Good Practices for Health Technology Assessment Guideline Development: A Report of the Health Technology Assessment International, HTAsiaLink, and ISPOR Special Task Force.

Objectives: Health technology assessment (HTA) guidelines are intended to support successful implementation of HTA by enhancing consistency and transparency in concepts, methods, process, and use, thereby enhancing the legitimacy of the decision-making process. This report lays out good practices and practical recommendations for developing or updating HTA guidelines to ensure successful implementation.

Methods: The task force was established in 2022 and comprised experts and academics from various geographical regions, each with substantial experience in developing HTA guidelines for national health policymaking.

Challenges and Opportunities for Adult Vaccine Coverage: Insights for Healthcare Professionals Focusing on Herpes Zoster in Mexico.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common disease in older adults and immunocompromised patients, and is frequently associated with long-term complications that impact quality of life. Fortunately, more than one vaccine against HZ is now available in Mexico. Two expert consensus groups discussed adult vaccination strategies in Mexico, focusing on HZ in older adults and immunocompromised individuals; their insights are reported here.

Oral Vaccine Formulation for Immunocastration Using a Live-Attenuated ΔSPI2 Strain as an Antigenic Vector.

Immunization against Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) has been successfully explored and developed for the parenteral inoculation of animals, aimed at controlling fertility, reducing male aggressiveness, and preventing boar taint. Although effective, these vaccines may cause adverse reactions at the injection site, including immunosuppression and inflammation, as well as the involvement of laborious and time-consuming procedures. Oral vaccines represent an advancement in antigen delivery technology in the vaccine industry.

Wearable Solutions Using Physiological Signals for Stress Monitoring on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Literature Review.

Some previous studies have focused on using physiological signals to detect stress in individuals with ASD through wearable devices, yet few have focused on how to design such solutions. Wearable technology may be a valuable tool to aid parents and caregivers in monitoring the emotional states of individuals with ASD who are at high risk of experiencing very stressful situations. However, effective wearable devices for individuals with ASD may need to differ from solutions for those without ASD.

Use of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy to Inactivate Multidrug-Resistant : Scoping Review.

is a Gram-negative bacillus responsible for a wide variety of potentially fatal infections and, in turn, constitutes a critical agent of healthcare-associated infections. Moreover, is characterized by multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemase (KPC) producer strains, representing a significant health problem. Because resistances make it difficult to eradicate using antibiotics, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) promises to be a favorable approach to complementing conventional therapy against MDR bacteria.

From Experimentation to Optimization: Surface Micro-Texturing for Low-Friction and Durable PTFE-Steel Interfaces Under Full Film Lubrication.

To enhance the sliding tribological performance between PTFE and 40#steel (AISI 1040) under full film lubrication conditions, laser surface texturing (LST) technology was employed to prepare micro-dimples on the contact surfaces of 40# steel discs. The Box-Behnken design response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) was applied to optimize the micro-dimple parameters. Coefficients of friction (COFs), wear losses and worn contact surfaces of the PTFE-40# steel tribo-pairs were researched through repeated wear tests, as lubricated with sufficient anti-wear hydraulic oil.

Tissue Sources Influence the Morphological and Morphometric Characteristics of Collagen Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration.

(1) Background: Collagen, a natural polymer, is widely used in the fabrication of membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR). These membranes are sourced from various tissues, such as skin, pericardium, peritoneum, and tendons, which exhibit differences in regenerative outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the morphological and chemical properties of porcine collagen membranes from five different tissue sources: skin, pericardium, dermis, tendons, and peritoneum.

The Design of a Controlled-Release Polymer of a Phytopharmaceutical Agent: A Study on the Release in Different PH Environments Using the Ultrafiltration Technique.

A series of hydrophilic copolymers were prepared using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and itaconic acid (IA) from free radical polymerization at different feed monomer ratios using ammonium persulfate (APS) initiators in water at 70 °C. The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) was grafted to Poly(HEMA--IA) by a condensation reaction. The hydrolysis of the polymeric release system, Poly(HEMA--IA)-2,4-D, demonstrated that the release of the herbicide in an aqueous phase depends on the polymeric system's pH value and hydrophilic character.

