Essential Activity Research Articles

Flexible Photoacoustic Device Integrating Electroluminescence, Piezoelectric Vibration, and Pressure Sensing.

Marine organisms rely on the integration of light, sound, and pressure sensing for essential activities such as communication, hunting, and predator evasion. Current bioinspired devices, however, are limited by independent sensing modules, leading to complex designs and reduced adaptability. This study addresses these challenges by developing a multifunctional flexible photoacoustic device (MFPAD) that integrates electroluminescence, piezoelectric vibration, and pressure sensing into a single structure. Using airflow-assisted electrospinning, the device's fibrous layers were fabricated to optimize mechanical properties and enable synchronized responses to luminescence, sound, and pressure. Evaluations showed that MFPAD is highly sensitive to pressure changes, with corresponding light emissions, and efficient sound output modulated by input voltage and frequency. The device also enabled real-time posture tracking in robotic fish using an image recognition algorithm based on luminescence. Additionally, deep learning models allowed for the reconstruction of missing key points during motion. These findings demonstrate the promising potential of MFPAD for advancing bioinspired systems with multimodal sensing capabilities, offering a scalable solution for complex environments.

Proteomics analysis in rats reveals convergent mechanisms between major depressive disorder and dietary zinc deficiency

Abstract Background Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that dietary zinc deficiency can lead to symptoms similar to those observed in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, we examined proteomic changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP) of rats, two critical brain regions implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Methods Rats were fed diets either adequate in zinc (ZnA, 50 mg Zn/kg) or deficient in zinc (ZnD, <3 mg/kg) for four weeks. High-throughput proteomic analysis was used to detect changes in protein expression, supplemented by enzyme activity assay for mitochondrial complexes I and IV, examining their functional impacts. Results ZnD led to significant alterations in protein expression related to zinc transport and mitochondrial function. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in zinc transporter family members such as Slc30a1 (6.64 log2FC), Slc30a3 (-2.32 log2FC), Slc30a4 (2.87 log2FC), Slc30a5 (5.90 log2FC), Slc30a6 (1.50 log2FC), and Slc30a7 (2.17 log2FC) in the PFC, and Slc30a3 (-1.02 log2FC), Slc30a5 (-1.04 log2FC), and Slc30a7 (1.08 log2FC) in the HP of rats subjected to ZnD. Furthermore, ZnD significantly affected essential mitochondrial activity proteins, including Atp5pb (3.25 log2FC), Cox2 (2.28 log2FC), Atp5me (2.04 log2FC), Cyc1 (2.30 log2FC), Cox4i1 (1.23 log2FC), Cox7c (1.63 log2FC), and Cisd1 (1.55 log2FC), with a pronounced decrease in complex I activity in the PFC. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that ZnD leads to significant proteomic changes in the PFC and HP of rats. Specifically, ZnD alters the expression of zinc transporter proteins and proteins critical for mitochondrial function. The significant decrease in complex I activity in the PFC further underscores the impact of ZnD on mitochondrial function. These results highlight the molecular mechanisms by which ZnD can influence brain function and contribute to symptoms similar to those observed in depression.

