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Entropy is one of the less discussed and analyzed among the state functions studied in the thermodynamics of electrochemical systems. Few universities and post-graduate Electrochemistry courses and textbooks deal with this function's basic aspects. Consequently, the importance of its practical applications needs to be thoroughly studied. Entropy changes are related to the reversible heat released or absorbed in electrochemical reactions. This reversible heat is also named molar electrochemical Peltier heat, which phenomenologically differs from the conventional Peltier heat used in physics and thermoelectric theory. In a simple and detailed manner, this manuscript presents fundamental concepts plus practical and experimental aspects for quantifying entropy changes and the associated molar electrochemical Peltier heat effects in a reversible and isothermal half-cell electrochemical reaction. The differences between the conventional and molar electrochemical Peltier heat are also presented. Electrochemistry professors can use the material included here to encourage university and post-graduate students to further their knowledge and understanding of the electrochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and tensile properties were studied in a low-alloy steel plate treated under ultra-fast heating, quenching, and tempering. The microstructure after heat-treatments was predominantly martensite, with low fraction of bainite and ferrite. The tensile tests showed a 100 MPa improvement in strength and a doubling of the total elongation with the increase in heating rate. The tempering process considerably enhanced the ductility from 1–4% to up to 14% in the samples treated at fast heating rates..Furthermore, the work hardening capacity of ultra-fast heated steel was superior compared to steel treated under conventional quenching and tempering. The results suggest that the tempering stage after ultra-fast heat-treatments and quenching further improves the properties compared to the standard quenched and tempered condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron transfer reactions are usually accompanied by heat generated as a byproduct. This heat is the sum of reversible effects as the molar electrochemical Peltier heat and irreversible effects like overpotential and the Joule effect. These effects have been calculated by measuring temperature changes in the working electrode, using calorimetric and electrochemical techniques involving direct current. This work presents a theoretical-experimental strategy to calculate for the first time two new thermometric transfer functions: Gibbs free energy, Δ G (ω) , and enthalpy changes, Δ H (ω) . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS, and other transfer functions, including variation of interfacial temperature VIT, molar electrochemical Peltier heat Π (ω) , and entropy change Δ S (ω) are used to develop the theoretical experimental strategy and calculated the two new thermometric transfer functions. The theoretical models for computing Δ G (ω) and Δ H (ω) were validated with previously experimental reported data of VIT, Π (ω) and Δ S (ω) for the ferrocyanide/ferricyanide electrochemical system. Nyquist and Bode diagrams for Δ G (ω) and Δ H (ω) are shown, and a brief discussion concerning their behavior is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Healthcare professionals (HPs) have been confronted by unprecedented traumatic experiences during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, especially in countries that had not experienced similar epidemic outbreaks in recent years. Aim To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HPs. Method We comprehensively reviewed the studies published in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science and Google Scholar between December 2019 and May 2020. Results Most studies report a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among HPs that can be associated with: (i) COVID-19 exposure; (ii) epidemiological issues; (iii) material resources; (iv) human resources; and (v) personal factors. The role of certain variables, before, during and after the pandemic, remains unexplored. Longitudinal studies will help elucidate which factors are associated with a higher risk of developing long-lasting negative effects. Qualitative studies may contribute to understanding the influence of individual and social narratives in HPs' distress. Conclusion A deeper analysis on the individual, institutional, political and socio-cultural factors, meanings and values influencing HPs distress and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new poly(imide)s (PIs) are derived from a biphenylspirobisindane‐diamine monomer and the commercial dianhydrides: 4,4′‐hexafluoroisopropyliden diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and pyromellitic anhydride (PMDA). Using polycondensation reactions, these new PIs were synthesized, in high yields (>95%), successfully. The presence of the spirocenter in the main chain of newly synthesized PIs make them soluble in most common organic solvents, whereas the rigidity of the dianhydride monomer makes them be thermically stable at about 500 °C (Td10%). PI derived from 6FDA had 1.2‐time higher permeability to the gases, based on gas transport measurements, than those derived from PMDA, which showed slightly higher selectivity values. Nevertheless, both PIs of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs‐PI) are more selective to gas pairs, considerably, compared to the previously reported PIs that have same dianhydride in the monomer spirocenter, but instead of biphenyl has an oxodibenzene moiety (PI‐1‐6FDA) one. In this work, correlation between the structural rigidity of PIMs‐PI and their selectivity to the gases (PIM‐PI‐B > PIM‐PI‐A > PI‐1‐6FDA) is reported. