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A fundamental challenge in reliability‐based geotechnical design is optimizing cost‐effectiveness while adhering to a predefined failure probability target. Traditionally, failure probability is assessed via Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), which, despite its accuracy, is often prohibitively time‐consuming and expensive. This scenario frames reliability‐based geotechnical design as a constrained optimization problem (COP) characterized by a low‐cost objective and high‐cost constraints. Recent advancements have seen the application of Gaussian process regression (GPR) enhanced evolutionary algorithms (EAs) for managing COPs where both objectives and constraints incur significant expenses. However, methodologies adept at handling COPs with inexpensive objectives yet costly constraints remain underexplored. This paper introduces a novel approach utilizing a GPR–based differential evolution (DE) algorithm designed specifically for COPs with this cost disparity. Here, GPR serves as a surrogate model to estimate the actual performance derived from MCS assessments. The innovative use of expected improvement (EI) as a selection criterion for potential solutions is a key feature of this method. EI quantitatively evaluates each candidate's potential to enhance economic efficiency and safety reliability, effectively converting the COP into a single‐objective optimization problem (SOOP). We demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed GPR–based DE algorithm through a case study of the Sau Mau Ping rock slope in Hong Kong, highlighting the method's ability to achieve superior accuracy and substantial computational savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggressive pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs)/adenomas are characterized by progressive growth despite surgery and all standard medical therapies and radiotherapy. A subset will metastasize to the brain and/or distant locations and are termed metastatic PitNETs (pituitary carcinomas). Studies of potential prognostic markers have been limited due to the rarity of these tumors. A few recurrent somatic mutations have been identified, and epigenetic alterations and chromosomal rearrangements have not been explored in larger cohorts of aggressive and metastatic PitNETs. In this study, we performed genome-wide methylation analysis, including copy-number variation (CNV) calculations, on tumor tissue specimens from a large international cohort of 64 patients with aggressive (48) and metastatic (16) pituitary tumors. Twelve patients with non-invasive pituitary tumors (Knosp 0–2) exhibiting an indolent course over a 5 year follow-up served as controls. In an unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis, aggressive/metastatic PitNETs clustered separately from benign pituitary tumors, and, when only specimens from the first surgery were analyzed, three separate clusters were identified: aggressive, metastatic, and benign PitNETs. Numerous CNV events affecting chromosomal arms and whole chromosomes were frequent in aggressive and metastatic, whereas benign tumors had normal chromosomal copy numbers with only few alterations. Genome-wide methylation analysis revealed different CNV profiles and a clear separation between aggressive/metastatic and benign pituitary tumors, potentially providing biomarkers for identification of these tumors with a worse prognosis at the time of first surgery. The data may refine follow-up routines and contribute to the timely introduction of adjuvant therapy in patients harboring, or at risk of developing, aggressive or metastatic pituitary tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The axillary lymph node status remains an important prognostic factor in breast cancer, and nodal staging using sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is routine. Randomized clinical trials provide evidence supporting de-escalation of axillary surgery and omission of SLNB in patients at low risk. However, identifying sentinel lymph node macrometastases (macro-SLNMs) is crucial for planning treatment tailored to the individual patient. This study is the first to explore the capacity of deep learning (DL) models to identify macro-SLNMs based on preoperative clinicopathological characteristics. We trained and validated five multivariable models using a population-based cohort of 18,185 patients. DL models outperform logistic regression, with Transformer showing the strongest results, under the constraint that the sensitivity is no less than 90%, reflecting the sensitivity of SLNB. This highlights the feasibility of noninvasive macro-SLNM prediction using DL. Feature importance analysis revealed that patients with similar characteristics exhibited different nodal status predictions, indicating the need for additional predictors for further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled several optimization techniques for structural design, including machine learning, evolutionary algorithms, as in the case of genetic algorithms, reinforced learning, deep learning, etc. Although the use of AI for weight optimization in steel and concrete buildings has been extensively studied in recent decades, multi-objective optimization for reinforced concrete (RC) and steel buildings remains challenging due to the difficulty in establishing independent objective functions and obtaining Pareto fronts. The well-known Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is an efficient genetic algorithm approach for multi-objective optimization. In this work, the NSGA-II approach is considered for the multi-objective structural optimization of three-dimensional RC buildings subjected to earthquakes. For the objective of this study, two function objectives are considered: minimizing total cost and the probability of structural failure, which are obtained via several nonlinear seismic analyses of the RC buildings. Beams and columns' cross-sectional dimensions are selected as design variables, and the Mexican Building Code (MBC) specifications are imposed as design constraints. Pareto fronts are obtained for two RC-framed buildings located in Mexico City (soft soil sites), which demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of NSGA-II for structural optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals have been a foundational component of human diets across different continents, with rice dominating in Asia, sorghum in Africa, wheat in Europe, and maize in America. Mexico, more accurately Mesoamerica, is recognized as the origin of maize (including pigmented maize), with its first ancestor traced back to Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico. Pigmented maize owes its vibrant colors due to its anthocyanin (i.e., cyanidin-3-glucoside) contents, which contribute to the red, purple, or blue coloration and offer notable health benefits. The antioxidant properties of maize are crucial, given the role of oxidative stress in various diseases, and present a valuable resource for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Emerging studies underscore the prebiotic potential of anthocyanins, showing their ability to modulate gut microbiota positively. This review aims to explore the potential of pigmented maize in traditional Mexican beverage (such as pozol and tejuino) production, emphasizing the bioactive compounds (mainly anthocyanins) present and their health benefits while also considering new opportunities in the functional food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study intrathecal kappa free light chain (KFLC) synthesis in people living with HIV (PLWH) in comparison with multiple sclerosis (MS). Cross-sectional analysis including 56 untreated and 150 well treated PLWH, and compared with 58 controls, and 223 MS patients. Elevated serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG and KFLC indices were observed in untreated PLWH. Seventy percent of untreated PLWH had KFLC index above 6.1, a threshold associated with clinically isolated syndrome/MS diagnosis. No association was found between KFCL index and CSF markers of neuronal injury in either PLWH or MS patients. HIV-related immune system dysfunction is often associated with an elevated KFLC index akin to those observed in MS. HIV infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with neurological symptoms and increased intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over a decade, numerous Greater Caribbean and Western African coasts have received enormous masses of holopelagic Sargassum spp. (sargasso). A promising use of this beached biomass as a feed ingredient in the animal industry is restricted by its high arsenic (As) content. This proof of concept aimed to demonstrate that simple, low-cost processes involving hot water (either fresh or seawater) and/or citric acid can remove arsenic from the sargasso. Sargasso collected from a Mexican Caribbean beach in December 2023 had a total arsenic level of 62.2 mg/kg, which decreased to 7.2 mg/kg