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Adequate risk modelling in a financial portfolio has become the central part of its analysis. To this end, risk measures have proven to be very effective. However, the efficiency of these measures lies in the accurate modelling of both the individual behaviour as well as the dependence between the assets. In particular, tail dependence has become crucial in analysing Value at Risk (VaR) and the Expected Shortfall (ES) in high quantiles. This study introduces a new methodology to estimate high quantile risk measures based on the Tail Dependence Function. With this function, we can estimate asset dependence by focusing on replicating the extreme behaviour. In an empirical study, we estimate the VaR and ES of a portfolio of stock indices during the current pandemic considering our approach along with the most traditional GARCH-Copula and historical approaches as benchmark estimators. Our approach yields superior estimators with respect to the benchmark estimators in high quantiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Científica is the property of Revista Cientifica, Universidad Distrital Francisco Jose de Caldas 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 purpose of the research is to analyze the effects caused by the competition of companies with labor informality on the innovative behavior of companies with labor formality that compete in the same industry. This research references and analyzes the implementation of law 1429 of 2010, which stimulates the formalization of labor and informal firms. The results estimated by fixed effects exhibit a positive and significant effect of the competition of companies with labor informality in the total innovation of formal companies. On the other hand, once the formalization and job creation policy was implemented, there was a decrease in total innovations of formal companies. The empirical analysis also highlights a different impact of informal competition depending on whether the innovation is in process or product. In particular, this research finds that process innovations are more intensely affected by labor informality than product innovations. The quantitative strategy relies on a panel data econometric model between 2007 and 2016 using the Survey of Innovation and Technological Development (EDIT) and the Great Integrated Household Survey (GEIH) provided by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector field decomposition is essential in physics and engineering in order to analyze several dynamical systems that appear in these areas. This paper proposes some novel stabilization methods, where the controller is based on the gradient of the smooth vector flow of a nonlinear fractional-order system. The gradient control is obtained from the Presnov decomposition of a continuously differentiable vector flow. Thus, under some weak conditions, it is possible to achieve Mittag–Leffler stability for some classes of autonomous and non-autonomous nonlinear systems by using some straightforward derivations. Numerical studies based on simulation are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background and Aims: To assess whether corticosteroids improve prognosis in patients with AS‐AIH, and to identify factors at therapy initiation and during therapy predictive of the response to corticosteroids. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients with AS‐AIH admitted to 13 tertiary centres from January 2002 to January 2019. The composite primary outcome was death or liver transplantation within 90 days of admission. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used for data analysis. Results: Of 242 consecutive patients enrolled (mean age [SD] 49.7 [16.8] years), 203 received corticosteroids. Overall 90‐day transplant‐free survival was 61.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.4–67.7). Corticosteroids reduced the risk of a poor outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.25; 95% CI 0.2–0.4), but this treatment failed in 30.5%. An internally validated nomogram composed of older age, MELD, encephalopathy and ascites at the initiation of corticosteroids accurately predicted the response (C‐index 0.82; [95% CI 0.8–0.9]). In responders, MELD significantly improved from days 3 to 14 but remained unchanged in non‐responders. MELD on day 7 with a cut‐off of 25 (sensitivity 62.5%[95% CI: 47.0–75.8]; specificity 95.2% [95% CI: 89.9–97.8]) was the best univariate predictor of the response. Prolonging corticosteroids did not increase the overall infection risk (adjusted HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.3–2.1). Conclusion: Older patients with high MELD, encephalopathy or ascites at steroid therapy initiation and during treatment are unlikely to show a favourable response and so prolonged therapy in these patients, especially if they are transplantation candidates, should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic complications often occur in patients with advanced liver disease. In particular, the development of renal complications (acute kidney injury, hepatorenal syndrome), acute-on-chronic liver