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48944. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vestibular migraine (VM) consists of recurrent episodes of vestibular symptoms that are accompanied by migraine in at least 50% of the episodes. The criteria of the Bárány Society include two diagnostic categories: "actual" vestibular migraine and probable vestibular migraine. There is a wide range of drugs that can be prescribed for the prophylactic treatment of VM, but recommendations for the selection of the most appropriate drug are currently lacking. Objective: To measure the extent to which the prophylactic treatment of VM reduces vestibular symptoms, headache and the number of crises depending on the diagnostic category of the Bárány Society and the drug used for prophylaxis. Material and methods: This is a multicenter prospective study. Patients with VM who presented to any of the participating centers and who subsequently met the VM criteria were prescribed one of the following types of prophylaxis: acetazolamide, amitriptyline, flunarizine, propranolol or topiramate. Patients were called back for a follow-up visit 5 weeks later. This allowed the intensity of vestibular symptoms, headache and the number of crises before and during treatment to be compared. Results: 31 Patients met the inclusion criteria. During the treatment, all the measured variables decreased significantly. In a visual analogue scale, the intensity of vestibular symptoms decreased by 45.8 points, the intensity of headache decreased by 47.8 points and patients suffered from 15.6 less monthly crises compared to the period before the treatment. No significant between-group differences were found when patients were divided based on their diagnostic category or the choice of prophylaxis prescribed to them. Conclusion: The treatment of VM produces a reduction of symptoms and crises with no significant differences based on patients' diagnostic categories or the choice of prophylaxis prescribed to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the review of recent literature, we found very few presentations of case reports in which the presumed association between psychiatric disorders and arachnoid cysts is discussed. Arachnoid cysts are rare brain tumors with little apparent symptomatic impact and in most cases, they are diagnosed incidentally. We present the case of a 15-year-old adolescent with a personal history of a previous severe depressive episode, as well as suspicion of serious mental pathology in the family. It presents a subacute onset episode, in the context of regular cannabis consumption, consisting of intense emotional lability and psychomotor restlessness, a tendency toward irritability, decreased sleep needs, and the appearance of delusional ideas of harm and self-referential interruption. During the study of the case, and incidentally, the cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of an arachnoid cyst located in the left frontotemporal location, approximately 4 cm in diameter. Objectives: (1) To describe the clinical particularities of this case, focusing on the diagnostic difficulties we faced. (2) To review current scientific evidence regarding the possible association between neuropsychiatric symptoms and arachnoid cysts. Methods: A review of the patient's clinical history was carried out and complementary tests were performed. Likewise, a review of the available scientific literature was also performed in relation to the appearance of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the presence of arachnoid cysts. Results: The literature regarding the possible association between psychosis and arachnoid cysts is scarce. However, it is proposed that arachnoid cysts may be associated with various neuropsychiatric alterations, such as affective alterations, schizophrenia-like psychosis or amnestic symptoms. The atypicality in the symptoms sometimes leads us to suspect an organic origin of the condition, with some features such as associated memory deficits, emotional incontinence, movement disorders or neurological focal data; some of which are present in the case at hand. Conclusions: There is controversy among different sources regarding the role of the cyst in the development of symptoms or, on the contrary, its presentation only as a chance finding. Further investigation focusing on clinical observations and neuroimaging is needed. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model, derived from Fick's second law for planar and spherical coordinates, is presented and solved to obtain novel equations that satisfactorily predict the charge transfer and peak current observed in cyclic voltammetry of solid hexacyanoferrates. For a planar geometry, two cases are considered. The first one takes into account the effect of the evolution of the activities of the oxidized and reduced phases of the hexacyanoferrates on the peak currents, while in the second one, the activities of both phases were considered as a constant. In the first case, an analysis of charges involved in the reaction is required to obtain the molar fractions of the oxidized and reduced forms of the hexacyanoferrates. In this case, the solution of the model is obtained numerically using the lines method. In the second case, the model is analytically solved obtaining a Randles-Ševčík-like equation. When spherical coordinates are considered, the activities of