Assessing the vitality of Amman’s urban stairways: a comparative study

Purpose This research paper aims to shed light on Amman’s stairways and explore the potential of being successful urban spaces. It tries to identify critical design factors that contribute to making these stairs livable urban spaces to help further develop this type of urban space. Design/methodology/approach Three popular stairs were identified, for which a series of exploratory visits were conducted to document the morphological characteristics and essential activities around each stairway. This was followed by administering a questionnaire to measure users’ satisfaction with four criteria, including protection, comfort, attractiveness and functionality, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each stair. Findings Results confirmed the presence of essential design aspects that encourage users to come and practice certain activities that enhance urban social life. Aspects of concern include security and protection, aesthetic quality, uniqueness, variety of activities, room to walk, sit and socialize and good management of space. Research limitations/implications Results can be taken as a departure frame for future research to conduct deeper analysis to comprehend the stairways’ physical, contextual and social characteristics. Understanding the settings of such vital urban spaces will help revive their roles and bring back their brilliance to restore the city’s liveliness and maintain a better life quality for its residents. Originality/value Research interests almost lack studies addressing urban stairways aiming to understand the qualities that enable them to attract people and activities. The manuscript presents beneficial research that tackles the vitality of urban stairways, as an example of linear public spaces. Enhancing the quality of these spaces will help stimulate pedestrian movement and activate walking as an essential sustainable means of commuting at the city level.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISOLATION, ACTIVITIES AND URBAN MOBILITY FOR THE ELDERLY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: to identify the impact that the elderly population had during the quarantine on issues of social isolation, urban mobility and performance of instrumental activities of daily living. And as specific objectives: to carry out a comparative analysis between the mobility patterns of the elderly before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, to verify the impact of the reduction in urban mobility during the pandemic on the performance of their IADLs and to investigate symptoms of depression. Method: cross-sectional and quantitative study, carried out with 43 subjects from the interior of the state of São Paulo, with inclusion criteria of active individuals, with chronological age equal to or greater than 60 years, of both genders and, as exclusion criterion, diagnosis related to cognitive or physical impairments that compromised their functional independence. The instruments used for data collection were a questionnaire and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale Abbreviated (GDS-15). Data analysis performed using statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 18), McNemar's test and Pearson's chi-square test, with Yates' continuity correction, with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Results: there was a predominance of female participants, 28 (65.12%), most aged between 70 and 79 years, totaling 23 (53.49%) and 25 (58.14%) married. Regarding education, 16 (37.21%) had higher education and 15 (34.88%) had elementary education. For 37 (86.05%) of the elderly, the frequency of visits to the places decreased during the pandemic, while for 4 (9.30%) it remained the same and for 2 (4.65%) it increased. With the pandemic, fewer individuals used the bus as a means of transportation, with the percentage going from 34.88% to 18.6%. Regarding car use, the number went from 72.09% to 79.07%. Regarding essential activities and social interaction, there was a decrease in individuals attending these places (p-0.04123) and (p-0.37110), respectively. The number of women with some indication of depression was higher during the pandemic (p-0.01333). Of the total number of subjects with depressive symptoms, 41.7% lived alone, while 58.3% lived with someone. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic changed the daily lives of older adults, and this study contributed to identifying the impact of social isolation on urban mobility patterns and activity performance for the subjects. Highlighting the importance of seeking strategies and actions to overcome the possible consequences of this context for the health of older adults.

CD2 expressing innate lymphoid and T cells are critical effectors of immunopathogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory skin disease with a poorly understood immunopathogenesis. Here, we report that HS lesional skin is characterized by the expansion of innate lymphocytes and T cells expressing CD2, an essential activation receptor and adhesion molecule. Lymphocytes expressing elevated CD2 predominated with unique spatial distribution throughout the epidermis and hypodermis in the HS lesion. CD2+ cells were mainly innate lymphocytes expressing the NK cell marker, CD56, and CD4+ T cells. Importantly, these CD2+ cells interacted with CD58 (LFA3) expressing epidermal keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the hypodermis. Granzyme Abright NKT cells (CD2+CD3+CD56bright) clustered with α-SMA expressing fibroblasts juxtaposed to epithelialized tunnels and fibrotic regions of the hypodermis. Whereas NK cells (CD2+CD56dim) were perforin+, granzymes A+ and B+, and enriched adjacent to hyperplastic follicular epidermis and tunnels of HS showing presence of apoptotic cells. The cytokines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18, which enhance NK cell maturation and function were significantly elevated in HS. Ex vivo HS skin explant cultures treated with CD2:CD58 interaction-blocking anti-CD2 monoclonal antibody attenuated secretion of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and suppressed inflammatory gene signature. Additionally, CD2:CD58 blockade altered miRNAs involved in NK/NKT differentiation and/or function. In summary, we show that a cellular network of heterogenous NKT and NK cell populations drives inflammation and is critical in the pathobiology of HS, including tunnel formation and fibrosis. Finally, CD2 blockade is a viable immunotherapeutic approach for the effective management of HS.

