Abstract: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, affecting millions of people globally. It poses a substantial public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa, where defaecating and urinating in or near freshwater bodies is prevalent. Despite decades of control efforts, including mass drug administration, reinfection by the parasites remains a common occurrence, with a vaccine being viewed as a crucial tool for sustainable control and ultimate elimination of the disease. Recent advancements in vaccine developments, particularly through the Vaccine Against Schistosomiasis in Africa initiative, therefore, offer hope of getting an anti-schistosomiasis vaccine soon. Several vaccine candidates, including Glutathione S-transferase, Sm-TSP-2, Sm14, and Sm-p80, are thus being explored currently, with Sm-p80, S. mansoni calcium-activated neutral protease, calpain, involved in tegmental maintenance, promising safety and immunogenicity results in Phase 1b trials conducted in a couple of African countries that pave the way for Phase 2a trials. These efforts, supported by global regulatory engagement and partnerships, aim to streamline the approval of the anti-schistosomiasis vaccine and ensure equitable access, but are not without challenges. This review, therefore, explores the current state of schistosomiasis vaccine development, highlighting key scientific, regulatory, and logistical gains made toward a viable and impactful vaccine solution against the disease.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) and idiopathic pul-monary fibrosis (IPF) show clinical parallels, suggesting overlapping pathogenesis. This study investigated the dysregulation of key proteases, matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2/9), and associated inflammatory and endothelial markers in both conditions. Methods: We analyzed MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene expression in peripheral blood leuko-cytes and corresponding plasma protein levels in patients 6 and 12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, stratified by the presence (FB+) or absence (FB-) of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. These groups were compared to IPF patients and pre-pandemic healthy controls. Results: Results showed a significant, sustained increase in MMP-2/9 in post-COVID patients versus controls, which was most pronounced in the PCPF group and mirrored the dysregulation in IPF. This proteolytic shift corresponded to a distinct sys-temic profile: patients without fibrosis showed reduced levels of acute-phase cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), whereas patients with fibrosis exhibited both elevated cytokines and in-creased markers of endothelial dysfunction (Endothelin-1, sICAM-1). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that sustained MMP-2/9 overexpression is a hallmark of post-COVID fibrosis and is associated with a transition from systemic inflammation to chronic endothelial impairment. The convergence of this molecular profile in PCPF and IPF indicates shared pathophysiological pathways driving fibrosis. This positions MMP-2 and MMP-9 as promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for mitigating progressive fibrotic lung disease.

Abstract:

Surface and subsurface acidity (pH < 4.4) limits nutrient availability and root exploration, whereas a pH range of 5.4–6.4 ensures the availability of most nutrients that are essential for crop productivity. To ameliorate acidity in the surface and subsurface layers and improve soil chemical fertility, different application methodologies (surface, incorporation by soil tillage, or subsurface) for calcium (Ca) compounds (limestone (LS), phosphogypsum (PG), and hydrated lime (HL)) were evaluated in an agropastoral system in an Arenic Hapludalf in Brazil during the 2017–2020 seasons. Two seasons after the last application of Ca compounds, the soil was sampled and analyzed to evaluate the long-term ability of these different application methodologies. In the 0.0–0.2 m layer, the correction of surface acidity via increased pH and base saturation (BS) and reduced total acidity was maintained, but the improvement in acidity in the 0.4–0.8 m layer previously observed after the incorporation of LS and subsurface application of HL in the 2017-2018 season was not. Moreover, the improvements in Ca²⁺ content and Ca²⁺/cation exchange capacity (CEC) after applying LS plus PG and Mg²⁺ content and Mg²⁺/CEC after applying HL plus PG were preserved in the surface layer. The positive effects of these amendments on sulfate-S (S-SO₄^2-) content throughout the soil profile (0.0–0.8 m) were not. Finally, Ca compound application had residual positive effects on P content in the 0.1–0.8 m layer and organic matter (OM) content in the 0.2–0.8 m layer.

