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The present study investigates the effects of different isolation methods on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. thermoplastic starch (TPS). Three isolation methods were used: extraction with sodium bisulfite (M1), with distilled water (M2) and by an acid process (M3). The research focused on studying the effect of the insulation method on the structural integrity and properties of the TPS. The study revealed that the isolation technique significantly influences the morphology and size of starch granules, as demonstrated in SEM analysis. FTIR spectra identified variations in hydrogen bond formation and molecular structure of starch. The TGA analyses showed differences in the thermal stability of the TPS, depending on the insulation method, with the M3 process providing the greatest thermal stability. Furthermore, DSC analysis showed variances in gelatinization temperature and gelatinization enthalpy between the different TPS materials. Regarding the mechanical properties, it was found that the insulation method affects the tensile strength and the elastic modulus of the TPS. Mechanical test results verified that the stiffness and flexibility of the TPS are directly affected by the insulation process. This research provides information on the effect that, the starch isolation methods proposed, possesses on the properties of Melicoccus TPS bijugatus Jacq. These findings are fundamental to optimize the application of TPS in various areas, considering the specific characteristics of each isolation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sport & Health Research is the property of Journal of Sport & Health Research 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.)

This work evaluates the extraction of anthocyanins from star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) fruit peel as an indicator in smart films that respond to color change at different pH concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Thermoplastic films (TPS) composed of corn starch and concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% (w/w) of Chrysophyllum cainito L. peel extract were fabricated for characterization. The FTIR results revealed the characteristic bands of the polymer composed with extract and evidenced the increase of this compound exhibiting an increase in the intensity of the bands. SEM results evidenced the interaction between starch and glycerol, as well as an increase in the growth of clumps as the anthocyanin concentration increased; similar tendency was observed in the thermal analysis. The degradation temperatures and mass loss varied as the amount of anthocyanin contained in the film increased. The evaluation of the response of the films as indicators against various pH's showed saturated color changes as the % anthocyanin contained in the film increased at all pH values evaluated. According to the obtained results, it is concluded that the anthocyanin concentration influences the physicochemical and thermal properties of the films; therefore, TPS/anthocyanin films are potential candidates to be used as pH indicators in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic instability arising from defective responses to DNA damage1 or mitotic chromosomal imbalances2 can lead to the sequestration of DNA in aberrant extranuclear structures called micronuclei (MN). Although MN are a hallmark of ageing and diseases associated with genomic instability, the catalogue of genetic players that regulate the generation of MN remains to be determined. Here we analyse 997 mouse mutant lines, revealing 145 genes whose loss significantly increases (n = 71) or decreases (n = 74) MN formation, including many genes whose orthologues are linked to human disease. We found that mice null for Dscc1, which showed the most significant increase in MN, also displayed a range of phenotypes characteristic of patients with cohesinopathy disorders. After validating the DSCC1-associated MN instability phenotype in human cells, we used genome-wide CRISPR–Cas9 screening to define synthetic lethal and synthetic rescue interactors. We found that the loss of SIRT1 can rescue phenotypes associated with DSCC1 loss in a manner paralleling restoration of protein acetylation of SMC3. Our study reveals factors involved in maintaining genomic stability and shows how this information can be used to identify mechanisms that are relevant to human disease biology1.Genetic screening identifies a rich catalogue of regulators of micronucleus formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, adhesion properties and wear behavior of both AISI 4140 and borided AISI 4140 steels were obtained. The monophasic iron boride layer (Fe2B = ~ 22 µm) was obtained on the surface of the AISI 4140 steel preheated at 773 K for 30 min to prevent thermal shock; afterward, the samples were submitted to 1173 K for an exposure time of 30 min. The layer obtained was characterized by Berkovich nanoindentation, optical microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Dry sliding wear tests were performed using two constant loads (2 and 20 N) at considering relative sliding distances (144 and 288 m), according to the ASTM G133 standard procedure. Wear mechanisms such as material agglomeration, plastic deformation, grooving, plowing, and smearing were identified as the principal failure mechanisms by Scanning Electron Microscopy on the worn track. The results showed that the presence of the single-phase Fe2B layer on the surface of the AISI 4140 steel increased the wear resistance around ~ 20 times compared to the material without boron for a 288 m of sliding distance and 20 N of load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Cirugia is the property of Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile 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.)