after treatment with hot freshwater (90 °C for 15 min), and then further decreased to 0.8 mg/kg when followed up with a citric acid treatment. Sargasso collected in March 2024 had total arsenic of 89 mg/kg, which was lowered to 2.6 mg/kg by applying hot freshwater and citric acid sequentially. Employing only citric acid reduced the arsenic concentration to 8.0 mg/kg, while treating the sargasso only with hot seawater reduced the As level to 10.1 mg/kg. Thus, simply using hot water, either fresh or seawater, lowered the arsenic levels to acceptable levels for the animal feeding sector. These straightforward and potentially cost-effective methods may transform the restraint of high arsenic contents into a valuable opportunity to use these seaweeds as animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation for using artificial neural networks in this study stems from their computational efficiency and ability to model complex, high-level abstractions. Deep learning models were utilized to predict the structural responses of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings subjected to earthquakes. For this aim, the dataset for training and evaluation was derived from complex computational dynamic analyses, which involved scaling real ground motion records at different intensity levels (spectral acceleration Sa(T1) and the recently proposed INp). The results, specifically the maximum interstory drifts, were characterized for the output neurons in terms of their corresponding statistical parameters: mean, median, and standard deviation; while two input variables (fundamental period and earthquake intensity) were used in the neural networks to represent buildings and seismic risk. To validate deep learning as a robust tool for seismic predesign and rapid estimation, a prediction model was developed to assess the seismic performance of a complex RC building with buckling restrained braces (RC-BRBs). Additionally, other deep learning models were explored to predict ductility and hysteretic energy in nonlinear single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems. The findings demonstrated that increasing the number of hidden layers generally reduces prediction error, although an excessive number can lead to overfitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partial replacement effect of Portland cement by geothermal nano-SiO2 waste (GNSW) for sustainable Portland-cement-based concrete was investigated to improve the properties of concrete exposed at high critical temperatures. Portland cement was partially replaced by 20 and 30 wt.% of GNSW. The partial replacement effect on Portland-cement-based concrete subjected to 350, 550, and 750 °C was evaluated by measuring the weight changes, ultrasonic pulse velocity, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, surface inspection, and scanning electron microscopy under residual conditions. The ultrasonic pulse velocity results showed that the GNSW specimens maintained suitable stability after being heated to 350 °C. The SEM analysis revealed a denser microstructure for the 20 wt.% of partial replacement of Portland cement by GNSW specimen compared to the reference concrete when exposed to temperatures up to 400 °C, maintaining stability in its microstructure. The weight losses were higher for the specimens with partial replacements of GNSW than the reference concrete at 550 °C, which can be attributed to the pozzolanic activity presented by the GNSW, which increases the amounts of CSH gel, leading to a much denser cementitious matrix, causing a higher weight loss compared to the reference concrete. GNSW is a viable supplementary cementitious material, enhancing thermal properties up to 400 °C due to its high pozzolanic activity and filler effect while offering environmental benefits by reducing industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online travel booking has become increasingly popular; however, most travel websites do not yet offer voice interaction. This study introduces VoiceBack, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven voice-based feedback system conceptualized to support both customers and online travel agencies during the booking process. It proposes a theoretically and empirically underpinned design concept that involves a voice user interface (VUI) for customer feedback. This feedback, collected by an AI agent, is analyzed and converted into actionable statistics, which are then presented to online travel agencies through a visual interface. The interface is designed to highlight problem areas and usability issues during the booking process. This study contributes to the field of human-centered AI, by offering insight into the complex process of designing and integrating voice, emotion, and feedback within user interfaces. This integrated approach can enrich the user experience of customers when booking travel online, and pave the way for more intuitive and responsive interaction designs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we refined the H atom positions in the structures of β-caffeine (C), α-oxalic acid (OA; (COOH)2), α-(COOH)2·2H2O, β-malonic acid (MA), β-glutaric acid (GA), and I-maleic acid (ME), along with their corresponding cocrystals of 2 : 1 (2C–OA, 2C–MA) or 1 : 1 (C–GA, C–ME) stoichiometry. The corresponding 13C/1H chemical shifts obtained by gauge including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) calculations agreed overall very well with results from magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiments. Chemical-shift/structure trends of the precursors and cocrystals were examined, where good linear correlations resulted for all COO1H sites against the H⋯O and/or H⋯N H-bond distance, whereas a general correlation was neither found for the aliphatic/caffeine-stemming 1H sites nor any 13C chemical shift against either the intermolecular hydrogen- or tetrel-bond distance, except for the 13COOH sites of the 2C–OA, 2C–MA, and C–GA cocrystals, which are involved in a strong COOH⋯N bond with caffeine that is responsible for the main supramolecular stabilization of the cocrystal. We provide the first complete 13C NMR spectral assignment of the structurally disordered anhydrous β-caffeine polymorph. The results are discussed in relation to previous literature on the disordered α-caffeine polymorph and the ordered hydrated counterpart, along with recommendations for NMR experimentation that will secure sufficient 13C signal-resolution for reliable resonance/site assignments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs)/pituitary adenomas remain intrasellar, a significant proportion of tumors show parasellar invasive growth and 6% to 8% infiltrate the bone structures, thus affecting the prognosis. There is an unmet need to identify novel markers that can predict the parasellar growth of PitNETs. Furthermore, mechanisms that regulate bone invasiveness of PitNETs and factors related to tumor vascularization are largely unknown. We used genome-wide mRNA analysis in a cohort of 77 patients with PitNETs of different types to explore the differences in gene expression patterns between invasive and noninvasive tumors with respect to the parasellar growth and regarding the rare phenomenon of bone invasiveness. Additionally, we studied the genes correlated to the contrast enhancement quotient, a novel radiological parameter of tumor vascularization. Most of the genes differentially expressed related to the parasellar growth were genes involved in tumor invasiveness. Differentially expressed genes associated with bone invasiveness are involved in NF-κB pathway and antitumoral immune response. Lack of clear clustering regarding the parasellar and bone invasiveness may be explained by the influence of the cell lineage-related genes in this heterogeneous cohort of PitNETs. Our transcriptomics analysis revealed differences in the molecular fingerprints between invasive, including bone invasive, and noninvasive PitNETs, although without clear clustering. The contrast enhancement quotient emerged as a radiological parameter of tumor vascularization, correlating with several angiogenesis-related genes. Several of the top genes related to the PitNET invasiveness and vascularization have potential prognostic and therapeutic application requiring further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new trend toward modern earthquake-resistant design of buildings based on nonlinear dynamic analysis accounting for peak and energy demands requires efficient ground motion record selection procedures. For this reason, in the present work, two record selection strategies based on acceleration and input energy spectrum considering the spectral shape via Np are presented. Furthermore, both record selection strategies are optimized by means of four artificial intelligence (AI) techniques: Genetic Algorithms (GA), Harmony Search (HS), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Vibrating Particle System (VPS). In particular, the effectiveness of each AI approach toward the best set of ground