Association of longitudinal changes in 24-h blood pressure level and variability with cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE: A high office blood pressure (BP) is associated with cognitive decline. However, evidence of 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring is limited, and no studies have investigated whether longitudinal changes in 24-h BP are associated with cognitive decline. We aimed to test whether higher longitudinal changes in 24-h ambulatory BP measurements are associated with cognitive decline. METHODS: We included 437 dementia-free participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study with prospective data on 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and cognitive function, which was assessed using the selective reminding test (SRT) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Using multivariate linear mixed regression models, we analyzed the association between longitudinal changes in measures of 24-h ambulatory BP levels and variability with cognitive decline. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 4 years (interquartile range, 2-5 years), longitudinal changes in 24-h BP level were not associated with cognitive function (P ≥ 0.09). Higher longitudinal changes in 24-h and daytime BP variability were related to a decline in SRT-delayed recall score; the adjusted scores lowered from -0.10 points [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.16 to -0.04) to -0.07 points (95% CI, -0.13 to -0.02). We observed that a higher nighttime BP variability during follow-up was associated with a decline in the MMSE score (adjusted score lowered from -0.08 to -0.06 points). CONCLUSION: Higher 24-h BP variability, but not BP level, was associated with cognitive decline. Prior to or in the early stages of cognitive decline, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring might guide strategies to reduce the risk of major dementia-related disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Exploring the Impact of a Persuasive Serious Video Game (Farmily) on Promoting Home Gardening Among Novices: Design and Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Home gardens worldwide provide sustenance, economic support, and access to fresh produce and promote household well-being, health, self-sufficiency, and food security. However, they face significant challenges worldwide and necessitate innovative promotion approaches. Serious video games have proven effective in promoting agricultural knowledge. However, more research is needed on the persuasive potential of agriculture games to influence players' thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This provides an opportunity to examine the impact of persuasive games on promoting home gardening among novices. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the design and development of Farmily, a persuasive video game promoting home gardening among novices. In addition, it evaluated the effectiveness of Farmily and compared its impact with that of a traditional home gardening workshop. Furthermore, the study explored how game enjoyment relates to the game's outcomes. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with 50 novice gardening participants aged 20 to 50 years was carried out. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (1.5-hour workshop) or an experimental group (1.5-hour Farmily session). Pre- and postintervention assessments were conducted. We evaluated Farmily's impact on knowledge, attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, and intentions regarding initiating home gardens. In addition, we investigated the user enjoyment and its relationship with the game's effect outcomes. RESULTS: The experimental group significantly improved their knowledge (t24=4.26; P<.001), attitude (z24=2.98; P=.003), self-efficacy (t24=2.6; P=.02), and intention to initiate home gardens (z24=4.15; P<.001). The experimental group showed similar effectiveness in knowledge transfer (t24=-1.71; P=.09) and a more significant impact on attitude (z24=2.73; P=.006), self-efficacy (t24=2.21; P=.03), and intention to start a home garden (t24=-5.33; P<.001) than the control group. Farmily was well received by the intervention group, generating high enjoyment. Furthermore, user enjoyment substantially correlated with user attitudes (r23=0.72; P<.001) and self-efficacy (r23=0.67; P<.001), yet no discernible association was observed among user enjoyment, knowledge (r23=0.26; P=.20), and intention (r23=0.06; P=.77). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates that Farmily appears to be a viable tool for promoting home gardening among novices in the short term. Farmily demonstrated similar effects in knowledge improvement to those of a traditional workshop and had a more significant impact on the other variables. In addition, we found that the player's gaming experience positively relates to the player's attitudes and self-efficacy. A well-powered randomized controlled trial with more diverse samples and extended follow-up periods will be conducted to establish the long-term efficacy of Farmily and gain a deeper understanding of the influence of enjoyment on game outcomes.

Functional redundancy of the three insulin receptors of cockroaches.