the solid phase are assumed to be constant and the model is analytically solved. In this way, other novel equations allowing the calculus of the electroactive electrode area and the diffusion coefficient of the alkali ions are presented. The advantages of an analytical expression for the peak current as a function of the square root of the potential scan rate, instead of a numerical solution, are analyzed. The validity of each model is proven by its comparison with experimental measurements for peak currents in a carbon paste electrode containing nickel hexacyanoferrate immersed in a 0.5M KNO3 solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A top coating film of silicon oxide off-stoichiometry (SiOx) was used on silicon solar cells to improve its electrical properties by the Down-conversion effect. The SiOx films were obtained by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) with different hydrogen flow (HF) and different distances: the wire-source distance and the source-substrate distance, and by consequence, with different temperatures. Transmittance spectra showed 0% of transmittance in the UV region. The amount of atomic silicon % in the SiOx films was changed with the variation of the mentioned parameters, as demonstrated with the Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. The SiOx films showed a wide Photoluminescence (PL) between 400 nm and 900 nm when they were excited with UV light. The SiOx films were applied as a top coating on pn junctions of silicon substrate to develop silicon solar cells. The J-V measurements and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the solar cells were obtained, as well as the open circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), the efficiency (η) and the fill factor (FF). The silicon solar cells with the SiOx top coatings, with the highest PL, showed the highest efficiency. The best figures of merit were η = 5.9%, Voc = 480 mV, Jsc = 27 mA/cm2, Pmax = 5.5 mW and FF = 0.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the outcome of the Epley maneuver (EM) in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior canal (CSP‐BPPV) depending on the definition used for recovery. Design: Multicenter observational prospective study. Setting: Otoneurology Units of 5 tertiary reference hospitals. Participants: All patients presenting with unilateral CSP‐BPPV assisted for 1‐year period. Exclusion criteria: Spontaneous nystagmus, positive McClure‐Pagnini maneuver, positive bilateral Dix‐Hallpike maneuver (DHM), positive DHM for vertigo but negative for nystagmus and atypical nystagmus. Main outcome measures: Response to EM was measured after 7 days in 3 different outcomes: disappearance of nystagmus during the DHM in the follow‐up visit, disappearance of vertigo during the DHM and general status (GS) during daily life activities. Results: 264 patients were recruited (68 male/166 female, mean age 62 years). After the EM, nystagmus disappeared in 67% of them, vertigo in 54% and 36% were asymptomatic in their daily life. These outcomes were strongly correlated, but they were not concordant in a clinically significant group of cases; only the 26% of patients met all of them. The healing process follows the next sequence: negativization of positional nystagmus, then disappearance of positional vertigo and, finally, the improvement of GS during daily life activities. Conclusion: Nowadays, healing criteria for the resolution of an PSC‐BPPV episode have not been specifically defined yet. Provided that other otoneurological disorders have been ruled out, the next resolution criterion is proposed: absence of nystagmus and specifically during control DHM and disappearance of symptoms during daily life activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The impacts that environmental conditions generate on the physiological performance of benthic marine invertebrates are specific and involve several levels of structural organization. The central component is related to the perception of temperature, which in turn produces the dissipation of oxygen in the mitochondria and triggers oxidative stress. Several studies have evaluated the effect of temperature on oxidative stress, however, few studies have examined their interaction with other environmental factors. This review analyzes the results of antioxidant activity that have been reported for benthic marine invertebrates, considering the combined effects of temperature and pH. The evidence shows that the activity increases with the reduction of pH and that the differences between the optimal values and the exposure define the scope of the responses. The results are used to suggest a generalized pattern of the mechanism and discuss the hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the interaction of temperature and pH on stress oxidative response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To calculate the incidence of subsequent acute cerebrovascular syndrome in emergency department patients with vertigo or dizziness symptoms and to determine predictors of subsequent acute cerebrovascular syndrome in these patients.Methods: Descriptive and retrospective hospital based-population study among emergency department patients with vertigo or dizziness symptoms in 1 year. One year follow-up since the medical visit was performed. Chi-square and Fisher tests were used for qualitative variables; Mann-Whitney U test for quantitative variables. A multivariate model was created.Results: 1243 dizzy patients who visited emergency department during 2015 were identified, finally 928 were included. 