The Global Advance of Genome-Edited Plants to the Market: The Key Role of Chile in Its Development.

The global advancement of genome-edited plants toward commercialization has been significantly shaped by the functionality and flexibility of some regulatory frameworks governing plant genome editing. These frameworks vary widely across countries, reflecting diverse approaches to assessing and managing the risks and benefits of genome-editing technologies. While some nations have adopted product-based frameworks that focus on the characteristics of the final plant rather than the technique used, others rely on more restrictive process-based regulations.

The Agronomic Potential of the Invasive Brown Seaweed : Optimisation of Alginate, Mannitol, and Phlorotannin Extraction.

is an invasive brown macroalga that has recently proliferated in the western Mediterranean Sea, causing significant environmental challenges. This alga, however, contains valuable bioactive compounds-alginate, mannitol, and phlorotannins-that can serve as biofertilizers to promote plant growth and aid in bioremediation of degraded or contaminated soils. This study focused on optimizing the extraction of these compounds from , transforming an ecological issue into a beneficial resource.

Synthesis and Degradation of the Phytohormone Indole-3-Acetic Acid by the Versatile Bacterium LB400 and Its Growth Promotion of Plant.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a role in stimulating plant growth through mechanisms such as the synthesis of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The aims of this study were the characterization of IAA synthesis and degradation by the model aromatic-degrading bacterium LB400, and its growth promotion of the plant. Strain LB400 was able to synthesize IAA (measured by HPLC) during growth in the presence of tryptophan and at least one additional carbon source; synthesis of anthranilic acid was also observed.

Deepening the Role of Pectin in the Tissue Assembly Process During Tomato Grafting.

Cell walls play essential roles in cell recognition, tissue adhesion, and wound response. In particular, pectins as cell-adhesive agents are expected to play a key role in the early stages of grafting. To test this premise, this study focused on examining the dynamics of the accumulation and degree of methyl-esterification of pectic polysaccharides at the graft junctions using tomato autografts as an experimental model.

Soil and Site Productivity Effects on Above- and Belowground Radiata Pine Carbon Pools at Harvesting Age.

D. Don is the most widely planted forest species in Chile, making it crucial to understand carbon pools in adult plantations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil type and site productivity on the total carbon stock in adult radiata pine plantations, considering sites with contrasting water and nutrient availability.

Phenolic Fractions from Walnut Milk Residue: Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Potential.

Walnut milk residues (WMR) were investigated for the first time through their phenolic characterization including soluble (free, esterified, and etherified) phenolics and those released from their insoluble-bound form (insoluble-bound phenolic hydrolysates, IBPHs) and their antioxidant properties. Free phenolics were recovered and alkaline or acid hydrolysis were used to recover the remaining phenolic fractions. Total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and their antioxidant activity were analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu, FRAP, and ORAC methods, respectively.

Optimizing Heavy Metal Uptake in Through Electrokinetic Treatment: A Comprehensive Study on Phytoremediation from Mine Tailings.

Copper mining drives economic growth, with the global demand expected to reach 120 million metric tons annually by 2050. However, mining produces tailings containing heavy metals (HMs), which poses environmental risks. This study investigated the efficacy of phytoremediation (Phy) combined with electrokinetic treatment (EKT) to increase metal uptake in grown in tailings from the Metropolitan Region of Chile.

Defining "High-In" Saturated Fat, Sugar, and Sodium to Help Inform Front-of-Pack Labeling Efforts for Packaged Foods and Beverages in the United States.

: To help consumers make healthier choices, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been charged with developing a front-of-package label (FOPL) to appear on US packaged foods and beverages. One option being explored is the use of "high-in" FOPLs for added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat using a threshold of ≥20% of the recommended daily value (%DV) per portion/serving size to define "high-in". While research has addressed what FOPL designs are most effective at visually communicating "high-in", less attention has been paid to the nutrient profile model (NPM) used to decide which products should receive these labels.

Role of Polyphosphate as an Inorganic Chaperone to Prevent Protein Aggregation Under Copper Stress in .

Polyphosphates are biopolymers composed of phosphate monomers linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. They are present across all life domains, serving as a source of energy, metal chelators, and playing a crucial role in stress defense. In , polyphosphates also function as inorganic molecular chaperones.