Aim: To investigate the differences between the subgingival microbiota of healthy subjects (HS) and periodontitis patients (PP) from four different countries through a metagenomic approach. Materials and Methods: Subgingival samples were obtained from subjects from four different countries. Microbial composition was analysed through high‐throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The country of origin, diagnosis and clinical and demographic variables of the subjects were used to analyse the microbial profiles. Results: In total, 506 subgingival samples were analysed: 196 from HS and 310 from patients with periodontitis. Differences in richness, diversity and microbial composition were observed when comparing samples pertaining to different countries of origin and different subject diagnoses. Clinical variables, such as bleeding on probing, did not significantly affect the bacterial composition of the samples. A highly conserved core of microbiota associated with periodontitis was detected, while the microbiota associated with periodontally HS was much more diverse. Conclusions: Periodontal diagnosis of the subjects was the main variable explaining the composition of the microbiota in the subgingival niche. Nevertheless, the country of origin also had a significant impact on the microbiota and is therefore an important factor to consider when describing subgingival bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental mathematical work aims to analyse the results obtained from the heat transfer of a typical automotive disc brake and thus compare the behaviour of heat dissipation of this mechanical element under different operating conditions. The results demonstrate that the disc brakes can be used effectively in severe operational conditions with a speed of 36 km/h and an ambient temperature of 25°C, without affecting the safety of the occupants or the braking system. The use of semi-metallic pads increases the temperature over the wear track superficial temperature by around 20% more than the asbestos pad, but the material removal during sliding is around ~2.5 times more for the asbestos pad due to the coupling in the tribosystem (pad and disc brake). The heat dissipation in the disc brakes depends on the geometry of the disc, the material from which it is manufactured, the material of the pad, the weight of the vehicle, and the operating conditions, as it could be verified with the mathematical and experimental results, thus validating the contribution of the effectiveness of the braking process during its real operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The braking system is the most important element in the automotive industry because it reduces the speed through the friction between the brake disc and the pad, transforming the kinetic energy into thermal due to the wear generated on both surfaces during motion. This works aims to design a tribological machine for Francisco de Paula Santander Ocaña University, applying the design theories to obtain a device with the customer's engineering requirements. Also, Solidworks software was used to obtain a conceptual model and structural analysis of the main components of the machine to guarantee the correct behavior during operation. The results exposed that the structure and calypter holder elaborated of ASTM A36 steel support stresses less than 1.0 MPa considering a good material selection, geometrical design, and conceptual model selected of the machine operation, with high levels of the security factor (more than 10). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze the characteristics and the predictive factors of the use of rituximab and belimumab in daily practice in patients from the inception cohort Registro Español de Lupus (RELES). Material and methods: The study included 518 patients. We considered patients treated with biologics who received at least one dose of rituximab or belimumab, and possible indications of those manifestations registered at the same time or in the previous 2 months of the start of the therapy. Results: In our cohort, 37 (7%) patients received at least one biological treatment. Rituximab was prescribed in 26 patients and belimumab in 11. Rituximab was mainly prescribed for hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia (11 patients, 42%), lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus (5 patients each, 19%). Belimumab was mostly used for arthritis (8 patients, 73%). In the univariate analysis, the predictive factors at diagnosis for the use of biologic therapy were younger age (p = 0.022), a higher SLEDAI (p = 0.001) and the presence of psychosis (p = 0.011), organic mental syndrome (SOCA) (p = 0.006), hemolytic anemia (p = 0.001), or thrombocytopenia (p = 0.01). In the multivariant model, only younger age, psychosis, and hemolytic anemia were independent predictors of the use of biologics. Conclusions: Rituximab is usually given to patients with hematological, neuropsychiatric and renal involvement and belimumab for arthritis. Psychosis, hemolytic anemia and age at the diagnosis of lupus were independent predictive factors of the use of biological agents. Their global effects are beneficial, with a significant reduction in SLE activity and a low rate of side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos de Zootecnia is the property of Archivos de Zootecnia 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.)