Gene duplication is a fundamental evolutionary process which provides opportunities to acquire new gene functions. In the case of the insulin receptors (InRs) in cockroaches and close-related insects, two successive duplications determined the occurrence of three InR genes: InR2, InR1 and InR3, the last two forming a sister cluster to InR2. The biological role of each of the gene duplicates and whether they resulted from neofunctionalization or subfunctionalization is still unclear. The analysis of the sequences from different lineages did not detect positive selection as driving the divergence of InR1 and InR3, discarding neofunctionalization, and suggesting that there is no functional divergence between both gene copies. Using the cockroach Blattella germanica as a model, we have determined that BgInR2 is the gene with the highest expression levels in all the tissues analyzed, both in adult females and males, as well as in nymphs and embryos. BgInR3 is second in expression levels while BgInR1 is expressed at lower levels and only in some tissues. The selective depletion by RNAi of each of the three InRs, analyzed in terms of phenotype and fat body transcriptomic profiles, resulted in essentially redundant effects, with a magnitude approximately proportional to the level of expression of the respective InR. Therefore, the results indicate that the InR duplicates likely experienced a subfunctionalization process, by which the three InRs maintained similar functions but contributing to those functions proportionally to their expression levels.

The complete chloroplast genome of Marupa (Simarouba amara Aubl., Simaroubaceae).

Marupa (Simarouba amara Aublet 1775) is a tropical tree of the family Simaroubaceae. It is commonly used for its wood in the Amazonian forest, and it is an important species for restoring degraded environments. Yet, very little genetic resources are available to study this plant. In this paper, we sequenced for the first time the complete chloroplast genome of Marupa, using Oxford Nanopore long-read technology. The genome is 159,838 bp, includes 131 genes in total and presents a classic quadripartite structure. Its length and structure are similar to those of sister species of the Simaroubaceae family. A maximum likelihood phylogeny of the order Sapindale reveals that Simarouba amara is well positioned in its family. This complete plastome is a first step towards a better analysis of Marupa future evolution.

Environmental, economic, and social sustainability in aquaculture: the aquaculture performance indicators.

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing food production technology, but there are significant concerns related to its environmental impact and adverse social effects. We examine aquaculture outcomes in a three pillars of sustainability framework by analyzing data collected using the Aquaculture Performance Indicators. Using this approach, comparable data has been collected for 57 aquaculture systems worldwide on 88 metrics that measure social, economic, or environmental outcomes. We first examine the relationships among the three pillars of sustainability and then analyze performance in the three pillars by technology and species. The results show that economic, social, and environmental outcomes are, on average, mutually reinforced in global aquaculture systems. However, the analysis also shows significant variation in the degree of sustainability in different aquaculture systems, and weak performance of some production systems in some dimensions provides opportunity for innovative policy measures and investment to further align sustainability objectives.

Quantum multifractality as a probe of phase space in the Dicke model.

We study the multifractal behavior of coherent states projected in the energy eigenbasis of the spin-boson Dicke Hamiltonian, a paradigmatic model describing the collective interaction between a single bosonic mode and a set of two-level systems. By examining the linear approximation and parabolic correction to the mass exponents, we find ergodic and multifractal coherent states and show that they reflect details of the structure of the classical phase space, including chaos, regularity, and features of localization. The analysis of multifractality stands as a sensitive tool to detect changes and structures in phase space, complementary to classical tools to investigate it. We also address the difficulties involved in the multifractal analyses of systems with unbounded Hilbert spaces.

Cone-beam computed tomography in endodontics: from the specific technical considerations of acquisition parameters and interpretation to advanced clinical applications.

The implementation of imaging methods that enable sensitive and specific observation of anatomical structures has been a constant in the evolution of endodontic therapy. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables 3-dimensional (3D) spatial anatomical navigation in the 3 volumetric planes (sagittal, coronal and axial) which translates into great accuracy for the identification of endodontic pathologies/conditions. CBCT interpretation consists of 2 main components: (i) the generation of specific tasks of the image and (ii) the subsequent interpretation report. A systematic and reproducible method to review CBCT scans can improve the accuracy of the interpretation process, translating into greater precision in terms of diagnosis and planning of endodontic clinical procedures. MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2023. This narrative review addresses the theoretical concepts, elements of interpretation and applications of the CBCT scan in endodontics. In addition, the contents and rationale for reporting 3D endodontic imaging are discussed.