failure, cardiopulmonary diseases, or relative adrenal insufficiency can be serious in patients with advanced liver disease and may determine the patient's quality of life and prognosis. Therefore, the early diagnosis of possible complications is the key to the prompt initiation of specific treatments that can improve quality of life and survival. For this purpose, networking with reference centers where multidisciplinary units are available is essential so that every patient is evaluated in clinical discussions involving specialists from different fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of noninvasive tools in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)–related cirrhosis and the prediction of clinical outcomes is largely unknown. We sought to evaluate (1) the utility of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the diagnosis of cirrhosis and (2) the performance of the Sixth Baveno Consensus on Portal Hypertension (Baveno VI), expanded Baveno VI, and the ANTICIPATE models in predicting the absence of varices needing treatment (VNT). A multicenter cohort of 132 patients with AIH‐related cirrhosis was retrospectively analyzed. LSM and endoscopies performed at the time of cirrhosis diagnosis were recorded. Most of the patients were female (66%), with a median age of 54 years. Only 33%‐49% of patients had a LSM above the cutoff points described for the diagnosis of AIH‐related cirrhosis (12.5, 14, and 16 kPa). Patients with portal hypertension (PHT) had significantly higher LSM than those without PHT (15.7 vs. 11.7 kPa; P = 0.001), but 39%‐52% of patients with PHT still had LSM below these limits. The time since AIH diagnosis negatively correlated with LSM, with longer time being significantly associated with a lower proportion of patients with LSM above these cutoffs. VNT was present in 12 endoscopies. The use of the Baveno VI, expanded Baveno VI criteria, and the ANTICIPATE model would have saved 46%‐63% of endoscopies, but the latter underpredicted the risk of VNT. Conclusions: LSM cutoff points do not have a good discriminative capacity for the diagnosis of AIH‐related cirrhosis, especially long‐term after treatment initiation. Noninvasive tools are helpful to triage patients for endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) are the cornerstone of the primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. They additionally prevent ascites development and death in compensated patients with clinically significant portal hypertension. After ascites onset, NSBBs remain beneficial for preventing further decompensations. However, as the cirrhosis progresses, the inflammation increases, systemic vasodilatation worsens, ascites turns refractory and cardiodynamic equilibrium becomes extremely fragile. In this scenario, NSBBs can critically impair the cardiac reserve and facilitate a haemodynamic breakdown, imperilling renal perfusion. Consequently, NSBB treatment should be carefully monitored or even avoided in such patients, and other options for portal hypertension management should be considered. In the present review, we explore the effects of NSBBs in patients with ascites and discuss the complex interplay among their hepatic, systemic and renal haemodynamic effects in this scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fontan-associated liver disease is the term used to encompass the disorders arising from abnormal hemodynamic alterations and systemic venous congestion after the Fontan procedure. The histological changes produced in the liver are similar but not equivalent to those seen in other forms of cardiac liver disease. While the natural history of this form of liver disease is poorly established, many Fontan patients ultimately develop portal hypertension-related complications such as ascites, esophageal varices, malnutrition, and encephalopathy. Fontan survivors also show an elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adequate staging of the liver damage is essential to anticipate screening strategies and improve global management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease able to progress to acute liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. A significant proportion of patients fail to first-line therapy or develop severe toxicity. Aims: To assess safety and effectiveness of tacrolimus as a second-line therapy in AIH patients. Methods: Multicentric retrospective study of AIH patients treated with tacrolimus for at least 3 months as a second-line therapy. Effectiveness was defined as complete normalization of transaminases and IgG. Results: A total of 23 AIH patients were included in the final analysis. In 13% of patients tacrolimus was initiated because of toxicity to previous first-line treatments and the rest were switched because of previous non-efficacy. Tacrolimus was effective in 18 patients (78%; 95%CI: 55.20–91.92%). The median time receiving tacrolimus was 16 months (IQR 20). There was a sustained response with a significant improvement in all liver enzymes and IgG on last follow-up. Only one patient discontinued tacrolimus at the third month because of severe neuropathy, and ototoxicity. Responders were significantly older at diagnosis of AIH (41 ± 13 vs. 27 ± 10 years old; p = 0.0496). Conclusion: Tacrolimus is effective and well tolerated as a second-line therapy in patients with AIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most severe and frequent type of spina bifida. Its etiology remains poorly understood. The Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt, and planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathways are essential for normal tube closure, needing a structural‐functional cilium for its adequate function. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different gene variants (GV) from those pathways on MMC genotype‐subphenotype correlations. Methods: The study comprised 500 MMC trios and 500 controls, from 16 Telethon centers of 16 Mexican states. Thirty‐four GVs of 29 genes from cilia, Hh, PCP, and Wnt pathways, were analyzed, by an Illumina on design microarray. The total sample (T‐MMC) was stratified in High‐MMC (H‐MMC) when thoracic and Low‐MMC (L‐MMC) when lumbar‐sacral vertebrae affected. STATA/SE‐12.1 and PLINK software were used for allelic association, TDT, and gene–gene interaction (GGI) analyses, considering p value <.01 as statistically significant differences (SSD). Results: Association analysis showed SSD for COBL‐rs10230120, DVL2‐rs2074216, PLCB4‐rs6077510 GVs in T‐MMC and L‐MMC, and VANGL2‐rs120886448 in T‐MMC and H‐MMC, and INVS‐rs7024375 exclusively in L‐MMC. TDT assay showed SSD preferential transmissions of C2CD3‐rs826058 in H‐MMC, and LRP5‐rs3736228, and BBS2‐rs1373 in L‐MMC. Statistically significant GGI was observed in four in T‐MMC, four completely different in L‐MMC, and one in H‐MMC. Interestingly, no one repeated in subphenotypes. Conclusions: Our results support an association of GVs in Hh, Wnt, PCP, and cilia pathways, with MMC occurrence location, although further validation is needed. Furthermore, present results show a distinctive panel of gene‐variants in H‐MMC and LMMC subphenotypes, suggesting a feasible genotype–phenotype correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Fontan surgery is often the procedure of choice for patients with congenital single effective ventricle. In the long term, elevated systemic venous pressure and chronic ischemia following this procedure could lead to advanced chronic liver disease and there is also a risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and outcomes of this rare condition. Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched from inception to January 2020 for studies reporting on HCC after Fontan surgery. The factors analyzed were clinical presentation, histology, imaging findings, treatments, and survival. Our primary analysis was based on biopsy‐proven HCC. Results: The records selected were 26 observational studies (19 case reports/case series and seven cohort studies) including 65 biopsy‐proven HCC. Age at the time of HCC diagnosis ranged from 12 to 52 years, and 62% of the patients were female. Only one case occurred earlier than 10 years after Fontan surgery. Twenty patients had no imaging or histological evidence of liver cirrhosis and 78.3% had elevated α‐fetoprotein levels. Advanced stage was the most common at diagnosis. The most frequent treatments were transarterial chemoembolization (n = 18) and surgery (n = 12). One‐year survival was 50% and only four patients (6.2%) were under liver imaging surveillance. We also analyzed 17 patients with non‐biopsy‐proven HCC. Conclusions: After Fontan surgery, HCC usually occurs at least 10 years later and can develop in the absence of cirrhosis. Biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis. Patients were diagnosed at a late stage and survival outcomes were poor, highlighting a need for liver surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In developing countries where talc may not be readily available, video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) iodopovidone pleurodesis offers an excellent alternative for the treatment of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Methods: This study analyzes a retrospective experience using VATS iodopovidone pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions at a single cardiothoracic center in the capital of Colombia evaluating success according to LENT (Lactate, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-ECOG, Neutrophil- Lymphocyte ratio, Tumor type) scores. A total of 75 records of patients taken to VATS iodopovidone pleurodesis for MPEs were retrieved from our institutional database during a 5-year period from 2014- 2019. Of these, 45 had complete clinical history data necessary to analyze both LENT scores and postop follow-up imaging. Results: Of the 45 patients evaluated, 93.3% (42 patients) had either complete resolution of pleural effusions or partial resolution with an asymptomatic recovery within the first month post op. Chest pain was the most common postoperative complaint, which was present in 20% of patients. The mean postoperative ECOG score was 2±1.7. Patients with moderate to high-risk LENT scores had success rates of 96.7% and 92.3% respectively. Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis using Iodopovidone-iodine is an effective approach for MPEs. In developing countries where Iodopovidone iodine is readily available and affordable, patients may benefit from this agent with excellent results and minimal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) after Fontan surgery carries significant morbimortality. Its pathophysiology and association with other Fontan complications are poorly understood. Our aims were to examine whether Fontan‐PLE is associated with greater liver damage and to assess the presence of systemic and intestinal inflammation. Methods: Fontan patients with PLE and Fontan controls without PLE matched for age and Fontan surgery procedure were included. Data were prospectively compiled on blood and stool tests, liver imaging, elastography, cardiac‐MRI and cardiac catheterization. Results: Twenty‐nine Fontan patients were enrolled (14 with PLE and 15 controls without PLE). Patients with PLE had more advanced liver disease estimated by non‐invasive methods: blunt liver margins on ultrasonography (71.4% vs 26.7%, P =.027), greater median liver stiffness (25.4 vs 14.5 kPa, P =.003) and higher FIB‐4 (P =.016). Portal hypertension‐related signs were more common in patients with PLE including ascites (P =.035), larger spleen size (P =.005), oesophageal varices/splanchnic collateral shunts (P =.03), higher liver stiffness‐spleen size‐to‐platelet ratio risk score (P <.001) and lower platelet count (P =.01). Systemic proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, interleukin‐6), biomarkers of intestinal permeability (intestinal fatty‐acid binding protein) and faecal calprotectin concentrations were also significantly increased in Fontan‐PLE (P <.05). Faecal calprotectin directly correlated with alpha‐1 antitrypsin clearance and inversely with cardiac index, total serum proteins and body mass index. Conclusion: Fontan‐PLE is associated with advanced liver disease and increased markers of systemic inflammation and intestinal permeability. Faecal calprotectin is elevated and correlates with Fontan‐PLE severity. Liver assessment is mandatory in all Fontan patients, and especially in those with PLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air leaks following thoracic surgery continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In contemporary thoracic surgery, many aspects of post-surgical air leaks are still controversial. In developing countries like Colombia, state-of-the-art technology such as newer digital drainage systems are not always available, and surgeons rely primarily on water seal systems for air leak management. Although efforts are being made to increase the use of newer digital systems, being a third-world country has its challenges, and we emphasize the importance of following international guidelines as much as possible, especially when facing complex situations such as perioperative air leaks with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Médicas UIS is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander 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.)

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Téllez et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16926 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17240 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Car-following is an approach to understand traffic behavior restricted to pairs of cars, identifying a 'leader' moving in front of a 'follower', which at the same time, it is assumed that it does not surpass to the first one. From the first attempts to formulate the way in which individual cars are affected in a road through these models, linear differential equations were suggested by author like Pipes or Helly. These expressions represent such phenomena quite well, even though they have been overcome by other more recent and accurate models. However, in this paper, we show that those early formulations have some properties that are not fully reported, presenting the different ways in which they can be expressed, and analyzing them in their stability behaviors. Pipes' model can be extended to what it is known as Helly's model, which is viewed as a more precise model to emulate this microscopic approach to traffic. Once established some convenient forms of expression, two control designs are suggested herein. These regulation schemes are also complemented with their respective stability analyses, which reflect some important properties with implications in real driving. It is significant that these linear designs can be very easy to understand and to implement, including those important features related to safety and comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fontan-associated liver disease is a hepatic disorder arising from hemodynamic changes and systemic venous congestion following Fontan surgery. The histological changes produced in the liver are similar but not equivalent to those seen in other forms of cardiac liver disease. While the natural history of this form of liver disease is not well established, over time many Fontan patients develop portal