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We described clinical characteristics and outcome of 160 patients over 65 years (01 September to 31 August 2021) who had a first positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR- test more than 14 days after full vaccination and were hospitalized with COVID-19. Median age of included patients was 84 years, 61.2% were over 80 years; 50.6% were male and most (82.5%) has at least one comorbidity. Up to 84% received specific treatment against COVID-19, including 76.9% low-flow oxygen therapy. We found that overall mortality was 25.6% and 30.6% in those older than 80 years. A higher mortality was significantly associated with older age and treatment with tocilizumab. Our data showed that although COVID-19 vaccines continue protecting elderly patients against hospitalization and death and might improve the prognosis after hospitalization in patients with breakthrough infections, mortality in this population -especially in those older than 80 years- remains very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widely distributed, viral, tickborne disease. In Europe, cases have been reported only in the southeastern part of the continent. We report two autochthonous cases in Spain. The index patient acquired the disease through a tick bite in the province of Ávila - 300 km away from the province of Cáceres, where viral RNA from ticks was amplified in 2010. The second patient was a nurse who became infected while caring for the index patient. Both were infected with the African 3 lineage of this virus. (Funded by Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales [RICET] and Efficient Response to Highly Dangerous and Emerging Pathogens at EU [European Union] Level [EMERGE].). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of the three adenine forms involved in two acid-base equilibria on Au(111) electrodes is studied by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The experiments are performed in solutions of pH values 1, 7.5 and 12, at which the cationic, the neutral and the anionic adenine forms are present, respectively. Two adsorption models are adopted, both based on the theory of Frumkin and Melik-Gaykazyan for the adsorption process, but one of them takes also into account a deprotonation step preceding the adsorption step. The same frequency dependence of the impedance data is observed in the three pH media. The Nyquist admittance plots suggest a mixed kinetic control, by adsorption and by diffusion. The analysis of the electrode impedance or admittance as a function of the frequency according to the adsorption models provides the values of adsorption resistance, R ad , adsorption Warburg coefficient, σ ad and adsorption capacitance, C ad as a function of potential. From the σ ad vs E plot obtained at pH 1 an equilibrium constant for adenine deprotonation at the vicinity of the electrode surface of c.a. 0.03 is calculated, which is three orders of magnitude higher than the equilibrium constant in the bulk solution. The different potential dependency of the adsorption rates at the three pH values is discussed on the basis of a Frumkin isotherm for the adsorption of adenine and a Butler-Volmer type potential dependence for the adsorption rate constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impedance equations for the case of an adsorption process including a preceding homogeneous chemical step have been derived and compared to the corresponding equations for the case of a pure adsorption process. They involve behaviours with the frequency that differ from those of the impedance equations for a pure adsorption process. However, two limiting cases have been deduced in which the frequency behaviour of the impedance cannot be distinguished from the case of an adsorption process without any chemical step: the high frequency and the low frequency limits that hold for low and high values of the rate constant of the chemical reaction, respectively. The analysis as a function of the frequency is discussed on the basis of the complex frequency-normalized admittance plots and also based on the frequency dependence of the real and imaginary frequency-normalized admittance components. The influence of the values of the equilibrium and the rate constants of the chemical step is discussed for different adsorption kinetic regimes. In this way the conditions for detecting the chemical step are delimited and suitable analysis are proposed to obtain the adsorption parameters and the characteristic constants of the chemical step. The analysis is applied as an example, to the impedance of adenine adsorption on Au(111) electrodes from acidic solutions at a representative electrode potential. It is proved that the low frequency limit applies and the equilibrium constant for the chemical step is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of thymine on gold electrodes has been studied by ATR-SEIRAS in situ spectroscopy at three pH values (1, 7 and 12), in order to analyse the tautomeric equilibrium of deprotonated thymine in the adsorbed state. The anionic form which is deprotonated