Abstract: The endocannabinoid system is expressed in brain centers involved in a wide variety of functions which makes it an ideal target for disease therapy and prevention. Unlike major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA, en-dogenously produced cannabinoids have been shown to play a complimentary role as neuromodulators by acting as gain regulators of neural signals. The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors, CB1R and CB2R, and endogenously generat-ed lipid-based neurotransmitters, 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and anandamide, the endocannabinoids. In the central nervous system, these signaling molecules are re-leased from postsynaptic cells in an on-demand manner. This retrograde transmission from post- to presynaptic neurons and the binding of endocannabinoids onto the pre-synaptic CB1 receptors modulates the magnitude of release of glutamate and GABA, either enhanced or inhibited, depending on the brain area under study. Research has focused on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the limbic system such as the hippocampus and amygdala. Research is increasing regarding the role that endocan-nabinoids play in other brain centers such as the olfactory system with particular em-phasis on the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural networks of the main ol-factory bulb. This review aims to bring together research within the overlap of the ol-factory system and the endocannabinoid system. By better understanding the unique neuromodulator and neurodevelopmental role of endocannabinoids in the brain, in-sight into understanding how to mitigate disease states that result from aberrant re-lease of glutamate and GABA such as stroke, epilepsy, and schizophrenia is expected to be gained.

Abstract: We propose a generalization of the dissipative quantum field theory (DQFT) as developed by Celeghini, Rasetti, and Vitiello to describe the dynamic informational feedback underlying biological coherence. The new framework, termed the Quantum Blueprint Formalism (QBF), builds on the fact that in DQFT the conjugate field ψ̃ is an active dynamical partner of ψ, representing the time-reversed degrees of freedom that co-generate dissipation, irreversibility, and the selection of inequivalent vacuum states. Rather than functioning as a mere repository of past interactions, ψ̃ participates continuously in the system’s coherent evolution through SU(1,1) Bogoliubov mixing.QBF extends this structure by allowing the ψ–ψ̃ coupling to become explicitly state-dependent, thereby endowing the conjugate field with an informational role that reflects and influences the system’s ongoing coherence pattern. Correlation parameters Θ = {θₖ} quantify the instantaneous coherence relations between the two sectors and evolve in time according to a nonlinear stochastic differential equation derived from the dissipative field dynamics.This extended formalism provides quantitative links between informational coherence and physiological observables such as heart rate variability (HRV), EEG phase synchronization, water-domain ordering, and ultraweak photon emission. It thereby establishes a bridge between dissipative quantum physics, information theory, and experimental biophysics, offering a consistent mathematical and empirical basis for understanding life as an informationally guided, self-organizing process in which ψ and ψ̃ jointly sustain and regenerate coherence.

Abstract: Oncofetal reprogramming has recently emerged as a critical concept in translational cancer research, particu-larly for its role in driving therapeutic resistance across a variety of malignancies. This biological process refers to the pattern of gene expression that is restricted to embryogenesis, but becomes expressed again in a sub-population of cancer cells. These genes are typically suppressed after embryogenesis, and their aberrant re-expression in tumors endows cancer cells with stem-like properties and enhanced adaptability. The GOAL of this review is to: i) Comprehensively examine the multifaceted nature of oncofetal reprogramming, ii) Elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms, including its regulators and effectors, and iii) Evaluate its consequences on therapeutic response in different cancer types. We comprehensively integrate the latest findings from col-orectal, breast, lung, liver, and other cancers to provide a detailed understanding of how oncofetal programs interfere with tumor response to treatment. Among the candidates, YAP1 and AP-1 have emerged as central transcriptional drivers of this reprogramming process, especially in colorectal and breast cancers. We also ex-plore the distinct expression patterns of oncofetal genes across different tumor types and how these patterns correlate with treatment outcomes and patient survival. Lastly, we propose a dual-targeting therapeutic strategy that simultaneously targets both cancer stem cells and oncofetal-reprogrammed populations as more effectively approach to overcome resistance and limit recurrence.