Identifying community safety and policy-based injury prevention opportunities to reduce golf cart injuries.

BACKGROUND: In small US communities, golf cart utilization has become increasingly more common. In the past 3 years, the incidence and severity of pediatric golf cart-related trauma evaluated at our trauma center have noticeably increased. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze trends, identify risk and protective factors, and provide community-level recommendations to improve golf cart safety for children in a coastal community. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of our institutional trauma registry was performed. The registry was queried for golf cart injuries between 2012 and 2022. Demographics, accident details, hospital course, and outcomes were reviewed. Data analysis involved quantitative statistics. Incident locations were mapped, including additional data from the County emergency medical service. In addition, customer education at four prominent golf rental shops was observed. RESULTS: Annual golf cart-related traumas doubled starting in 2020. Of 235 total patients, 105 (46%) were children. Median age was 11.5 years (range, 2-17 years). Fifty-five percent were female, and 67% were non-Hispanic White. Eighty percent were out-of-county residents. The most common injury location was extremity (56%). The median Injury Severity Score was 4, and 3% died. Only 10% of children were restrained. Forty-one percent were ejected, and most (84%) were front-facing passengers. Ejection was associated with more severe injury (odds ratio, 4.13; p = 0.01). Most injuries occurred during 5 to 10 pm (47%), weekends, and summertime. Nighttime injuries were more severe than daytime ( p = 0.04). A hotspot of crashes was identified in a zone where golf carts were restricted. Rental stores provided education on seat belt use, car seat use for infants, and off-limit zones. However, rules were not enforced. CONCLUSION: Our results inform the following golf cart injury prevention opportunities: raising awareness of injury risks to children in high-tourist areas, partnering with rental stores to enforce rules, improving signage, adding protected lanes, and adopting a no nighttime operation policy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Association of Variability and Hypertensive Loads in 24-h Blood Pressure With Mortality and Cardiovascular Risk.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that high 24-h blood pressure (BP) variability increases cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether 24-h BP variability relates to mortality and cardiovascular risk due to inherent variability and/or hypertensive loads in 24-h BP. METHODS: A total of 1,050 participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study (mean age, 66 years; women, 67.2%) underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and were followed between 2001 and 2016. To evaluate inherent BP variability, we used average real variability (ARV) as it captures variability among consecutive BP readings. 24-h systolic BP load was the proportion (%) of systolic BP readings ≥130 mm Hg during the daytime and ≥110 during the nighttime. Our primary endpoint was total mortality and major adverse cardiovascular endpoints (MACE). Statistics included Cox proportional models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.3 years, 299 participants died and 210 experienced MACE. Each +2 mm Hg (corresponding to 1-standard deviation) higher 24-h systolic ARV (mean value, 9.0 ±â€…2.0 mm Hg) was associated with higher hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality by 1.28-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.43) and for MACE by 1.24-fold (95% CI, 1.08-1.42). Each 30% higher 24-h systolic BP load (median value, 63%) was associated with mortality and MACE with HRs of 1.29 (95% CI, 1.15-1.46) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.10-1.48); respectively. After models were additionally adjusted by BP level, only ARV was associated with mortality (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33) and MACE (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00-1.34). CONCLUSIONS: High ARV and hypertensive loads in 24-h systolic BP were associated with mortality and cardiovascular risk, however, only ARV is associated independently of the BP level.

Autoantibodies to intrinsic factor can jeopardize pernicious anemia diagnosis: a case report.

Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause neurological and hematological alterations. Its assessment should be easy considering that the access to its measurement is available in majority of the clinical laboratories. The presence of technical interference when measuring vitamin B12 can lead to an erroneous or a more difficult diagnosis of conditions as pernicious anemia. We report a case in which an interference in the evaluation of vitamin B12 concentration led to the realization of invasive tests and almost a misdiagnosis of a patient who actually had pernicious anemia. Professionals need to be aware of these interferences when we assess outcomes.

A soil database from Queretaro, Mexico for assessment of crop and irrigation water requirements.

Several studies have assessed crop water requirements based on soil properties, but these have been on a small scale or on soils with similar textures. Here, a data base of soil measurements in the field and laboratory from sites across Irrigation District 023, San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Mexico was sampled, collected, analyzed, and integrated. The data base, named, NaneSoil, contains information on 900 samples obtained from irrigated plots. NaneSoil cover 10 of the 12 textural classes with the following information: sand, silt, clay contents, bulk density, saturated volumetric water content, field capacity, permanent wilting point and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The aim of this work is to provide the scientific community with sufficient information to perform a large number of analyses, for example, development of pedotransfer functions, calculation of water requirements of plants in soils with similar characteristics, modeling of infiltration, optimal irrigation discharge calculation, among others. The dataset also promotes the scientific community to contribute their own measurements to further strengthen the knowledge of flow in the porous medium.

Estudio de sistematización de experiencias y aprendizajes subvención multipaís "Fortalecimiento de la Red de Laboratorios de Tuberculosis en la Región de las Américas" / Study of systematization of experiences and learnings multi-country grant "Strengthening the Network of Tuberculosis Laboratories in the Region of the Americas"

El estudio de la sistematización de experiencias y aprendizajes, detalla los principales resultados sobre: sinergia entre las capacitaciones, documentos técnicos, pasantías y reuniones técnicas; contribución de las asesorías, visitas técnicas y controles de calidad al fortalecimiento de los LRN; fortalecimiento de la red de laboratorios de Las Américas; cumplimiento de los compromisos derivados de la subvención; diseño y gestión de la subvención; lecciones aprendidas de la subvención; retos para la red de laboratorios; anexos

Challenges in cybersecurity: Lessons from biological defense systems.

Defending against novel, repeated, or unpredictable attacks, while avoiding attacks on the 'self', are the central problems of both mammalian immune systems and computer systems. Both systems have been studied in great detail, but with little exchange of information across the different disciplines. Here, we present a conceptual framework for structured comparisons across the fields of biological immunity and cybersecurity, by framing the context of defense, considering different (combinations of) defensive strategies, and evaluating defensive performance. Throughout this paper, we pose open questions for further exploration. We hope to spark the interdisciplinary discovery of general principles of optimal defense, which can be understood and applied in biological immunity, cybersecurity, and other defensive realms.

DELLA functions evolved by rewiring of associated transcriptional networks.

DELLA proteins are land-plant specific transcriptional regulators that transduce environmental information to multiple processes throughout a plant's life1-3. The molecular basis for this critical function in angiosperms has been linked to the regulation of DELLA stability by gibberellins and to the capacity of DELLA proteins to interact with hundreds of transcription factors4,5. Although bryophyte orthologues can partially fulfil functions attributed to angiosperm DELLA6,7, it is not clear whether the capacity to establish interaction networks is an ancestral property of DELLA proteins or is associated with their role in gibberellin signalling8-10. Here we show that representative DELLAs from the main plant lineages display a conserved ability to interact with multiple transcription factors. We propose that promiscuity was encoded in the ancestral DELLA protein, and that this property has been largely maintained, whereas the lineage-dependent diversification of DELLA-dependent functions mostly reflects the functional evolution of their interacting partners.

Effect of valproate on sleep patterns disturbed by epilepsy.