motion records for nonlinear dynamic analysis is compared. For this aim, spectral acceleration and input energy design spectra were considered, as well as 1024 seismic records obtained from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center. For all the AI or meta-heuristic approaches, the fitness function used is focused on minimizing the difference between the average spectrum of eleven ground motion records and the design spectrum using the well-known parameter Np, which represents the spectral shape in a range of periods. In addition, a penalization is included for those spectra with very large or low demands. Thus, 24 sets of eleven seismic records that can be used for nonlinear dynamic analysis of structures with a fundamental period of vibration of 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 seconds were obtained and purposes. The results demonstrate the ability of the two records selection strategies analyzed and the four meta-heuristic procedures, achieving results quickly and simply regardless of the type of demands, intensities and periods considered. Finally, it is concluded that the VPS algorithm is better in comparison with GA, HS, and PSO since it obtains superior results in almost all the selected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To investigate evidence of residual viral infection, intrathecal immune activation, central nervous system (CNS) injury, and humoral responses in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma in patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with or without neurocognitive post-COVID condition (PCC). Methods Thirty-one participants (25 with neurocognitive PCC) underwent clinical examination, lumbar puncture, and venipuncture ≥3 months after COVID-19 symptom onset. Healthy volunteers were included. CSF and plasma severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid and spike antigen (N-Ag, S-Ag), and CSF biomarkers of immune activation and neuronal injury were analyzed. Results SARS-CoV-2 N-Ag or S-Ag were undetectable in all samples and no participant had pleocytosis. We detected no significant differences in CSF and plasma cytokine concentrations, albumin ratio, IgG index, neopterin, β2M, or in CSF biomarkers of neuronal injury and astrocytic damage. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA1) analysis did not indicate any significant differences between the study groups in the marker sets cytokines, neuronal markers, or anti-cytokine autoantibodies. Conclusions We found no evidence of ongoing viral replication, immune activation, or CNS injury in plasma or CSF in patients with neurocognitive PCC compared with COVID-19 controls or healthy volunteers, suggesting that neurocognitive PCC is a consequence of events suffered during acute COVID-19 rather than persistent viral CNS infection or residual CNS inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ESR1 is expressed by 60–70% of breast tumours. it's a good prognosis factor and the target of hormone therapy. Optimization of ESR1 reactivation therapy is currently ongoing. Here we probe if the transcription factor CTCF plays a role in the differential expression of ESR1 in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ESR1+) and MDA-MB-231 (ESR1-). Methods and results: Knockdown of CTCF in MCF-7 resulted in decreased ESR1 gene expression. CTCF binds to the promoter of ESR1 in MCF-7 but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. CTCF ESR1 binding sites are unmethylated in MCF7 but methylated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: ESR1 expression in MCF7 cells is dependent on CTCF expression. CTCF can bind to specific regions of the promotor of ESR1 gene in MCF-7 cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cells, this correlates with the methylation status of these regions and could be involved in the transcriptional regulation of ESR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hurry for ecological practices and waste control has emerged as an obligation in modern times, demanding precise strategies to restrain waste accumulation and to stimulate recycling and reuse actions to lower the climate effect. The replacement of binary raw materials for porcelain chamotte waste in siliceous porcelain was studied to obtain eco-friendly high-voltage porcelain. Quartz and feldspar were progressively replaced by 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of porcelain chamotte in a conventional siliceous electro-technical porcelain composition. The replacement effect on sintered samples at 1250°C under industrial heat treatment was evaluated by measuring the linear shrinkage, bulk density, porosity, flexural strength, and microhardness technological properties. Phase analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction. Microstructural characteristics were studied using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that chamottecontaining samples reached bulk densities of about 2.36 g/cm3 and a porosity percentage near zero. The maximum flexural strength value at glazed states was 87.8 MPa, for 15 wt.% scrap-containing samples. X-ray diffraction studies revealed a higher mullite phase content in chamotte-containing samples. Scanning electronic microscopy images of the polished and etched specimens show the presence of quartz grains and secondary mullite needles embedded in a feldspathic vitreous matrix. The properties reached by the chamottecontaining samples are attractive since the values obtained in terms of flexural strength, density, and porosity are compared to those reported for conventional siliceous porcelain were obtained. The most noticeable result was observed in flexural resistance. The glazed porcelain bodies showed a flexural strength improvement of about 15%. Then, these porcelain compositions suggest an alternative to produce a more sustainable, affordable, and environmentallyfriendly porcelain insulator product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ESR1 is expressed by 60–70% of breast tumours. it’s a good prognosis factor and the target of hormone therapy. Optimization of ESR1 reactivation therapy is currently ongoing. Here we probe if the transcription factor CTCF plays a role in the differential expression of ESR1 in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ESR1+) and MDA-MB-231 (ESR1-). Methods and results: Knockdown of CTCF in MCF-7 resulted in decreased ESR1 gene expression. CTCF binds to the promoter of ESR1 in MCF-7 but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. CTCF ESR1 binding sites are unmethylated in MCF7 but methylated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: ESR1 expression in MCF7 cells is dependent on CTCF expression. CTCF can bind to specific regions of the promotor of ESR1 gene in MCF-7 cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cells, this correlates with the methylation status of these regions and could be involved in the transcriptional regulation of ESR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture in historic built heritage is one of the main degenerative agents, because it supports or manifests itself through multiple pathologies. Current knowledge allows for the diagnosis and assessment of the problem, but there are deficiencies in the evaluation of corrective systems due to the time it takes for moisture to become significant. In response, this study proposes an experimental methodology that aims to reproduce the accelerated aging of real scale specimens under laboratory conditions. Thereby improving the understanding of the impact of moisture related deterioration on masonry structures. To achive this, eight masonry walls were constructed and subjected to eight cycles of sulfate crystallization. They were saturated with different sulfate concentrations (5% or 10%) and exposed to different drying conditions (outdoor or solar dehydrator) in order to identify the factors favoring sulfate crystallization and the resulting deterioration. The progress of the experiments was monitored using a hygrometer, a thermographic camera and photogrammetry. The results indicate that it is possible to induce efflorescence in real scale specimens. Temperature and moisture monitoring helped identify the solar dehydrator as a more effective drying treatment. While digital photogrammetry was considered inefficient for quantifying volumetric damage, since this technique can present errors greater than 2%, a value exceeding the observed wear. Reason why the weight of material detached at the end of the experiment was recorded and a positive correlation between the increase in sulfate concentration and the use of the dehydrator was observed. Finally, pertinent considerations are made to improve the experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Químico-Farmacéuticas is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia 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 Ge-Conservación is the property of Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural 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.)