Abstract: Faithful DNA replication is essential for genome stability but is constantly challenged by metabolic and oxidative stresses. Hydroxyurea (HU), a widely used antiproliferative drug, is traditionally known to inhibit ribonucleotide reductase and deplete dNTP pools. Recent studies, especially in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, reveal that HU-induced replication stress also arises from reactive oxygen species (ROS), which oxidize DNA, impair iron–sulfur–dependent replication enzymes, and disrupt replisome function. These combined effects promote helicase–polymerase uncoupling, accumulation of RPA-coated ssDNA, and activation of the Mec1–Rad53 (ATR–CHK1) checkpoint, leading to strand-specific changes such as PCNA unloading and reduced lagging-strand synthesis. When protective pathways are overwhelmed, HU-treated forks collapse, generating chromosome breaks and genome instability. This review summarizes current understanding of how HU remodels replication forks through both ROS-dependent and ROS-independent pathways and highlights emerging insights into how these mechanisms influence genome stability and may be exploited for therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: While the exact cause of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) remains unclear, it is widely believed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disease. Recent research has explored the potential role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in modulating immune responses and influencing the development of autoimmune diseases like T1D. With this purpose, we designed a study: 1. to compare the levels of different bacterial metabolites in plasma samples of T1D patients and healthy controls (HC). 2. to correlate the levels of these metabolites with different demographic, clinical and analytical variables collected from the T1D patients. METHODS: A total of 91 T1D patients were recruited. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for the detection of the metabolites: short-chain fatty acids (SCFA: acetate [AA], propionate [PA], isobutyrate [IBA], butyrate [BA], isovalerate [IVA], valerate [VA] and methyl valerate [MVA]), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA: hexanoate [HxA] and heptanoate [HpA]) and para-cresol (p-cresol). We also calculated the ratios between the different SCFA with AA. RESULTS: 1. AA levels were significantly higher in T1D patients than in HC (p=0.0009). PA/AA and IBA/AA ratios were significantly higher in HC (p=0.0004 and p=0.0001, respectively). 2. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was positively correlated with AA levels (p=0.0001; r=0.406) and a significant negative correlation with a rSpearman< -0.3 was found for PA/AA, IBA/AA and BA/AA ratios. 3. p-cresol correlated with Ferritin levels (p=0.04; r=0.362); besides, p-cresol levels were lower in T1D patients with a normal liver profile (p=0.002) and in T1D patients without hypertension (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of bacterial metabolites were significantly different in T1D patients. AA levels were significantly increased in T1D patients and p-cresol was higher in T1D patients with liver disturbances and hypertension. To develop strategies to restore gut microbiota health and immune balance could be essential for the control of T1D.

Abstract: The Temperature-Size Rule; a widely accepted bio-ecological principle, posits that ectothermic organisms mature at a smaller body size in warmer steady state conditions. However, pelagic cnidarians such as jellyfish and siphonophores consistently present an exception to this rule. This paradox is observed with such cnidarians exhibiting neutral or even positive size responses to warming conditions in both field and laboratory studies. This not only challenges the universality of the Temperature-Size Rule but also conflicts with established endometric scaling models which prioritize body mass as the primary determinant of metabolic rate. This paper seeks to propose a new model that resolves the "jellyfish paradox" with an updated exometric framework, whereby environmental properties, specifically those integrated by the thermohaline regime, act as primary modulators of physiological changes. This perspective positions thermohaline regime density as a quasi-master dial; a physical variable that concurrently determines the effects of temperature and salinity on the degree of development of the aqueous medium. Furthermore, in rooting the framework in thermohaline regime density we are able to integrate established principles of quantum biology, wherein processes such as proton tunneling and coherent energy transfer in mitochondrial electron transport chains are not only temperature-invariant but are also exometrically sensitive to their immediate aqueous environment. We synthesize these concepts into a novel Quantum-Exometric Scaling (QES) model. This QES model predicts that the optimal body size for pelagic cnidarians is not a simple inverse function of temperature but is determined by the synergistic effects of temperature and salinity on water density, viscosity, and ionic strength, which in turn alter the quantum efficiency of core metabolic processes. We hypothesize that the sign and magnitude of the temperature-size relationship in these organisms are conditional upon thermohaline density, providing a predictive framework that reconciles their anomalous responses within a broader biophysical context.

Abstract: Background: Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) is an important obstetric condition associat-ed with perinatal morbidity and long-term developmental risks. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic etiology of isolated FGR using karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and trio-based whole exome sequencing (WES). Methods: A retrospective cohort of 153 fetuses with isolated FGR (diagnosed by ultrasound, from February 2018 to July 2024) underwent karyotyping and CMA. Negative cases (n=50) were further analyzed by trio-WES. Results: Karyotyping identified chromosomal abnormalities in 3 cases (2.0%), while CMA detected pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNVs or UPD in 12 cases (7.8%), in-cluding the 3 with chromosomal abnormalities and 9 cases with normal karyotypes (6.0%), CMA increased diagnostic yield by 5.9%, detecting CNVs/UPD missed by karyo-typing. Trio-WES in 50 cases with normal karyotypes and CMA findings identified 14 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 12 cases (24%), with 7 cases (14%) having var-iants directly related to FGR, including one case of uniparental disomy (UPD) that was missed by CMA. Additionally, WES identified 1 case of FGR caused by maternal hyper-phenylalaninemia and 7 pathogenic variants not directly related to FGR, highlighting the need for comprehensive genetic counseling. These findings underscore the potential of WES to uncover maternal genetic disorders that may impact fetal growth and develop-ment. Conclusions: Integration of CMA and WES into prenatal protocols improved diag-nostic yield in isolated FGR. WES allows the detection of UPD, which can be missed by CMA alone, thus enhancing genetic evaluation of FGR. Moreover, WES has the potential to identify maternal genetic conditions that may affect fetal growth, providing valuable in-sights for genetic counseling and multidisciplinary management.