Thermoplastics processing usually involves the non-uniform cooling of molten polymer, which results in the presence of residual stresses in the final product. The magnitude of these stresses can be high enough to induce severe shape changes in the product, as well as changes in the overall material performance. Because of this, it is important to be able to accurately predict and measure them. In this study, the effect of coupling a kinetic model of crystallization on the prediction of thermal and pressure-induced residual stresses using the residual temperature field and formation pressure concepts is investigated. In addition, the effect of packing pressure on the deflection of injection molded polymer plates after ejection is reported. Simulation results were compared with experimental data, and it was found that considering crystallization in the prediction of residual stresses decreased the % error between predicted deflection and experimental results, from 0.52–7.34 to 3.0–56.3%. Also, good agreement between experimental results and the simulations performed using the residual temperature and pressure fields concepts in 2D while including a kinetic model of crystallization with different packing pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite element analysis model is presented in this work by implementing the UMESHMOTION subroutine in the software suite ABAQUS, simulating the sliding wear in a configuration ball-on-flat on an AISI 316L. The model is based on an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) remeshing technique implementing a modified Archard's equation. In the model, shape functions and Newton–Raphson formulation were implemented to find the contact pressure and sliding values on the sample and thus validate the wear depth with those reported in the literature. A mesh independence analysis was developed, taking into account contact element size, discretization in the total number of cycles, and the maximum step increment. The contact pressure after the initial loading was calculated and compared with values found by Hertzian formulation found in the literature having a maximum error of 8.61%. Wear depth found was in good agreement with the values reported in the literature, with a maximum error of 18.77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge (wastewater treatment solids) is an organic and nutrient resource that is generated during wastewater treatment and is utilized as biosolids in landfills, fertilizer, or compost it requires treatment to reduce the microbial load and the concentration of organic matter and pollutants such as metals. Aerobic digestion has been used for the stabilization of sewage sludge, and the use of biodiscs has been limited to primary sewage rather than sewage sludge. Therefore, this paper shows that the primary sewage sludge from a previously sonicated municipal sewage treatment plant can be stabilized using a spiral support biodisc, which is shown to be an effective mechanism with which to reduce the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms in residual sludge and also reduce the concentration of organic carbon, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and soluble phosphorus. The experimental results using the spiral support biodisc are better compared to those using the conventional biodisc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been a growing concern about environmental pollution linked to the generation of agroindustrial waste. The wine industry generates approximately 8.49 million tons of grape pomace per year worldwide; this residue can be used to obtain compounds with biological activity. Grape pomace is a source of anthocyanins, pigments that have antioxidant properties and help prevent cardiovascular disease. The development of sustainable extraction, purification and identification techniques constitutes an important step in adding value to this waste. Therefore, the present research has focused on presenting a review of works carried out in the last years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New results about the influence of a small iron borided layer (~ 36 µm) obtained by the powder-pack boriding process (PPBP) and diffusion annealing post-process (DAP) were evaluated. Dry sliding wear tests on PPBP, PPBP + DAP and untreated AISI 1018 steel were performed under the pin-on-disc configuration, and balls of Al2O3 and WC were used as a counterpart at different sliding distances. Also, the contact pressures of the layer/substrate system were evaluated using the finite element model with the aid of the ABAQUS software. The results showed that the Al2O3 ball presented the major coupling (ball-disc), and the PPBP + DAP reduces the specific wear rate around ~ 304 times related to the untreated