in nitrogen N1 (N1 tautomer) and the one deprotonated in nitrogen N3 (N3 tautomer) are considered. The spectroscopic results have been interpreted in the light of DFT ab-initio calculations of both tautomeric forms adsorbed on gold surfaces. The basis sets 6-311 + +G(d,p) for C, H, O and N atoms and LANDL2DZ for Au atoms have been used. The electrode surface has been simulated as an unreconstructed Au(111) surface of 19 atoms. The preponderance of each tautomer of adsorbed thymine as a function of pH has been inferred from the analysis of the spectral signals in the 1500–1800 cm −1 wavenumber region related mostly to stretching modes of the carbonyl groups. It has been found that the adsorbed N3 tautomer predominates in the case of adsorption from acid media while the N1 tautomer predominates in the adsorption from basic media but the adsorption of both forms have been distinguished in the experiments from neutral media. Moreover, the plausible changes in the orientation of the two adsorbed tautomers with the electric field have been determined by analysing the relative intensities of the characteristic CH stretching signals in the 2800–3300 cm −1 spectral region. It is proposed that the N3 tautomer undergoes changes in the interaction sites with the metal and in the molecular plane orientation on the electrode as the electric potential is increased, but the N1 tautomer molecule keeps the interaction sites while the molecular plane slightly rotates to facilitate the electrostatic interaction with the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvent effects on the UV–visabsorption spectra and molecularproperties of four models of the photoactive yellow protein (PYP)chromophore have been studied with ASEP/MD, a sequential quantum mechanics/molecularmechanics method. The anionic trans-p-coumaric acid (pCA–), thioacid (pCTA–), methyl ester (pCMe–), and methyl thioester (pCTMe–) derivatives have been studied in gas phase and inwater solution. We analyze the modifications introduced by the substitutionof sulfur by oxygen atoms and hydrogen by methyl in the coumaryl tail.We have found some differences in the absorption spectra of oxy andthio derivatives that could shed light on the different photoisomerizationpaths followed by these compounds. In solution, the spectrum substantiallychanges with respect to that obtained in the gas phase. The n →π1* state is destabilized by a polar solvent likewater, and it becomes the third excited state in solution displayingan important blue shift. Now, the π → π1* and π → π2* states mix, and we findcontributions from both transitions in S1 and S2. The presence ofthe sulfur atom modulates the solvent effect and the first two excitedstates become practically degenerate for pCA–andpCMe–but moderately well-separated for pCTA–and pCTMe–. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to identify habitats of European interest for the existing dunes in the Canaries, in order to provide data for their proper management. Dune systems considered were the following: aeolian sedimentary systems that cover both most of the island of La Graciosa and also the dune fields of Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura). The methodology consisted of overlapping layers of habitats and vegetation by using geographic information systems, so the correspondence between habitat and plant community are analyzed. The results indicate that dune habitats in the Canary Islands have not been well defined. The habitat '2110 embryonic shifting dunes' is associated with several situations incompatible with their biotic and abiotic characteristics. Meanwhile, habitat '2130 fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (grey dunes)' is linked, among others, to the phytosociological association Traganetum moquinii. However, embryonic dune formation in the Canaries is mainly done by this community, which is inconsistent with its inclusion in the grey dunes habitat. The proposed habitats of European interest associated with dunes in the Canaries are the following: Coastal shifting dunes with Traganum moquinii, dunes with Tamarix canariensis, Macaronesian aeolian sand sheets and humid dune slacks. It is also suggested the need for a comprehensive study of dune habitats existing in the Canaries and Macaronesia, covering the whole of aeolian sedimentary systems, performing a proper identification, characterization and detailed mapping of these habitats, based on both the existing vegetation and also on the associated landforms and geomorphic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a class of models related to the Bak-Sneppen (BS) model, initially proposed to study evolution. The BS model is extremely simple and yet captures some forms of 'complex behavior' such as self-organized criticality that is often observed in physical and biological systems. In this model, random fitnesses in $$[0,1]$$ are associated to agents located at the vertices of a graph $$G$$ . Their fitnesses are ranked from worst (0) to best (1). At every time-step the agent with the worst fitness and some others with a priori given rank probabilities