Wheat Topoisomerase VI Positively Regulates the Biosynthesis of Cuticular Wax and Cutin.

Lipophilic cuticles mainly composed of wax mixtures and cutin matrices seal the plant epidermis and control plant development and environmental adaptation. Although cuticle-associated traits have been selected in the breeding of agronomically important cereal bread wheat, the biosynthesis of wheat cuticular wax and cutin remains poorly understood. Herein, wheat topoisomerase VI was characterized as an essential activator of cuticular wax and cutin biosynthesis. Knock-down of wheat TaTOP6A, TaTOP6B, TaRHL1, or TaBIN4 gene encoding component of topoisomerase VI resulted in decreased loads of leaf cuticular wax and cutin, as well as increased leaf cuticle permeability. Moreover, TaCYP86A2 was identified as a key component of the wheat cutin biosynthetic machinery. Reduction of wheat TaCYP86A2 expression led to decreased cutin accumulation and enhanced cuticle permeability. In addition, TaTOP6A, TaTOP6B, TaRHL1, or TaBIN4 was shown to enrich at the promoter regions of the wax biosynthesis gene TaKCS1 and the cutin biosynthesis gene TaCYP86A2. Importantly, chromatin at TaKCS1 and TaCYP86A2 promoters is marked by high nucleosome occupancy and low histone acetylation in TaTOP6A-, TaTOP6B-, TaRHL1-, or TaBIN4-silenced wheat leaves. These results collectively support that wheat topoisomerase VI positively regulates the biosynthesis of cuticular wax and cutin probably via maintaining a permissive chromatin state at TaKCS1 and TaCYP86A2 genes.

Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Diversity in the Moroccan Coastal Water of the Gibraltar Strait

Coastal waters are known for higher productivity and organic matter levels, which support a high diversity and abundance of microorganisms compared to some aquatic environments. The characterization of marine microbiomes can provide valuable information for evaluating the sustainability of coastal waters that are increasingly subjected to environmental and human impacts. Our study is the first metagenomic study realized on Moroccan Mediterranean coastal seawater. We analyzed and described the Gibraltar Detroit marine microbiome taxonomic and functional profiling using MG-RAST software. Shotgun sequencing revealed a predominance of bacterial taxa, particularly the Proteobacteria (57.29%) and Bacteroidetes (27.06%) phyla, alongside notable populations of eukaryotes, viruses, and archaea. Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria emerged as the dominant bacterial classes, while Flavobacteria represented a significant portion of Bacteroidetes. Functional profiling of the microbial community highlighted a wide array of metabolic pathways, emphasizing genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and protein processing. The marine microbiome exhibited essential biogeochemical activities, particularly in nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon cycles, with notable pathways including denitrification, thiosulfate oxidation, and carbon fixation. This functional diversity underlines the microbiome’s role in sustaining ecosystem health through nutrient cycling and organic matter degradation. Our findings offer a crucial baseline for understanding microbial community structure and resilience in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, with implications for assessing future environmental and anthropogenic impacts on these microbial dynamics.

"More Than Just Holding the iPad": Family Members' Perspectives on the Work of Video Calling in Aged Care

Video calls are increasingly being adopted to enable older adults living in long-term residential care (aged care homes) to remain socially connected with friends and family. However, care home residents often require extensive support to participate effectively in video calls. Despite growing interest in examining the work involved in facilitating technology use in care homes, the role of caregivers---comprising family members and staff---in facilitating video calls has received limited attention. Drawing on data from a study of family members' experiences in Australia, we analysed the essential work activities required to make video calls function in residential aged care. We show how video calling is underpinned by the development of relationships between families and staff, and how video calling requires considerable work in preparation, facilitation, and troubleshooting. We discuss how video calling systems for care homes might be designed to alleviate unwanted work, lowering the burden of call participation for residents, families, and care staff.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Three Bulgarian Garden Thyme Essential Oils

Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the family Lamiaceae. It can be found both in the wild and as a cultivated plant in Bulgaria. This study is aimed at assessing the garden thyme essential oil composition and antioxidant activities, which were collected from three different areas in Bulgaria. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main compounds in the garden thyme essential oils (over 2%) were as follows: thymol (42.88–53.55%), p-cymene (14.25–25.51%), γ-terpinene (6.58–15.51%), borneol (2.75–3.57%), carvacrol (2.00–3.02%), β-linalool (2.07–2.31%), cis-sabinene hydrate (4.05%), eucalyptol (1.08–3.65%), α-terpinene (1.01–3.24%), carvacrol methyl ether (1.18–3.02%), and thymol methyl ether (2.26–3.16%). The oils were mainly composed of oxygenated phenyl propanoids, and all the essential oils belonged to the chemotype thymol. Antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) and ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] assays. All the samples exhibited antioxidant activity relative to the DPPH radical (from 143.20 mM TE/mL to 165.91 mM TE/mL) and by the ABTS method (from 121.67 mM TE/mL to 127.62 mM TE/mL). These garden thyme essential oils could be used as natural antioxidants for food and as nutraceuticals.

Novel keratin-based particles encapsulating essential oils: A step towards developing sustainable biopesticides

Essential oils (EOs) are playing a pivotal role in pest control within biologic farming due to their botanical origin and potential as biocontrol agents. However, their use is still limited by challenges like high volatility, rapid oxidation, and susceptibility to degradation in field conditions. Additionally, EOs might present some health risks to humans through inhalation or direct contact during application. Encapsulation of EOs holds promise by enhancing essential stability and activity, while reducing their volatility and potential cytotoxicity. EOs from Satureja montana (Winter Savory), Mentha piperita (Peppermint) and Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) were investigated, both in their free form or encapsulated into keratin-based particles, representing a novel class of biopesticides. Particles containing 15 mg/mL of keratin encapsulating the EOs were stable over time with sizes below 650 nm and demonstrated particle formation and encapsulation efficiencies higher than 90 %. The keratin-based particles exhibited a release of approximately 12 %, 43 %, and 51 % for M. piperita EO, S. montana EO, and T. vulgaris EO, respectively, during a 48-hour in vitro evaluation. When tested for cytotoxicity in human fibroblast cells, the free EOs exhibited greater cytotoxic effects compared to their encapsulated forms, especially at higher concentrations. Encapsulation of EOs into keratin-based particles significantly reduced their harmful impact on cells, demonstrating the protective effect of these formulations. This reduction in cytotoxicity suggests potential for further exploration of these encapsulated EOs as alternatives to conventional pesticides. However, their efficacy against pests and their toxicity towards non-target species requires further validation.

A population-level study reveals hidden patterns in resting site choice of free-ranging dogs

Abstract Rest is an essential biological activity for all animals. Urban animals encounter multiple anthropogenic disturbances while resting. Since free-ranging dogs (FRDs) have survived as a population in the Global South for centuries, they provide a unique opportunity to study adaptation to the human-dominated landscape. In a field-based study over 3 years, we documented resting behaviour and site selection in 66 dog groups (284 dogs) in India. Eleven physical parameters of the resting sites, along with biological activities such as mating and pup-rearing, season, and the time of day, affected their choice of resting sites. The frequency-rank distribution of the unique combinations of the 11 parameters followed a power-law distribution, suggesting underlying biological reasons for the observed preferences. Seven of these parameters were most consistently involved in site choice, explaining around 24% of the observations. FRDs prefer to rest near resources at the centre of their territory, where they have maximum visibility and minimal anthropogenic disturbance. They prefer concrete surfaces with low insect presence. Our results suggest that the FRDs choose resting sites that enable better resource and territory defence, foraging effectiveness, and insect avoidance. Urban planners can use these insights to reduce situations of conflict and build more inclusive urban areas.