Soil Microbial Communities Changes Along Depth and Contrasting Facing Slopes at the Parque Nacional La Campana, Chile.

The Parque Nacional La Campana (PNLC) was recently recognized for its high soil surface microbial richness. Here, we explored the microbial community structure in soil profiles from contrasting facing slopes where sclerophyllous forest (SF) and xerophytic shrubland (XS) develop. Soil physicochemical conditions (dry density, pH, and organic matter C and N isotopic soil signatures) were determined at three depths (5, 10, and 15 cm depths).

Differential Transcriptomic Profile of LF-89 and EM-90 During an Spatial Separation Co-Culture in Atlantic Salmon.

Salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS) is a critical sanitary problem in the Chilean aquaculture industry since it induces the highest mortality rate in salmonids among all infectious diseases. , a facultative intracellular bacterium, is the biological agent of SRS. In Chile, two genogroups of , designated as LF-89 and EM-90, have been identified.

The Sweet Cherry Tree Genotype Restricts the Aggressiveness of the Wood Decay Fungi and .

The wood decay fungi and severely threaten the worldwide cultivation of sweet cherry trees ( L.). Both fungi cause similar symptoms, including vascular necrosis, which leads to branch and twig dieback.

Documentary Analysis of (St. John's Wort) and Its Effect on Depressive Disorders.

, also known as St. John's Wort, pericon, or yellow grass, is known for its antidepressant potential. It could represent a natural alternative to current pharmacological antidepressant treatments, which have a high incidence of side effects in patients and therefore lead to early dropouts.

Isolation and Characterization of Lytic Bacteriophages Capable of Infecting Diverse Multidrug-Resistant Strains of : PaCCP1 and PaCCP2.

Background/objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat, which is exacerbated by the lack of new antibiotics and the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) superbugs. Comprehensive efforts and alternative strategies to combat AMR are urgently needed to prevent social, medical, and economic consequences. is a pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, from soft tissue infections to life-threatening conditions such as bacteremia and pneumonia.

Copper Increases the Cooperative Gating of Rat P2X2a Receptor Channels.

P2X receptor channels are widely expressed in the CNS, where they have multiple functions in health and disease. The rat P2X2a (rP2X2a) receptor channel is modulated by copper, an essential trace element that plays important roles in synaptic modulation and neurodegenerative disorders. Although essential extracellular amino acids that coordinate copper have been identified, the exact mechanism of copper-induced modulation has not been yet elucidated.

Enhanced Drive Current in 10 nm Channel Length Gate-All-Around Field-Effect Transistor Using Ultrathin Strained Si/SiGe Channel.

The continuous scaling down of MOSFETs is one of the present trends in semiconductor devices to increase device performance. Nevertheless, with scaling down beyond 22 nm technology, the performance of even the newer nanodevices with multi-gate architecture declines with an increase in short channel effects (SCEs). Consequently, to facilitate further increases in the drain current, the use of strained silicon technology provides a better solution.

Isolated Dipolar ONN Schiff Base Regioisomers: Synthesis, Characterization and Crystallographic Study.

Organic compounds with 1,3-diketone or 3-amino enone functional groups are extremely important as they can be converted into a plethora of carbo- or heterocyclic derivatives or can be used as ligands in the formation of metal complexes. Here, we have achieved the preparation of a series of non-symmetrical β-ketoenamines (O,N,N proligand) of the type (4-MeOCH)C(=O)CH=C(R)NH(Q) obtained through the Schiff base condensation of 1,3-diketones (1-anisoylacetone, 1-anisyl-3-(4-cyanophenyl)-1,3-propanedione, and 1-anisyl-3-(4,4,4-trifluorotolyl)-1,3-propanedione) functionalized with electron donor and electron-withdrawing substituents and 8-aminoquinoline (R = CH, 4-CHCN, 4-CHCF; Q = CHN). Schiff base ketoimines with a pendant quinolyl moiety were isolated as single regioisomers in yields of 22-56% and characterized with FT-IR, H NMR, and UV-visible spectroscopy, as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography, which allowed for the elucidation of the nature of the isolated regioisomers.