are replaced by new agents with random fitnesses. We consider two cases: The exogenous case where the new fitnesses are taken from an a priori fixed distribution, and the endogenous case where the new fitnesses are taken from the current distribution as it evolves. We approximate the dynamics by making a simplifying independence assumption. We use Order Statistics and Dynamical Systems to define a rank-driven dynamical system that approximates the evolution of the distribution of the fitnesses in these rank-driven models, as well as in the BS model. For this simplified model we can find the limiting marginal distribution as a function of the initial conditions. Agreement with experimental results of the BS model is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Impedance measurements in a wide frequency range concerning Tl+ reduction on dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC)-coated mercury electrodes and on gramicidin-modified DOPC-coated mercury electrodes have been analysed according to the equations for reductions on partially blocked electrodes. In both cases the frequency dispersion of the impedance data fit well the impedance equations and from the analysis the fraction of active area, (1− θ) and the radius of pinholes, R a, have been obtained. In the case of the reduction on the gramicidin-modified DOPC-coated mercury electrode, the Warburg coefficient, σ and the forwards rate constant, k f, for the reduction have been obtained at different potentials. The potential dependence of σ fit well the equation for simple one-electron transfer under dc-reversible conditions, thus proving the internal consistence of the model. The potential dependence of k f provides the standard rate constant, k s, and the charge transfer coefficient, α for the electron transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoinduced proton transfer (PT) from cations 6-hydroxyquinolinium (6HQc) and 6-hydroxy-1-methylquinolinium (6MQc) to water and alcohols, and solvation of the zwitterionic conjugate base 1-methylquinolinium-6-olate (6MQz) were studied with stationary and transient absorption spectroscopy and by quantum chemical calculations. Transient emission spectra from 6MQz in acetonitrile and protic solvents shift dynamically to the red without changing their shape and intensity. The shift matches the solvation correlation function C(t) either measured with known solvatochromic probes coumarin 343 and coumarin 153 or derived from infrared/dielectric-loss data on neat solvents. This indicates that 6MQz monitors the solvation dynamics and that no intramolecular electron transfer occurs on a subpicosecond or longer time scale. The PT dynamics S(t) from 6HQc and 6MQc closely follows C(t), being initially 2–3 times slower. This allows for the conclusion that PT is controlled by solvation, with a barrier of 2 kJ/mol. In water, a pre-condition of this ultrafast reaction seems to be hydrogen-bonding between the negatively charged oxygen and two water molecules, resulting in a complex 6HQc:H2O:H2O. The complex is stable due to a high (47 kJ/mol) bonding energy between 6HQc and a water molecule. In acetonitrile, the reaction equilibrium is strongly shifted to the cation. There an intermediate PT state was detected, which may be ascribed to the cationic form 6HQc:H2O due to residual water impurities. In water—acetonitrile mixtures, the ultrafast solvent-controlled PT is followed by a diffusion-controlled reaction; the measured rate kD ≈ 1010 s-1 M-1 is characteristic for simple bimolecular diffusion. The dependence of the short-time PT signal on water concentration can be fitted with a Poisson distribution of water molecules around the cation. Altogether, the short-time and long-time behaviors provide strong evidence that diffusion of only one water molecule is sufficient to detach the proton. Subsequent solvent stabilization of the products completes the PT reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of metallothionein (MT) and zinc (Zn) in hepatic copper (Cu) accumulation in calves from a region in North West Spain has been investigated. In this region there is intensive pig farming, and animals with liver Cu concentrations above normal are not uncommon. Concentrations of hepatic MT were not related to Cu accumulation but were strongly dependent on the Zn status of the animal. When analysing the metal content bound to MT it was observed that Cu-MT values, in the same way as Zn MT, were directly correlated with MT concentrations in the liver, indicating that although Cu is a poor inducer of MT synthesis, it can compete with Zn for MT binding sites. The ability of Cu to displace Zn from MT is highly dependent on the Cu:Zn ratio in the cell. Cu being the main metal in MT at the higher levels of Cu exposure in Galician cattle. In spite of this, the percentage of the total hepatic Cu bound to MT is very low in these animals, indicating that cattle have a very limited capacity to accumulate Cu MT in the liver, and may therefore have a greater susceptibility to Cu toxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new mechanism (the