Multi-targeted loss of the antigen presentation molecule MR1 during HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), Class-I-related (MR1) molecule presents microbiome-synthesized metabolites to Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, present at sites of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. During HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infection there is a profound and rapid loss of MR1, in part due to expression of unique short 3 protein. Here we show that virion host shutoff RNase protein downregulates MR1 protein, through loss of MR1 transcripts. Furthermore, a third viral protein, infected cell protein 22, also downregulates MR1, but not classical MHC-I molecules. This occurs early in the MR1 trafficking pathway through proteasomal degradation. Finally, HSV-2 infection results in the loss of MR1 transcripts, and intracellular and surface MR1 protein, comparable to that seen during HSV-1 infection. Thus HSV coordinates a multifaceted attack on the MR1 antigen presentation pathway, potentially protecting infected cells from MAIT cell T cell receptor-mediated detection at sites of primary infection and reactivation

The utilization of psychopharmacological treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a middle-income European country

Background: Studies examining the utilization of psychopharmacological treatments (psychotropic medications) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have primarily been carried out in affluent nations. Nonetheless, there is an evident dearth of data originating from low- and middle-income countries. Our study sought to comprehensively evaluate the usage of psychopharmacological treatments and the effectiveness of those treatments as perceived by the parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Macedonia, a middle-income country in South-Eastern Europe. Methods: We conducted a survey involving 103 parents of individuals with ASD and analyzed the questionnaire responses using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Results: Our research uncovered that 62% of individuals diagnosed with ASD were prescribed psychopharmacological treatments, yet only 48% actually utilized them. Among the medications prescribed, antipsychotics (55%) and antiepileptics (44%) were the most common, with risperidone and valproate being the preferred options. Psychopharmacological treatments were found to be more commonly used among individuals aged 15 years and above, with children under 8 years closely following suit at a rate of 56%. Furthermore, we discovered a noteworthy association between the severity of ASD symptoms and the utilization of these interventions. Intriguingly, the majority of parents (73%) regarded the effectiveness of psychopharmacological treatments as only partially effective. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the prevalent utilization of psychotropic medication, especially among young individuals, and underscores the necessity for enhanced dissemination of information to parents regarding prescribed medications. By integrating our research findings, medical professionals and policymakers can enhance the strategies and initiatives used to improve the quality of care and support for individuals on the autism spectrum

The Quebec Act (1774) and the Hanoverian church-state relationship

By providing for freedom of worship among Catholics in the conquered Province of Quebec, the Quebec Act (1774) later proved to be one element in the long and complicated process of Catholic emancipation in Britain, Ireland and the empire. Historians have examined the press campaign against the Quebec Act, contrasting the culture of Enlightenment toleration among its drafters and defenders with the Protestant zealotry of its opponents and, latterly, the Gordon rioters in 1780. But this characterisation neglects the ecclesiological debate about the connection between the legislation and the Hanoverian church–state relationship. Drawing on Enlightenment critiques of priestcraft and superstition, opponents of the Quebec Act claimed that it established, rather than tolerated, Catholicism. By contrast, defenders of the Quebec Act argued that priestcraft and superstition were declining among Canadian Catholics and that enshrining the right of Catholic priests to collect tithes did not represent a church establishment. The debate turned on the problem of Catholic loyalty in a Protestant state. Opponents of the Quebec Act held that Protestants alone could reconcile secular and spiritual loyalties through the royal supremacy. Supporters of the Quebec Act not only claimed that conquered Catholics could be loyal to the imperial state, but also that they merited a bishop and endowed priests to perform the public offices of their faith, holding out the possibility that Catholicism could be a civil religion

Stability of 20 biogenic amino acids in concentrated sulfuric acid: Implications for the habitability of Venus' clouds

Scientists have long speculated about the potential habitability of Venus, not at the 700K surface, but in the cloud layers located at 48–60 km altitudes, where temperatures match those found on Earth's surface. However, the prevailing belief has been that Venus' clouds cannot support life due to the cloud chemical composition of concentrated sulfuric acid—a highly aggressive solvent. In this work, we study 20 biogenic amino acids at the range of Venus' cloud sulfuric acid concentrations (81% and 98% w/w, the rest water) and temperatures. We find 19 of the biogenic amino acids we tested are either unreactive (13 in 98% w/w and 12 in 81% w/w) or chemically modified in the side chain only, after 4 weeks. Our major finding, therefore, is that the amino acid backbone remains intact in concentrated sulfuric acid. These findings significantly broaden the range of biologically relevant molecules that could be components of a biochemistry based on a concentrated sulfuric acid solvent

Systematic effects on the upcoming NIKA2 LPSZ scaling relation

In cluster cosmology, cluster masses are the main parameter of interest. They are needed to constrain cosmological parameters through the cluster number count. As the mass is not an observable, a scaling relation is needed to link cluster masses to the integrated Compton parameters Y, i.e. the Sunyaev-Zeldovich observable (SZ). Planck cosmological results obtained with cluster number counts are based on a scaling relation measured with clusters at low redshift (z<0.5) observed in SZ and X-ray. In the SZ Large Program (LPSZ) of the NIKA2 collaboration, the scaling relation will be obtained with a sample of 38 clusters at intermediate to high redshift (0.5 < z < 0.9) and observed at high angular resolution in both SZ and X-ray. Thanks to analytical simulation of LPSZ-like samples, we take into account the LPSZ selection function and correct for its effects. Besides, we show that white and correlated noises in the SZ maps do not affect the scaling relation estimation