Chemical Composition, In vitro and In silico Evaluation of Essential Oil Extracted from Mentha Piperita L. for Lung Cancer

Background: Mentha piperita, a naturally occurring herb, is utilized in medicinal formulations. It possesses abundant bioactive elements, including flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds,that exhibit various properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Objective: In the present study, chemical constituents of essential oil extracted from Mentha piperita were analyzed and identified through GC-MS. In vitro antiproliferative activity was performed on A549 lung cancer cell line lines. In silico study was conducted by Schrodinger’s Maestro’s software to identify chemical constituents in the plant as potential EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) inhibitors Methods: Hydro-distilled essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS to identify chemical components based on the retention index and mass fragmentation pattern, which was then tested for its antiproliferative activity by MTT assay against human lung cancer cell lines. All the identified constituents were investigated in silico for their affinity towards EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors). Results: A total of thirty constituents were identified where D-carvone (56.69%), L-limonene (12.36%), squalene (3.36%), cis-carveol (2.93%), and α-amorphene (2.36%) were observed as major constituents of the essential oil. The essential mentha oil also exhibited antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 86.05 µg/ml. Furthermore, from the in silico study, five constituents were identified to have a better affinity for EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) than that of the standard drug Osimertinib. Conclusion: In the present study, the aerial part of the plant Mentha piperita was hydrodistilled.Thirty phytoconstituents were identified through GC-MS data. An in-silico study was performed using Schrodinger software, and a further in vitro study was performed in which essential oil showedgood antiproliferative activity against the A549 cancer cell line.

Combined application of earthworms and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria improve metal uptake, photosynthetic efficiency and modulate secondary metabolites levels under chromium metal toxicity in Brassica juncea L

Chromium (Cr) toxicity impairs essential morphological and metabolic activities in plants. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the beneficial role of plant growth promoting rhizobacterial strains namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa (M1), Burkholderia gladioli (M2) and earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in alleviating Cr toxicity in 10 days old Brassica juncea L. The findings delineated that addition of earthworms and PGPR restored growth, boosted Cr uptake and showed upregulation of metal transporter genes (SULTR 1-4). Supplementation of rhizospheric amendments reinstated Cr induced impairment in photosynthetic attributes. Gaseous exchange attributes, the efficiency of PS II, the content of total phenols, anthocyanin and flavonoids was enhanced with application of earthworms along with PGPR. Confocal imaging of primary photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll), accessory photosynthetic pigment (carotenoids) and total phenols showed maximum fluorescence with combined inoculation of earthworms and both microbial strains (M1M2). The gene expression analysis revealed that Phyotene synthase (PSY), Photosystem II core protein psb A, psb B were down regulated in Cr stressed seedlings which upon supplementation with earthworms and PGPR were upregulated. Further, Phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS) were upregulated with addition of earthworms and PGPR. Increased nitric oxide content, enhanced activity and upregulation of nitrate reductase (NR) gene was observed with addition of PGPR and earthworms

