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Objective People diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have fibrosis between the soft, connective, and neural tissues that could worsen the compression of the median nerve. The diacutaneous fibrolysis (DF) technique may release tissue adhesions and increase the mobility of connective tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of DF in people with mild to moderate CTS on mechanosensitivity, disability, and nerve conduction studies. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were recruited between April and September 2016 from the Department of Neurophysiology at the Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. Thirty-nine people (52 wrists) diagnosed with mild to moderate CTS were included. Participants were randomly assigned to either the DF group (n = 26) or the sham group (n = 26). Both groups received 5 therapy sessions, 2 sessions per week. Mechanosensitivity with the Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1, symptom severity and functional status with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and median nerve sensory conduction velocity with nerve conduction studies were the outcomes measured. Assessments were recorded at baseline and after the intervention. Results The DF group showed significant improvements in the following: mechanosensitivity, with 28.46 degrees of elbow extension range of motion (95% CI = 19.2–37.7); an increase of 1.0 point (95% CI = 0.7–1.4) for the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity and functional status score; and sensory conduction velocity of median nerve, which improved to 5.8 m/s (95% CI = 2.5–9.2). Conclusion Participants with mild to moderate CTS experienced improvements in symptom severity, functional status, mechanosensitivity, and nerve conduction studies after 5 sessions of DF. Impact This study provides evidence of an approach based on soft and connective tissues around the median nerve in patients with CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The páramo is home to a significant proportion of global biodiversity and provides essential services for the development of life for millions of people in Ecuador. However, land use/land cover (LULC) changes threaten biodiversity and modify its functioning. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the conservation status of the herbaceous páramo (HP) ecosystem by analyzing its LULC in Ecuador's southern region. (2) to identify possible regions where the native páramo ecosystem is being restored. We analyzed Landsat 8 images using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and a Classifier Decision Tree (CDT) to achieve these objectives. The results show that the native herbaceous páramo (NHP) ecosystem is being transformed into an anthropogenic HP (AHP). The area covered by the NHP ecosystem (296,964 ha) has been reduced by 50% (149,834 ha). Nevertheless, we identified five regions where the NHP is upgrading. These regions are relevant for studying NHP regeneration in Ecuador's southern region, where soils are mostly andosols. The LU of the páramo, with cycles of exploitation, abandonment, and regeneration in a secondary páramo, is transforming the NHP ecosystem. These exploitation practices, global climate change, and lack of knowledge about the NHP ecosystem's regeneration and its soils' recovery threaten to substantially reduce the NHP area, its functionality, and its ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the AlInN thickness (65–145 nm) on the photovoltaic characteristics of In‐rich n‐AlxIn1−xN (x ≈0.38–0.42) on p‐Si(111) heterojunctions deposited by radio frequency sputtering has been reported. All samples show a closely packed columnar morphology with a root mean‐squared surface roughness below 3.7 nm and an apparent optical bandgap energy of ≈2.0 eV. Dark current density–voltage curves of the solar cell devices based on the developed AlInN/Si(111) heterojunction reveal shunt and series resistances in the range of 1.3–5.0 kΩ and 7.7–16.2 Ω depending on the AlInN thickness, respectively. Their photovoltaic performance shows an enhancement with the AlInN thickness, with an increase of the short circuit current and conversion efficiency from 16 to 19 mA cm−2 and from 1.8 to 2.5% under one‐sun AM1.5G illumination. At the same time, the open circuit voltage and the fill factor remain at ≈0.34–0.40 V and ≈30–37%, respectively. These effects are due to the enhanced optical transmittance of the AlInN layer in the wavelength range in which the maximum of the Si spectral photoresponse occurs, in agreement with the increased responsivity of the devices at 950 nm of 450 mA W−1. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using In‐rich AlInN alloys deposited by radio frequency sputtering as n‐type layer of AlInN/p‐type Si heterojunction solar cells. This paper reports the influence of the AlInN thickness on the photovoltaic characteristics of In‐rich n‐AlInN/p‐Si(111) heterojunctions deposited by RF sputtering. The photovoltaic performance enhances with the AlInN thickness, achieving an efficiency record value around 2.5%. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using In‐rich AlInN alloys deposited by RF sputtering as n‐type layer of AlInN/p‐type Si heterojunction solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are at risk for low bone mineral density (BMD), which is associated with an increased prevalence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture risk.1,2 Factors such as restricted nutrition, vitamin D deficiency, poor sleep and corticosteroid use contribute to lower bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) levels, a marker of bone mineralization, seen in children with moderate-to-severe AD compared with healthy children.³ A major determinant for the lifetime risk of fractures and osteoporosis is the magnitude of peak bone mass achieved during prepubescent years. Low BALP and BMD in children with moderate-to-severe AD could contribute to a higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The objective of this analysis is to report the impact of dupilumab treatment on markers of bone formation in children aged ≥ 6 to <12 years with moderate-to-severe AD. The analysis was performed retrospectively on sera from participants in LIBERTY AD PEDS (NCT03345914) and LIBERTY AD PED-OLE (NCT02612454). In LIBERTY AD PEDS, a double-blind, 16-week, phase 3 trial, children aged 6 to <12 years were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks (300 mg q4w), a weight-based regimen of dupilumab every 2 weeks (100 mg q2w for patients with baseline weight <30 kg, and 200 mg q2w for those with baseline weight ≥30 kg), or placebo; with concomitant medium-potency topical corticosteroids (TCS). After the initial 16-week trial, children aged 6 to <12 years were enrolled in the open-label extension study LIBERTY AD PED-OLE. Patients received dupilumab 300 mg q4w, which could be titrated up in case of inadequate clinical response at week 16 (200 mg q2w for patients with baseline weight <60 kg, and 300 mg q2w for those with baseline weight ≥60 kg); with concomitant medium-potency TCS. Bone biomarkers including BALP, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were analysed at baseline, 8, 12, 16 and BALP only at 52 weeks. Dupilumab treatment led to a rapid and significant increase in geometric mean (standard error) levels of BALP in children with moderate-to-severe AD at 16 weeks compared with patients in the placebo group (77.7(1.02) μgL−1 vs. 65.0(1.04) μgL−1; P<0.0001). As well as a rapid and significant increase in BALP levels in children from the placebo group once they joined the OLE trial. BALP levels increased over 52 weeks in all treated children, reaching a level of 78–84 μgL−1 which constitutes a significant improvement compared with baseline, and is comparable to healthy reference intervals. An increasing trend from baseline to 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment was observed for other biomarkers, however, there was a limited number of data points due to insufficient volumes of serum available for analysis. These placebo-controlled results show, for the first time, a rapid and significant increase in BALP, and a possible trend in other biomarkers, in children with AD during treatment with dupilumab. These results suggest increased bone mineralization during the treatment period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Results of a survey of noble gases, water stable isotopes (δD and δ18O), and chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) contents measured in geothermal waters from the high-enthalpy, liquid-dominated Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field (CPGF) are reported. Helium isotopic ratios (3He/4He) help to identify two distinct fluids: a magmatic fluid, with 3He/4He (R) ratios of up to 7.3 times that of the atmospheric ratio (Ra = 1.384 × 10−6), and a 4He-rich fluid, with 3He/4He ≤ 3.5 Ra. The helium isotopic systematics point to limited modern freshwater recharge in the CPGF, and thus to the presence of a nearly fossil geothermal system. U-Th/4He-estimated minimum residence times for the 4He-rich fluid component vary from 1.5 to 1.8 Ma, corresponding to the age of the Colorado River paleo-delta sediments, suggesting the presence of connate waters. Cl and Br concentrations indicate that this connate water component is seawater with minor halite dissolution. Together with Cl and Br, the isotopic signature of the water (δD, δ18O) indicates the presence of a third old fluid of meteoric origin, from Late Quaternary to Holocene, corresponding to recharge during colder and wetter periods than today. This is identified as being old groundwater from the Colorado Delta unconsolidated sediments, which cap the Cerro Prieto reservoir. Our results suggest little direct recharge to the CPGF. The spatial distribution of helium isotopes in the reservoir shows that connate waters dominate the central portion of the field and mix with the magmatic fluid containing mantle He, with both fluids rising at the center of the basin where the heat source is located. Deep magmatic fluids containing mantle helium enter laterally into the reservoir, through the main lateral strike-slip faults (i.e., the Cerro Prieto and Imperial faults). Graphical abstract 4He/20Ne versus 3He/4He ratios (R/Ra) showing that Cerro Prieto fluids are mixtures of connate waters and magmatic fluids, with little modern recharge. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Extensive noble gas survey was carried out in the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field. • 3He/4He indicates magmatic and old sedimentary fluids, with little recharge. • Cl, Br, and U-Th/He fluid ages suggest that old fluids are connate seawater. • Stable isotopes and halogens indicate a third old groundwater from shallower aquifers. • Active modern recharge is limited, indicating Cerro Prieto is a fossil geothermal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that peripheral infections accompanied by neuroinflammation may modify brain development or affect normal brain aging and represent major risk factors for the development of neurological disorders. A wide range of synthetic and natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties have been evaluated in animal models of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy. In the present study we have demonstrated for the first time that sodium thiosulphate (STS), a known antidote approved for treatment of certain medical conditions, is capable of reducing brain inflammation caused by systemic LPS administration. STS reduced brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) and 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in an animal model of systemic LPS-induced neuroinflammation. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time elevated TSPO expression in retinal ganglion cells layer after peripheral LPS challenge and inhibition of ocular TSPO expression after treatment with STS. We think that STS may be used as an adjuvant anti-inflammatory therapy for many pathological conditions associated with inflammation in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an overview of the recently developed III-nitride-based optical waveguides for application in ultrafast signal processing at telecom wavelengths. We focus on different active and passive optical devices for further implementation within all-optical integrated circuits. Optical waveguides based on GaN/AlN quantum dots have been demonstrated to act as saturable absorbers requiring ∼3 pJ of input pulse energy to reach +3 dB transmittance contrast for TM-polarized light. On the contrary, sputtered-InN-based devices show −3 dB transmittance contrast associated to two-photon absorption for input pulse energies of ∼1 pJ, making them suitable to act as highly-efficient reverse saturable absorbers. Finally, the passive optical nature of waveguides based on sputtered AlN at 1.55 μm makes them suitable for further connections between different III-nitride-based active devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent studies have tried to unravel the complex evolutionary history of Neotropical cervids. However, the two Mesoamerican brocket deer Mazama pandora and M. t emama have not been included in these studies and their relationship to other Neotropical cervids remains unclear. Here, we present analyses that included concatenated sequences from the mitochondrial genes ND2 , Cytb , and tRNA-Pro-Control region. Our results suggest that both Mesoamerican brocket deer fall within the “red” clade, more closely related to genus Odocoileus and red brocket deer species, such as South American Mazama americana , M. bororo , M. nana , and M. rufina . We estimated that M. temama diverged from other red brocket deer ca. two MYA. Two hypothesis emerge regarding the relationship of the Yucatan brocket deer M. pandora with respect to the other Neotropical deer. The first one, based on analyses of concatenated sequences from all three genes, implies an early split from a larger clade that includes Odocoileus and other red Mazama species, with an estimated divergence time dating back to 2.7 MYA. This would suggest isolation on the Yucatan peninsula, limiting the crossing of this species into South America. The second one, based only on Cytb, places M. pandora more closely related to Odocoileus and with an estimated divergence time of ca. 1.9 MYA. This would suggest that the humid tropical forests of Mexico and Central America could have been the most likely place of origin of members of the red brocket deer clade. Deer colonization into South America occurred after the complete formation of the Panamanian land bridge in the late Pliocene, more than one ancestor of the gray brocket deer clade crossed into South America, as well as a red brocket deer ancestor and Odocoileus dispersed southward. A posterior event probably occurred when divergent ancestors of M. temama and M. pandora respectively moved northward after the split with South American red brocket deer. Our results add to the growing body of evidence calling for an extensive taxonomic revision of this group, and we concur with previous recommendations that the generic taxonomic designation of Mazama should be applied not only to the red brocket deer but also to all of the species currently recognized under the genus Odocoileus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic variability represents an important factor allowing species to adapt to local environmental conditions, but mechanisms underlying such variation are incompletely understood. This study investigated whether habitat-specific demands on swimming performance or difference in trophic relationships in lakes (pelagic, littoral) and streams (riffle, pool) were significant predictors of phenotypic variation exhibited by brook char ( Salvelinus fontinalis), the only fish in the study habitats. Specifically, we hypothesized that pelagic and riffle habitats would impose greater selective pressures associated with swimming, resulting in body morphologies that were dorsoventrally compressed, anterior-posteriorly