C–(C)–CE mechanism) is proposed for Tl+ reduction and Tl–amalgam oxidation on gramicidin-modified dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) mercury and Tl–amalgam electrodes. The faradaic impedance equations are derived, and applied to the experimental results obtained in 0.1 M KCl solutions at a high gramicidin concentration. The mechanism includes two consecutive heterogeneous chemical steps with an intermediate, which decomposes in a parallel homogeneous chemical step. The two heterogeneous chemical steps are assumed to mimic the interaction of the ion with the channel mouth and the further translocation across the channel, respectively. The results fit the mechanism well, and the analysis provides the equilibrium constant for the first chemical step and the forward rate constant for the translocation step. The latter was found to depend on the drop in potential across the interface, with a transfer coefficient α=0.2, in both the reduction and the oxidation experiments. However, the translocation step standard rate constant provided by the oxidation experiment is lower than that by the reduction experiment, indicating some asymmetry in the half-channel behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The theoretical design, fabrication and characterisation of an evanescent field integrated optical (IO) sensor based on a rib anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) structure are presented. The optical waveguides are designed to verify two conditions: mono-mode behaviour and high surface sensitivity. The sensor system is fabricated with ‘silicon microelectronics technology’ and it has been tested as a refractometer with glucose solutions of different refractive indices. The feasibility of applying the sensor for immunosensing is shown with antibody/antigen binding experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This investigation was designed to characterise the solid residues obtained when waste water heavily contaminated with Cr3+ is purified by the ‘ferrite precipitation method’ and to evaluate the efficiency of the process using different starting Fe2+/Cr3+ ratios. In the case of Cr(VI) contamination, to avoid altering the proportions, the Cr6+ was reduced to Cr3+ in a preliminary step, and the same procedure applied. The solid compounds obtained were subjected to X-ray fluorescence and chemical analysis (inductively coupled plasma and potentiometric titrations). Findings suggest CrxFe2+Fe3+2−xO4 as the most probable stoichiometry of the products, where 0.09≤x≤0.59. X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared patterns indicated a ‘normal spinel’ structure corresponding to ‘chromite-type’ chromium iron oxides. This structure differs considerably from that of divalent metal-bearing ferrites (‘inverse spinel’) and constitutes a new hydrothermal pathway for the generation of ‘non-stoichiometric chromites’. The following is proposed as the general oxide formation reaction: a Fe2++x Cr3++ b OH−+c O2→CrxFe3−xO4+Fe2O3.nH2O [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this work was to develop active packaging based on polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) matrices using a high value by-product extracted from orange peel as an active compound for food packaging applications. Different films with and without orange peel extract (OPE) based on PP and PLA were obtained via cast extrusion and characterized in terms of their mechanical, thermal, optical, and sealing properties. The films obtained were transparent, but when OPE was incorporated, the transmittance spectrum decreased, causing slight coloration. Mechanical properties were affected by the incorporation of OPE, as elongation at break and tensile strength increased in the cross-direction of the PP film, although the main differences found were related to the polymer itself. In addition, sealing strength also increased via the incorporation of OPE in the PP matrix. However, thermal properties were not affected by OPE in the PP matrix but slightly decreased stability in PLA. Regarding antimicrobial activity in in vitro studies, no inhibition of the growth of Listeria innocua, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, or Escherichia coli was observed. Finally, antioxidant activity was observed in in vitro studies with 2,2-Diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The results of this study showed that the obtention of materials with OPE incorporated into the PLA and PP matrix is feasible. The new materials obtained can be used for applications of oxidation-sensitive fresh products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from a recent epidemiological surveillance network showed a decrease in the reported number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and food-borne infections. We reflect on the possible drivers and consequences of a decrease in these transmittable infectious diseases linked to human contact in relation to social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Madrid (Spain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "On Rank Driven Dynamical Systems," by J. J. P. Veerman and F. J. Prieto published online on September 30, 2015 is presented.