Although eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) can be used with different configurations according to architectural requirements, it has not yet been indicated which configuration has a better seismic performance; therefore, this paper presents an analytical study focused on evaluating the seismic behavior of various steel buildings with EBF systems, factoring in different configurations. Furthermore, the objective is to compare the performances of EBF systems with one another, to learn more about their structural efficiency. The results obtained indicate that seismic response, in terms of peak interstory drifts, depends on the structural period and hysteretic behavior of the links, because high levels of plastic rotation increase lateral displacement. In addition, it was observed that maximum drift demands are concentrated in the lower floors where the links exhibit inelastic behavior, while the level of interstory drift decreases as height increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ra Ximhai is the property of Universidad Autonoma Indigena de Mexico 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.)

Purpose: To describe the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes in a nationwide cohort of patients with giant prolactinomas. Methods: Register-based study of patients with giant prolactinomas [serum prolactin (PRL) > 1000 µg/L, tumor diameter ≥40 mm] identified in the Swedish Pituitary Register 1991-2018. Results: Eighty-four patients [mean age 47 (SD ±16) years, 89% men] were included in the study. At diagnosis, the median PRL was 6305 µg/L (range 1450-253 000), the median tumor diameter was 47 mm (range 40-85), 84% of the patients had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and 71% visual field defects. All patients were treated with a dopamine agonist (DA) at some point. Twenty-three (27%) received 1 or more additional therapies, including surgery (n = 19), radiotherapy (n = 6), other medical treatments (n = 4), and chemotherapy (n = 2). Ki-67 was ≥10% in 4/14 tumors. At the last follow-up [median 9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4-15)], the median PRL was 12 µg/L (IQR 4-126), and the median tumor diameter was 22 mm (IQR 3-40). Normalized PRL was achieved in 55%, significant tumor reduction in 69%, and combined response (normalized PRL and significant tumor reduction) in 43%. In the primary DA-treated patients (n = 79), the reduction in PRL or tumor size after the first year predicted the combined response at the last follow-up (P< .001 and P = .012, respectively). Conclusion: DAs effectively reduced PRL and tumor size, but approximately 1 patient out of 4 needed multimodal treatment. Our results suggest that the response to DA after 1 year is useful for identifying patients who need more careful monitoring and, in some cases, additional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the impact of the glass network‐modifier cation field strength (CFS) on ion irradiation‐induced mechanical property changes in borosilicate (BS) glasses for the ternary M2O–B2O3–SiO2 systems with M = {Na, K, Rb} and the quaternary [0.5M(2)O–0.5Na2O]–B2O3–SiO2 systems with M = {Li, Na, K, Rb Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba}. 11B nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on the as‐prepared BS glasses yielded the fractional population of four‐coordinated B species (B[4]) out of all {B[3], B[4]} groups in the glass network, along with the fraction of B[4]–O–Si linkages out of all B[4]–O–Si/B bonds. Both parameters correlated linearly with the (average) CFS of the M+ and/or {M(2)+, Na+} cations. Both the nanoindentation‐derived hardness and Young's modulus values of the glasses reduced upon their irradiation by Si2+ ions, with the property deterioration decreasing linearly with increasing Mz+ CFS, that is, for higher Mz+⋅⋅⋅O interaction strength. The irradiation damage of the glass network also increased linearly with the fraction of B[4]–O–Si linkages, which are the second weakest in the structure after the Mz+⋅⋅⋅O bonds. Our results underscore the advantages of employing BS glasses with high‐CFS cations for enhancing the radiation resistance for nuclear waste storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In molecular dynamics simulations utilizing enhanced-sampling techniques, reweighting is a central component for recovering the targeted ensemble averages of the "unbiased" system by calculating and applying a bias-correction function c(t). We present enhanced reweighting protocols for variationally enhanced sampling (VES) simulations by exploiting a recent reweighting method, originally introduced in the metadynamics framework [Giberti et al. J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2020, 16, 100–107], which was modified and extended to multiple-walker simulations: these may be implemented either as "independent" walkers (associated with one unique correction function per walker) or "cooperative" ones that all share one correction function, which is the hitherto only explored option. When each case is combined with the two possibilities of determining c(t) by time integration up to either t or over the entire simulation period , altogether four reweighting options result. Their relative merits were assessed by well-tempered VES simulations of two model problems: locating the free-energy difference between two metastable molecular conformations of the N-acetyl- L -alanine methylamide dipeptide, and the recovery of an a priori known distribution when one water molecule in the liquid phase is perturbed by a periodic free-energy function. The most rapid convergence occurred for large cooperative walkers, regardless of the upper integration limit, but integrating up to t proved advantageous for small walker ensembles. That novel reweighting method compared favorably to the standard VES reweighting, as well as to current state-of-the-art reweighting options introduced for metadynamics simulations that estimate c(t) by integration over the collective variables. For further gains in computational speed and accuracy, we also introduce analytical solutions for c(t), as well as offering further insight into its features by approximative analytical expressions in the "high-temperature" regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary cortisol and cortisone at late night and after dexamethasone suppression test (DST) are increasingly used for screening of Cushing's syndrome (CS). We aimed to establish reference intervals for salivary cortisol and cortisone with three liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques and for salivary cortisol with three immunoassays (IAs), and evaluate their diagnostic accuracy for CS. Salivary samples at 08:00 h, 23:00 h and 08:00 h after a 1-mg DST were collected from a reference population (n=155) and patients with CS (n=22). Sample aliquots were analyzed by three LC-MS/MS and three IA methods. After establishing reference intervals, the upper reference limit (URL) for each method was used to calculate sensitivity and specificity for CS. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing ROC curves. URLs for salivary cortisol at 23:00 h were similar for the LC-MS/MS methods (3.4–3.9 nmol/L), but varied between IAs: Roche (5.8 nmol/L), Salimetrics (4.3 nmol/L), Cisbio (21.6 nmol/L). Corresponding URLs after DST were 0.7–1.0, and 2.4, 4.0 and 5.4 nmol/L, respectively. Salivary cortisone URLs were 13.5–16.6 nmol/L at 23:00 h and 3.0–3.5 nmol/L at 08:00 h after DST. All methods had ROC AUCs ≥0.96. We present robust reference intervals for salivary cortisol and cortisone at 08:00 h, 23:00 h and 08:00 h after DST for several clinically used methods. The similarities between LC-MS/MS methods allows for direct comparison of absolute values. Diagnostic accuracy for CS was high for all salivary cortisol and cortisone LC-MS/MS methods and salivary cortisol IAs evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of several vaccines against the SARS-CoV2 virus and their application in millions of people have shown efficacy and safety in the transfer of genes to muscle turning this tissue into a protein-producing factory. Established advanced liver fibrosis, is characterized by replacement of hepatic parenchyma by tissue scar, mostly collagen type I, with increased profibrogenic and proinflammatory molecules gene expression. Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) is an interstitial collagen-degrading proenzyme acting preferentially on collagen type I when activated. This study was carried out to elucidate the effect of an intramuscularly delivered adenoviral vector containing proMMP-8 gene cDNA (AdhMMP8) in male Wistar rats with experimental advanced liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide. Therapeutic effects were monitored after 1, 2, or 3 weeks of a single dose (3 × 1011 vp/kg) of AdhMMP8. Circulating and liver concentration of MMP-8 protein remained constant; hepatic fibrosis decreased up to 48%; proinflammatory and profibrogenic genes expression diminished: TNF-α 2.28-fold, IL-1 1.95-fold, Col 1A1 4-fold, TGF-β1 3-fold and CTGF 2-fold; and antifibrogenic genes expression raised, MMP-9 2.8-fold and MMP-1 10-fold. Our data proposes that the administration of AdhMMP8 in muscle is safe and effective in achieving liver fibrosis regression at a comparable extent as when the adenoviral vector is delivered systemically to reach the liver, using a minimally invasive procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome displays three different subtypes: constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M). Treatment with dietary fiber is used, with consideration given both to the chemical composition of the fiber and to the different subtypes of IBS. The IBS-D subtype is usually treated with a low-FODMAPs diet, whereas the IBS-C subtype suggests prebiotics and probiotics to promote microbiota restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of employing agave fructans as the soluble fiber of a jelly (Gelyfun®gastro) containing 8 g per serving in the IBS-C group (n = 50), using a randomized, double-blind, time-limited trial for four weeks. We evaluated changes in the frequency and types of bowel movements through the Bristol scale, and the improvement of the condition was evaluated using quality of life (IBS-QOL) and anxiety–depression (HADS) scales. The main results were that the number of bowel movements increased by more than 80%, with at least one stool per day from fifteen days onwards, without a laxative effect for the group treated. Finally, the quality of life with the prebiotic jelly was significantly improved compared to the placebo in all specific domains, in addition to significantly reducing anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Data on pre- and postoperative pituitary function in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) are not consistent. We aimed to investigate pituitary function before and up to 5 years after transsphenoidal surgery with emphasis on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). Design and methods: Data from the Swedish Pituitary Register was used to analyze anterior pituitary function in 838 patients with NFPA diagnosed between 1991 and 2014. Patients who were reoperated or had received radiotherapy were excluded. Results: Preoperative ACTH, TSH, LH/FSH, and GH deficiencies were reported in 31% (236/755), 39% (300/769), 51% (378/742), and 28% (170/604) of the patients, respectively. Preoperative median tumor volume was 5.0 (2.4-9.0) cm³. Among patients with preoperative, 1 year and 5 years postoperative data on the HPA axis (n = 428), 125 (29%) were ACTH-deficient preoperatively. One year postoperatively, 26% (32/125) of them had recovered ACTH function while 23% (70/303) patients had developed new ACTH deficiency. Thus, 1 year postoperatively, 163 (38%) patients were ACTH-deficient (P < .001 vs. preoperatively). No further increase was seen 5 years postoperatively (36%, P = .096). At 1 year postoperatively, recoveries in the TSH and LH/FSH axes were reported in 14% (33/241) and 15% (46/310), respectively, and new deficiencies in 22% (88/403) and 29% (83/288), respectively. Conclusions: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency increased significantly at 1 year postoperatively. Even though not significant, some patients recovered from or developed new deficiency between 1 and 5 years postoperatively. This pattern was seen in all axes. Our study emphasizes that continuous individual evaluations are needed during longer follow-up of patients operated for NFPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid sulfate soils (ASS) cause big problems worldwide due to their potential to form sulfuric acid during oxidation of sulfidic materials, resulting in very acid soil (pH <4.0). Impacts include acidification of soil and water, leaching of metals, decreased nutrient supply, deterioration of water fauna and flora, and corrosion of infrastructure. These soils also exhibit poor geotechnical properties. Finland has the largest occurrences of ASS in Europe, mainly along the coast of the Baltic Sea. The EU Water Framework Directive brought about wide co-operation to reduce the harmful impacts of ASS in Finland. One urgent step was to localize and characterize the occurrences of ASS The more than 10 year-long programme, led by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), started in 2009 and field work was completed in 2021. During the programme observations, measurements, sampling and analyses were made at 23 000 sites in an area of 5 010 000 ha. Traditionally ASS in Finland have been considered to comprise fine-grained sulfidic sediments and/or their oxidized layers, occurring on agricultural land along the coast below the highest shoreline of the Littorina Sea transgression. This study recognized and classified significant occurrences of other types of potentially harmful ASS materials: (1) coarse-grained ASS (sand), (2) organic ASS (peat) and (3) unsorted ASS (till material). The methods, definition and classification of Finnish ASS have been revised. We calculated the extent of ASS along the coast to be about 1000 000 ha corresponding to 21% of the area covered in the past by the Littorina Sea. and three to six times more than earlier estimates. In addition, some occurrences of ASS were recognized inland, mainly related to black shales and sulfidic ores. The mapping data can be accessed via the GTK map service (www.gtk.fi) providing information about the distribution and properties of ASS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Established international soil classification systems have not properly accommodated acid sulfate soils (ASS) and soil materials in Finland and Sweden because: (1) in these soils some diagnostic ASS properties are too deep to meet the depth requirements, and (2) there is a lack of defined diagnostic soil classification criteria for acidic and potentially acidic soil materials that do not completely fulfill the diagnostic pH-criterion of pH < 4.0. In this paper, two new ASS materials are introduced with the prefix "para" for parasulfuric material (oxidized material) and parahypersulfidic material (reduced material). These materials have diagnostic pH-criteria of pH 4.0-4.5 and 3.0-3.5 (field-pH for parasulfuric material and incubation-pH