AISI 1018 steel to 500 m under severe sliding conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operating conditions during the braking process in an automobile affect the tribological contact between the pad and disc brake, thus, influencing the times and distances of braking and, in a more significant way, the safety of the braking process. This mathematical work aimed to provide a general visualization of the disc brake's mechanical, dynamic, and thermal behavior under different operating conditions through 2D maps of the power dissipated, braking time, and braking distance of a disc brake with a ventilation blade N-38 type. However, the dissipated energy on the disc brake in terms of temperature was analyzed considering Newton's cooling law and mathematical calculations through classical theories of the dynamic and mechanical behavior of the disc brakes. For this purpose, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Distance Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) fitting model considered different operating conditions of the disc brake. The results demonstrate that the disc brakes can be used effectively in severe operational requirements with a speed of 100 km/h and an ambient temperature of 27 °C, without affecting the occupant's safety or the braking system and the pad. For the different conditions evaluated, the instantaneous temperature reaches values of 182.48 and 82.94 °C, where the high value was found for a total deceleration to 100 km/h to 0, which represent a total braking distance of around 44.20 to 114.96 m depending on the inclination angle. Furthermore, the energy dissipation in the disc brakes depends strongly on the disc, blades and pad geometry, the type of material, parameters, and the vehicle operating conditions, as can be verified with mathematical calculation to validate the contribution of the effectiveness of the braking process during its real operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral mouthwashes decrease the infectivity of several respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2. However, the precise agents with antiviral activity in these oral rinses and their exact mechanism of action remain unknown. Here we show that cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a quaternary ammonium compound in many oral mouthwashes, reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by inhibiting the viral fusion step with target cells after disrupting the integrity of the viral envelope. We also found that CPC-containing mouth rinses decreased more than a thousand times the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, while the corresponding vehicles had no effect. This activity was effective for different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the B.1.1.7 or Alpha variant originally identified in United Kingdom, and in the presence of sterilized saliva. CPC-containing mouth rinses could therefore represent a cost-effective measure to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in saliva, aiding to reduce viral transmission from infected individuals regardless of the variants they are infected with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, 2D wear maps and statistical approaches on commercial samples of AISI 316L stainless steel were obtained to provide a general visualization of response variables and wear regimes under different dry sliding conditions. Dry sliding wear tests on the AISI 316L steel were performed according to the ASTM G133-05 standard procedure guidelines. A linear reciprocating sliding tribometer with a ball-on-flat configuration and a counterpart of Al2O3 was used. Wear tests were performed at room temperature with the following conditions: sliding distance of 100 m, a constant applied load of 5, 10, and 20 N, and sliding speeds of 5, 10, 20, and 30 mm/s. The analysis of variance showed that the load influences the depth, volume, and CoF response variables in a positive way with more than 97% of confidence; while the specific wear rate response variable is mainly affected by the sliding speed with more than 42% of confidence. 2D maps of the response variables were obtained using response surface methodology as a function of the load and sliding speed. The maximum specific wear rate was ~450×10-6 mm3/Nm for the condition of 5 N and 5 mm/s, influenced by the test conditions. From SEM analysis, wear regimes were classified as mild and severe and thus plowing, and material agglomeration predominate as failure mechanisms during mild wear. For severe wear, differences are more evident, with smearing being predominant on the worn tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia et Technica is the property of Scientia et Technica 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.)