Introduction: Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease) is a neurological disorder characterized by a strong urge to move the legs, usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs; these symptoms worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, are relieved by movement and are worse during evening or night than during the day. As established by scientific evidence and guidelines, non-ergot dopaminergic agonist (DA) are the first line treatment for idiopathic RLS, alternative medications and second line treatments include antiepileptic agents (AED), opioids and benzodiazepines. Among the AED, the ligands of alpha-2 delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil and pregabalin, have demonstrate a therapeutic efficacy in RLS and also in neuropathic pain. RLS successful treatment is frequently limited by the partial effect of current therapies, fluctuations of the symptoms or drugs adverse effects. Lacosamide, a new anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain drug that modulates voltage-gated sodium channels, has no data about its effect in RLS to date. Materials and methods: Eight idiopathic RLS patients followed up at the Hospital de la Ribera Sleep Medicine Center from 2009 to 2012, under conventional treatment with DA and/or other AED, that showed none or partial response of RLS symptoms, were treated with lacosamide. The impact of lacosamide in RLS symptoms were measured using validated scales such as Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLSSG-RS), before and after the lacosamide introduction. Dose adjustment and adverse effect were monitored during follow up visits. Results: All results are presented as mean ±standard deviation. Time of treatment with lacosamide ranges from 4 to 36months, (21±11.01). Single dose varies from 50mg. to 250mg. four patients are taking two daily doses (afternoon and evening) and three one bedtime dose. IRLSSG-RS showed a significant improvement, with pretreatment scores of 36 ±3.03, (range 32–40) and post-treatment scores of 5.16 ±4.35 (range 0–10). The mean change of score was 30.83 ±5.56 (range 25–40). In only one case lacosamide was withdrawn because no effect after 3weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Our preliminary results show that lacosamide, as other antiepileptic drugs widely studied for RLS, appears to be a reasonable option of treatment when other drugs fail or can be used as adjunctive therapy in cases of partial response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macromolecular complexes perform their physiological functions by local rearrangements of their constituents and biochemically interacting with their reaction partners. These rearrangements may involve local rotations and the induction of local strains causing different mechanical efforts and stretches at the different areas of the protein. The analysis of these local deformations may reveal important insight into the way proteins perform their tasks. In this paper we introduce a method to perform this kind of local analysis using Electron Microscopy volumes in a fully objective and automatic manner. For doing so, we exploit the continuous nature of the result of an elastic image registration using B-splines as its basis functions. We show that the results obtained by the new automatic method are consistent with previous observations on these macromolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We develop a synthetic measurement of sustainability (weak, strong and mixed), based on indicators. [•] We employ a multicriteria dual reference point method (reservation–aspiration). [•] A preference aggregation method serves to provide weighs for the indicators, based on the opinions of a panel of experts. [•] We apply the proposed methodology to the regions of Spain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Digitizing specular and transparent objects pose significant problems using traditional 3-D scanning techniques due to the reflection and refraction that interfere with the optical scanning process used for triangulation. In this paper, we present how one can digitize those difficult objects by modifying a commercial 3-D acquisition system with an interchangeable ultraviolet and infrared light source. Experimental results show that the proposed technique can generate accurate 3-D models of these optically challenging objects without major modifications to the 3-D scanner. The results were obtained without preprocessing or multi-view manipulations. The precision of the 3-D measurements is evaluated relative to the visible spectrum acquisition obtained by painting the test objects with matte paint to suppress optical difficulties. Results shows that wavelength changes in the 3-D acquisition system do not change the scanner precision but solve many of the issues that specular and transparent objects poses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper re-visits the concept of water efficiency applied to Spanish agriculture and