for parahypersulfidic material) for mineral and organic soil materials (here defined as > 20% organic matter; peat and gyttja), respectively. The term "para-acid sulfate soil (para-ASS) material" is introduced for soil materials which may have a considerable environmental impact due to mobilization of acidity and dissolved metals. Because organic acids may lower pH to values below the established pH-value of < 4.0 for ASS materials, a pH of < 3.0 is used in the Finnish-Swedish ASS classification for organic soil materials. These changes and new additions to existing diagnostic ASS materials have consequently also led to a slight modification of the required field-pH values of the existing terms "hypersulfidic material" and "sulfuric material". The Finnish-Swedish ASS classification further includes a systematic way for classification of the entire soil profile and no depth requirements for diagnostic ASS materials are present; what matters is the current or potential environmental impact that the soil has or may have. It is proposed that the Finnish-Swedish ASS classification may serve as a framework for establishing a unified ASS classification globally and that the new diagnostic ASS materials are included in relevant international soil classification systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the seismic responses of moment-resisting steel frames (MRSFs) with welded and post-tensioned connections under 28 artificial seismic sequences (mainshock–aftershock) are compared. For this aim, the mainshock are scaled at different ground motion intensity levels as a function of the spectral pseudo-acceleration corresponding to the fundamental period of vibration of the structure Sa(T1), whereas different intensity levels of the aftershocks are used for a percentage of the peak maximum acceleration of the mainshock. The seismic performance comparison of both structural systems is computed for the maximum, residual inter-story drift and hysteretic energy demands. The results show that post-tensioned frames significantly reduce the structural demands, especially in the case of residual inter-story drifts and hysteretic energy in comparison with moment-resisting steel frames with welded connections. The reductions in the structural response tend to be larger as the intensity of the aftershock tends to increase. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of post-tensioned connections is a great alternative to mitigate the seismic response of buildings subjected to seismic sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete is the most used construction material, needing large quantities of Portland cement. Unfortunately, Ordinary Portland Cement production is one of the main generators of CO2, which pollutes the atmosphere. Today, geopolymers are an emerging building material generated by the chemical activity of inorganic molecules without the Portland Cement addition. The most common alternative cementitious agents used in the cement industry are blast-furnace slag and fly ash. In the present work, the effect of 5 wt.% µ-limestone in mixtures of granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash activated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at different concentrations was studied to evaluate the physical properties in the fresh and hardened states. The effect of µ-limestone was explored through XRD, SEM-EDS, atomic absorption, etc. The addition of µ-limestone increased the compressive strength reported values from 20 to 45 MPa at 28 days. It was found by atomic absorption that the CaCO3 of the μ-limestone dissolved in NaOH, precipitating Ca(OH)2 as the reaction product. SEM-EDS analysis showed a chemical interaction between C-A-S-H- and N-A-S-H-type gels with Ca(OH)2, forming (N, C)A-S-H- and C-(N)-A-S-H-type gels, improving mechanical performance and microstructural properties. The addition of μ-limestone appeared like a promising and cheap alternative for enhancing the properties of low-molarity alkaline cement since it helped exceed the 20 MPa strength recommended by current regulations for conventional cement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Químico-Farmacéuticas is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia 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.)

The current challenges of the pharmaceutical industry regarding the environmental impact caused by its waste have led to the design and development of more efficient industrial processes. In this context, solubility studies are at the core of different processes, such as formulation, preformulation, synthesis, purification, recrystallization, quantification, and quality control. This research evaluates the solubility of sulfamerazine (SMR) in acetonitrile + 1-propanol cosolvent mixtures at nine temperature levels with UV/vis spectrophotometry using the vial-shake method. According to the analysis of the solid phase in equilibrium using differential scanning calorimetry, there were no polymorphic changes. The minimal solubility of SMR was reached in 1-propanol at 278.15 K, and the maximal solubility in acetonitrile at 313.15 K. In all cases, the process was endothermic and dependent on the cosolvent composition, and the solution enthalpy drove the solution process. The solubility data were well correlated with the van't Hoff, Yalkowsky–Roseman–van't Hoff, Apelblat, Buchowski–Ksiazczak λh, Yaws, NRTL, Wilson, and modified Wilson models, with the YR model being one of the most attractive because it presented an excellent prediction percentage from four sets of experimental data. The solution process of SMR in acetonitrile + 1-propanol cosolvent mixtures depends on the affinity of SMR for acetonitrile and temperature increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective follow‐up study aims to investigate the dynamic longitudinal change of plasma neurofilament light (NfL) levels after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in a cohort of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH). Methods: We tested a convenience sample of 116 patients from the NORTHIV study. Plasma NfL levels—measured using Single molecule array (Simoa) technology—as well as other laboratory parameters were collected at baseline, weeks 4, 48, 96, and 144. Linear mixed‐effects models were estimated to evaluate longitudinal change over time. Baseline CD4+ T‐cell levels, CDC classification, and HIV RNA levels were considered. Models were adjusted by age, sex, treatment regimen, and baseline serum creatinine levels. Results: Plasma NfL levels were higher at baseline and also declined faster during the follow‐up for participants with CD4+ count <100 cells/µl compared with >100 cells/µl. No significant difference was found between the CD4+ strata 100–199 and 200–499/µl. Participants with CDC classification stages B and C had higher levels of plasma NfL at baseline, as well as faster decline compared with participants with stage A. No significant main effects or change over time was found in baseline HIV RNA levels, treatment regimen, or sex. Conclusion: Plasma NfL is a sensitive biomarker to assess ongoing central nervous system injury in PWH. Plasma NfL concentrations decline relatively fast following ART initiation and then stabilize after 48 weeks. Plasma NfL concentrations are associated with CD4+ count and stage of HIV disease. No correlations were seen with different ART regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista del Cuerpo Médico del Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo is the property of Cuerpo Medico del Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo 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.)