hypertension-related complications such as ascites, variceal hemorrhage or encephalopathy. Fontan survivors also show an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis of advanced liver disease is mandatory for the prevention and treatment of complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal varices and malnutrition. This review updates current knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of Fontan-associated liver disease including new diagnostic methods and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fontan-associated liver disease is a hepatic disorder arising from hemodynamic changes and systemic venous congestion following Fontan surgery. The histological changes produced in the liver are similar but not equivalent to those seen in other forms of cardiac liver disease. While the natural history of this form of liver disease is not well established, over time many Fontan patients develop portal hypertension-related complications such as ascites, variceal hemorrhage or encephalopathy. Fontan survivors also show an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis of advanced liver disease is mandatory for the prevention and treatment of complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal varices and malnutrition. This review updates current knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of Fontan-associated liver disease including new diagnostic methods and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this document, Greenberg's classical traffic model is analyzed by varying the critical velocity that appears in it as a parameter. This model is transformed as a discrete expression and manipulated by means of isolating variables such as vehicular density , flow and velocity that appear in the model. So-called fundamental diagrams are obtained by pairing two out of these three variables, and then they are used to support trajectories of iterated processes depicting distinct behaviors of traffic. As it is shown in this paper, those behaviors have monotonous and stable patterns for some range of values of the parameter , but they can change to cyclic and stable trajectories when this parameter is modified. If the modifications of that parameter are taken to a higher range of values, then cycles of different periods appear, reaching chaotic trajectories. These behaviors are analyzed from a dynamical approach, proving their stability conditions, and then they are illustrated with simulations in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, extended complex Lü models (ECLMs) are proposed. They are obtained by substituting the real variables of the classical Lü model by complex variables. These projections, spanning from five dimensions (5D) and six dimensions (6D), are studied in their dynamics, which include phase spaces, calculations of eigenvalues and Lyapunov's exponents, Poincaré maps, bifurcation diagrams, and related analyses. It is shown that in the case of a 5D extension, we have obtained chaotic trajectories; meanwhile the 6D extension shows quasiperiodic and hyperchaotic behaviors and it exhibits strange nonchaotic attractor (SNA) features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informador Técnico is the property of Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje SENA 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 Facultad de Ingeniería Universidad de Antioquia is the property of Universidad de Antioquia 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.)

Transglutaminase is an enzyme that catalyses an acyl transfer reaction between γ-carboxamide groups of glutaminyl residues and lysine residues in proteins. Due to this property, this enzyme is used for enhancing textural properties of protein-rich food. The transglutaminase used as food additive is obtained by microorganisms, mainly by Streptoverticillium ladakanum. On the other hand, sugar cane molasses is a viscous liquid rich in noncrystallized carbohydrates (saccharose, glucose and fructose). In this work, the feasibility of using sugar cane molasses as a carbon source for the production of microbial transglutaminase by Streptoverticillium ladakanum NRRL 3191 has been studied. Carbon sources including sugar cane molasses (60 g of total sugars per L), glycerol (60 g/L) and their mixture in a ratio of 1:1 (30 g/L of each) were evaluated. Time course of microbial growth, transglutaminase activity and carbon source consumption were determined every 24 h during 120 h of fermentations at three agitation speeds (200, 300 or 400 rpm). The results showed that with the increase in agitation speed, the biomass concentration increased up to 8.39 g/L in the medium containing sugar cane molasses alone or the mixture of molasses and glycerol. The highest transglutaminase activity was obtained at 400 rpm in the medium containing a mixture of molasses and glycerol, reaching 0.460 U/mL, while in the medium containing sugar cane molasses alone, the activity was 0.240 U/mL, and using glycerol alone it was 0.250 U/mL. These results show that sugar cane molasses is a suitable medium for transglutaminase production when it is combined with glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: The efficiency of microbial transglutaminase (MTG), obtained by Streptoverticillum ladakanaum in the fermentation of sorghum straw hydrolysates to increase mechanical properties of restructured fish products, was evaluated. Fish gels were obtained from Mexican flounder ( Cyclopsetta chittendenni) by (1) adding MTG obtained in the fermentation of sorghum straw hydrolysates (SMTG) at 0.3 units/g; (2) adding commercial MTG (CMTG) at 0.3 units/g; (3) adding 0.4% calcium chloride to activate the endogenous TG; and (4) without additives as control sample. SMTG more efficiently increased the mechanical properties of restructured products and induced a low value of expressible water, similar to the control (6% to 7%). Results demonstrated the feasibility of producing an efficient MTG from agricultural wastes. Keywords: fish, transglutaminase, microbial, restructured, sorghum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: This article describes the optimization through response surface methodology of a low-cost medium based on Corn Steep Liquor (CSL) for lactic acid production by Lactobacillu delbrueckii NRRL B445. The effect of the fermentation time was also considered. A maximum lactic acid concentration (93.4 g/L) was predicted using 15 g of CSL/L and 6 g of yeast extract/L at a fermentation time of 80.1 h. However, the maximum productivity (3.50 g/L/h) was predicted by using 15 g of CSL/L, 6 g of yeast extract/L, and 8.9 g of peptone/L after 24 h. From an economical perspective, better results were obtained using 15 g of CSL/L, 6 g of yeast extract/L, and 8.9 g of peptone/L after 24 h. From an economical perspective, better results were obtained using 15 g of CSL/L alone and 24 h, achieving a maximum economical productivity of 229.7 g of lactic acid per hour and considerable savings in nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different techniques and methods have been used to preserve foods. As long as scientific knowledge and technology have improved, new systems were discovered and applied in order to preserve foods. Pressurisation is a very recent technology in the food industry. It has been applied by this purpose since 1990. In this review after a brief historic description about high pressure technology; systems, methods and pressurisation equipment applied in foods are also described. Characteristics related to lethal effects and inactivation degree on pressurised microorganisms are extensively discussed and physic-chemist factors (temperature, pH, water activity and concentration of other compounds in food media) implied in high pressure treatments are also reviewed. Pressurisation is an excellent technique to sterilize foods and food ingredients, and it is already possible to get pressurised products in the food market. In general, it can be state that high pressure treatments help to maintain and improve the sensorial quality and foods preservation. © 2001 Altaga All rights reserved. Resumen Se han utilizado diferentes técnicas y métodos para la conservación de los alimentos. A medida que avanzaba el conocimiento científico y tecnológico, se han descubierto y aplicado nuevas formas para conservar los alimentos. La presurización es una técnica muy reciente en el campo alimentario, empleado desde 1990. En este trabajo, tras una breve descripción histórica de la tecnología de la alta presión; se describen también los sistemas, métodos y equipos generadores de alta presión empleados en la industria alimentaria. Se discuten de forma exhaustiva aspectos acerca de los efectos letales y del grado de inactivación que provoca la presurización sobre los microorganismos. Se revisan los factores físico-químicos más importantes (temperatura, pH, actividad del agua, concentración de solutos y composición del medio). La presurización es una buena técnica de esterilización de alimentos y es ya una realidad comercial. En líneas generales, se puede afirmar que la alta presión favorece y mejora la calidad sensorial y la conservación de los alimentos. © 2001 Altaga. Todos los derechos reservados. Palabras clave: Alta presión hidrostática, alimentos presurizados, inactivación de microorganismos Resumo Utilizáronse diferentes técnicas e métodos pra conservación dos alimentos. A medida que avanzaba o coñecemento científico e tecnolóxico, íbanse descubrindo e aplicando novas formas para conservar-los alimentos. A presurización é unha técnica moi novedosa no campo alimentario, empregada desde 1990. Neste traballo, tras uhna breve descripción histórica da tecnoloxía da alta presión, describense os sistemas, métodos e equipos xeneradores de alta presión empregados na industria alimentaria. Discutense de forma exhaustiva aspectos acerca dos efectos letales e do grado de inactivación que provoca a presurización sobre os microorganismos. Rrevisanzs os factores físico-químicos máis importantes (temperatura, pH, actividade da auga, concentración de solutos e composición do medio). A presurización é unha boa técnica de esterilización de alimentos e xa unha realidade comercial. En liñas xenais, podese afirmar que a alta presión favorece e mellora a calidade