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[...]we examined the exact dates of iNO initiation. The discrepancy between crude in-hospital mortality rate difference and the hazard ratio derived from survival analysis has been noted in some prior literature and should be interpreted under appropriate contexts [5]. The hazard ratio obtained from Cox proportional hazard analysis reflects time-to-event dynamics, and it can be influenced by both time and event factors.

Many everyday tasks require people to solve computationally complex problems. However, little is known about the effects of computational hardness on the neural processes associated with solving such problems. Here, we draw on computational complexity theory to address this issue. We performed an experiment in which participants solved several instances of the 0-1 knapsack problem, a combinatorial optimization problem, while undergoing ultra-high field (7T) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Instances varied in computational hardness. We characterize a network of brain regions whose activation was correlated with computational complexity, including the anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the intra-parietal sulcus/angular gyrus. Activation and connectivity changed dynamically as a function of complexity, in line with theoretical computational requirements. Overall, our results suggest that computational complexity theory provides a suitable framework to study the effects of computational hardness on the neural processes associated with solving complex cognitive tasks.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used to treat multiple types of cancer, but its clinical application is limited by cardiotoxicity, mainly due to oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant properties, but its potential protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate CUR’s efficacy in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative stress in the hearts of BALB/c mice. Mice received a DOX dose of 9 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg; half of the mice received daily doses of 100 mg/kg CUR for 15 days. Survival analysis, histopathological examination, and oxidative stress markers were assessed to determine the cardioprotective effects of CUR. Results showed that CUR significantly reduced oxidative damage and improved survival rates, particularly at the lower DOX dose (9 mg/kg). Mice treated with DOX-9 mg/kg plus CUR showed improved health conditions and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl production, and protein carbonylation. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced cardiac tissue damage. In conclusion, CUR combined with a lower dose of DOX effectively reduces oxidative stress and cardiac injury, enhancing survival in BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that CUR is a promising adjunct therapy to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, potentially improving the DOX therapeutic index in cancer treatment.

Background Intracardiac thrombus and vascular air embolism represent rare complications in the context of orthotopic liver transplantation. While isolated reports exist for intracardiac thrombus and vascular air embolism during orthotopic liver transplantation, this report presents the first documentation of their simultaneous occurrence in this surgical setting. Case presentation This case report outlines the clinical course of a 60-year-old white female patient with end-stage liver disease complicated by portal hypertension, ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and encountered concurrent intraoperative complications involving intracardiac thrombus and vascular air embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed the presence of air in the left ventricle and a thrombus in the right atrium and ventricle. Successful management ensued, incorporating hemodynamic support, anticoagulation, and thrombolytic therapy, culminating in the patient’s discharge after a week. Conclusions This report highlights the potential for simultaneous intraoperative complications during orthotopic liver transplantation, manifesting at any phase of the surgery. It underscores the critical importance of vigilant monitoring throughout orthotopic liver transplantation to promptly identify and effectively address these rare yet potentially catastrophic complications.

Exposure to lead in environmental and occupational settings continues to be a serious public health problem. At environmentally relevant doses, two mechanisms may underlie lead exposition-induced genotoxicity, disruption of the redox balance and an interference with DNA repair systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of lead exposition to induce impaired function of Ape1 and its impact on DNA repair capacity of workers chronically exposed to lead in a battery recycling plant. Our study included 53 participants, 37 lead exposed workers and 16 non-lead exposed workers. Lead intoxication was characterized by high blood lead concentration, high lipid peroxidation and low activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD). Relevantly, we found a loss of DNA repair capacity related with down-regulation of a set of specific DNA repair genes, showing specifically, for the first time, the role of Ape1 down regulation at transcriptional and protein levels in workers exposed to lead. Additionally, using a functional assay we found an impaired function of Ape1 that correlates with high blood lead concentration and lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these data suggest that occupational exposure to lead could decrease DNA repair capacity, inhibiting the function of Ape1, as well other repair genes through the regulation of the ZF-transcription factor, promoting the genomic instability.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) technology is constantly evolving and is used in various fields of work in our daily lives. However, traditional methodologies are still mostly used in education. There is a disconnect between education and the world of work, and future professionals need to be updated to new working methods in order to be able to compete in the labour market. The main objective of this study is based on testing the effectiveness of digital didactic resources in the teaching–learning process, as well as providing students with the digital competences to use these tools. The methodology generated by the research team in the development of architectural projects has been applied in teaching workshops with experimental and motivating strategies for students using accessible digital teaching resources that allow autonomous learning. With this we have proven the effectiveness of the method and the opportunities it offers us in education. The results obtained have been twofold: on the one hand we have increased the interest and motivation of the students by making them participants in their own training, and on the other hand we have started a fruitful path in the generation of repositories with virtual didactic content that allows us to provide greater accessibility to knowledge.