elongated, and that exhibited a long, narrow caudal peduncle. Geometric morphometrics was applied in a quantitative analysis of body morphology among habitats, whereas stable isotope analysis was used to differentiate between food sources. Analyses revealed that while body morphology differed between lake and stream habitats, there was convergence between the pelagic and riffle habitats, as well as among littoral and riffle and pool environments. The littoral and pool habitats were thought to be more structurally complex, thereby selecting for increased maneuverability but lower sustained swimming and correspondingly deeper bodies with shorter, dorsoventrally expanded caudal peduncles. Carbon source and trophic position did not differ among habitats with a system, suggesting that feeding was not the main influence on morphological plasticity; however, fish in the stream were feeding at a higher trophic position than fish in the lake. These findings suggest that individual species may take advantage of morphological variation to better adapt local surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) is closely related to the degree of obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate size and residual urine volume. Methods: Male patients were identified with low urinary obstructive symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. The sample included 69 male patients aged between 50 and 79 years old, diagnosed with of benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary obstructive symptoms from benign prostatic enlargement. Noninvasive methods for diagnosis, questionnaire International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS), uroflowmetry to assess volume and peak micturition, transabdominal ultrasound to measure prostate volume, residual urine volume and intravesical prostatic protrusion was used in sagittal section. To identify exact cut point that can predict an altered Qmax value (< 15) a test ROC curve was performed to identify the value of 4.5 mm of intravesical protrusion as the point of greater sensitivity and specificity (62 and 69% respectively). Results: A significant linear correlation between intravesical protrusion and the IPSS (r = 0.41, p = 0.001) was found, as well as prostate volume (r = 0.30, p = 0.01) and Qmax (r = -0.29, p = 0.01). Finding no linear correlation between IPSS with prostate volume (r = 0.11, p = 0.34), IPSS with Qmax (r = -0.18, p = 0.13) nor with Qmax or prostate volume (r = - 0.11, p = 0.34). Trhough Roc curve, was found that the value of intravesical prostatic protrusion was 4.5 mm as the greater point of sensitivity and specificity (62 and 69 % respectively). A significant difference of patients with altered Qmax (< 15) was found, when they had a high prostatic protrusion (= 4.5mm). Conclusions: IPP is a useful parameter that correlates to the lower urinary tract obstruction in relation to Qmax, this can be used as a variable in the initial assessment of patients with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. The degree of IPP can guide the value of Qmax, nevertheless, it does not replace uroflowmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We investigated the relationship between geographic range size ( GRS), longitude and latitude ( Rapoport's rule) in Canadian freshwater fishes. We tested hypotheses regarding the phenotypic and phylogenetic determinants of GRS to unravel processes driving the spatial patterns of GRS in Canada. Because GRS is negatively correlated with extinction risk, we also aimed at identifying biological proxies that may be used to predict extinction risks. Location North- America, Canadian Shield. Methods We built a database combining range area, seven ecological traits, and a molecular phylogeny for native Canadian freshwater fishes. We tested latitudinal and longitudinal patterns in GRS by the mean of Pearson correlations. We combined phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) models and a model selection procedure to tease apart hypotheses (and hence ecological traits) that best explained GRS in our dataset. PGLSs were also used to explore relationships between ecological traits, phylogeny, and species mid-range latitude and longitude. Partial regressions were used to determine direct and indirect relationships driving spatial patterns of GRS in Canadian freshwater fishes. Results There was a significant and positive correlation between GRS, latitude and longitude. According to PGLSs, three ecological traits, related to the habitat use, migratory and thermal tolerance hypotheses, were significantly correlated with GRS, mid-range longitude and mid-range latitude. Two traits related to locomotion were further related to GRS. There was no phylogenetic effect on GRS (i.e. no phylogenetic conservatism). Partial regressions revealed complex direct and indirect relationships between ecological traits, mid-range latitude, mid-range longitude and GRS. Main conclusions Our results show that traits related to the ability to use dispersal corridors, as well as traits directly related to mobility, are useful in understanding biodiversity patterns such as Rapoport's rule. However, because of a weak explanatory power, we conclude that using biological proxies of GRS to predict species at risk of extinction would be premature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal oscillations in the carbon (δC) and nitrogen (δN) isotope signatures of aquatic algae can cause seasonal enrichment-depletion cycles in the isotopic composition of planktonic invertebrates (e.g., copepods). Yet, there is growing evidence that seasonal enrichment-depletion cycles also occur in the isotope signatures of larger invertebrate consumers, taxa used to define reference points in isotope-based trophic models (e.g., trophic baselines). To evaluate the general assumption of temporal stability in non-zooplankton aquatic invertebrates, δC and δN time series data from the literature were analyzed for seasonality and the influence of biotic (feeding group) and abiotic (trophic state, climate regime) factors on isotope temporal patterns. The amplitude of δC and δN enrichment-depletion cycles was negatively related to body size, although all size-classes of invertebrates displayed a winter-to-summer enrichment in δC and depletion in δN. Among feeding groups, periphytic grazers were more variable and displayed larger temporal changes in δC than detritivores. For nitrogen, temporal variability and magnitude of directional change of δN was most strongly related to ecosystem trophic state (eutrophic > mesotrophic, oligotrophic). This study provides evidence of seasonality in the isotopic composition of aquatic invertebrates across very broad geographical and ecological gradients as well as identifying factors that are likely to modulate the strength and variability of seasonality. These results emphasize the need for researchers to recognize the likelihood of temporal changes in non-zooplankton aquatic invertebrate consumers at time scales relevant to seasonal studies and, if present, to account for temporal dynamics in isotope trophic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Cerro Prieto IV (CP IV) reservoir, located in the northeastern part of the Cerro Prieto (Mexico) geothermal field, was studied in order to define its pre-exploitation conditions and initial (2000–2005) response to exploitation. Bottomhole thermodynamic conditions were estimated by modeling heat and fluid flows using the WELLSIM program and well production data. Produced fluid chemical and isotopic data were also analyzed to investigate characteristic patterns of behavior over time, which were then compared against simulation results to obtain a conceptual model of the CP IV reservoir. According to the proposed model, two zones in the reservoir – separated by Fault H and producing fluids of different characteristics – were identified under pre-exploitation conditions. Wells in the area to the east-southeast (south block) produce very high-enthalpy fluids (≥2000kJ/kg), with very low chloride (≤7000mg/kg) and high CO2 (>6‰ molar) and δD (<−94‰). In contrast, wells toward the west-northwest (north block) show moderate-enthalpy fluids (1400–1800kJ/kg), with high chloride (∼12,000mg/kg) and relatively low CO2 (<6‰ molar) and δD (<−94‰). Dilution caused by cooler water entry, boiling due to steam gain, both occurring in the north block, and steam condensation in the south block were identified as the three main reservoir processes associated with exploitation. Also, it was found that the dynamics of the CP IV reservoir is controlled by the Fault H system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a method to solve the ambipolar diffusion equation for modeling and simulating the PiN diode in silicon carbide, using an empirical approximation. Through this methodology a set of differential equations that simulate the main physical phenomena associated to the power semiconductor device are obtained. The equations, implemented in Pspice, model in a more actual form the charges behaviour in the N- region of a PiN diode in silicon carbide for the static and dynamic phases. For the verification and validation of the model, the simulation results were compared with experimental data reported in the literature, obtaining accurate results for application in power electronic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a serious public health problem, as it is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide. BRCA is a molecularly heterogenic disease, particularly at gene expression (mRNAs) level. Recent evidence shows that coding RNAs represent only 34% of the total transcriptome in a human cell. The rest of the 66% of RNAs are non-coding, so we might be missing relevant biological, clinical or regulatory information. In this report, we identified nine novel tumor types from TCGA with FAM83H-AS1 deregulation. We used survival analysis to demonstrate that FAM83H-AS1 expression is a marker for poor survival in IHC-detected ER and PR positive BRCA patients and found a significant correlation between FAM83H-AS1 overexpression and tamoxifen resistance. Estrogen and Progesterone receptor expression levels interact with FAM83H-AS1 to potentiate its effect in OS prediction. FAM83H-AS1 silencing impairs two important breast cancer related pathways: cell migration and cell death. Among the most relevant potential FAM83H-AS1 gene targets, we found p63 and claudin 1 (CLDN1) to be deregulated after FAM83H-AS1 knockdown. Using correlation analysis, we show that FAM83H-AS1 can regulate a plethora of cancer-related genes across multiple tumor types, including BRCA. This evidence suggests that FAM83H-AS1 is a master regulator in different cancer types, and BRCA in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]