assesses how this technical concept is sometimes lost in translation when applied at different spatial scales. The paper traces the historical dominance of irrigated agriculture in Spanish water policy. It analyses the water efficiency concept at the macro level, by evaluating recent national policy initiatives and public investment programmes over the last decade to modernise irrigation, which anticipated large water savings. “Water efficiency” is then framed in its socio-political context, by looking at debates and discussions over the past, current and future role of irrigation, key evaluation criteria and objectives for large scale irrigation modernisation plans, what are the links to water rights and allocation, benefits and beneficiaries from water savings and important unanticipated consequences and co-benefits in modernisation, and the reform of agricultural policies. Finally it identifies the central role played at national, European and global levels by agricultural (and energy) policies as key external drivers for the long term viability of modern irrigation on social, environmental and economic-productivity terms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new way of obtaining iron oxides embedded in amorphous silica gel matrices using Fe2+, oxygen and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as precursors is described. The product of this new method was compared to the compound produced when hydrochemically synthesized iron ferrite (magnetite) was directly embedded in silicon oxide (SiO2). The two xerogels were characterized and found to differ substantially. The compound obtained using the first procedure is amorphous iron oxide-hydroxide embedded in silica gel and lacks magnetic properties. In contrast, the silicon oxide particles in the second compound become partly coated by the magnetite, such that its magnetic properties are similar to those of magnetite proper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fatty acids were determined in several tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), from three fish hatcheries, by gas chromatography of their methyl esters. The qualitative and quantitative changes produced in fatty acid composition in these tissues, over time, related to the diet, were also explored. Through the application of two multivariate statistical methods, factor and cluster analysis, fish and tissues were classified according to the fish hatchery and the tissues categorised in terms of fatty acid composition. Findings indicate that differences in fatty acid composition were related to the fat content of the dietary feed. Three well-differentiated groups of specimens were defined according to the hatchery of origin (diet). Clustering by tissues also gave rise to defined groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The efficient solution of large-scale linear and nonlinear optimization problems may require exploiting any special structure in them in an efficient manner. We describe and analyze some cases in which this special structure can be used with very little cost to obtain search directions from decomposed subproblems. We also study how to correct these directions using (decomposable) preconditioned conjugate gradient methods to ensure local convergence in all cases. The choice of appropriate preconditioners results in a natural manner from the structure in the problem. Finally, we conduct computational experiments to compare the resulting procedures with direct methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many different properties of matter under shock wave loading can be studied through the use of gas-gun accelerated projectiles. Knowledge of the motion of the projectile, and in particular of its velocity, is thus of prime importance. This motion depends upon the sudden release of a compressed gas confined in a breech. The corresponding firing mechanism is a geometrical restriction to the flow of the accelerating gas behind the projectile. In this article a theoretical expression is obtained to take into account this restriction, and is applied to the case of the diaphragm type of firing mechanism. Two conditions are imposed to the one dimensional and isentropic flow at the diaphragm zone: the continuity of the fluid flow (density times velocity times cross section) and the continuity of force (pressure times cross section). The theoretical expression obtained can be expressed in term of upper and lower bounds. A comparison with experimental results, obtained in our laboratory, is carried out, showing that they systematically fall around the upper bound. The reasons for this behavior are discussed and a useful rule to design the firing mechanism is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed description is given of the light gas gun designed, machined, and operated at the National University of Mexico. Emphasis is made on the difficulties to be faced m a developing country to construct this kind of experimental facility, as well as on the solutions given. In particular, the barrel is made of 15 interlocking sections, each one as long as could be