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We are studying and developing high-performance spectroscopy solutions in silicon technology in the framework of instrumental developments around the B-BOP bolometer arrays and in the continuation of the former developments of the Herschel space telescope instruments and in particular its photodetector array camera and spectrometer. The integration of multiwavelength spectroscopic capabilities close to the array of a cooled bolometer would make it possible to detect the interstellar medium continuum by scanning and to trace its evolution, particularly by the detection of characteristic lines such as the cooling line [CII] at 158 µm. In this paper, we present the first concept under development and the preliminary results obtained from our cryogenic optical test bench. This solution is a tunable Fabry–Perot cavity with silicon mirrors driven by a cryogenic piezoelectric mechanism with a nanometric step. Each mirror is a dielectric Bragg structure, a stack of quarter-wave layers of silicon and air providing high reflectivity without metal loss. This solution allows extremely accurate scanning around a targeted wavelength. The first prototype cannot be integrated on a focal plane as it stands, and future optimizations integrating miniaturized scanning systems will make the system much more compact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of the magnetic fields at different scales in the Universe is a new frontier for submillimeter astronomy. Polarimetric measurements between 50 and 500 µm are the golden path for this research. We develop, in the prospect of space observatories, all-silicon 50 mK bolometer arrays with polarimetric capabilities in the pixel. Here, we present the first results of the new detectors: performances of thermal sensors, optical absorption and polarimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider bipartite tight-binding graphs composed by N nodes split into two sets of equal size: one set containing nodes with on-site loss, the other set having nodes with on-site gain. The nodes are connected randomly with probability p. Specifically, we measure the connectivity between the two sets with the parameter α , which is the ratio of current adjacent pairs over the total number of possible adjacent pairs between the sets. For general undirected-graph setups, the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian H (γ , α , N) of this model presents pseudo-Hermiticity, where γ is the loss/gain strength. However, we show that for a given graph setup H (γ , α , N) becomes P T -symmetric. In both scenarios (pseudo-Hermiticity and P T -symmetric), depending on the parameter combination, the spectra of H (γ , α , N) can be real even when it is non-Hermitian. Then we demonstrate, for both setups, that there is a well-defined sector of the γ α -plane (which grows with N) where the spectrum of H (γ , α , N) is predominantly real. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Systematic Layout Planning methodology was adapted with an Industry 4.0 approach (SLP-Ind. 4.0) to optimize the design of a Production Design Area in a Manufacturing Laboratory. To validate the proposed SLP-Ind. 4.0, a "representative" product assembly process involving a ladder-shaped structure made of five Lego® bricks was evaluated. Four layout alternatives were evaluated, one considering the process manually and another three incorporating automated equipment such as a cobot (Collaborative Robot), a vision system, and at least one conveyor belt. Experiments and simulations of the process were obtained indicators through simulation such as cycle time, the line efficiency and production capacity. The results demonstrate that the optimal alternative improves the efficiency of the manufactured parts by 16.84 % compared to the manual process. In addition, the selected option has desirable characteristics such as modularity, flexibility, and adequate human-machine interaction. Therefore, with the use of SLP-Ind. 4.0 it is easier to obtain adaptable layouts to the variations of the production processes, ensuring a versatile manufacturing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptual decisions are biased toward higher-value options when overall gains can be improved. When stimuli demand immediate reactions, the neurophysiological decision process dynamically evolves through distinct phases of growing anticipation, detection, and discrimination, but how value biases are exerted through these phases remains unknown. Here, by parsing motor preparation dynamics in human electrophysiology, we uncovered a multiphasic pattern of countervailing biases operating in speeded decisions. Anticipatory preparation of higher-value actions began earlier, conferring a 'starting point' advantage at stimulus onset, but the delayed preparation of lower-value actions was steeper, conferring a value-opposed buildup-rate bias. This, in turn, was countered by a transient deflection toward the higher-value action evoked by stimulus detection. A neurally-constrained process model featuring anticipatory urgency, biased detection, and accumulation of growing stimulus-discriminating evidence, successfully captured both behavior and motor preparation dynamics. Thus, an intricate interplay of distinct biasing mechanisms serves to prioritise time-constrained perceptual decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on one of the first solar-eruptive events that was simultaneously observed by three of the remote-sensing instruments onboard Solar Orbiter during the cruise phase. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) observed an eruption on 22 April 2021. The corresponding CME was recorded by the coronagraph Metis. Finally, the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) sampled the associated X-ray flare, which was partially occulted. From the Earth, the eruption-source region was observed close to disk center. We provide an analysis of the eruption as observed by these various instruments. In particular, we show that in this eruption, continuous magnetic reconnection and heating have to be present even well after the impulsive phase. The need for this is derived from multiple independent lines of evidence – using both flare and CME observations – that have not been reported before for a single event. The combination of data from Solar Orbiter, as well as other space-based assets, clearly showcases the scientific potential for the science phase of Solar Orbiter, and the unique observations available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ekbom syndrome also known as Morgellons syndrome or delirium of parasitosis is a psychiatric condition where the patient has the absolute conviction of being infested in spite of medical evidence. Patients may even mutilate themselves or apply toxic substances in order to get rid of these hypothetical organisms. Sometimes they bring samples of these hypothetical parasites to the office to prove their existence, which is known as the "matchbox sign", a pathognomonic finding. Objectives: The aim of this clinical case is to make visible the impact that this psychiatric condition can have on the patient's quality of life Methods: We present the case of a 40-year-old woman from Peru who was admitted to the otorhinolaryngology unit for injuries compatible with necrosis of the right pinna. When the patient was examined, scars were found on the lower limbs and back. The patient justifies the scratching lesions with the presence of pathogenic organisms, with no trace of them by the physician. Results: The patient was evaluated by psychiatry service during her admission in otorhinolaryngology, being diagnosed with Ekbom's delirium and starting treatment with 3 mL of Aripiprazole. Subsequently she was referred to the mental health unit where she left the follow-up until today. Conclusions: Different effective treatments have been described, among them pimozide, atypical antipsychotics and some SSRIs. However, the complexity of treatment arises when dealing with the irreducible idea that the patient has of being infested, refusing in most cases to receive psychiatric treatment. This can degenerate into major organic and psychological problems that turn the patient's life into a real hell, which often end up losing much of their daily functionality. The fact of empathizing with the patient and trying to elaborate a plan adjusted to the reality and needs of the moment, can help us to establish a good therapeutic bond that facilitates an early start of treatment and greater therapeutic adherence, enabling a significant improvement in their quality of life. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Erotomania, was described in 1942, is more common in women than in men, although the incidence is unknown. This syndrome is usually characterized by a young woman with the illusion that a man whom she considers to be of a higher social or professional position is in love with her. Developing an elaborate delusional process about this man, his love, his pursuit and total commitment to the idea. Two forms, pure or secondary, are described. As well as fixed or recurring 52-year-old female patient in outpatient follow-up with a diagnosis of schizophrenia with long-term follow-up, start of follow-up by a new therapist, in this context intensive follow-up is carried out in the event of the appearance of pharmacological secondary effects, pharmacological readjustment is carried out with good results. During the joint follow-up with nursing, the cessation of secondaryisms is confirmed and we are informed of the gradual appearance of overvalued ideas in relation to the new therapist, which are gradually structured in the form of erotomanic delirium that coincides with the cessation of follow-up by said therapist. Consultations in the emergency room occur on a couple of occasions due to mild behavioral alterations secondary to messages and communications that he reports receiving where said love is confirmed. Despite readjustments, there continues to be an increase in clinical symptoms due to abandonment of medication, finally producing serious alterations aimed at the search for said therapist, finally culminating in admission to the acute care unit for containment of said condition. Objectives: The objetives is the diferencial diagnosis, in this case symptoms could be classified as positive symptoms of schizophrenia, although it is its own nosological entity. Methods:. Results:. Conclusions: This patient represents a classic example of De Clerambault syndrome and is a faithful expression of the recurrent syndrome associated with delusions of grandeur, eroticism and jealousy. There have also been ideas of reference and agitated behavior associated with his delusional process. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since its beginning in the 1970s in Wisconsin, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), has been adopted by numerous hospitals worldwide. It improves outcomes for people who are most at-risk of psychiatric hospitalization. The main goal is to provide a global attention with a focus on promoting maximum autonomy and facilitating integration into society. In 2012, the Health Care Complex of Zamora, Spain, adopted this pioneering approach to Mental Health. The main efforts were focused on creating a community network for individuals with severe mental disorders. It embraced a biopsychosocial model of intervention aimed at facilitating patient recovery, giving them tools to create a new life project based on their own autonomy. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the progress of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) since its introduction at the Health Care Complex of Zamora, with a specific focus on analyzing the number of hospitalizations as the dependent variable. Methods: A quantitative analysis about psychiatry number of hospitalizations was conducted using the database of the Zamora's Psychiatry Hospitalization Unit. SPSS Statistics for Windows was used to calculate statistical values related to number of hospitalization. The dataset covers de period from 2010 to 2017. Results: The implementation of ACT has resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations reaching up to 75% in the Psychiatry Service of Zamora. It has been revealed a decrease from 17107 hospitalizations registered in 2011 to a total reduction to 4869 stances in 2013. A consistent trend in the reduction of hospitalizations has been observed (figure 1).A restructuration of the Hospitalization Unit was performed in order to implement de community model and reduce hospitalizations. Removal of more than 50% of the beds was developed.Besides, there has been implemented a community subunit with the objective of regaining their autonomy after a psychiatric exacerbation. Image: Conclusions: Getting hospitalized in a Psychiatry Unit can have many different socio-laboral consequences. The ACT model has demonstrated a significative reduction in hospitalizations and it has evolved into a support network dedicated the integration of individuals that are usually left behind by society. Moreover, it presents itself as a positive cost-benefit intervention.ACT allows us to envision a future with fewer hospitalization and greater integration of mental health patients into modern society. It is important to emphasize that the city of Zamora possesses unique characteristics that have facilitated the adaptation of this model. Not only are the rental prices for housing usually affordable, but the city's small size, which easy walking, allows for easy access to Community Mental Health resources and services. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 56 to 84% of college students report having experienced at least one lifetime traumatic or adverse life event. However, little is known about trauma exposure among Latina college students and the association of cognitive vulnerabilities to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among this population. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to: (a) explore the traumatic events experienced by 436 Latina college women, and (b) examine the unique contribution of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and its two subscales (prospective and inhibitory IU) to PTSD-5 symptom severity among the 263 (76%) trauma-exposed Latina college women in the sample. Most frequently reported trauma events included interpersonal bullying and ridicule, attempted sexual assault, traumatic bereavement, and life-threatening accident or natural disaster. As expected, when controlling for college stress and anxiety sensitivity: (a) IU scores were associated with overall PTSD symptom severity and with two of the four PTSD-5 cluster symptoms, arousal/reactivity, and negative alteration in cognition/mood, and (b) IU was not associated with the PTSD-5 intrusion cluster symptoms' severity. Inconsistent with expectations, IU was not uniquely associated with the avoidance of PTSD-5 cluster symptoms. Paralysis in the face of uncertainty (inhibitory IU) was more strongly related to PTSD symptom severity than concerns regarding anticipated uncertainty (prospective IU). Results suggest that IU is a transdiagnostic cognitive vulnerability that plays a unique role in relation to PTSD symptom severity among trauma exposed Latina college women. Therefore, interventions to ameliorate IU could complement established psychological and pharmacological PTSD treatments with this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of a comparative study between automatic and manually compiled coronal mass ejection (CME) catalogues based on observations from the Heliospheric Imagers (HIs) onboard NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft. Using the Computer Aided CME Tracking software(CACTus), CMEs are identified in HI data using an automatic feature-detection algorithm, while the Heliospheric Imagers Catalogue(HICAT) includes CMEs that are detected by visual inspection of HI images. Both catalogues were compiled as part of the EU FP7 Heliospheric Cataloguing, Analysis and Techniques Service (HELCATS) project (www.helcats-fp7.eu). We compare observational parameters