Actividades preventivas en la mujer. Actualización PAPPS 2024

In the 2024 PAPPS update, we present preventive activities specific to women's health, except those related to cancer prevention (which are included in another document) and aspects related to differential morbidity of gender, which is a cross-cutting element for all working groups.Contraception is an essential preventive activity; the right to decide both the number of children that they will have and when to have them is considered basic. We must inform about contraceptive methods, guaranteeing in follow-up their safety, efficacy, and effectiveness (tables are included on changing from one method to another to preserve contraceptive protection). We must inform about emergency contraception and propose it in in the event of unprotected intercourse. We will use opportunistic screening to do this, without needing to screen for thrombophilia or dyslipidaemia, but we will screen for hypertension.Pregnancy is a major life experience and general practitioners should not ignore it. We should be competent at both preconception consultation (recommend folic acid intake, avoiding exposure to occupational and environmental hazards, screen for certain pathologies, and assess the intake of medication not indicated during pregnancy) and during follow-up of pregnancy. Whether or not we follow-up the pregnancy, we should not fail to monitor it, taking advantage of this period to promote healthy lifestyles and manage potential intercurrent events.Menopause in general and osteoporosis in particular exemplify the strategy of medicalising life events that has been followed by different bodies and organisations. In our update we address the prevention and treatment of symptoms secondary to oestrogen deprivation. We also propose osteoporosis prevention, including bone density scanning according to the fracture risk in the next 10 years, therefore, bone density screening is not recommended in women under 60 years of age. We recommend the FRAX tool for assessing risk, or better, measuring hip fracture risk with prevalence data from the Community of Madrid. The indication for treatment is linked to the Z-score (bone mineral density compared with women of the same age), since this is a condition associated with aging, and not the T-score, which is used to compare women of 20 years of age.

Glacier Cover Estimation: a Multitemporal Retrospective Analysis of the Uruashraju Snow-capped Mountain (Ancash)

Objectives: To estimate the evolution of the glacier cover of the Uruashraju snow-capped mountain (Áncash, Peru) between the years 2014 and 2024, Theoretical framework: The research is framed in the context of climate change, specifically in the reduction of tropical glaciers. Andean glaciers are key indicators of global warming, and their retreat affects the availability of water resources, impacting sectors such as agriculture, human consumption and local biodiversity. Method: A cartographic analysis of satellite images obtained through the "Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS C2 L2" mission for the years 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 was used. The images were downloaded from the USGS Earth Explorer platform and selected from the months of July to maintain temporal homogeneity. The spatial resolution used was 30 meters in visible, near infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands. Results and discussion: The results reveal a significant reduction of 37.28% in the glacier surface of the Uruashraju snow-capped mountain between 2014 and 2024. Despite some periods of temporary stabilization, the general trend is one of retreat due to climate change. This phenomenon affects water availability and poses risks for essential activities such as agriculture. Implications of the research: The research highlights the urgent need to take measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on Andean glaciers, since their loss compromises the water and economic security of local communities that depend on glacial resources. Originality/Value: This study offers a detailed and updated analysis of the evolution of glacier cover on the Uruashraju snow-capped mountain, providing relevant data for water resource planning and climate change adaptation strategies in the Andean region.

Immunoreactivity Analysis of MHC-I Epitopes Derived from the Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 via Computation and Vaccination.

Background: Since 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been responsible for the global spread of respiratory illness. As of 1 September 2024, the cumulative number of infections worldwide exceeded 776 million. There are many structural proteins of the virus, among which the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein plays a pivotal role in the viral life cycle, participating in a multitude of essential activities following viral invasion. An important antiviral immune response is the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted differentiation cluster 8 (CD8+) T cell cytotoxicity. Therefore, understanding the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 NP-specific MHC-I-restricted epitopes is highly important. Methods: MHC-I molecules from 11 human leukocyte antigen I (HLA-I) superfamilies with 98% population coverage and 6 mouse H2 alleles were selected. The affinity were screened by IEDB, NetMHCpan, SYFPEITHI, SMMPMBEC and Rankpep. Further immunogenicity and conservative analyses were performed using VaxiJen and BLASTp, respectively. EpiDock was used to simulate molecular docking. Cluster analysis was performed. Selective epitopes were validated by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay and flow cytometry in the mice with pVAX-NPSARS-CoV-2 immunization. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect whether the preferred epitope induced humoral immunity. Results: There were 64 dominant epitopes for the H-2 haplotype and 238 dominant epitopes for the HLA-I haplotype. Further analysis of immunogenicity and conservation yielded 8 preferred epitopes, and docking simulations were conducted with corresponding MHC-I alleles. The relationships between the NP peptides and MHC-I haplotypes were then determined via two-way hierarchical clustering. ELISA, ELISpot assay, and flow cytometry revealed that the preferred epitope stimulated both humoral and cellular immunity and enhanced cytokine secretion in mice. Conclusions: our study revealed the general patterns among multiple haplotypes within the humans and mice superfamily, providing a comprehensive assessment of the pan-MHC-I immunoreactivity of SARS-CoV-2 NP. Our findings would render prospects for the development and application of epitope-based immunotherapy in lasting viral epidemics.