machined and honed in the available lathes in our country. These sections are conically tapered inside to allow the projectile to move from one section to the next without being shaved or deformed. The double diaphragm type breech has a working pressure of 40 MPa, the length of the barrel is 12.7 m and its bore is 75 mm. We indicate how to maximize the bursting cross section of the diaphragms, because this increases the projectile velocity. The projectile mass may be chosen between 0.5 and 2 kg, and the maximum projectile velocity may be as high as 1200 m/s. The gas gun performances are presented and, as a final remark, we comment on what we would change if we were to construct another gun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infections of enterobacteria producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases place a heavy burden on health systems. Little is known in osteoarticular infections, so this work studied the prevalence of these infections in a third-level hospital. Material and methods: Prevalence study in patients of a Traumatology Service during 2016, with infection criteria provided by the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia. The VITEK® 2 AST-N272 (bioMérieux) system was used for bacterial identification at the species level and for antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: 7.85% (n = 86) were reported with osteoarticular infections; 22.09% (n = 19) were by enterobacteria BLEEs. An average of 77.1 days of hospitalization (SD 37.7) (46-200 days); isolation of the microorganism occurred 15 days after entry. Sixteen (84.2%) patients had osteomyelitis, three (15.8%) had a prosthetic knee or hip infection. The average number of treatment days was 60 days (21-129 days). Eighteen patients (94.7%) were discharged with resolution of their infectious picture; one patient died with infection over aggregated pneumonia due to carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. Discussion: The prevalence of osteoarticular infections by enterobacteria BLEEs could not be accurately calculated, but we consider it to be within what is expected, infection control measures require higher standards and there is a lack of development programs to use antimicrobials rationally to control the emergence of these pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Bentonite was used as model clay to evaluate the electrochemical degradation and removal of phenanthrene in clay- soils. • Phenanthrene removal and the products generated by its degradation were evaluated indirectly in bentonite after the process. • An acidic front close to the IrO 2 –Ta 2 O 5 |Ti anode was formed in the presence of OH free radicals. • The physicochemical soil parameters changed throughout the electrochemical cell. • Phenanthrene was removed from bentonite and degraded after 4 h of electrokinetic treatment in presence of 0.1 M NaOH. Abstract Bentonite was used as model clay to evaluate the electrochemical degradation and removal of phenanthrene in clay-soils, by applying a dimensionally stable electrode. Gas chromatography couple to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify and analyze the post-treatment greases and oils extracted from bentonite. Phenanthrene removal and the products generated by its degradation were evaluated indirectly in bentonite after the process, using physicochemical parameters such as pH, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and zeta potential clay substrate. An acidic front close to the IrO 2 –Ta 2 O 5 |Ti anode was formed in the presence of OH free radicals. As a result, the physicochemical soil parameters changed throughout the electrochemical cell. The results show that phenantrene was removed from bentonite and degraded after 4 h of electrokinetic treatment in presence of 0.1 M NaOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) into poly(vinyl phenylthionecarbamate) (PVA-PT) was upgraded to 35 g with 45% yield and 90% conversion degree. PVA-PT has shown high uptakes (93-96%) towards Mn2+>Cu2+> Cd2+after 4 hours stirring at 20°C in a batch procedure, towards 31-1600 mg/L concentration range. The material and its metal ion adducts were characterized by gravimetric analysis, IR, Raman, and SEM/EDS. An experimental design was applied to evaluate the influence of parameters on the Mn2+removal efficiency by PVA-PT. The best results were achieved after 240 min, at 20°C and concentrations higher than 187 mg/L. The 20°C sorption isotherms were recorded for the PVA-PT/Mn2+system at different particle sizes and dosages. The best experimental sorption capacity (qe= 343.76 mg/g) was reached at the lowest dose (0.05 g in 10 mL solution) and the highest concentration (1809.82 mg/L). Data fit Freundlich isotherm model (R2= 0.9462, KF= 0.8625, N = 0.8271), indicative of a moderate affinity interaction PVA-PT/Mn+2. The kinetic isotherm models demonstrate chemisorption and bulk diffusion-controlled absorption into the material after 7 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated if differences in non-essential and essential trace element accumulation in beef-cattle