Nowadays, the challenges of the industry increasingly demand the manufacture of complex shapes with great design flexibility without waste by 3D printing. Additive manufacturing, unlike traditional manufacturing techniques such as casting and machining, enables designers to rapid prototype while lowering operating costs and material waste during this process. In this way, understanding the current state of the literature related to additive manufacturing processes and the mechanical properties of 3D printed materials is of high importance to determine a research horizon in developing future works of this topic. In this paper, a bibliometric analysis, also named Scientometric science, was implemented. The tendencies and transcendental topics were determined using the Bibliometrix package for R and VOSviewer. Data were exported directly from the Scopus database with a search equation. The results showed that, of the 1271 documents analyzed, 2015 is a year where the research began its developing stage, with a growth rate of 20.8%. The USA resulted to be a leading country in publications followed by China and the UK. Likewise, it is observed that the author with the highest number of publications and h-index is C.B. Williams, followed by A.A. Zadpoor and J. Muller. Besides, the evolution in time of the keywords most used by researchers, and trends and research gaps in the study of additive manufacturing with the mechanical properties of the 3D printing materials are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the influence of factors such as printing speed, layer height, infill density, and type of material, over the mechanical properties of 3D printed pieces. A statistical analysis was conducted in order to determine the effect of each factor over the impact resistance of the 3D printed specimens. Samples of polycarbonate (PC) and nylon + carbon fiber (PA + CF) were tested using conventional Charpy equipment. Initially, the design of experiments was used to evaluate the significance of the studied factors, then, a sequential design was carried out to determine the process parameters that result in the maximum absorption of energy on the material. Finally, the results showed that during the selection phase, the type of material was the factor with the most significant effect, with a 99.5% of importance which is affected by the layer height and infill density. It was found that the absorbed energy was higher for the material PA + CF, according to the statistical results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods and Results: We retrospectively compared 257 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with self-expandable valves using either CON (n = 101) or COVL (n = 156) in four intermediate/low volume centers. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. The 30-day incidence of new-onset LBBB (12.9% vs. 5.8%; p=0.05) and PPMI rate (17.8% vs. 6.4%; p=0.004) was significantly lower when using the COVL implantation view. There was no difference between the CON and COVL groups in 30-day incidence of death (4.9% vs. 2.6%), any stroke (0% vs. 0.6%), and the need for surgical aortic valve replacement (0% for both groups).Conclusion: Using the COVL view for implantation, we achieved a significant reduction of the LBBB and PPMI rate after TAVR in comparison with the traditional CON view, without compromising the TAVR outcomes when using self-expandable prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boriding process is a branch of materials heating treatments that studies the improvement of the mechanical properties in steels and alloys. Recently, the borided trends have been studied by a selected group of researchers around the world with an interest to divulge the new results on borided materials for different industrial and biomedical applications. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the historical review of the boriding process using the Bibliometric analysis. In total, 1227 documents in the Scopus database have used the boriding process as keyword with a growth rate of 7.3% every year from 1962 to 2020. The papers were written by around 2434 authors, mainly from Mexico, Turkey, and Poland, representing 37.7% of the total publications analyzed. The data obtained show that the boriding process has been global and fast-growing in the scientific publications of the last ten years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Argentina de Cardiología is the property of Sociedad Argentina de Cardiologia 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 Médica de Panamá is the property of Academia Panamena Medicina CIR 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.)

Grapevine rupestris stem pitting associated virus (GRSPaV) is one of the most widely distributed viruses; even so, little is known about its effect on Vitis vinifera. To provide new insights, the effects of single and mixed GRSPaV infections on the V. vinifera cultivar "Cabernet Sauvignon" were studied by evaluating growth parameters, such as measurements of the total plant length, the number and distance of internodes and the number of leaves per shoot. In addition, parameters relating to gas exchange, i.e., the stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, internal CO2 concentration and leaf transpiration, were also assessed. All the measurements were performed in one- and two-year-old plants with a single GRSPaV infection or mixed infections of GRSPaV and Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). The results show that the plant phytosanitary status did not significantly alter the growth and gas exchange parameters in one-year-old plants. However, in two-year-old plants, single GRSPaV infections increased shoot elongation, which was accompanied by the overexpression of genes associated with the gibberellic acid response pathway. The gas exchange parameters of these plants were negatively affected, despite exhibiting higher LHCII gene expression. Plants with mixed infections did not have modified growth parameters, although they presented a greater reduction in the primary photosynthetic parameters evaluated with no change in LHCII expression. The results presented here confirm the co-evolution hypothesis for V. vinifera and GRSPaV during the early stages of plant development, and they provide new evidence about the effects of GRSPaV and GFLV co-infections on the "Cabernet Sauvignon" cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos de Zootecnia is the property of Archivos de Zootecnia 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 Scientia Agropecuaria is the property of Scientia Agropecuaria 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 Scientia et Technica is the property of Scientia et Technica 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.)