12 acute cerebrovascular syndromes were identified; 8 strokes and 4 transient ischemic attacks. Percentages over the sample size: 1.29% for acute cerebrovascular syndromes, 0.43% for transient ischemic attack and 0.86% for stroke. Odds ratio values to develop an event over the general population were 7.24 for acute cerebrovascular syndrome, 95% CI (3.98-13.12); 14.9 for transient ischemic attack, 95% CI (4.8-40.9) and 5.86 for stroke, 95% CI (2.72-12.0). Atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus were identified as significant risk factors to develop an acute cerebrovascular syndrome.Conclusion: Emergency department patients with symptoms of vertigo or dizziness had sevenfold higher risk of acute cerebrovascular syndromes than the general population. Atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus are risk factors associated with high risk of acute cerebrovascular syndromes in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the impact of permanent cardiac pacing after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValveTM prosthesis in terms of all-cause mortality and morbidity [rehospitalizations for heart failure (HF) or stroke] at the long-term follow-up.Methods and results: The prospective analysis comprised 259 patients (138 women, 53.3%, age 78 ± 6 years) treated by a CoreValveTM prosthesis from April 2008 to December 2015. Forty-two patients were excluded for analysis: 9 with pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, 19 who required a PPM during the follow-up and 14 patients because of hospital mortality during or after the CoreValveTM prosthesis implantation procedure. The remaining 217 patients were divided in two groups: Group-1 included those patients who required a PPM immediately after TAVI, and Group-2 included those patients who did not require permanent cardiac pacing at the long-term follow-up. Patients received follow-up at 1-month, 6-months, 12-months, and yearly thereafter. A total of 39 patients required a PPM immediately after TAVI (15.0%), but 178 patients (68.7%) did not. The mean follow-up was 37 ± 27 months (range 3-99 months) in both groups. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of all-cause mortality (52.6% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.125; HR 1.22 [0.87-1.77, 95% CI]), or stroke (13.3% vs. 15.1% P = 0.842; HR 1.12 [0.37-3.32, 95% CI]). However, patients who underwent PPM implantation developed an increase in readmissions for HF (21.1% vs. 31.9%, P = 0.015; HR 1.82 [1.23-3.92, 95% CI]).Conclusion: Patients requiring a PPM after TAVI did not have an increase in mortality, or an increase in the likelihood of developing a stroke at a long-term follow-up. However, this subgroup of patients showed an increase in rehospitalization due to HF at medium- and long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing the phase behavior of surfactants in solution is essential to their application on different industrial and research fields. Nowadays, the methodology to determine surfactant structural changes in solutions relies on measurements of bulk-solution properties, which frequently fail when working at highly low surfactant solution. Therefore, alternative strategies are required to accomplish such evaluations. Here, we demonstrate that electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) can be easily applied to characterize surfactant-phase behavior by monitoring structural modifications at the surfactant solution-electrode interface. A graphical analysis of EIS measurements in form of Bode-type diagrams allows obtaining two representative electrochemical parameters: the surfactant solution resistance and the characteristic time constant associated with the electrochemical double-layer formation, as a function of both temperature and surfactant concentration. These parameters are found to be correlated with the change on the surfactant phase and therefore, its detection is accurately performed even at low surfactant concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent type of vertigo. The treatment of canalithiasis of the posterior semicircular canal consists in performing a particle-repositioning maneuver, such as the Epley maneuver (EM). However, the EM is not effective in all cases. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors, which predict the EM failure, among the clinical variables recorded in anamnesis and patient examination. This is an observational prospective multicentric study. All patients presenting with BPPV were recruited and applied the EM and appointed for a follow-up visit 7 days later. The following variables were recorded: sex, age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, migraine, osteoporosis, diseases of the inner ear, previous ipsilateral BPPV, previous traumatic brain injury, previous sudden head deceleration, time of evolution, sulpiride or betahistine treatment, experienced symptoms, outcome of the Halmagyi maneuver, laterality, cephalic hyperextension of the neck, intensity of nystagmus, intensity of vertigo, duration of nystagmus, occurrence of orthotropic nystagmus, symptoms immediately after the EM, postural restrictions, and symptoms 7 days after the EM. Significant differences in the rate of loss of nystagmus were found for six variables: hyperlipidemia, previous ipsilateral BPPV, intensity of nystagmus, duration of nystagmus, post-maneuver sweating, and subjective status. The most useful significant variables in the clinical practice to predict the success of the EM are previous BPPV and intensity of nystagmus. In the other significant variables, no physiopathological hypothesis can be formulated or differences between groups are too