reared under different systems (including organic, conventional and intensive management) were reflected in the meat derived from these animals. Diaphragm muscle from 166 calves from nine farms were analysed. Muscle cadmium concentrations were low (<10 µg/kg wet weight) and muscle arsenic, mercury and lead levels were below the limits of detection (<12, 2 and 3 µg/kg, respectively) in most (77–97%) samples; there were no significant differences between farms. Essential trace element concentrations in muscle were generally within adequate physiological ranges and, although they varied significantly between farms, this was not apparently related to management practices. There were no significant correlations in element concentrations between muscle and liver or kidney (organ concentrations that better reflect exposure), except for cobalt (positive association) and zinc (negative association). Non-essential and essential trace element concentrations in muscle in the studied animals did not generally reflect differences in exposure. This is particularly relevant for animals reared in systems (such as organic farms) where cattle are exposed to higher levels of non-essential elements (probably due to soil ingestion when grazing) but also can suffer from mineral deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prenatal cytogenetic study of an amniotic fluid sample of a 39-year-old female showed one X chromosome with a fragment of extra material in the short arm. The G-band pattern suggested that the extra material could be the long arm of an X chromosome. Several complementary studies were performed in order to better clarify the origin of the material. These studies included parental karyotypes, microsatellite typing and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the derivative chromosome arose de novo as a recombinant X chromosome with duplication of Xq and partial deletion of Xp. Once informed, the parents decided to continue with the pregnancy, after which a healthy girl was born with no apparent disorders. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two As(V) selective electrodes (with and without inner reference solution) have been developed using selective membranes based on iron oxyhydroxide embedded on silica gel mixed with ultrapure graphite at a 2/98 (w/w) ratio. The active component of the membrane was synthesised by means of the sol-gel technique and characterized by X-ray and FTIR spectroscopy. This compound shows a great affinity towards As(V) ions adsorbing 408mgg-1. Using 1moll-1 phosphate buffer (at a 1/1, v/v ratio) to adjust the pH and the ionic strength to 7 and 0.5moll-1, respectively, the calibration curve is linear from 1.0×10-1 to 1.0×10-6moll-1 As(V), with a practical detection limit of 4×10-7moll-1 (0.03mgl-1) and a slope close to 30mVdecade-1. The effect of potentially interfering ions was investigated. The accuracy and precision of the procedure have been tested on arsenic-free drinking water samples spiked with known amounts of arsenic and on groundwater samples containing high levels of arsenic. Total arsenic in these samples was determined after oxidation of As(III) with iodine at pH 7. The results of total As were comparable to those generated by ET-AAS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two novel mutations of the ribosomal S6 kinase 2 gene (also known as RSK2) have been identified in two unrelated patients with Coffin Lowry syndrome. The first mutation consists of a de novo insertion of a 5'truncated LINE-1 element at position -8 of intron 3, which leads to a skipping of exon 4, leading to a shift of the reading frame and a premature stop codon. The L1 fragment (2800 bp) showed a rearrangement with a small deletion, a partial inversion of the ORF 2, flanked by short direct repeats which duplicate the acceptor splice site. However, cDNA analysis of the patient shows that both sites are apparently not functional. The second family showed the nucleotide change 803T>C in exon 10, resulting in the F268S mutation. This mutation was detected in two monozygotic twin patients and in their mother, who was mildly affected. The patients fulfill the clinical criteria of the syndrome, and therefore the mutation provides further support for the importance of phenylalanine at position 268, which is highly conserved in the protein kinase domain of many serine-threonine protein kinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report we present the clinical features and molecular and cytogenetic findings in a female with partial trisomy 14q. Molecular and cytogenetic studies allowed us to determine that the extra 14q material (of paternal origin) was translocated postzygotically onto the maternal X chromosome. Consequently, only the derivative X chromosome was inactivated, although inactivation apparently did not spread over the entire chromosome 14q. This partial inactivation makes the present case unusual, giving rise to phenotypic features absent in other patients with partial trisomy 14q, typically restricted to the distal part of the chromosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]