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This study shows the results of a simulation tool using the TRNSyS 2017 simulator, validated with experimental data from a greenhouse in an arid zone in northwestern Mexico. Additionally, experimental data on the performance of geothermal heat pumps are shown during the year 2020 in heating and cooling mode. With this information, an average deviation of the simulator for the outlet fluid temperature of the geothermal heat exchanger (GHE) of 2.77% and an average deviation of the coefficient of performance in cooling mode (EER) of the geothermal heat pump (GHP) of 3.7% was obtained. In the experimental study, it was observed that in the last 2 weeks of July and the first 2 weeks of August, the subsoil is saturated, which causes a decrease in the thermal inertia of the GHE. During the experimental study, it was possible to determine that the flow indicated in the GHE to obtain the highest performance of the GHP system in greenhouses in arid zones corresponds to 1 GPM, obtaining an EER of 3.24.

Purpose: The following article describes steps along with a mathematical model to determine the technological capability of the aerospace industry of Mexicali in the area of design (ICTD) and manufacturing (ICTM). Design/methodology/approach: This model was performed by weighted variables using factor analysis to identify technological capacities of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and compare them with those that must be accomplish to become suppliers for transnational industry (TNCs). Findings: The results suggest that SMEs must realize a comparative table QFD of their current capabilities and the requirements established by transnational corporations, to create a strategic plan that includes; certifications (AS 9000, NAP CAP, Belts, ISO, Six Sigma), software acquisition and updated equipment necessary for reducing the technological gap. Additionally, it is recommended the integration of clusters of enterprises SMEs for the strengthening of technological capacities. Originality/value: Up to we know, there is not similar model for measuring technological capabilities of aerospace industry.

The present study aimed to determine the Genotype × Environment interaction (GEI), yield stability, and agronomic performance of 24 “Pinto” bean lines under semi-arid conditions in Central-West Mexico. All the lines possess a slow-darkening seed coat, a trait that prolongs visual quality and increases market value. The lines, which exhibit an indeterminate prostrate growth habit, were evaluated in three contrasting environments: irrigated, rainfed, and drought-stressed. A combined analysis of variance, Tukey’s test, and the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI 2) model were applied to assess seed yield and agronomic traits. Average seed yield declined markedly across environments, from 2279 kg ha−1 under irrigation to 593 kg ha−1 under drought stress, with different lines performing best in each environment. AMMI 2 biplot analysis showed that the first two principal components explained 100% of GEI variability for seed yield, dry shoot biomass, total biomass, harvest index, pods per plant, and seeds per pod. Both genetic and environmental effects were significant, with notable GEI patterns. Despite pronounced environmental influence, several lines exhibited stable performance across environments. Line 11 consistently combined high yield and stability, positioning it as a strong candidate for cultivar registration and as a parent in breeding programs targeting semiarid regions. These results underscore the importance of multi-environment evaluation for identifying genotypes with broad or specific adaptation, contributing to genetic improvement and sustainable bean production under variable moisture regimes.

This study explores the photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye using thermally modified natural zeolites, aiming to improve water purification methods. Zeolites were calcined at 250 °C, 350 °C, and 500 °C, and characterized through x–ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze their structural and morphological transformations. The results reveal that calcination significantly enhances the photocatalytic performance, particularly for ZNM500, which exhibited the highest efficiency, reaching a 60% removal rate of RB5. The degradation process follows a pseudo-first-order kinetic model at lower dye concentrations but adheres more closely to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood equation at higher concentrations, emphasizing the role of surface adsorption in catalysis. UV irradiation was a key factor in boosting reaction rates, with shorter wavelengths (254 nm) providing greater energy, leading to more effective dye breakdown by facilitating the generation of reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH). These findings suggest that thermally modified zeolites, especially ZNM500, represent a promising solution for wastewater treatment, offering an efficient, cost–effective, and environmentally friendly approach to removing synthetic dyes from contaminated water sources.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Although recent advances have improved the overall prognosis, they have not had an important impact on survival of patients with MPM, such that more effective treatments are needed. Some species of marine snails have been demonstrated to be potential sources of novel anticancer molecules. This study analyzed the anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo of two peptides found in C. californicus. The effects of s-cal14.1b and s-cal14.2b on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity were evaluated in 2D and 3D cultures of MPM-derived cells. Proteomics analysis of 3D cultures treated with conotoxins was performed to examine changes in expression or abundance. And the therapeutic effects of both conotoxins were evaluated in MPM mouse xenografts. s-cal14.1b and s-cal14.2b induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in 2D and 3D cultures. However, only s-cal14.1b modified spheroid growth. Approximately 600 proteins exhibited important differential expression, which was more heterogeneous in H2452 vs MSTO-211H spheroids. The in silico protein functional analysis showed modifications in the biological pathways associated with carcinogenesis. CAPN1, LIMA1, ANXA6, HUWE1, PARP1 or PARP4 proteins could be potential cell targets for conotoxins and serve as biomarkers in MPM. Finally, we found that both conotoxins reduced the tumor mass in MPM xenografts; s-cal14.1b reached statistical significance. Based on these results, s-cal14.1b and s-cal14.2b conotoxins could be potential therapeutic drugs for MPM neoplasms with no apparent side effects on normal cells.