of the CMEs from CACTus to those listed in HICAT, such as CME frequency, position angle (PA), and PA-width. We also compare CACTus-derived speeds to speeds derived from applying geometric modelling to the majority of the HICAT CMEs, the results of which are listed in the HELCATS Heliospheric Imagers Geometric Catalogue(HIGeoCAT). We find that both CACTus and HICAT catalogues contain a similar number of events when we exclude events narrower than 20∘, which are not included in the HICAT catalogue but are found to be identified by CACTus. PA-distributions are strongly peaked around 90∘ and 270∘, with a slightly larger CME frequency northwards of the equatorial plane (particularly for the STEREO-A versions of both catalogues). The CME PA-widths in both HICAT and CACTus catalogues peak at approximately 60∘. Manually derived speeds from HIGeoCAT and automatically derived speeds by CACTus correlate well for values lower than 1000 km s−1, in particular when CMEs are propagating close to the plane of the sky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kambó is considered an "ancestral medicine" by the indigenous tribes of the western region of the Amazon. Objectives: Through this clinical case, the aim is to present the particularities of the symptoms and management of patients with consumption of not so common substances, such as Kambo or salvia divinorum, as well as the evolution that will occur in a patient with a previous diagnosis of a Depressive Episode. Methods: We present the case of a 23-year-old male, Gestalt therapy student. History of tobacco, THC, and recent use of salvia divinorum and Kambo. He began follow-up by psychiatry in a private setting three years ago due to a severe depressive episode, having required treatment with antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, and having been triggered by a serious assault. The episode is resolved and follow-up is discontinued. Family history of depressive syndrome and suicide. He resumed contact through the Emergency Department, requiring hospital admission due to symptoms compatible with a manic episode with psychotic symptoms. It begins with behavioral alterations and global insomnia that are related to the consumption of some substance, initially unknown to them, making the skin lesions they presented suspect the consumption of kambo. Results: We assess the risk of consuming these substances, which are sometimes used as alternative therapies, and especially in this type of patient, who is more vulnerable and perhaps seeks a way out of the problems they present. Conclusions: In our case, it triggered a manic episode with psychotic symptoms, which consisted of delusional ideation of mystical content accompanied by auditory hallucinations. The episode took about a month to subside, despite treatment. Subsequently, there have been more episodes with similar characteristics, and they have not been associated with the consumption of kambó, but have been linked to the consumption of "natural medicinal substances." Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Disparities persist on the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in racial/ethnic minorities in the USA. This study evaluated the association between BMI and incident type 2 diabetes risk by racial/ethnic group, to determine whether BMI and presence of type 2 diabetes risk factors may help clinicians better target type 2 diabetes screening. Methods: This prospective cohort analysis included 5659 adults free of type 2 diabetes at baseline from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a population‐based cohort (2000–2011). BMI was measured at baseline and time‐updated at subsequent visits. Incident type 2 diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l, or use of any diabetes medications. Results: The mean (sd) age was 62 (10) years and 42% of participants were white, 26% African American, 20% Hispanic and 12% Chinese American. During follow‐up, 696 (12%) new type 2 diabetes cases were observed. In age‐ and sex‐adjusted models, in the presence of one or more type 2 diabetes risk factors (the most common scenario), a 10% risk of incident type 2 diabetes was observed at a BMI of 21.7 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.1 to 22.8] in Chinese Americans, 23.8 kg/m2 (22.7 to 24.9) in Hispanics, 24.7 kg/m2 (23.7 to 25.6) in African Americans and 26.2 kg/m2 (25.1 to 26.9) in white participants. Conclusions: This study supports including BMI and presence of type 2 diabetes risk factors as action points for clinicians to prioritize which adults aged ≥ 45 years should be screened. The application of race/ethnicity‐specific BMI thresholds may reduce the disparity of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes observed in minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Colonoscopy is a visual exploration of the colonic mucosa, which consists of the insertion of a flexible optic catheter through the anus. Its objectives include to locate lesions very precisely, to obtain biopsies for their microscopic analysis, to carry out different therapeutic procedures and to diagnose small lesions that cannot be detected by traditional imaging techniques. The aim of this article is to describe the colonoscopy findings in adult patients of a health care institution. Methodology. Observational, cross-sectional study with an analytical component. The information was collected retrospectively from patients aged over 18 years, of both sexes, on which a colonoscopy was performed in a secondary health care institution. Results. A total of 521 colonoscopy procedures were conducted on 291 women and 230 men with an average age of 63 years (age range: 18-99 years). The proportion was greater among people aged over 50 years. The frequency of the procedure in women was higher with 57.0%, compared to 43% in men. The number of colonoscopies with a normal result was more frequent in people aged under 50 years (54.8%) compared to 45.2% of the total of those aged 50 years and over. Conclusion. Colonoscopy is a very useful instrument when diagnosing, monitoring and treating a great variety of gastrointestinal pathologies, because through this important diagnostic tool, it is possible to determine the existence of or rule out other kinds of pathologies that affect the gastrointestinal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The e-NRTL model for computing the activity coefficients in solution of electrolytes was used for the first time, as the best of our knowledge, together with the Wilson's equation for evaluating the non-ideal behavior of the resin phase, in the prediction of multicomponent ion exchange equilibria. For this purpose, experimental data for the binary systems Ni2+/Na+ and Zn2+/Na+ and the ternary system Ni2+/Zn2+/Na+ using Amberlite IR-120 reported by Franco et al. [ 1 ] were considered. The results obtained showed that the major impact over the equilibrium modelling was caused by the inclusion of the Wilson's equation demonstrating the predominant effect of the non-ideality of the resin phase. No significant differences in the results (for the systems and ionic concentrations explored here) were observed when Bromley, Pitzer and e-NRTL equations were used to predict the activity coefficients in solution. Regarding the prediction of the multicomponent equilibria, it can be said that the most complex models: Pitzer's and e-NRTL ones, yield the best results. Again, the major impact in the improvement of the prediction was the inclusion of the Wilson's parameters. Finally, since the e-NRTL model allows to indistinctly work with both electrolytes and non-electrolytes, it could be possible to design modules for simulating the ion exchange operation in process simulations software like Aspen Plus®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are the primary source of strong space weather disturbances at Earth. Their geo-effectiveness is largely determined by their dynamic pressure and internal magnetic fields, for which reliable predictions at Earth are not possible with traditional cone CME models. Aims. We study two well-observed Earth-directed