo. Material y métodos: programa organizado por la Real Academia de Medicina y el Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y ejecutado por el Servicio de Angiología, Cirugía Vascular y Endovascular del Hospital Universitario de Salamanca. El cribado se realizó hace un año, en dos carpas situadas en una céntrica plaza de Salamanca. El análisis incluyó a 295 varones ≥ 65 años, residentes en Salamanca capital, de forma libre y gratuita. Se excluyeron aquellos con aneurisma aórtico conocido. Se realizaron: 1) registro de datos; 2) eco Doppler color por especialistas en angiología y cirugía vascular, y 3) encuesta de satisfacción. Todos firmaron un consentimiento informado. Resultados: el diámetro transversal medio de la aorta abdominal fue de 1,81 ± 0,36 cm. Se detectaron 2 aneurismas (diámetro mayor: ≥ 3,0 cm; 3,1 y 4,7 cm) y 3 ectasias aórticas (diámetro ≥ 2,5 y < 3,0 cm). El 98,3 % (290 varones) no presentó ectasia o aneurisma (aorta < 2,5 cm). Tres individuos (obesidad o aire intrabdominal) fueron reevaluados posteriormente. Se analizaron los factores de riesgo y los antecedentes de la población cribada. 180 participantes del cribado (61,0 %) rellenaron anónimamente una encuesta de satisfacción, con resultados muy positivos. Conclusión: si bien el rendimiento de detección fue bajo, la estrategia y el método empleado fueron satisfactorios para el equipo explorador y la población explorada. Este estudio piloto nos permitirá planificar y organizar un segundo cribado más amplio y de nuevos objetivos.(AU)

Introduction: a strategy to reduce the mortality of abdominal aortic aneurysms is to know their existence in theasymptomatic phase. This way we can classify patients, mainly according to the size of the aneurysm, into candi-dates for scheduled elective surgery or periodic follow-up.Objectives: to determine the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of a pilot screening program for abdominalaortic aneurysms, using abdominal ultrasound, performed in a risk population.Material and methods: program organized by the Royal Academy of Medicine and the Biomedical ResearchInstitute, and carried out by the Angiology and Vascular Surgery service of the University Hospital of Salamanca.The screening was carried out a year ago, in two tents located in a central square in Salamanca. The study included295 men over 65 years of age, residents of Salamanca capital, free of charge. Those with known aortic aneurysmwere excluded. The following were carried out: 1) data recording; 2) color echo-Doppler, by specialists in angiologyand vascular surgery; and 3) satisfaction survey. All signed an informed consent.Results: the mean transverse diameter of the abdominal aorta was 1.81 ± 0.36 cm. Two aneurysms were detect-ed (largest diameter ≥ 3.0 cm; 3.1 and 4.7 cm), and 3 aortic ectasias (diameter ≥ 2.5 and < 3.0 cm). The 98.3 %(290 men) did not present ectasia or aneurysm (aorta < 2.5 cm). Three individuals (obesity or intra-abdominal air) weresubsequently re-evaluated. The risk factors and background of the screened population were analyzed. A satisfactionsurvey was completed freely and anonymously by 180 screening participants (61.0 %) with very positive results.Conclusion: although the detection performance was low, the strategy and method used were satisfactory for theexploring team and the population explored. The present pilot study will allow us to plan and organize a second,broader screening with new objectives.(AU)

An Efficient Edge Computing-Enabled Network for Used Cooking Oil Collection.

In Portugal, more than 98% of domestic cooking oil is disposed of improperly every day. This avoids recycling/reconverting into another energy. Is also may become a potential harmful contaminant of soil and water. Driven by the utility of recycled cooking oil, and leveraging the exponential growth of ubiquitous computing approaches, we propose an IoT smart solution for domestic used cooking oil (UCO) collection bins. We call this approach SWAN, which stands for Smart Waste Accumulation Network. It is deployed and evaluated in Portugal. It consists of a countrywide network of collection bin units, available in public areas. Two metrics are considered to evaluate the system's success: (i) user engagement, and (ii) used cooking oil collection efficiency. The presented system should (i) perform under scenarios of temporary communication network failures, and (ii) be scalable to accommodate an ever-growing number of installed collection units. Thus, we choose a disruptive approach from the traditional cloud computing paradigm. It relies on edge node infrastructure to process, store, and act upon the locally collected data. The communication appears as a delay-tolerant task, i.e., an edge computing solution. We conduct a comparative analysis revealing the benefits of the edge computing enabled collection bin vs. a cloud computing solution. The studied period considers four years of collected data. An exponential increase in the amount of used cooking oil collected is identified, with the developed solution being responsible for surpassing the national collection totals of previous years. During the same period, we also improved the collection process as we were able to more accurately estimate the optimal collection and system's maintenance intervals.

Prognostic impact of the findings of the genetic test in left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

Background: The diagnosis of left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (LDAC) is sometimes complex. The Padua group recently published a document with criteria to identify patients with LDAC, requiring a compatible genetic variant for diagnosis. Due to the gaps in the knowledge of the role of genetics in its pathogenesis, our objective is to describe the findings of the genetic test in patients with LDAC in our center and its prognostic impact. Methods: Single-center prospective cohort study, in which we recruited 77 patients diagnosed with LDAC or biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy according to the criteria of Sen-Chowdhry et al. Results: We obtained a positive result in the genetic test in 53.2 %. The desmoplakin gene was the most affected (16.9 %). The mean value of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 45.6 ± 13.1 %, with no significant differences in the severity of the dysfunction according to genetics (p = 0.187). Among the patients with positive genetics there was a greater number of segments in the LV affected by fibrosis (p = 0.043). Regarding fatty infiltration in the LV and number of affected segments, there were no significant differences between groups (p = 0.144). MACE was recorded in 23 patients (29.9 %). The positive result in the genetic test was not significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE (p = 0.902). Conclusion: In our study, we did not find mutations responsible for the disease in practically half of the cases. Despite the existence of a high proportion of MACE during follow-up, there were no prognostic differences according to the result of the genetic test.

Advancements in Glaucoma Diagnosis: The Role of AI in Medical Imaging.

The progress of artificial intelligence algorithms in digital image processing and automatic diagnosis studies of the eye disease glaucoma has been growing and presenting essential advances to guarantee better clinical care for the population. Given the context, this article describes the main types of glaucoma, traditional forms of diagnosis, and presents the global epidemiology of the disease. Furthermore, it explores how studies using artificial intelligence algorithms have been investigated as possible tools to aid in the early diagnosis of this pathology through population screening. Therefore, the related work section presents the main studies and methodologies used in the automatic classification of glaucoma from digital fundus images and artificial intelligence algorithms, as well as the main databases containing images labeled for glaucoma and publicly available for the training of machine learning algorithms.