The silky shark is important in commercial fisheries, but their population has declined in recent years. One of the major challenges for species under this scenario is to understand their trophic interactions as they grow and to apply this knowledge for their management and protection. Based on the analysis of δ15N and δ13C in muscle and vertebral tissue, the aim of this study is to assess the feeding habits (possible changes in resource and habitat use) of C. falciformis related to ontogeny (neonatal, juvenile, and adult stages), which may lead to the reassessment of the species' trophic role in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETPO). The isotopic composition of muscle (n = 60) and vertebrae (n = 44) was analyzed over 3 years (2003–2005). Significant differences were detected in δ15Nmuscle between neonates and juveniles (H = 6.26, p < 0.05) and in δ13Cmuscle between juveniles and adults (H = 6.78, p < 0.05). Significant differences were detected also in δ15Nvertebrae (F = 4.19, p < 0.05) and δ13Cvertebrae (F = 6.59, p < 0.05) among ontogenetic stages, particularly regarding females (H = 34.77, p < 0.05), which may indicate: 1) that they consume different prey types as a result of changing energy requirements linked to their ontogeny (e.g., reproduction), and 2) different movement patterns. If the estimated trophic position of C. falciformis was 3.7, then the species could be classified as a tertiary predator. The data generated in this study indicate ontogenetic changes in the feeding behavior of C. falciformis, which is critical to understanding the role of this predator in the community structure of the ETPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) targeting the TSH receptor (TSH-R) induce hyperthyroidism in Graves´ disease (GD). Graves´ orbitopathy (GO) is influenced by stimulation of the TSH-R in the orbita. GO has been, among other factors, linked to high TRAb levels. Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) is a relatively new method for assessing TSH-receptor antibodies. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TSI in the management of GO. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed GD (n=30, median age 55 years (range 35–72), 29 women) received pharmacological therapy (methimazole+++thyroxine) for up to 24 months. GO was identified by clinical signs and symptoms. Eleven patients had GO at diagnosis, and another six developed GO during treatment. Blood samples for TSI and other thyroidal biomarkers were obtained at baseline and on five occasions during the 24-month follow-up. Twenty-two subjects completed the drug regimen without surgery or radioiodine treatment. Results At baseline, TSI was highly correlated with TRAb (r s =0.64, p<0.001), and both assays similarly correlated to fT3 values. TSI and TRAb did not differ significantly between GO and non-GO patients for visit v1 (n=30, 17 GO during the whole study) or at follow-up (n=22, 12 GO during the whole study). During follow-up, levels of TSI and TRAb decreased and normalized in both groups. Conclusion The present study does not support any added benefit of TSI compared to TRAb for the prediction and management of GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, several mainshock–aftershock sequences have demonstrated their effects on structures; especially after the occurrence of an earthquake with high magnitude, the number of aftershocks tends to increase. For this reason, several studies have been oriented to estimate the influence of aftershocks on the structural response, most of them in terms of peak or residual displacement; however, energy plays an important role for long-duration earthquakes. In this paper, several bilinear SDOF systems with different post-yielding stiffness are subjected to long-duration seismic sequences, considering different levels of intensity of the aftershocks with the aim to compute constant-ductility spectra for input energy (EI), hysteretic energy (EH) and the ratio between them (EH/EI). The results suggest that although the energy demands tend to increase as the intensity of the aftershock increases, it is observed that the ratio of input and hysteretic energy is very similar for the selected aftershock intensity levels; hence, analytical equations to predict this ratio are proposed. The equations can be used toward earthquake-resistant energy-based design of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parabens are substances used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Recent studies have indicated that these substances have toxic potential, cause endocrine disruption and can easily bioaccumulate; therefore, their physicochemical properties are of industrial, biological and environmental interest. Due to their potential use in the development of more efficient and cleaner processes, the design of environmental recovery strategies and more reasonable designs for solubility in cosolvent mixtures, studies of thermodynamic analysis and mathematical modeling are of great interest. This research studies the solubility of propylparaben in acetonitrile + water cosolvent mixtures at nine temperatures by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, analyzing the solid phase by differential scanning calorimetry to evaluate possible polymorphic changes. The solubility of propylparaben is an endothermic process, where phase separation occurs at intermediate mixtures, reaching its minimum solubility in pure water at 278.15 K and the maximum solubility in pure acetonitrile at 315.15 K. The experimental data are well-correlated with the va not Hoff, Apelblat and Buchowski–Ksiazaczak models. The results revealed that possible microheterogeneity of the MeCN + W mixture can generate phase separation in intermediate mixtures, possibly due to the formation of solvates or hydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the formation and composition–structure–property correlations of transparent Ca–Al–Si–O–N glasses, which were prepared by a standard melt‐quenching technique using AlN as the nitrogen source and incorporating up to 8 at.% of N. Their measured physical properties of density, molar volume, compactness, refractive index, and hardness—along with the Young, shear, and bulk elastic moduli—depended roughly linearly on the N content. These effects are attributed primarily to the improved glass‐network cross‐linking from N compared to O, rather than the formation of higher‐coordination AlO5 and AlO6 groups, where 27Al magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance experimentation revealed that aluminum is predominately present in tetrahedral coordination as AlO4 units. Yet, several physical properties, such as the refractive index along with the bulk, shear, and Young's elastic moduli, increase concomitantly with the Al content of the glass. We discuss the incompletely understood mechanical–property boosting role of Al as observed both herein and in previous reports on oxynitride glasses, moreover suggesting glass‐composition domains that are likely to offer optimal mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holopelagic Sargassum species have bloomed recurrently in the northern tropical Atlantic since 2011, causing socioeconomic and environmental problems. Little is known about their basic biology and responses to the abiotic environment. The aim of this study was to determine how temperature affects the growth rates of the genotypes S. fluitans III, S. natans I, and S. natans VIII that predominate in these blooms. The growth rates were evaluated in specially designed ex situ systems between 22 and 31 °C, which corresponds with the natural temperature range of these seaweeds in the northern tropical Atlantic. All the genotypes had decreased growth rates at 31 °C, and they varied in their response to temperature, with S. fluitans III presenting a maximal rate of 0.096 doublings· day−1 (doubling its weight in 10.5 d) at 28 °C and S. natans VIII a minimal rate of 0.045 doublings· day−1 (doubling its weight in 22.2 d) at 31 °C. In addition, the response to the temperature varied depending on the time of the year. Understanding the role of temperature in the growth of holopelagic Sargassum genotypes, amongst other factors influencing their physiology (such as nutrients, salinity tolerance, or light, including their interactions), could help to understand the dynamics of the recent blooms in the tropical North Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug solubility is one of the most significant physicochemical properties as it is related to drug design, formulation, quantification, recrystallization, and other processes, so understanding