CMEs using the EUropean Heliospheric FORecasting Information Asset (EUHFORIA) model, testing for the first time the predictive capabilities of a linear force-free spheromak CME model initialised using parameters derived from remote-sensing observations. Methods. Using observation-based CME input parameters, we performed magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the events with EUHFORIA, using the cone and spheromak CME models. Results. Simulations show that spheromak CMEs propagate faster than cone CMEs when initialised with the same kinematic parameters. We interpret these differences as the result of different Lorentz forces acting within cone and spheromak CMEs, which lead to different CME expansions in the heliosphere. Such discrepancies can be mitigated by initialising spheromak CMEs with a reduced speed corresponding to the radial speed only. Results at Earth provide evidence that the spheromak model improves the predictions of B (Bz) by up to 12–60 (22–40) percentage points compared to a cone model. Considering virtual spacecraft located within ±10° around Earth, B (Bz) predictions reach 45–70% (58–78%) of the observed peak values. The spheromak model shows inaccurate predictions of the magnetic field parameters at Earth for CMEs propagating away from the Sun-Earth line. Conclusions. The spheromak model successfully predicts the CME properties and arrival time in the case of strictly Earth-directed events, while modelling CMEs propagating away from the Sun-Earth line requires extra care due to limitations related to the assumed spherical shape. The spatial variability of modelling results and the typical uncertainties in the reconstructed CME direction advocate the need to consider predictions at Earth and at virtual spacecraft located around it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-sensitivity cryogenic sub-millimetre camera is planned for the SPICA space observatory. At the heart of this instrument, new all-silicon bolometer arrays integrate in pixel instrumental polarimetry capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long‐term structural viability of a six‐ply water‐contaminated quartz fiber‐reinforced bismaleimide laminate is investigated via dynamic mechanical analysis and flexural strength assessment over a four‐year experimental time frame. Water contamination is achieved via immersion in water at 25°C for short‐term (2 weeks and 1 month), long‐term (6 months), and very long‐term (4 years) duration. Long‐term moisture uptake exhibits distinctly non‐Fickian behavior. Maximum moisture content exceeds 1.5% by weight after four years of immersion. Laminates exhibit a remarkable resistance to degradation for all exposure durations. Flexural strength decreased by roughly 5% in the worst case. Further, no significant change in glass transition temperature was observed. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no micro‐crack formation and a relatively low incidence of fiber–matrix debond. Experimental evidence suggests that quartz fiber‐reinforced bismaleimide is a viable option for long‐term moisture‐prone structural applications at moderate temperatures. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2643–2649, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four binary discrimination methods are studied in the context of high-dimension, low sample size data with an asymptotic geometric representation, when the dimension increases while the sample sizes of the classes are fixed. We show that the methods support vector machine, mean difference, distance-weighted discrimination, and maximal data piling have the same asymptotic behavior as the dimension increases. We study the consistent, inconsistent, and strongly inconsistent cases in terms of angles between the normal vectors of the separating hyperplanes of the methods and the optimal direction for classification. A simulation study is done to assess the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freezing of supercooled water films on different substrates was investigated using a high-speed camera coupled to an optical microscope, obtaining details of the freezing process not described in the literature before. We observed the two well known freezing stages (fast dendritic growth and slow freezing of the water liquid left after the dendritic growth), but we separated the process into different phenomena that were studied separately: two-dimensional dendrite growth on the substrate interface, vertical dendrite growth, formation and evolution of ice domains, trapping of air bubbles and freezing of the water film surface. We found all of these processes to be dependent on both the supercooling temperature and the substrate used. Ice dendrite (or ice front) growth during the first stage was found to be dependent on thermal properties of the substrate but could not be unequivocally related to them. Finally, for low supercooling, a direct relationship was observed between the morphology of the dendrites formed in the first stage, which depends on the substrate, and the roughness and the shape of the surface of the ice, when freezing of the film was completed. This opens the possibility of using surfaces and coatings to control ice morphology beyond anti-icing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cell disruption methods were tested on Nannochloropsis gaditana , to evaluate their efficiency in terms of cell disintegration, energy input and release of soluble proteins. High-pressure homogenization (HPH) and bead milling were the most efficient with >95% cell disintegration, ±50% (w/w) release of total proteins and low energy input (<0.5 kWh.kg −1 biomass ). Enzymatic treatment required low energy input (<0.34 kWh.kg −1 biomass ), but it only released ±35% protein (w/w). Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) was neither energy-efficient (10.44 kWh.kg −1 biomass ) nor successful for protein release (only 10% proteins w/w) and cell disintegration. The release of proteins after applying HPH and bead milling always required less intensive operating conditions for cell disruption. The energy cost per unit of released protein ranged from 0.15–0.25 €.kg Protein −1 in case of HPH, and up to 2–20 €.kg Protein −1 in case of PEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here is reported a novel analytical approach for the extractive separation and determination of enantiomeric ratios of aristocularine in bovine serum albumin. The results demonstrate suitable analytical performances. The separation was performed by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography with a 5-µm column using a mobile phase of 1:1n-hexane:ethanol at a flow rate of 0.7 mL min−1with ultraviolet–visible absorption, circular dichroism, and polarimetric detection. The enantiomers were eluted at 13.2 and 15.6 min for (+) and (−)-aristocularine, with a resolution of 1.58 and a separation factor of 1.27. The analytical parameters for the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction were optimized; under these conditions, the extraction recoveries were from 88.6% to 93.9% for a two-step extraction. The precision, reported as the percent relative standard deviation, had values from 2.9% to 3.2% for 0.5 µg mL−1of analyte for five replicate measurements using ultraviolet–visible absorption and circular dichroism detection. The limits of detection were between 0.05 and 0.08 µg mL−1with enrichment ratios up to a value of 12. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background The differential diagnosis of intractable reflux in children includes rumination syndrome, but confirming the diagnosis using antroduodenal manometry is invasive, is costly, and requires anesthesia. High-resolution esophageal manometry with impedance ( HRM- MII) overcomes these limitations, and the goal of this study is to validate the use of HRM- MII as a diagnostic tool for rumination and to describe the subtypes of pediatric rumination. Methods We reviewed the HRM- MII tracings of 21 children presenting with symptoms of intractable reflux in whom rumination was being considered. Patients underwent a standard and post-prandial HRM- MII. Peak intraluminal esophageal pressures, baseline gastric and thoracic pressures, and the timing of the R wave relative to LES relaxations and bolus flow were recorded. Chi-square analyses were used for comparison of proportions and means were compared using t-tests or non-parametric equivalent. Key Results Forty-one (55.5%) primary and 33 (44.5%) secondary rumination episodes were seen. Three types of primary rumination were identified: i) LES relaxation without retrograde flow preceding the R wave (51% of episodes); ii) LES relaxation after the R wave (20% of episodes); and iii) R waves with no LES relaxation (29% of episodes). Eleven patients had rumination episodes with a peak gastric pressure <30 mm Hg. A total of 44 (60%) rumination episodes occurred during the standard HRM- MII, and 30 (40%) occurred during or after the meal. Conclusions & Inferences HRM- MII can accurately diagnose rumination in children. We identify three types of primary rumination which may provide insight into therapeutic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot-and-mouth disease ( FMD) virus affects livestock worldwide. There are seven different serotypes, each with a diversity of topotypes, genetic lineages and strains. Some lineages have different properties that may contribute to sporadic spread beyond their recognized endemic areas. The objective of this study was to review the most significant FMD epidemiological events that took place worldwide between 2007 and 2014. Severe epidemics were caused by FMD virus ( FMDV) lineage O/Asia/Mya-98 in Japan and South Korea in 2010, both previously free of disease. In India, where FMD is endemic, the most important event was the re-emergence of lineage O/ ME- SA/Ind-2001 in 2008. Notably, this lineage, normally restricted to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, was also found in Saudi Arabia and Libya in 2013 and has caused several outbreaks in Tunisia and Algeria in 2014-2015. In January 2011, FMDV-positive wild boars were found in Bulgaria, where the disease last occurred in 1996, followed by 12 outbreaks in livestock infected with FMDV O/ ME- SA/PanAsia2. In 2012, FMDV SAT2 caused outbreaks in Egypt and the Palestinian Autonomous Territories. Another significant event was the emergence of FMDV Asia1 Sindh-08 in the Middle East. In South America, one outbreak of FMDV serotype O, topotype Euro- SA was reported in Paraguay in 2011, which was recognized as FMD-free with vaccination at the time. Lessons learned from past events, point out the need for an integrated strategy that comprises coordinated global and regional efforts for FMDV control and surveillance. Specific local characteristics related to host, environment and virus that condition FMD occurrence should be carefully considered and incorporated to adapt appropriate strategies into local plans. In this review, we compiled relevant epidemiological FMD events to provide a global overview of the current situation. We further discussed current challenges present in different FMD areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Juno, the oocyte receptor for Izumo1, a male immunoglobulin, was discovered. Juno is an essential glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GIP)-anchored protein. This result did not exclude the participation of other GIP-anchored proteins in this process. After bibliographic and database searches we selected five GIP-anchored proteins (Cpm, Ephrin-A4, Gas1, Gfra1 and Rgmb) as potential oocyte candidates participating in fertilisation. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that only three were present on the mouse ovulated oocyte membrane and, of these, only two were clearly involved in the fertilisation process, namely growth arrest specific 1 (Gas1) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1 (Gfrα1). This was demonstrated by evaluating oocyte fertilisability after treatment of oocytes with antibodies against the selected proteins, with their respective short interference RNA or both. Gfrα1 and Gas1 seem to be neither redundant nor synergistic. In conclusion, oocyte Gas1 and Gfrα1 are both clearly involved in fertilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Over the last few years, the study of the colon and anorectal function has experienced great technical advances that have facilitated the performance of the tests and have allowed a more detailed characterization of reflexes and motor patterns. As a result, we have achieved a much better understanding of the pathophysiology of children with defecation problems. Anorectal and colonic manometry are now commonly used in all major pediatric referral centers as diagnostic tools and to guide the management of children with intractable constipation and fecal incontinence, particularly when a surgical intervention is being considered. Purpose This review highlights some of the recent advances in pediatric colon and anorectal motility testing including indications and preparation for the studies, and how to perform and interpret the tests. This update has been endorsed by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition ( NASPGHAN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study related to the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of drainage and punch-trocar-assisted cryoinsufflation in the treatment of inflammatory acute fluid collections in hidradenitis suppurativa patients. It notes that after performing cryopunch on treatment no recurrence of any of the lesions was there and the method was very effective.

Objectives: To assess and compare the long-term drug survival (time to drug discontinuation) of biological agents (BA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice. Factors associated with discontinuation of BAs were also investigated.Method: We conducted an observational longitudinal study of RA patients taking BAs from 1999 to 2013. The primary endpoint was BA discontinuation due to: adverse drug reactions (ADRs), inefficacy, and other causes. Incidence rates of discontinuation (IRs) per 100 patient-years were estimated using survival techniques. Comparisons between BA discontinuation rates and other associated factors were made using Cox regression models.Results: We included 851 courses of BA therapy (1869 patient-years). Adalimumab (33%) was the BA most frequently used, followed by etanercept (24.4%), infliximab, and rituximab. Treatment was suspended in 558 cases [IR 29.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 27-32]. In the first year of therapy 68% continued on BAs, and after 10 years the retention rate did not exceed 10%. The IR due to inefficacy was 12.1 (95% CI 10.6-13.8) and the IR of ADRs was 13.6 (95% CI 12-15). The unadjusted IR was higher for rituximab than for tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. In multivariate analysis, infliximab was the BA with the highest risk of discontinuation, compared to adalimumab. Calendar period, taking subsequent courses of BAs, concomitant therapy, and specific comorbidities were also independent factors associated with discontinuation.Conclusions: After several years of BA treatment in clinical practice, the survival rate was low, mainly as a result of ADRs and inefficacy. We also found differences between the discontinuation rates of BAs and other clinical factors that modify their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma electrolytic oxidized (PEO) γTiAl alloy samples were electrochemically characterized by open circuit potential (OCP), cyclic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to evaluate their corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF) in order to gauge their potential for biomedical applications. Experimental results through OCP and cyclic polarization studies demonstrated the protective nature and the beneficial effect of the PEO coatings on γTiAl. The PEO surface increased corrosion resistance of these surface modified alloys. EIS data indicated the presence of an underlying compact oxide layer with surface pores represented by two domes in the Nyquist plots. Electrical equivalent