A Review of the Basic Principles and Methods of Signal Sampling Technology

In modern life, communication is an essential human activity. In the process of communication, various information spreads around the world in the form of signals. In order to optimize the communication, the reasonable processing of the signal becomes an important research problem. Signal processing is an important step during signal processing. It is one of two processes that convert an analog signal into a digital equivalent signal. It can be considered that signal sampling transforms the time axis of the signal into a set of discrete time moments, that is, the process of converting a signal in a continuous time domain to a discrete time domain through a series of methods. It is used to convert continuous time signals into digital signals for relevant processing and storage of digital signals in subsequent operations. This paper will summarize the basic principles and methods of signal sampling technology, introduce the sampling theorem, sampling frequency, sampling depth, sampling method and sampling error, and finally discuss the future development of signal adoption technology.

Background predation risk induces anxiety-like behaviour and predator neophobia in zebrafish

Prey face a major challenge in balancing predator avoidance with other essential activities. In environments with high risk, prey may exhibit neophobia (fear of novelty) due to the increased likelihood of novel stimuli being dangerous. The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is an established model organism for many scientific studies. Although spatial and object neophobia in zebrafish have received previous attention, little is known about the role of background risk in inducing neophobia in zebrafish. Here, we present two experiments using zebrafish to explore whether background predation risk can induce anxiety-like behaviour in a novel environment and neophobic responses when exposed to a novel odour. Over five days, we repeatedly exposed zebrafish to either high background risk in the form of chemical alarm cues (i.e., injured conspecific cues that indicate a predator attack) or a low-risk water control stimulus. In Experiment 1, when tested in a novel tank, zebrafish exposed to high predation risk displayed anxiety-like responses (reduced activity and increased bottom time spent) compared to their low-risk counterparts. Moreover, high-risk individuals showed reduced intra-session habituation to the novel tank compared to low-risk individuals. In Experiment 2, high-risk individuals exhibited fear responses toward a novel odour, unlike low-risk individuals. These results reveal that short-term repeated exposures to high risk can induce anxiety-like behaviour and predator odour neophobia in zebrafish.

Miracle plant Moringa oleifera Lam.: nutritional, mineral, essential oil contents and biological activities

Miracle plant Moringa oleifera Lam.: nutritional, mineral, essential oil contents and biological activities

No one is going to rock up and tell you! How a hidden blend of family capitals facilitates access to and success in structured instrumental music education in Ireland

ABSTRACT While the dominant orthodoxy within the field of educational research tends to document educational inequalities, it often fails to name the key drivers of advantage. By reflecting on core concepts of Bourdieu this article seeks to name the complex blend of parental capitals that enable access to and success in structured, extra-curricular activities (ECA) such as instrumental and vocal music education (IME). Besides the intrinsic benefits of IME, the article points to a particular extrinsic benefit that is unique to Ireland, in that performance is one of the essential activities on the Leaving Certificate (LC) music syllabus. This is important as it has implications for universal equality of access and opportunity. The research draws data from selected interviews conducted with mothers whose children were engaged in structured IME. In highlighting the often hidden and taken for granted capitals needed for IME access, the research also raises the issue of intra-class differences which can and do impact on outcome when navigating the structured IME market in Ireland. It also seeks to operate as a springboard for a set of broader theoretical arguments and highlights the role of institutional demands and material forces when considering the power of family capitals in this context.