Objectives Using data of patients from the inception cohort Registro Español de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (RELES), we aimed to analyse the incidence of severe infection in the first two years of follow-up and how predictors of infection change during the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Material and methods The study included 282 patients. Markers of lupus activity, prednisone doses and immunosuppressive therapy were compared between patients with and without infections in the first and second year of the disease. Drug therapy administered during the first month of follow-up has been considered as a potential predictor of infections during the first year and medications administered during the first year have been considered potential predictors of infections during the second. Results Nineteen patients (6.4%) had a documented episode of major infection during the first year of follow-up and 16 patients (5.67%) during the second. The following variables were associated with infections during the first year: hypocomplementaemia at diagnosis (p < 0.01), nephritis at diagnosis (p = 0.03), SLEDAI score (p < 0.01), prednisone >30 mg/day (p = 0.01), methylprednisolone pulses (p = 0.05) and mycophenolate use (p = 0.02). The independent variables in the final model were hypocomplementaemia (odds ratio (OR) 4.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–20.20, p = 0.05) and a dose of prednisone >30 mg/day (OR 6.60, 95% CI 1.34–32.42, p = 0.02). The following variables were associated with infections during the second year: dose of prednisone > 7.5 mg/day (p = 0.05), methylprednisolone pulses (p = 0.07), duration of therapy with antimalarials (p = 0.09), therapy with mycophenolate (p = 0.01), therapy with cyclophosphamide (p = 0.05). The independent variables in the final model were a dose of prednisone >7.5 mg/day (OR 4.52, 95% CI 0.99–21, p = 0.054) and duration of therapy with antimalarials as a protective factor (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, p = 0.053). Conclusions The low incidence of early infections in the RELES cohort is partially explained by the extended use of antimalarials and by the general avoidance of prolonged high doses of prednisone. Patients with high baseline activity are at a higher risk of infection during the first months but therapy with medium–high doses of prednisone is the main predictor of infectious events. Thus, every effort should be made to limit oral glucocorticoid use from the very beginning of the SLE course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two viable technologies that may be used to reduce shrinkage at early ages in high-performance concrete, such as self-consolidating concrete, include internal curing and shrinkage- reducing admixtures. By combining an internal source of curing water and an admixture that decreases the surface tension of pore solution, an improved overall shrinkage reduction can be achieved. Based on the evidence resulting from this synergy, this investigation focuses on the effect of Opuntia Ficus Indica Mucilage (OFIM) as a reducer of the pore solution surface tension, to establish its effectiveness in shrinkage mitigation, in comparison with the effect of conventional internal curing with water and that of a commercial shrinkage-reducing admixture. Autogenous strain and drying shrinkage deformations were determined according to ASTM C 1698 and C 157 test methods, respectively. Result show that the incorporation of OFIM does not have a significant effect on mechanical and elastic properties of the concrete, and could lead to substantial benefits in terms of shrinkage mitigation, particularly at early ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New seismic profiles, bathymetric data, and sediment-rock sampling document for the first time the discovery of hydrothermal vent complexes and volcanic cones at 4800-5200 m depth related to recent volcanic and intrusive activity in an unexplored area of the Canary Basin (Eastern Atlantic Ocean, 500 km west of the Canary Islands). A complex of sill intrusions is imaged on seismic profiles showing saucer-shaped, parallel, or inclined geometries. Three main types of structures are related to these intrusions. Type I consists of cone-shaped depressions developed above inclined sills interpreted as hydrothermal vents. Type II is the most abundant and is represented by isolated or clustered hydrothermal domes bounded by faults rooted at the tips of saucer-shaped sills. Domes are interpreted as seabed expressions of reservoirs of CH4 and CO2-rich fluids formed by degassing and contact metamorphism of organic-rich sediments around sill intrusions. Type III are hydrothermal-volcanic complexes originated above stratified or branched inclined sills connected by a chimney to the seabed