circuits to describe the EIS results are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic clouds (MCs) are a subset of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs). They are important because of their simple internal magnetic field configuration, which resembles a magnetic flux rope, and because they represent one of the most geoeffective types of solar transients. In this study, we analyze their internal structure using a superposed epoch method on 63 events observed at L1 by the Advance Composition Explorer (ACE), between 1998 and 2006. In this way, we obtain an average profile for each plasma and magnetic field parameter at each point of the cloud. Furthermore, we take a fixed time-window upstream and downstream from the MC to also sample the regions preceding the cloud and the wake trailing it. We then perform a detailed analysis of the internal characteristics of the clouds and their surrounding solar wind environments. We find that the parameters studied are compatible with log-normal distribution functions. The plasma $\beta $ and the level of fluctuations in the magnetic field vector are the best parameters to define the boundaries of MCs. We find that one third of the events shows a peak in plasma density close to the trailing edge of the flux ropes. We provide several possible explanations for this result and investigate if the density peak is of a solar origin ( e.g. erupting prominence material) or formed during the magnetic cloud travel from the Sun to 1 AU. The most plausible explanation is the compression due to a fast overtaking flow, coming from a coronal hole located to the east of the solar source region of the magnetic cloud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Maintenance dosing of neuromuscular blocking agents is complex and varies with patient, procedure, and clinical situation. With this in mind, we sought to identify factors impacting the maintenance dosing of neuromuscular blockers as a step toward identifying best practice with respect to minimizing residual neuromuscular blockade. Methods. Cases utilizing rocuronium from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2014, at the sponsoring institution were analyzed. Using a mixed model to account for repeated measures, patients were analyzed by dose and weight category as defined by the World Health Organization (eight categories ranging from very severely underweight to very severely obese) as well as by the administering provider’s level of experience. Results. The study included 12,671 patients with a mean age of 49.7 (SD 16.7). Increasing weight category and higher levels of provider experience were associated with higher doses for rocuronium. There were no differences in initial dose or in frequency of maintenance dosing by weight category after controlling for case length. Discussion. The two dosing patterns identified, higher doses for overweight patients and higher doses administered by experienced providers, are modifiable factors that could enhance patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using interferometry and Fourier analysis, the photothermal phase map is obtained from the induced thermal lens effect in a liquid sample with high absorbance at the laser wavelength. The experimental setup consists of an adaptation of two beams thermal lens experiment, where both arms of a Sagnac's interferometer are used as probe beams. The interferograms are recorded with a CCD camera and then processed using Fourier analysis techniques. The results show that the coefficient of thermal diffusivity of a high concentrated water solution of Tartrazine is greater than that of pure water. The technique can be used to study heat transfer in opaque samples to the wavelength of the excitation beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adult studies suggest conscious sedation increases gastroesophageal reflux ( GER), but the role of anesthesia on GER in children is unclear. Our aim was to study the anesthesia effects on GER and pH study interpretation in children. Methods Children undergoing BRAVO wireless pH capsule placement under anesthesia and study duration >36 h were included. We evaluated the pH parameters (number of reflux episodes >5 min, duration of longest reflux episode, time pH <4 and fraction time pH <4) at 1, 2, 6-h and total study duration blocks using 2 cutoff values (5.3% and 6%) for the worst day, average of both days, and 1st day alone. We compared time blocks to evaluate the effect of anesthesia on GER and the proportions of studies changing interpretation after excluding the 1st hour and 1st 2-h blocks to evaluate anesthesia effect on study interpretation. Key Results A total of 150 children were included. We found a significant increase on the pH parameters in the 1st hour compared to subsequent block times suggesting an effect of anesthesia on GER. We found no significant change in the proportion of studies interpreted as normal vs abnormal, however, excluding the initial 2 h of the study would change the study interpretation from abnormal to normal in up to 5% of patients. Conclusions & Inferences We found an effect of anesthesia increasing the GER parameters mainly in the 1st hour and up to the first 6 h of the study that may result in a change in the study interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of endogenous protoporphyrin IX after administration of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) has led to many applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT). We have previously reported that the conjugation of ALA dendrimers enhances porphyrin synthesis. The first aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of ALA dendrimers carrying 6 and 9 ALA residues (6m-ALA and 9m-ALA) to photosensitise cancer cells. For this aim, we employed LM3 mammary carcinoma cells. In these tumour cells, at low concentrations porphyrin synthesis from dendrimers was higher compared to ALA, whereas at high concentrations, porphyrin synthesis was similar from both compounds. Topical application of ALA dendrimers on the skin overlying a subcutaneous LM3 implanted tumour showed no diffusion of the molecules either to distant skin sites or to the adjacent tumour, suggesting a promising use of the ALA macromolecules in superficial cancer models. As a second objective, we proposed the use of ALA-dendrimers in vascular PDT for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Thus, we focused our studies on ALA-dendrimer's selectivity towards macrophages in comparison with endothelial cells. For this aim we employed Raw 264.7 macrophages and HMEC-1 microvasculature cells. Porphyrin synthesis induced in macrophages by 6m-ALA and 9m-ALA (3 h, 0.025 mM) was 6 and 4.6 times higher respectively compared to the endothelial cell line, demonstrating the high affinity of ALA dendrimers for macrophages. On the other hand, ALA employed at low concentrations was slightly selective (1.7-fold) for macrophages. Inhibition studies suggested that ALA dendrimer uptake in macrophages is mainly mediated by caveloae-mediated endocytosis. Our main conclusion is that in addition to being promising molecules in PDT of superficial cancer, ALA dendrimers may also find applications in vascular PDT, since in vitro they showed selectivity to the macrophage component of the atheromatous plaque, as compared to the vascular endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of subepithelial and mucosal blisters and the deposition of immunoglobulins and complement in the basement membrane of the epidermis and mucosa. The definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy. We intend to report two cases of ocular pemphigus, its clinical manifestations, evolution, and management; emphasizing the importance of timely systemic treatment. We report two patients who presented with eye pain and visual loss. The first patient, previously under immunosuppressive treatment, presents with a corneal ulcer in their right eye; immunosuppressive therapy is maintained and a posterior scleral patch with conjunctival flap is placed. The second patient presents with conjunctival