it is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry. In this context, this research presents the thermodynamic analysis of the solubility of sulfadiazine (SD) in cosolvent mixtures {acetonitrile + 1-propanol} at 9 temperatures (278.15 K–318.15 K), which is a widely used drug in veterinary therapy, and two solvents of high relevance in the pharmaceutical industry, respectively. The solubility of SD, in cosolvent mixtures {acetonitrile + 1-propanol} is an endothermic process where the maximum solubility was reached in pure acetonitrile at 318.15 K and the minimum in 1-propanol at 278.15 K. Although the solubility parameters of acetonitrile and propanol were similar, the addition of acetonitrile to the cosolvent mixture leads to a positive cosolvent effect on the solubility of DS. As for the thermodynamic functions of the solution, the process is strongly influenced by enthalpy, and according to the enthalpy–entropy compensation analysis, the process is enthalpy-driven in intermediate to rich mixtures in 1-propanol and entropy-driven in mixtures rich in acetonitrile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia spp. plants occupy an important socioeconomic role in arid and semiarid zones where water is scarce. Irrigation increases the productivity of these plants; however, its effect on the yield, composition, and physicochemical properties of the mucilage is unknown. Three irrigation regimens were tested: non-irrigated (rainwater), supplemental irrigation (irrigation between field capacity (0.28 m3 m−3) and permanent wilting point (0.14 m3 m−3)), and full irrigation (100% of crop evapotranspiration), on the four cactus pear varieties ('Amarilla Olorosa' (Opuntia spp.), 'Cristalina' (Opuntia albicarpa Scheinvar), 'Dalia Roja' (Opuntia spp.), and 'Roja Lisa' (O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill)). Irrigation regimens were applied during the dry season (March to June in the northern hemisphere). Composite samples of cladodes per replicate and treatment were collected for mucilage extraction. The mucilage was characterized for yield, color, chemical composition, infrared spectroscopy, viscosity, and molar mass. The combination with the greatest yield was 'Amarilla Olorosa' with no irrigation (22.2%), while the least yield was from 'Cristalina' undergoing full irrigation (12.2%). In general, non-irrigated plants yielded more mucilage, their color was brighter and less green, and they had more protein and fiber. The viscosity and molar mass were greatest in non-irrigated plants. Total carbohydrate content was similar between non-irrigated and supplementally irrigated plants. Thus, for the cactus pear varieties studied here, either no irrigation or supplemental irrigation could be a feasible strategy to produce mucilage with good characteristics for agro-industrial and pharmaceutical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance of pelagic Sargassum has increased in the Atlantic Ocean since 2011. Massive beaching of these algae causes environmental, socioeconomic, and human health problems in several countries in the Greater Caribbean and western Africa. Sargassum cleanup is expensive. Its valorization could reduce costs and impacts. The periodicity in landings, its high biomass, and the many bioactive compounds and minerals contained in these algae represent an opportunity for its use in animal feeding. A review of the existing literature regarding the chemical characteristics of Sargassum and the concentration of compounds to determine its potential use for animals used for human consumption is presented. The main findings are that these pelagic species have high amounts of fiber, salts, complex carbohydrates, and potentially toxic elements that limit their use in high quantities in animal nutrition. However, Sargassum also has minerals, trace elements, amino acids, fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that could benefit animal health if added as an ingredient at a concentration below 5%. Information gaps and recommendations for future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated during acute infection can potentially impact the central nervous system (CNS) reservoir, but the differential long-term effects of ART initiation during early or late chronic infection are unknown. Methods We included neuroasymptomatic people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with suppressive ART initiated during chronic (>1 year since transmission) HIV with archived cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples after 1 and/or ≥3 years of ART from a cohort study. CSF and serum neopterin was measured using a commercial immunoassay (BRAHMS, Germany). Results In total, 185 people with HIV (median, 79 [interquartile range, 55–128] months on ART) were included. A significant inverse correlation was found between CD4+ T-cell count and CSF neopterin only at baseline (r = −0.28, P =.002), but not after 1 (r = −0.026, P =.8) or ≥3 (r −0.063, P =.5) years of ART. No significant differences were seen in CSF or serum neopterin concentrations between different pretreatment CD4+ T-cell strata after 1 or ≥3 (median, 6.6) years of ART. Conclusions In people with HIV initiating ART during chronic infection, occurrence of residual CNS immune activation was not correlated with pretreatment immune status, even when treatment was initiated at high CD4+ T-cell counts, suggesting that the CNS reservoir, once established, is not differentially affected by the timing of ART initiation during chronic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avocado is a highly perishable fruit, leading to significant potential waste and loss in some links of the agri-food chain, with negative environmental and economic impacts. This study explored the influence of an alginate and mucilage-based edible coating on some physical attributes, cold storage, and consumer acceptance of avocado halves coated at the ready-to-eat stage. Two lots of avocado halves were formed. One was treated with an edible coating formulated from alginate and mucilage; the other was uncoated. Uncoated and coated avocado halves were cold-stored at 4 ± 1 °C and 95% relative humidity for 12 d. The fruit mass loss (FML), fresh firmness (FF), and some color parameters were measured every other day. The experiment was conducted in a completely random design with three replicates at each sampling date. On the sixth day, a sensory study was performed with 30 untrained panelists who were frequent avocado eaters. The coated avocado halves were brighter, redder, and yellower during the experimental period than uncoated avocado halves. A significant color differences (ΔE*) were found between coated and uncoated avocado halves. At the end of the experiment, the coated samples had the lowest FML and FF and the greatest consumer acceptance. Therefore, the edible coating presented here is a feasible technology for minimally-processed avocado halves and for high-latitude markets, where this fruit is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some studies have been conducted to compute fragility surfaces of buildings using vector-valued seismic intensity measures (IMs), in all the cases, the first component of the vector usually is the spectral acceleration at first mode of vibration of the structure Sa(T1). In this study, fragility surfaces of three reinforced concrete buildings (RCB) subjected to narrow-band ground motions obtained from soft soil of Mexico City are computed considering vector-valued IMs based not only on Sa(T1), but also the velocity V(T1), pseudo-velocity Sv(T1), and normalized input energy by the mass EI/m(T1) as the first component. As second component of the vector-valued IMs, the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), Peak Ground Velocity (PGV), effective duration (tD), earthquake damage potential (ID) and four Np spectral shape-based parameters obtained through spectral acceleration (NpSa), velocity (NpV), pseudo-velocity (NpSv), and input energy (NpEI) have been analyzed. In order to obtain fragility surfaces, Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) was applied. It is observed that those vector-valued IMs based on the spectral shape proxies were more efficient to predict the probability of failure of RCB. For this reason, it is important to consider spectral shape vector-valued IMs in order to reduce uncertainty in the structural response of buildings under earthquakes. Thus, the use of two parameters instead of a single intensity measure improves the efficiency. Moreover, the fragility surfaces can be used for the seismic risk evaluation of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]