Abstract: Rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods constitute the bulk of zooplankton biomass in freshwater ecosystems. An increase in salinity levels due to evaporation from fresh-water bodies affects species richness and zooplankton abundance. We exposed zoo-plankton in mesocosms to sub-oligohaline salt concentrations (0, 50, 100, or 200 µg/L of NaCl) for 18 days. We also measured selective physicochemical water parameters. Our results showed that pH, phosphates and chlorophyll a levels of the medium in the test jars decreased with time. However, conductivity values did not show any clear trends with time. The initial zooplankton composition consisted of 13 rotifer, 1 cladoceran and 2 copepod species. After being exposed to 200 mg/L salinity level for three weeks, only 5 rotifer species and 1 cyclopoid species survived, and in terms of densities, naupliar stages dominated. The densities of Brachionus calyciflorus, Keratella cochlearis, and Polyarthra vulgaris decreased with increasing salinity level and expo-sure time, while Brachionus angularis and Brachionus budapestinensis were eliminated. The low levels of salt used in this work had also adverse effects on species richness and abundances of zooplankton, over just a few days. Therefore sub-oligohaline lev-els of salinity may pose a threat to species richness and abundances of zooplankton in natural waterbodies.

Abstract: Despite progress in controlling microbial infections, the global burden of pathogenic bacteria remains high. Moreover, the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased and is likely to continue. Consequently, recent research has focused on antibiotic alternatives to slow the proliferation of resistance and improve patient outcomes. One promising approach is phage therapy, which uses lytic viruses of bacteria to treat bacterial infections. However, an underexplored potential benefit is its capacity to enhance health outcomes across the socioeconomic spectrum and improve healthcare equity. Drawing on the history of phage therapy, recent clinical successes, and advancements in research, we argue that phage therapy is well-suited to advance health and healthcare equity. This is because it offers a comparatively greater potential to increase access and reduce disadvantages faced by lower socioeconomic groups relative to conventional antibiotics. Based on these points, we propose research objectives that aim to achieve these scientific and ethical goals.

Abstract: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus prevalent in more than 110 countries and regions, including Africa, Asia, America and Europe. It can cause acute fever, rash and severe joint pain, and some patients may develop chronic arthritis, which significantly impairs the quality of life. Following its resurgence in 2005, CHIKV has emerged as a major threat to global public health. This review summarizes the diagnostic techniques, advances in vaccine development, and the newest drug interventions for CHIKV. We also present an overview of the epidemiology, structure and invasion mechanism of the 2024-2025 epidemic hotspots and propose evidence-based strategies leading to the effective prevention and control of CHIKV.

Abstract:

Previous research showed that a strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, isolated from goat’s raw milk cheese, was effective in slowing down the growth and reducing the maximum concentration of L. monocytogenes when evaluated in a milk model; and, furthermore, that the extent of inhibition was dependent on the milk initial pH. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether the growth of L. monocytogenes in goat’s pasteurized milk cheese during maturation could be approximated from growth data obtained in the milk model medium, either in monoculture or in coculture with L. mesenteroides; and if so; (2) to model a milk-to-cheese conversion factor (Cf) for L. monocytogenes growth rate. Challenge tests were conducted by inoculating L. monocytogenes in monoculture and in coculture with L. mesenteroides in goat’s pasteurized milk adjusted at initial pH levels of 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5. The process of cheesemaking went on, and cheeses were ripened at 12 ºC during 12 days. Each experimental growth curve was adjusted to a pH-driven dynamic model where the microbial maximum growth rate is a function of pH. As observed in the milk model medium, in coculture with L. mesenteroides, the optimum growth rate (μ_opt) of L. monocytogenes in maturing cheese was affected by the initial pH of milk: the lowest rate of 0.863 ± 0.042 day^-1 was obtained at the initial pH 5.5, in comparison to 1.239 ± 0.208 and 1.038 ± 0.308 day-¹ at pH 6.0 and 6.5, respectively. Regardless of the milk initial pH, L. mesenteroides did not reduce the maximum load of L. monocytogenes in maturing cheeses, as it did in the milk medium. By contrary, at the milk initial pH of 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5, L. mesenteroides was able to decrease, on average, 2.2-fold, 1.5-fold and 1.9-fold the μ_opt of L. monocytogenes in both milk medium and cheese, without significant differences between matrices. Following such validation in goat’s cheese, the square-root of milk-to-cheese Cf for L. monocytogenes was estimated as 0.751 (SE=0.0108), and type of culture (monoculture, coculture) was not found to affect Cf (p=0.320). In conclusion, this work validated pre-acidification of milk as an efficient strategy that, when combined with the use of a protective culture, can synergically enhance the control of L. monocytogenes in cheese.