alteration and corneal scarring, pemphigus vulgaris is diagnosed and immunosuppressive treatment is initiated. Ocular pemphigus should be considered as a possible cause of a cicatricial corneal disease, therefore performing a biopsy is recommended. Interdisciplinary and timely treatment is essential to reduce complications that endanger the function of the organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Porencephaly is a neurological condition that can develop before or after birth, characterized by cysts located in any place inside the brain parenchyma, which generally are covered by plain walls and encircled by an atrophic crust. It generates a very variable clinic appearance, with severe cases of high disability and slight cases with a light neurological involvement, which also can go unnoticed until adulthood. The prevalence is unknow and the inheritance is autosomal dominant Male patient of 45 years diagnosed with porencephaly with cerebral palsy that affects left half and cognitive disability. His father reports an emerging defiant behavior, mutism and decrease of appetite from a week ago. No triggering stress factors are reported. Objectives: Show the importance of include in the differential diagnose hypoactive confusional syndrome. Methods: On urgent medical visit, male comes with ataxic gates which wasn't shown before. Inhibited attitude, semiflexed staring at floor, with sparing and monosyllabic speech answers, verbalizing discomfort and personal concern. Sleep-wake rhythm disruptions. Results: Blood tests and drug screening shows no abnormalities Cranial CT: Without acute lesion Urinary infection observed. Conclusions: It is important to make complementary test to exclude organic frames which could justify acute-subacute psychopathology. In this case, diagnosis was acute confusional syndrome, however, most known presentation is the hyperactive one which include motor hyperactivity, inappropriate behavior or disorganization and alterations of sensory perception. Hypoactive must always be considered, which is the concluding diagnosis in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the rate of leflunomide discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, in standard clinical practice, and to analyse which factors could influence this rate, paying particular attention to the concomitant treatment with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Method: We selected RA patients, diagnosed according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, attending the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (Madrid, Spain), who had started treatment with leflunomide between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2011. Clinical records were examined until withdrawal of the drug, loss of follow-up, or 1 October 2011. Kaplan-Meier curves were set to account for leflunomide withdrawal. Cox bivariate and multivariate regression models were conducted to examine risk factors for leflunomide discontinuation. Results: The incident rate (IR) for leflunomide discontinuation, regardless of the cause, was 27 per 100 patient-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 22-31]. We observed, in both the bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, that those aged > 75 years at the start of the leflunomide treatment and undergoing concurrent treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and/or hydroxychloroquine (HC) had a significantly higher risk of leflunomide discontinuation. Conclusions: An older age at the start of the treatment with leflunomide, or concomitant treatment with MTX and/or HC, could be associated with a higher risk of leflunomide discontinuation, regardless of the cause. Therefore, when taking MTX or HC, patients receiving leflunomide should be closely monitored early to detect the occurrence of adverse reactions, and hence prevent their aggravation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The metabolic pathways associated with colonic motility are unknown. To identify potential metabolic targets for treatment of constipation, we examined the metabolic profile before and after a meal challenge in a cohort of children with constipation and determined its relationship with postprandial colon motility patterns. Methods In this prospective study, 187 metabolites were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry at multiple time points before and after a standardized meal in constipated children undergoing a colon manometry. Postprandial metabolite levels were compared with baseline and also correlated with multiple manometric measurements, including the number, frequency, and amplitude of pressure peaks as well as the motility index ( MI). Key Results A total of 20 subjects were included (mean age 13.1 ± 3.4 years). No significant metabolite changes were observed at 10 min after the meal, whereas 16 amino acid and 22 lipid metabolites had significant ( P < 0.005) postprandial changes, including decreases in methylhistamine, histamine, and GABA, by 60 min. Correlations were observed between normal and abnormal postprandial motility patterns and changes in specific metabolites, including glycerol, carnosine, alanine, asparagine, cytosine, choline, phosphocholine, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine. Interestingly, subjects without the normal postprandial increase in area under the curve ( AUC), had markedly increased levels of kynurenic acid and adenosyl-homocysteine. Conclusions & Inferences This is the first study to examine postprandial metabolic changes in children and also to correlate changes in specific metabolites with colonic motility. The results suggest possible metabolic pathways associated with motility and identify potential targets for the treatment of constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Antegrade continence enemas (ACE) have been used in the treatment of defecation disorders in children; little is known on their effect on colon motility and the utility of the colon manometry (CM) predicting long-term ACE outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of children with constipation undergoing CM before and after ACE to evaluate CM changes and their utility on predicting ACE outcome. Key Results A total of 40 patients (mean age 8.8 SD 3 years and 53% female patients) were included; 39 of 40 responded to the ACE. Of these 39, 14 (36%) were dependent and 25 (64%) had decreased it (11 of those or 28% discontinued it). On repeat CM we found a significant increase in the fasting ( P < 0.01) and postprandial ( P = 0.03) motility index, number of bisacodyl-induced high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs) ( P = 0.03), and total HAPCs ( P = 0.02). Gastrocolonic response to a meal, propagation and normalization of HAPCs improved in 28%, 58%, and 33%, respectively, with CM normalizing in 33% of patients. The baseline CM did not predict ACE outcome. The presence of normal HAPCs on the repeat CM was associated with ACE decrease. Progression and normalization of HAPCs ( P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively) and CM normalization ( P = 0.01) on repeat CM were individually associated with ACE decrease. No CM change was associated with ACE discontinuation. Multivariate analysis showed that older age and HAPC normalization on CM predict ACE decrease and older age is the only predictor for ACE discontinuation. Conclusions & Inferences Colon motility improves after ACE and the changes on the repeat CM may assist in predicting ACE outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Batch and continuous anaerobic tests were used to study the effect of cleaning additives on the methane production from brewery effluents. The detergents studied were based on fatty acids esters or on ethoxilated alcohols and presented EC50 values in Vibrio fischeri of 4.3 and 14.1g/L respectively. However, these detergents were toxic to the granular sludge even at lower concentrations indicating that some of the microorganisms presented in the granular sludge were more sensitive than the Vibrio fischeri. Comparing batch and continuous tests, it was observed