Application of the Fuller-Thompson equation in sinter blend design to increase sinter productivity

Sintering is an important phase of the iron-making chain, as it allows the usage of finer iron ore particles in the blast furnace whilst still maintaining furnace performance. An on-going challenge for sinter plants is to obtain higher productivity from their sinter blends, or maintain sinter productivity whilst using more financially attractive iron ores. One of the most effective means to reduced blend cost is to use a higher proportion of concentrated iron ores in the blend. The key characteristic of concentrated ores is that they have a finer particle size distribution (PSD) than traditional sinter feeds and are widely known to negatively impact sinter bed permeability and sinter productivity. In this study, various iron ore blends were used to demonstrate the effect that the PSD of the sinter blend has on granulation and subsequent sintering process parameters during laboratory-scale sintering. Particular focus was applied to the impact of the PSD of the layering material in blend (−0.5 mm). Cold bed superficial gas velocity (SGV) was correlated to the spread of the PSD within the layers around granule nuclei. Widening the PSD spread within the layer increased cold SGV due to a narrowing in the spread of the granule size distribution (GSD) and increase in mean granule diameter. The Fuller–Thompson (FT) blend exhibited increased SGV during sintering (hot SGV) which led to shorter sintering times. This was a result of an enhanced ‘hot SGV efficiency’ (a measure for the ratio of hot SGV to cold SGV) over what was anticipated based on the trend with mean granule diameter. Complete industrial blends were compared with blends designed to the FT equation at varying proportions of layering particles in the blends (−0.5 mm). At equal proportions of layering particles in the blends, the FT blends exhibited increased cold and hot SGV by up to 20% and 25%, respectively, and led to a maximum 10% decrease in sintering time. Further, blends designed to the FT equation enabled the incorporation of 4 wt-% more layering particles and still exhibited similar cold SGV, hot SGV and sintering times to the industrial blends

Exploring the potential of ammonia/hydrogen trigeneration cycle

Numerous low-carbon energy initiatives are adopting ammonia as an energy source, with a particular focus on combining ammonia and hydrogen in a 70%/30% volume ratio for gas turbine systems. The ammonia-hydrogen triple generation cycle, a hybrid of a humidified Brayton cycle and a reverse Brayton cycle, has demonstrated outstanding performance, achieving zero carbon and low NOx emissions, while boosting overall efficiency to around 59%, comparable to conventional fossil fuel-based power generation systems. The Aspen Plus software was used to simulate and calculate the system’s efficiency, mainly focusing on the humidification Brayton cycle, reverse Brayton cycle, and waste heat recovery phase of the ammonia-hydrogen triplex production cycle. Three scenarios were developed to evaluate the efficiency of different steam condensation recovery processes, with all three yielding efficiencies of at least 59%, confirming the cycle’s effectiveness and feasibility. Advancements in the system’s structure in the future could further enhance the system’s efficiency

Bridging minds and machines: the recent advances of brain-computer interfaces in neurological and neurosurgical applications

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), a remarkable technological advancement in neurology and neurosurgery, mark a significant leap since the inception of electroencephalography (EEG) in 1924. These interfaces effectively convert central nervous system signals into commands for external devices, offering revolutionary benefits to patients with severe communication and motor impairments due to a myriad of neurological conditions like stroke, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. BCIs enable these individuals to communicate and interact with their environment, using their brain signals to operate interfaces for communication and environmental control. This technology is especially crucial for those completely locked in, providing a communication lifeline where other methods fall short. The advantages of BCIs are profound, offering autonomy and an improved quality of life for patients with severe disabilities. They allow for direct interaction with various devices and prostheses, bypassing damaged or non-functional neural pathways. However, challenges persist, including the complexity of accurately interpreting brain signals, the need for individual calibration, and ensuring reliable, long-term use. Additionally, ethical considerations arise regarding autonomy, consent, and the potential for dependence on technology. Despite these challenges, BCIs represent a transformative development in neurotechnology, promising enhanced patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of brain-machine interfaces

Anthropocene airborne microfibers: Physicochemical characteristics, identification methods and health impacts

The toxicity of fibrous particles in ambient air can be higher than that of particles of other shapes; a phenomenon referred to as the fiber paradigm. Microfibers (MFs) can be classified into organic and inorganic types. Airborne inorganic fibers originate from the suspension of dust from roads, construction sites, industries, and also natural dust storms. While the use of carcinogenic mineral fibers, such as asbestos, is now restricted, their substitutes, such as artificial mineral fibers, are still widely used due to their comparable properties. With the rapid growing consumption of plastic products in recent decades, plastic MFs have emerged as a new source of anthropogenic pollutants, as well as markers of the Anthropocene, focusing scientific attention in terms of environmental concerns. MFs in the ambient atmosphere can lead to adverse human health effects following ingestion via the gastrointestinal tract or inhalation through the respiratory system. Accurate collection and identification of MFs, standardization of analysis procedures, and the understanding of the underlying health hazards are critical for scientists and governments to develop public health mitigation strategies. This review classifies ambient atmospheric MFs according to their morphology and compositions. Current understandings on the physical and chemical characteristics of mineral and plastic MFs are summarized. A comparison of the various identification methods used for atmospheric MFs is presented, and a standardized protocol is proposed. The toxicity and health impact mechanisms of atmospheric MFs are also discussed. We recommend the development of sensitive, accurate and rapid detection methods, with a strong emphasis on source apportionment