sensorial e a conservación dos alimentos. © 2001 Altaga. Todolos dereitos reservados. Palabras chave: Alta presión hidrostática, alimentos presurizados, inactivación de microorganismos [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article proposes two conformal Solow models (with and without migration), accompanied by simulations for six Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development economies. The models are proposed by employing suitable Inada conditions on the Cobb–Douglas function and making use of the truncated M-derivative for the Mittag–Leffler function. In the exact solutions derived in this manuscript, two new parameters play an important role in the convergence towards, or the divergence from, the steady state of capital and per capita product. The economical dynamics of these nations are influenced by the intensity of the capital and labor factors, as well as the level of depreciation, the labor force rate and the level of saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The combined treatment of beta-blockers with ablation and Implanted cardioverter defibrillation therapy, continues to be the mainstay treatment for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Despite treatment, some patients remain refractory.  Recent studies have shown success rates using video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) cardiac denervation as an effective therapeutic option for these patients.Case Series Presentation: During a period of three years, from 2015 through 2017, twenty patients (N = 20) failed traditional medical and interventional treatment for the management of ventricular arrhythmias and electrical storms. After remaining refractory, the patients were referred to our thoracic surgery department for a VATS based treatment. The patients all had ventricular arrhythmias and electrical storms secondary to different cardiomyopathies. The patients were refractory to combined medical (beta-blockers), Implanted Cardioverter defibrillation (ICD) and ablation therapy. All twenty patients agreed to surgery and were taken to cardiac denervation using a bilateral VATS approach by two thoracic surgeons at a single Cardiothoracic center. During the month prior to bilateral VATS denervation a combined total of twenty-nine (N = 29) ICD shocks were registered in addition to six (N = 6) cases of electrical storms averaging three (N = 3) shocks per day. Mean shocks per patient was 2.3. During the first three months following VATS, the patients had a 90% (N = 18/20) total resolution of ICD registered shocks, a 100% (N = 6/6) resolution of electrical storms, and a 92% (N = 11/12) resolution of shocks in patients having previous ablation therapy. No complications were documented following surgery except for one case of pneumothorax as a result of the procedure, and there were no peri-operative mortalities.Conclusions: Bilateral thoracoscopic cardiac denervation can be a safe and seemingly effective therapeutic option for patients presenting with life-threatening refractory ventricular arrhythmias and electrical storms in a variety of cardiomyopathies including Chagas disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Exposure to a novel taste solution in the rat is followed by a decrease in its intake known as neophobia. This effect gradually disappears, and consumption increases from the second presentation of the taste (attenuation of neophobia), reflecting that the animal learned that it is safe to drink it. Conversely, if gastric malaise is induced after first intake, the rat will develop a long-lasting aversion (conditioned taste aversion). Previous attempts to elucidate the physiological nature of taste memory trace stems only from procedures that require malaise to measure taste memory. Here we assess the relevance of both muscarinic and N -methyl-d-aspartate receptors, known to be involved in conditioned taste aversion, on taste memory using a nonaversive procedure (attenuation of neophobia learning). Attenuation of neophobia was impaired by the muscarinic receptor antagonist, scopolamine, microinjected 20 min before, immediately after or up to 2 h after the first taste experience, suggesting that muscarinic receptors are involved in the acquisition and consolidation of attenuation of neophobia learning. However, the N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, d,l-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, did not affect attenuation of neophobia even when the same dose of the drug was able to disrupt conditioned taste aversion learning, which suggests that attenuation of neophobia learning would be independent of N -methyl-d-aspartate receptors activity in the insular cortex. The neophobic response induced by strong saccharin presentation was not affected by either of the treatments given, which rules out any impairment in taste perception. These results indicate that while cortical muscarinic receptors are important in the formation and consolidation of safe memory trace, N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor activity appears to be noncritical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]