Abstract: Fungal endophytes have emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potent antifungal properties for plant disease management. This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungal endophytes from Antillean avocado (Persea americana var. ameri-cana) trees in the Colombian Caribbean, capable of producing bio-fungicide metabolites against Fusarium solani and Fusarium equiseti. For this, dual-culture assays, liquid-state fermentation of endophytic isolates, and metabolite extractions were conducted. From 88 isolates recovered from leaves and roots, those classified within the Diaporthe genus ex-hibited the most significant antifungal activity. Their organic extracts displayed median inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) approaching 200 μg/mL. To investigate the mechanism of action, in silico studies targeting Chitin Synthase (CS) were performed, including homolo-gy models of the pathogens' CS generated using Robetta, followed by molecular docking with Vina, and interaction fingerprint similarity analysis of 15 antifungal metabolites produced by Diaporthe species using PROLIF. A consensus scoring strategy identified di-aporxanthone A (12) and diaporxanthone B (13) as the most promising candidates, achieving scores up to 0.73 against F. equiseti, comparable to the control Nikkomycin Z (0.82). These results suggest that Antillean avocado endophytes produce bioactive metab-olites that may inhibit fungal cell wall synthesis, offering a sustainable alternative for disease management.

Abstract: Millions of women around the world rely on cosmetics and hygiene products every day, however, they often have no idea about the exposure to dangerous chemicals in their everyday usage. Chemicals present in many of these products, such as parabens, phthalates and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known to act as endocrine disruptors which could potentially affect the body's hormonal systems. In addition to acting as endocrine disruptors, some of these chemicals have been shown to cause cancer when used in certain applications, such as formaldehyde releasing preservatives and asbestos contaminated talc. As a result of using these products, it is essential to understand the biochemical characteristics of the chemicals so we can begin to understand how they can affect our bodies. This study uses the bioinformatics software program SwissADME to identify key properties related to the absorption of three representative chemicals from three classes of chemicals, including DEP (diethyl phthalate), butylparaben, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), based on publicly available molecular information. Using this molecular data, SwissADME was able to predict several key biochemical characteristics of the studied chemicals including lipophilicity, skin permeability, gastrointestinal absorption and other ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion)-related parameters. Based on the predictions of SwissADME, this study provides an estimate of the ability of each chemical to penetrate biological barriers, reach the bloodstream and interact with target tissues involved in the mechanism of endocrine disruption and carcinogenesis.SwissADME predictions indicate that both phthalates and parabens have molecular properties that would allow them to easily pass through the skin, thereby supporting previous epidemiological studies indicating that users of cosmetic and hygiene products have measurable levels of internal exposure. Although PFAS were predicted to have lower skin permeability, previous studies have shown that PFAS bind to proteins and remain in the body for long periods of time, allowing them to accumulate in the body over time. Due to its size and high reactivity, formaldehyde has the highest predicted capacity to rapidly interact with tissues. Since talc had low predicted permeability, the health risk associated with talc is most likely due to the presence of asbestos contamination and not to the chemical composition of the talc itself. Overall, the results of the SwissADME study provide a link between molecular properties and the observed exposure patterns of humans and support toxicological and epidemiological evidence, and therefore emphasize the need to conduct further research on the mixture-based toxicity of these chemicals, require companies to disclose all of the ingredients used in their products, and modify existing regulations regarding chemical safety in order to better regulate and control the risks posed by these chemicals in the cosmetic and hygiene products marketed to women.