volcanic edifice. Parallel sills sourced from the magmatic chimney formed also domes surrounding the volcanic cones. Core and dredges revealed that these volcanoes, which must be among the deepest in the world, are constituted by OIB-type, basanites with an outer ring of blue-green hydrothermal Al-rich smectite muds. Magmatic activity is dated, based on lava samples, at 0.78 ± 0.05 and 1.61 ± 0.09 Ma (K/Ar methods) and on tephra layers within cores at 25-237 ky. The Subvent hydrothermal-volcanic complex constitutes the first modern system reported in deep water oceanic basins related to intraplate hotspot activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine volcanic eruptions are frequent and important events, yet they are rarely observed. Here we relate bathymetric and hydroacoustic images from the 2011 to 2012 El Hierro eruption with surface observations and deposits imaged and sampled by ROV. As a result of the shallow submarine eruption, a new volcano named Tagoro grew from 375 to 89 m depth. The eruption consisted of two main phases of edifice construction intercalated with collapse events. Hydroacoustic images show that the eruptions ranged from explosive to effusive with variable plume types and resulting deposits, even over short time intervals. At the base of the edifice, ROV observations show large accumulations of lava balloons changing in size and type downslope, coinciding with the area where floating lava balloon fallout was observed. Peaks in eruption intensity during explosive phases generated vigorous bubbling at the surface, extensive ash, vesicular lapilli and formed high-density currents, which together with periods of edifice gravitational collapse, produced extensive deep volcaniclastic aprons. Secondary cones developed in the last stages and show evidence for effusive activity with lava ponds and lava flows that cover deposits of stacked lava balloons. Chaotic masses of heterometric boulders around the summit of the principal cone are related to progressive sealing of the vent with decreasing or variable magma supply. Hornitos represent the final eruptive activity with hydrothermal alteration and bacterial mats at the summit. Our study documents the distinct evolution of a submarine volcano and highlights the range of deposit types that may form and be rapidly destroyed in such eruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Cirugia is the property of Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile 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.)

Abstract: The frequency of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) with retained fetus varies, but is estimated to occur in 1% of all pregnancies. The vast majority of women will spontaneously labor and deliver within three weeks of the intrauterine death. The complexity in medical management increases significantly when the cervix is unripe or unfavorable, or when the woman develops disseminated intravascular coagulation. Misoprostol regimens for the induction of labor for second and third trimester IUFDs, range from 50 to 400 μg every 3 to 12 h, and are all clinically effective. Nevertheless, the current scientific evidence supports vaginal misoprostol dosages, which are adjusted to gestational age: between 13–17 weeks, 200 μg 6-hourly; between 18–26 weeks, 100 μg 6-hourly; and more than 27 weeks, 25–50 μg 4-hourly. In women with a previous cesarean, lower doses should be used and doubling of doses should not occur. Clinical monitoring should continue after delivery or expulsion because of the risk of postpartum atony and/or placenta retention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is the regimen of choice for termination of pregnancy between 13 to 26 weeks. In many countries, mifepristone is still not available, and misoprostol has to be used alone. Many misoprostol-alone regimens have been reported in the literature with apparently good results. Most of the trials were conducted in pregnancies between 13 and 22 weeks. For this gestational period, we recommend the regimen of 400 μg of vaginal misoprostol every 3 h up to 5 doses, as it appears to be effective without excessive side effects or complications. There is inadequate data to recommend a regimen for the gestational period of 23 to 26 weeks but it is advisable to reduce the dose and frequency of administration of misoprostol. Common side effects of misoprostol-induced termination of pregnancy include gastrointestinal side effects, abdominal cramps, bleeding, fever and chills. Complications may include infection or rarely rupture of uterus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Missed abortion in the first trimester is characterized by the arrest of embryonic or fetal development. The cervix is closed and there is no or only slight bleeding. Ultrasound examination shows