Background Adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a relevant worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality, however the aetiology often remains uncertain and the therapy is empirical. We applied conventional and molecular diagnostics to identify viruses and atypical bacteria associated with CAP in Chile. Methods We used sputum and blood cultures, IgG/IgM serology and molecular diagnostic techniques (PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR) for detection of classical and atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumoniae) and respiratory viruses (adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenzavirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus) in adults >18 years old presenting with CAP in Santiago from February 2005 to September 2007. Severity was qualified at admission by Fine's pneumonia severity index. Results Overall detection in 356 enrolled adults were 92 (26%) cases of a single bacterial pathogen, 80 (22%) cases of a single viral pathogen, 60 (17%) cases with mixed bacterial and viral infection and 124 (35%) cases with no identified pathogen. Streptococcus pneumoniae and RSV were the most common bacterial and viral pathogens identified. Infectious agent detection by PCR provided greater sensitivity than conventional techniques. To our surprise, no relationship was observed between clinical severity and sole or coinfections. Conclusions The use of molecular diagnostics expanded the detection of viruses and atypical bacteria in adults with CAP, as unique or coinfections. Clinical severity and outcome were independent of the aetiological agents detected.

The efficacy of long-acting bronchodilators for COPD associated with biomass (BE-COPD) has not been properly evaluated. To determine the acute effect of indacaterol (IND) 150 μg q.d and tiotropium (TIO) 18 μg q.d. on lung hyperinflation, walking distance (WD) and dyspnea during the six-minute walking test (6MWT) in moderate BE-COPD at 30, 60 and 240 mins post-drug administration. Randomized, controlled, open-level, crossover noninferiority clinical trial. Forty-two women with BE-COPD were randomly assigned to a bronchodilator sequence: IND-TIO or vice versa. There were statistically significant changes over time in inspiratory capacity (IC) ( <0.0001), FEV ( <0.0001) and FVC ( <0.0001) when IND was used. When TIO was administered, an increase over all time periods was observed only for FEV ( <0.0001) and FVC ( <0.0001), whereas for IC an increase was observed only at 30 mins and 24 hrs after TIO administration. We did not find clinically significant increases in WD and dyspnea after the administration of both bronchodilators. Both IND and TIO showed significant and fast onset improvement in hyperinflation. Therefore, either of them may be recommended as a first line of treatment for COPD associated with BE-COPD.

Currently, approximately 40% of patients with dementia develop some form of sleep disorder. Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed but pose the risk of tolerance and cognitive decline; however, Z-drugs may offer safer alternatives. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to analyze the effect of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs on sleep disorders in patients with dementia. Two authors conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Espistemonikos, and ACCESSSS for studies published between 2019 and 2024 using the MeSH terms “dementia”, “sleep disorders”, and “pharmacotherapy”. Randomized clinical trials comparing benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, or innovative medications with placebo or other drugs were included. Sleep and cognitive outcomes were assessed using validated instruments; the ROB-2 tool evaluated the risk of bias. The protocol was registered in “PROSPERO”. Three randomized clinical trials involving a total of 192 patients were included in the review. Zopiclone increased the main duration of nighttime sleep by 81 min, Zolpidem reduced nighttime awakenings by 21 min, and Eszopiclone improved sleep quality, benefited the progression of sleep architecture, and reduced mental symptoms such as fear and anxiety. Z-drugs show superior efficacy and safety over benzodiazepines, improving sleep and cognitive symptoms in dementia. Personalized treatment and further research across dementia subtypes are needed to optimize long-term outcomes.

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) facilitates rapid, exponential, isothermal nucleic acid amplification without the need for specialized equipment. Since its development in 2006, RPA has been widely applied to detect hundreds of RNA and DNA targets, spanning point-of-care diagnostics and agricultural uses. However, its reliance on pre-assembled commercial kits limits flexibility for customization. In this study, we introduce an open-source alternative to commercial RPA kits, utilizing purified, heterologously expressed proteins to circumvent the fixed molar ratios of proprietary systems. Our method incorporates enzymes from the bacteriophage T4 homologous recombination pathway—single-stranded binding protein (gp32), recombinase (UvsX), and mediator (UvsY)—along with Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase with enhanced thermal stability, and Bst and Bsu DNA polymerases. We assessed the impact of buffer composition, reagent concentrations, and reaction temperature using synthetic SARS-CoV-2 genes. Notably, gp32 concentration and buffer composition emerged as critical factors in optimizing RPA performance. Using this tailored system, we demonstrated successful detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene on lateral flow devices (LFDs) with cDNA from eight clinical samples, achieving results consistent with RT-PCR. This open-source RPA platform provides an adaptable and cost-effective alternative for researchers, enabling the exploration of diverse experimental conditions and offering a viable solution for those without access to commercial kits.

This work investigates the coordination compound [Zn(2,2-bpy)3](BF4)2 as a catalyst for the molecular reduction of CO2. The synthesis and characterization of the complex are reported, along with electrochemical studies conducted both in the presence and absence of CO2. In the absence of CO2, reduction of the 2,2′-bipyridine ligands was observed (Epa(I) = −1.84 V vs. Fc/Fc+ and Epa(II) = −2.18 V vs. Fc/Fc+). In contrast, under a CO2 atmosphere, catalytic molecular activity toward CO2 reduction was detected (Epk(I) = −1.90 V vs. Fc/Fc+ and Epk(II) = −2.18 V vs. Fc/Fc+). Foot of the wave analysis (FOWA) was employed to determine the catalytic rate constant (k = 1.352 × 103 M−1 s−1) for CO2 reduction. Spectroelectrochemical experiments were also carried out in both the presence and absence of CO2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to understand the interaction of the complex with CO2. Bulk electrolysis and FTIR analysis suggest that oxalate is the product of the CO2 reduction.