Abstract:

Dried hops are used in beer production for imparting bitterness and characteristic aroma. Herein, Cascade hop cones are dried using the following two methods: conventional hot-air drying at 52 °C and innovative low-temperature drying at 30 °C via heat-pump technology. The dried hops are used either as whole cones or processed into pellets for brewing. The terpenoid composition of fresh hops, dried cones, pellets and the resulting beers is analysed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry. Twenty-three mono- and sesqui-terpenes are identified in fresh hops, while 23–26 compounds are detected in dried hops and their corresponding beers, depending on the drying method. Beers brewed with cold-dried cones exhibit a higher concentration of terpenes, especially oxygenated terpenoids and sesqui-terpenes. By contrast, hot-dried pellets exhibit major proportion of monoterpenes and fewer sesquiterpenes. However, cold-dried pellets result in higher levels of oxygenated sesquiterpenes in the final product. These results suggest that hop-drying temperature and physical form markedly affect the aromatic profile of beer. Furthermore, variations in hop terpenoids can influence aroma development through yeast biotransformation during fermentation.

Abstract: This study focuses on identifying wine-growing subzones within the PDO Amyndeon and PGI Drama wine-growing zones in Northen Greece, with the aim of classifying their suitability to produce high-quality red wines from the Xinomavro (Vitis vinifera L.) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grape varieties, respectively. The initial delimitation of suitability zones was carried out using readily available satellite data on soil, topography, and climate, which were validated using field data for two consecutive years from experimental vineyards in four different suitability categories. Preliminary results showed that this methodology was able to discern the most suitable areas for both varieties and regions with an acceptable relation to real grape and wine attributes as confirmed by the collection of data from the pilot vineyards. The overall performance of this method will eventually depend on the validity of the expert knowledge used to define the most critical parameters and their range. According to the results of this study, and given the relevance of the proposed suitability criteria, this method has the potential to provide an alternative solution for subzone delineation in cases were wine analytical and sensory data are not available.

Abstract: The metal-binding periplasmic protein CusF has been proposed as a bifunctional tag enhancing solubility of recombinant proteins and enabling purification using Cu affinity chromatography. However, evidence for its performance remains limited to a few model proteins. Here, we evaluated CusF as a solubility tag for two heterologous proteins: a putative poly(A)-polymerase from Enterococcus faecalis (Efa PAP) and the red fluorescent protein mCherry. The proteins were fused to CusF, expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS and Rosetta 2 (DE3) strains, and assessed for solubility and IMAC binding. Native Efa PAP was completely insoluble under all tested conditions, and fusion to CusF did not improve its solubility. Similarly, CusF-mCherry accumulated predominantly in the in-soluble fraction, with only traces detectable in soluble lysates. Soluble CusF-mCherry did not bind Cu²⁺-charged IMAC resin, while moderate binding to Ni²⁺-charged resin was attributable to the vector-encoded His-tag rather than CusF. These results indicate that CusF does not universally enhance protein solubility and may not always bind Cu-based IMAC resin. Our findings expand empirical knowledge on solubility tag per-formance and emphasize the necessity of testing multiple tags to identify optimal strat-egies for recombinant protein production.

Abstract: Effective exchange of health data is crucial in the modern healthcare landscape, most notably for advancing research and clinical care on rare diseases where patient populations are small and often geographically dispersed. While numerous approaches to health data exchange exist, substantial challenges persist in achieving convergence and selecting technologies that address the diverse requirements of stakeholders. The Joint Action on Integration of European Reference Networks (ERNs) into National Healthcare Systems (JARDIN) aims to tackle these issues by fostering alignment around shared solutions. To explore practical strategies for automating secure data exchange among healthcare providers, national registries, and ERNs, a hackathon was organised by JARDIN, inspired by the software-oriented “Bring Your Own Data” workshop format, which promotes the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability (FAIR) of research resources. The event brought together over 50 experts from across Europe. Participants tackled three core challenges: data harmonization, querying, and the FAIR description of data services. Key proposed solutions included leveraging semantic models for data harmonization, adapting existing infrastructures for (federated) querying, and extending the FAIR Data Point (FDP) metadata model to better describe data services. This paper outlines the methodologies and outcomes of the hackathon. The findings presented herein provide insights for JARDIN’s future work in developing recommendations for a robust, scalable, and secure data exchange ecosystem for rare diseases.