that under continuous conditions the toxicity was lower than under batch conditions, indicating the capability of the microorganisms to get acclimatised, in the long term, to the surfactants. In the case of the detergent based on ethoxilated alcohols, the microorganisms were capable to acclimatise even at concentrations of 1000mg/L, however in the case of the detergents based on fatty acids esters, concentrations higher than 500mg/L caused toxicity. This toxic effect reduced the methane production significantly, reducing the energy recovery from the wastewater to about a 35% of the original value. From the results it was concluded that the detergents based on ethoxilated alcohols were more adequate than the detergent based on fatty acids esters because of its toxic effect towards granular sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The determination of metal-binding proteins in plankton is important because of their involvement in photosynthesis, which is fundamental to the biogeochemical cycle of the oceans and other ecosystems. We have elaborated a new strategy for screening of Cu and Zn-containing proteins in plankton on the basis of separation of proteins by use of Blue-Native PAGE (BN-PAGE), which entails use of a non-denaturing Tris-tricine system and detection of metals in the proteins by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). For comparison, denaturing PAGE based on Tris-glycine and Tris-tricine systems and Anodic-Native PAGE have also been investigated. A large number of protein bands with MW between 20 and 75 kDa were obtained by use of Tris-glycine PAGE but detection of metals by LA-ICP-MS was unsuccessful because of loss of metals from the proteins during the separation process. Different protein extraction, purification, and preconcentration methods were evaluated, focussing on both issues-achieving the best extraction and characterization of the proteins while maintaining the integrity of metal-protein binding in the plankton sample. Use of 25 mmol L Tris-HCl and a protease inhibitor as extraction buffer with subsequent ultrafiltration and acetone precipitation was the most efficient means of sample preparation. Two Cu and Zn proteins were detected, a protein band corresponding to a MW of 60 kDa and another poorly resolved band with a MW between 15 and 35 kDa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The appropriate catalyst concentration for industrial wastewater treatment is several hundred milligrams per liter in solar photoreactors. Nonetheless, when the purpose of eliminating emerging contaminants in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents is for reuse of the water, and they are present at extremely low concentrations, a tertiary treatment with a much lower photocatalyst concentration might be possible. TiO2 concentrations of only tens of mgL−1 were selected to evaluate the influence of catalyst load, initial hydrogen peroxide dose and radiation intensity on the degradation rate of five emerging contaminants (100μgL−1 of ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, flumequine, carbamazepine, and 2-hydroxy-biphenyl) spiked in a real municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent. Response surface methodology based on a spherical central composite design was used to optimize the parameters to find the maximal degradation rate. The experiments were carried out using an Evonik P-25 titanium dioxide suspension in a Suntest solar simulator. It has been demonstrated that the use of hydrogen peroxide is highly recommendable for working with TiO2 at low concentrations and high photon flux must be avoided. It has also been demonstrated that too low (less than 40mgL−1) TiO2 concentration is not recommendable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Describe the association of internal anal sphincter (IAS) relaxation with colonic high- amplitude peristaltic contractions (HAPCs). Methods Retrospective review of colon manometry tracings of children with constipation to determine the IAS relaxation characteristics associated with HAPC's (HAPC-IASR) events and compare them to the those seen during the performance of the anorectal manometry (ARMRAIR) events. Key Results A total of 70 HAPC- IASRs were observed in 15 patients, 65 after bisacodyl, two during fasting and three after a meal. In 64% of events, the IAS relaxation started when the HAPC reached left colon and in 36% as proximal as the hepatic flexure. High- amplitude peristaltic contraction propagation seems to be important in HAPC-IASR characteristics; those propagating distal to sigmoid colon demonstrated larger and longer IAS relaxation as well as lower residual pressure, but equivalent resting pressure compared with HAPC's ending proximal to sigmoid colon. Although IAS resting pressure was comparable for ARM-RAIRs and HAPC-IASRs, the duration and magnitude of anal relaxation was higher, and the anal residual pressure was lower in HAPC-IASRs. Conclusions & Inferences We demonstrated that IAS relaxation in constipated children is associated with HAPCs migrating in the proximal and distal colon; in most cases, starting when peristalsis is migrating through left colon and in an important proportion while migrating proximally. We also demonstrated that HAPC-IASRs are different from ARM-RAIRs suggesting a neurally mediated reflex. Finally, the IAS relaxation characteristics are highly dependent on the degree of propagation of HAPCs, which could have important implications in the understanding of defecation disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer has become a leading cause of cancerrelated death in the world. Patient survival has improved with the introduction of new chemotherapy regimens and targeted drugs, but still, because of tumour progression or deterioration in performance status, a high percentage of patients do not receive more than one line of treatment. Given this situation, studies of maintenance therapies have begun, with results that have led to the clinical use of various drugs in a maintenance scenario. Additionally, results obtained in various clinical trials have raised the question of personalized approaches based on the clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of the cancer--not only in the initial approach, but also in the context of maintenance. Overall, the survival benefit seen with maintenance treatment has introduced a new therapy option that should be considered and discussed with patients, and (given the controversies that currently remain) chosen based on the preferences of patients and physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The optimal photocatalyst concentration for industrial wastewater treatment in current photoreactor designs is several hundreds of milligrams per liter. However, the elimination of emerging contaminants (ECs), which are present at extremely low concentrations in waste water treatment plants (WWTP) effluents might be accomplished at much lower catalyst (TiO2) concentrations. One of the main drawbacks of reducing catalyst loading below the optimum is the loss of useful photons which instead are transmitted through the TiO2 suspension without being absorbed by the catalyst. Accordingly, in this work, laboratory and solar pilot-scale experiments were performed with real WWTP effluents to evaluate the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of 52 emerging contaminants under realistic (ppb) concentrations. The analysis of the samples was accomplished by solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). In view of the results, low concentrations of TiO2 of the order of tens of milligrams per liter were found to be insufficient for the degradation of the ECs in photoreactors with a short light-path length (29cm). However, it was established that solar reactors of diameters of several hundreds of millimetres could be used for the efficient removal of ECs from WWTP effluents. The results presented show a general methodology for selecting the most efficient reactor diameter on the basis of the desired catalyst concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]