small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient safety and professional liability are major concerns worldwide. Despite the pervasive influence of catastrophic malpractice payouts, little is known about the specific characteristics and the overall relevance and characteristics of these payouts, especially outside U.S. borders. Five hundred fifty claims led to a payout among 2,236 claims from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2010, in Catalonia (Spain). We analyzed data on patient, provider, and claim characteristics. Accordingly to our sample, Spanish catastrophic payouts (SCP) were defined as payouts over &OV0556;200,000, which was found in 32 cases (5.8%). Diagnostic errors and patient death were not as relevant as previously reported. However, it is remarkable that the literature emanating from different countries shows similar trends besides contextual differences: patients suffering minor injuries are not likely to receive a catastrophic payout, catastrophic payouts are associated with patient age less than one; SCP are most associated with anesthesiology and resuscitation, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology; and SCP were more likely to occur when a case went to trial compared to when a case was settled out of court. Studies, such as this, provide a wider picture of the medical liability worldwide reality and helps avoiding isolated discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary cause of tumor-related death in breast cancer is still represented by distant metastasization. The dissemination of tumor cells from the primary tumor to distant sites through bloodstream cannot be early detected by standard imaging methods. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a major role in the metastatic spread of breast cancer. Different analytical systems for CTCs isolation and detection have been developed and novel areas of research are directed towards developing assays for CTCs molecular characterization. This review describes the current state of art on CTCs detection techniques and the present and future clinical implications of CTCs enumeration and characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new open hardware interface based on Arduino to read electromotive force (emf ) from potentiometric detectors is presented. The interface has been fully designed with the open code philosophy and all documentation will be accessible on web. The paper describes a comprehensive project including the electronic design, the firmware loaded on Arduino, and the Java-coded graphical user interface to load data in a computer (PC or Mac) for processing. The prototype was tested by measuring the calibration curve of a detector. As detection element, an active poly(vinyl chloride)-based membrane was used, doped with cetyltrimethylammonium dodecylsulphate (CTA+-DS-). The experimental measures of emf indicate Nernstian behaviour with the CTA+ content of test solutions, as it was described in the literature, proving the validity of the developed prototype. A comparative analysis of performance was made by using the same chemical detector but changing the measurement instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Is there a relationship between decidualization and apoptosis of decidual stromal cells (DSC)? SUMMARY ANSWER Decidualization triggers the secretion of soluble factors that induce apoptosis in DSC. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The differentiation and apoptosis of DSC during decidualization of the receptive decidua are crucial processes for the controlled invasion of trophoblasts in normal pregnancy. Most DSC regress in a time-dependent manner, and their removal is important to provide space for the embryo to grow. However, the mechanism that controls DSC death is poorly understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The apoptotic response of DSC was analyzed after exposure to different exogenous agents and during decidualization. The apoptotic potential of decidualized DSC supernatants and prolactin (PRL) was also evaluated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS DSC lines were established from samples of decidua from first trimester pregnancies. Apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. PRL production, as a marker of decidualization, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE DSCs were resistant to a variety of apoptosis-inducing substances. Nevertheless, DSC underwent apoptosis during decidualization in culture, with cAMP being essential for both apoptosis and differentiation. In addition, culture supernatants from decidualized DSC induced apoptosis in undifferentiated DSC, although paradoxically these supernatants decreased the spontaneous apoptosis of decidual lymphocytes. Exogenously added PRL did not induce apoptosis in DSC and an antibody that neutralized the PRL receptor did not decrease the apoptosis induced by supernatants. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONS Further studies are needed to examine the involvement of other soluble factors secreted by decidualized DSC in the induction of apoptosis. WIDER IMPLICATIOSN OF THE FINDINGS The present results indicate that apoptosis of DSC occurs in parallel to differentiation, in response to decidualization signals, with soluble factors secreted by decidualized DSC being responsible for triggering cell death. These studies are relevant in the understanding of how the regression of decidua, a crucial process for successful pregnancy, takes place. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia, Junta de Andalucía (Grant CTS-6183, Proyectos de Investigación de Excelencia 2010 to C.R.