Nocturnal epilepsy is a neurological disease that has a significant effect on sleep. Various treatments have been implemented to help mitigate these effects and improve patients' quality of life. The use of experimental animal models for epilepsy has facilitated efficacy assessment and the development of different medications to treat the symptoms of this disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of valproate on sleep patterns altered by epilepsy. Chronically implanted Wistar rats were used to study sleep patterns over three consecutive days under different experimental conditions. The animals were separated into two groups. The first day was considered the control recording; on the second day, one group received pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) alone, and the other group received valproate prior to induction of convulsive seizures with PTZ administration. The results show that in addition to its antiepileptic effect, valproate has hypnotic properties. It is considered to facilitate the action of GABAergic mechanisms to mitigate the effect of convulsive seizures and increase the occurrence of sleep.

Plackett-Burman design in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with Mutisia acuminatta (Chinchircoma) and preliminary evaluation of its antibacterial activity.

Background: The aim of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the methanolic fraction of Mutisia acuminatta leaves using Plackett-Burman design to optimize process parameters and to evaluate its antibacterial effect. Methods: For the separation of Mutisia acuminatta phytoconstituents, chromatographic techniques were used. For characterization and identification, UV - VIS spectrophotometry, FTIR spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. The Plackett-Burman design used polynomial regression statistical analysis to determine the most influential variables. Results: UV-VIS spectroscopy reported an absorbance concerning surface plasmon resonance between 410-420 nm wavelength for the AgNPs. FTIR spectrophotometry reported characteristic peaks in the biosynthesized AgNPs, observing the disappearance of spectral peaks between 1000-1500 cm -1. By UHPLC-MS, caffeic acid derivatives, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, disaccharide and a complex formed between silver and the solvent (AgCH3CN+) were identified. Using DLS, the AgNPs presented an average hydrodynamic size of 45.91 nm. TEM determined the spherical shape of the AgNPs, presenting diameters in the range of 30 to 60 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus than the total extract, the methanolic fraction and pure methanol. The polynomial model in the biosynthesis was validated with an adequate fitting representing the experimental data of the process. The most significant variables for the model obtained were the reaction pH (X 2) and the concentration of the precursor salt AgNO 3 (X 6). Conclusions: The synthesized AgNPs offer a viable option for further development due to the presence of bioactive compounds, adequate characterization and antibacterial activity.

Spectral kissing and its dynamical consequences in the squeeze-driven Kerr oscillator.

Transmon qubits are the predominant element in circuit-based quantum information processing, such as existing quantum computers, due to their controllability and ease of engineering implementation. But more than qubits, transmons are multilevel nonlinear oscillators that can be used to investigate fundamental physics questions. Here, they are explored as simulators of excited state quantum phase transitions (ESQPTs), which are generalizations of quantum phase transitions to excited states. We show that the spectral kissing (coalescence of pairs of energy levels) experimentally observed in the effective Hamiltonian of a driven SNAIL-transmon is an ESQPT precursor. We explore the dynamical consequences of the ESQPT, which include the exponential growth of out-of-time-ordered correlators, followed by periodic revivals, and the slow evolution of the survival probability due to localization. These signatures of ESQPT are within reach for current superconducting circuits platforms and are of interest to experiments with cold atoms and ion traps.

GABB: A global dataset of alpine breeding birds and their ecological traits.

Alpine ecosystems represent varied climates and vegetation structures globally, with the potential to support rich and functionally diverse avian communities. High mountain habitats and species are under significant threat from climate change and other anthropogenic factors. Yet, no global database of alpine birds exists, with most mountain systems lacking basic information on species breeding in alpine habitats, their status and trends, or potential cryptic diversity (i.e., sub-species distributions). To address these critical knowledge gaps, we combined published literature, regional monitoring schemes, and expert knowledge from often inaccessible, data-deficient mountain ranges to develop a global list of alpine breeding bird species with their associated distributions and select ecological traits. This dataset compiles alpine breeding records for 1,310 birds, representing 12.0% of extant species and covering all major mountain regions across each continent, excluding Antarctica. The Global Alpine Breeding Bird dataset (GABB) is an essential resource for research on the ecological and evolutionary factors shaping alpine communities, as well as documenting the value of these high elevation, climate-sensitive habitats for conserving biodiversity.