To evaluate the association of estimated plasma volume (ePV) and plasma volume status (PVS) on admission with the outcomes in COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. We performed a retrospective multi-center study on COVID-19-related ARDS patients who were admitted to the Mayo Clinic Enterprise health system. Plasma volume was calculated using the formulae for ePV and PVS, and these variables were analyzed for correlation with patient outcomes. Our analysis included 1298 patients with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) respiratory score ≥ 2 (PaO2/FIO2 ≤300 mmHg) and a mortality rate of 25.96%. A Cox proportional multivariate analysis showed PVS but not ePV as an independent correlation with 90-day mortality after adjusting for the covariates (HR: 1.015, 95% CI: 1.005–1.025, p = 0.002 and HR 1.054, 95% CI 0.958–1.159, p = 0.278 respectively). A lower PVS on admission correlated with a greater chance of survival in COVID-19-related ARDS patients. The role of PVS in guiding fluid management should be investigated in future prospective studies. •COVID-19 ARDS patients with higher plasma volume status (PVS) had worse outcomes.•90-day mortality in higher and lower PVS groups were 30.80% and 20.5%, respectively.•Lower PVS group had a higher BMI, with a lower mortality rate in these patients.•Multivariate analysis showed that PVS was an independent risk factor for mortality.

The objective of this article is to generate and validate a workflow that allows us to print physical twins (models) from digital twins obtained from unique buildings of our architectural heritage. These physical twins will guarantee the preservation and diffusion of the cultural asset, and will promote new pedagogical ways to spread the heritage. In addition, these physical cufflinks are an interesting tool to guarantee universal accessibility through low-cost and rapid distribution typological models. We can overcome physical barriers and reach many more users, regardless of their economic, physical, or location conditions. To obtain this workflow, digital twins of architectural elements of high cultural value obtained by photogrammetry or terrestrial laser scanner will be used. The digital twin will be optimized through different platforms, and an optimized exchange file will be generated for its dissemination and printing. A digital platform will be proposed that guarantees the free distribution of these digital twins to any user. Finally, the physical twins will be obtained. For the development of this work, we have chosen to use 3D resin printers with SLA technology (selective laser exposure to light by laser) due to their performance and high quality in the models obtained.

Natural aquifers used for human consumption are among the most important resources in the world. The Locumba basin faces significant challenges due to its limited water availability for the local population. In this way, the search for possible aquifer recharge zones is crucial work for urban development in areas that have water scarcity. To evaluate this problem, this research proposes the use of the hybrid Fuzzy AHP methodology in conjunction with the TOPSIS algorithm to obtain a potential aquifer recharge map. Ten factors that influence productivity and capacity in an aquifer were implemented, which were subjected to Fuzzy AHP to obtain their weighting. Using the TOPSIS algorithm, the delineation of the most favorable areas with high recharge potential was established. The result shows that the most influential factors for recharge are precipitation, permeability, and slopes, which obtained the highest weights of 0.22, 0.19, and 0.17, respectively. In parallel, the TOPSIS result highlights the potential recharge zones distributed in the Locumba basin, which were classified into five categories: very high (13%), high (28%), moderate (15%), low (28%), and very low (16%). The adapted methodology in this research seeks to be the first step toward effective water resource management in the study area.

The Tacna region, situated in southwestern Peru, is distinguished by its desert and Andean zones, resulting in significant climatic variability. However, changes in future precipitation and temperature patterns could significantly impact sectors such as agriculture, energy, and water resources. In this context, this research analyzes climate scenarios of precipitation, maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin) in Tacna. For this purpose, Tacna was divided into four homogeneous regions (Coast, Low Highlands, High Andes, and Andean Plateau) to assess future changes using CMIP6 climate models for the SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. A bias correction of these models was applied using the Quantile Delta Mapping method to improve accuracy. The validation results showed better performance for minimum temperature compared to maximum temperature and precipitation. Regarding the scenario results, by the end of the century, under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, Tmax could increase by up to +7 °C while Tmin could rise by up to +5 °C, particularly in the Andean Plateau. Precipitation is projected to decrease by up to 20% annually in higher elevations, albeit with considerable uncertainty; however, no significant changes are expected in seasonal patterns. This study underscores the importance of robust climate projections in formulating adaptation strategies for water resource management and infrastructure planning. The findings provide essential insights for decision-makers to address the challenges posed by climate change in vulnerable regions of southern Peru.