-R.) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain (Grants PS09/00339 and PI12/01085 to E.G.O.). E.L.-D. was supported by fellowships from the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Spain and the University of Granada. The authors have no conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION: Is there a relationship between decidualization and apoptosis of decidual stromal cells (DSC)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Decidualization triggers the secretion of soluble factors that induce apoptosis in DSC. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The differentiation and apoptosis of D S C during decidualization of the receptive decidua are crucial processes forthe controlled invasion of trophoblasts in normal pregnancy. Most D S C regress in a time-dependent manner, and their removal is important to provide space forthe embryo to grow. However, the mechanism that controls DSC death is poorly understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The apoptotic response of DSC was analyzed after exposure to different exogenous agents and during decidualization. The apoptotic potential of decidualized DSC supernatants and prolactin (PRL) was also evaluated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: DSC lines were established from samples of decidua from first trimester pregnancies. Apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. PRL production, as a marker of decidualization, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: DSCs were resistant to a variety of apoptosis-inducing substances. Nevertheless, DSC underwent apoptosis during decidualization in culture, with cAMP being essential for both apoptosis and differentiation. In addition, culture supernatants from decidualized DSC induced apoptosis in undifferentiated DSC, although paradoxically these supernatants decreased the spontaneous apoptosis of decidual lymphocytes. Exogenously added PRL did not induce apoptosis in DSC and an antibody that neutralized the PRL receptor did not decrease the apoptosis induced by supernatants. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONS : Further studies are needed to examine the involvement of other soluble factors secreted by decidualized DSC in the induction of apoptosis. WIDER IMPLICATIOSN OF THE FINDINGS: The present results indicate that apoptosis of DSC occurs in parallel to differentiation, in response to decidualization signals, with soluble factors secreted by decidualized DSC being responsible for triggering cell death. These studies are relevant in the understanding of how the regression of decidua, a crucial process for successful pregnancy, takes place. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia, Junta de Andalucía (Grant CTS-6183, Proyectos de Investigación de Excelencia 2010 to C.R.-R.) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain (Grants PS09/00339 and PII2/0I085 to E.G.O.). E.L.-D. was supported by fellowships from the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia, Spain and the University of Granada. The authors have no conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Técnica Energía is the property of Centro Nacional de Control de Energia CENACE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Técnica Energía is the property of Centro Nacional de Control de Energia CENACE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background:Allergies have been described as protective factors against the development of childhood acute leukaemia (AL). Our objective was to investigate the associations between allergy history and the development of AL and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children with Down syndrome (DS).Methods:A case-control study was performed in Mexico City. The cases (n=97) were diagnosed at nine public hospitals, and the controls (n=222) were recruited at institutions for children with DS. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated.Results:Asthma was positively associated with AL development (OR=4.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.47-11.87), whereas skin allergies were negatively associated (OR=0.42; 95% CI: 0.20-0.91).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that allergies and AL in children with DS share biological and immune mechanisms. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting associations between allergies and AL in children with DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Decidual stromal cells (DSCs) have classically been considered fibroblastic cells, although their function, cell lineage and origin are not fully understood. We previously demonstrated that human DSCs showed similarities with follicular dendritic cells (FDCs): DSCs expressed FDC-associated antigens, both types of cells are contractile and both are related to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). To further characterize DSCs, we investigated whether DSCs and FDCs share any distinctive phenotypical and functional characteristics. METHODS Human FDC lines were obtained from tonsillectomy samples, human DSC lines from elective termination of pregnancy samples and human MSC lines from bone marrow aspirates. We isolated DSC, FDC and MSC lines and compared their characteristics with flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell lines were cultured with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin (LT)α1β2, cytokines involved in FDC differentiation. Cell lines were also differentiated in culture after exposure to progesterone and cAMP, factors involved in the differentiation (decidualization) of DSC. RESULTS Like MSCs, DSCs and FDCs expressed MSC-associated antigens (CD10, CD29, CD54, CD73, CD106, α-smooth muscle actin and STRO-1) and lacked CD45 expression, and all three types of cell line showed increased expression of CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD106 (VCAM-1) when cultured TNF and LTα1β2. DSCs and FDCs, however, exhibited characteristics not observed in MSCs: DSCs expressed FDC-associated antigens CD14, CD21 and CD23, B cell-activating factor and secreted C-X-C motif chemokine 13. Moreover, DSC lines but not MSC lines inhibited the spontaneous apoptosis of B lymphocytes, a typical functional attribute of FDC. During culture with progesterone and cAMP, FDCs, like DSCs but in contrast to MSCs, changed their morphology from a fibroblastic to a rounder shape, and cells secreted prolactin. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that DSCs and FDCs share a common precursor in MSCs but this precursor acquires new capacities when it homes to peripheral tissues. We discuss these shared properties in the context of immune–endocrine regulation during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile measurement system for systematic testing and measurement of the evolution of the I-V characteristic curves of photo-voltaic panels or arrays (PV generators) is proposed in this paper. The measurement system uses a circuit solution based on DC-DC converters that involves several advantages relative to traditional methods: simple structure, scalability, fast response, and low cost. The measurement of the desired characteristics of PV generators includes high speed of response and high fidelity. The prototype system built is governed by a microcontroller, and experimental results prove the proposed measurement system useful. A virtual instrument (VI) was developed for full system control from a computer. The developed system enables monitoring the suitable operation of a PV generator in real time, since it allows comparing its actual curves with those provided by the manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to demonstrate the toxicity of two pesticides, chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) and 2,4-D (Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) to tench (Tinca tinca Linnaeus). Pathological samples of damaged tench kidney showing lesions were taken for statistical analysis in order to quantify different parameters. Analysis revealed differences in the action and/or action time of the two pesticides. These differences were more acute in the case of 2,4-D thereby indicating a greater toxicity. These differences, expressed by mathematical formulae of numerical variables, would enable, a priori, the identification of the responsible pesticide and the time of acting in new natural cases of poisonings with these substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the lesion caused by acute poisoning with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a phenoxy herbicide, in the tench excretory renal parenchyma/kidney. In the aquatic ecosystems, the presence of contaminants post a serious problem because of their potential and often lethal physiological and biochemical effects on the inhabitants of such environments. The experiment made use of a 200 Liter tank with external filter but without chemical filtration system wherein tench food was withheld for a day. Other material and methods used were also discussed together with the result of the study.

The current preventive treatment for iron deficiency in pigs is inefficient, resulting in a high prevalence of iron-deficient or anemic postweaned pigs. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize edible toys (ETs) to be used as oral iron supplements, and to assess their effect on feeding behavior and iron status of postweaned pigs. Three types of ETs, varying in sweetness, were produced by ionic gelation, using whey, sodium alginate, ferrous sulfate and atomized bovine erythrocytes. ET control (ETC) was developed without sweetener, ET1 contained 15% w/v sucrose and ET2 contained 0.03% w/v of Sucram (98% sodium saccharin, 1% neosperidine dihydrocalcone and 1% maltol). ETs were mainly composed of carbohydrates and protein, with a similar concentration of iron (2.2–2.7 mg/g). The ETs were offered to 24 postweaned pigs to measure acceptability and preference. The animals preferred ETC and ET2 over ET1. To assess the nutritional benefit of the ETs, 24 postweaned pigs were distributed into three groups: ETC (without iron), ETC-Fe (ETC with iron) and ET2-Fe (with iron and Sucram). Iron-loaded ET (ETC-Fe and ET2-Fe) significantly increased the concentration of red blood cells (from 6.1 to 7.5·106 x mm3 for ETC-Fe and from 6.2 to 7.8 for ET2-Fe), hematocrit (from 32.8 to 37.9% for ETC-Fe and from 32.3 to 35.1 for ET2-Fe), serum iron (from 28.6 to 120.6 µmol/L for ETC-Fe and from 34.9 to 145.4 for ET2-Fe) and serum ferritin (from 7.8 to 18.5 µg/L for ETC-Fe and from 8.1 to 20.2 for ET2-Fe). In conclusion, the ETs developed in this study were accepted by the pigs and provided adequate iron to improve the iron status of postweaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Allergy and acute leukaemia in children with Down syndrome: a population study. Report from the Mexican Inter-Institutional Group for the Identification of the Causes of Childhood Leukaemia (MIGICCL)" in a 2013 issue is presented.

A letter to the article is presented in response to the article "Malpractice and medical liability. European Guidelines on Methods of Ascertainment and Criteria of Evaluation" by S D Ferrara and colleagues published in 2013 issue of the journal.