an empty gestational sac or an embryo/fetus without cardiac activity. Based on a review of the published literature a single dose of 800 μg vaginal misoprostol may be offered as an effective, safe, and acceptable alternative to the traditional surgical treatment for this indication. Alternatively, 600 μg misoprostol can be administered sublingually. After administration of misoprostol, hospitalization is not necessary and the time to expulsion varies considerably. Bleeding may last for more than 14 days with additional days of light bleeding or spotting. The woman should be advised to contact a provider in case of heavy bleeding or signs of infection. A follow-up is recommended after 1 to 2 weeks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Melatonin is a neurohormone whose levels are significantly reduced or absent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. In these patients, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) are the major drug class used for their treatment; however, they present unwanted cholinergic side effects and have provided limited efficacy in clinic. Because combination therapy is being extensively used to treat different pathological diseases such as cancer or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, we posed this study to evaluate if melatonin in combination with an AChEI, galantamine, could provide beneficial properties in a novel in vitro model of AD. Thus, we subjected organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) to subtoxic concentrations of β-amyloid (0.5 μM βA) plus okadaic acid (1 nM OA), for 4 days. This treatment increased by 95 % cell death, which was mainly apoptotic as shown by positive TUNEL staining. In addition, the combination of βA/OA increased Thioflavin S aggregates, hyperphosphorylation of Tau, oxidative stress (increased DCFDA fluorescence), and neuroinflammation (increased IL-1β and TNFα). Under these experimental conditions, melatonin (1-1000 nM) and galantamine (10-1000 nM), co-incubated with the toxic stimuli, caused a concentration-dependent neuroprotection; maximal neuroprotective effect was achieved at 1 μM of melatonin and galantamine. Most effective was the finding that combination of sub-effective concentrations of melatonin (1 nM) and galantamine (10 nM) provided a synergic anti-apoptotic effect and reduction of most of the AD-related pathological hallmarks observed in the βA/OA model. Therefore, we suggest that supplementation of melatonin in combination with lower doses of AChEIs could be an interesting strategy for AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remarkable fish diversity in the Caribbean rivers of north-western South America evolved under the influences of the dramatic environmental changes of neogene northern South America, including the Quechua Orogeny and Pleistocene climate oscillations. Although this region is not the richest in South America, endemism is very high. Fish assemblage structure is unique to each of the four aquatic systems identified (rivers, streams, floodplain lakes and reservoirs) and community dynamics are highly synchronized with the mono-modal or bi-modal flooding pulse of the rainy seasons. The highly seasonal multispecies fishery is based on migratory species. Freshwater fish conservation is a challenge for Colombian environmental institutions because the Caribbean trans-Andean basins are the focus of the economic development of Colombian society, so management measures must be directed to protect aquatic habitat and their connectivity. These two management strategies are the only way for helping fish species conservation and sustainable fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Cirugia is the property of Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile 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 number and seriousness of medical problems on passenger-carrying aircraft in flight are increasing. Medical incidents occur at a rate of approximately 10-50 per million passengers carried. Medical equipment carried on commercial aircraft is limited to three items: a first-aid kit, an emergency medical kit and sometimes an automatic external defibrillator. Telephone medicine, a lower level of telemedicine support, is well established for commercial air operations. The availability of satellite telecommunications on passenger-carrying aircraft permits more sophisticated forms of telemedicine. Recent telemedicine experiments have involved the transmission of three-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), heart rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2, respiratory rate, body temperature and realtime video. The challenge is to demonstrate that such techniques are practicable, improve patient outcomes and are cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]