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Included in the neurotrophins family, the Neuritin 1 gene (NRN1) has emerged as an attractive candidate gene for schizophrenia (SZ) since it has been associated with the risk for the disorder and general cognitive performance. In this work, we aimed to further investigate the association of NRN1 with SZ by exploring its role on age at onset and its brain activity correlates. First, we developed two genetic association analyses using a family-based sample (80 early-onset (EO) trios (offspring onset = 18 years) and 71 adult-onset (AO) trios) and an independent case-control sample (120 healthy subjects (HS), 87 EO and 138 AO patients). Second, we explored the effect of NRN1 on brain activity during a working memory task (N-back task; 39 HS, 39 EO and 39 AO; matched by age, sex and estimated IQ). Different haplotypes encompassing the same three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms(SNPs, rs3763180-rs10484320-rs4960155) were associated with EO in the two samples (GCT, TCC and GTT). Besides, the GTT haplotype was associated with worse N-back task performance in EO and was linked to an inefficient dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity in subjects with EO compared to HS. Our results show convergent evidence on the NRN1 association with EO both from genetic and neuroimaging approaches, highlighting the role of neurotrophins in the pathophysiology of SZ.

The uptake of the current concept of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by the public, physicians and health authorities is low. Physicians still mix up CKD with chronic kidney insufficiency or failure. In a recent manuscript, only 23% of participants in a cohort of persons with CKD had been diagnosed by their physicians as having CKD while 29% has a diagnosis of cancer and 82% had a diagnosis of hypertension. For the wider public and health authorities, CKD evokes kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In Spain, the prevalence of KRT is 0.13%. A prevalent view is that for those in whom kidneys fail, the problem is ``solved'' by dialysis or kidney transplantation. However, the main burden of CKD is accelerated aging and all-cause and cardiovascular premature death. CKD is the most prevalent risk factor for lethal COVID-19 and the factor that most increases the risk of death in COVID-19, after old age. Moreover, men and women undergoing KRT still have an annual mortality which is 10-100-fold higher than similar age peers, and life expectancy is shortened by around 40 years for young persons on dialysis and by 15 years for young persons with a functioning kidney graft. CKD is expected to become the fifth global cause of death by 2040 and the second cause of death in Spain before the end of the century, a time when 1 in 4 Spaniards will have CKD. However, by 2022, CKD will become the only top-15 global predicted cause of death that is not supported by a dedicated well-funded CIBER network research structure in Spain. Leading Spanish kidney researchers grouped in the kidney collaborative research network REDINREN have now applied for the RICORS call of collaborative research in Spain with the support of the Spanish Society of Nephrology, ALCER and ONT: RICORS2040 aims to prevent the dire predictions for the global 2040 burden of CKD from becoming true. However, only the highest level of research funding through the CIBER will allow to adequately address the issue before it is too late. (C) 2021 Sociedad Espanola de Nefrologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Introducción Apenas conocemos cómo es la asistencia de los recién nacidos (RN) con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI) en hipotermia terapéutica (HT), especialmente si existen protocolos asistenciales, la neuromonitorización que se realiza o cómo es la aproximación al pronóstico neurológico. Este conocimiento permite detectar e implementar áreas de mejora asistencial. Método Estudio transversal de los 57 hospitales españoles que realizaban HT en 2015, mediante cuestionario sobre: 1) la disponibilidad de protocolos y de recursos tecnológicos; 2) el uso de herramientas de neuromonitorización; 3) los conocimientos de los profesionales; 4) la información pronóstica que se da los padres, y 5) el informe al alta y del plan de seguimiento. Resultados El 95% utiliza enfriamiento corporal-total servocontrolado y dispone de protocolos específicos de actuación. El 70% utiliza sedación y el 68% deja al paciente a dieta absoluta. La monitorización con electroencefalografía integrada por amplitud se utiliza en más del 80% de los centros, aunque solo en el 50% la enfermera es capaz de interpretarlo. La saturación de oxígeno cerebral es escasamente monitorizada (16%). Entre los estudios diagnóstico-pronósticos, la neuroimagen es universal, pero los neurobiomarcadores apenas se utilizan (29%). Solo el 21% ofrece información pronóstica antes de las 72 h de vida; sin presencia de la enfermera en el 70%. El seguimiento lo realiza el neuropediatra (84%), con una duración desigual entre centros. Conclusiones La asistencia del RN con EHI en España es adecuada, con áreas de mejora en: neuromonitorización, sedación, marco temporal de la información pronóstica, trabajo en equipo y estandarización de la duración del seguimiento.

Early viral detection in acute respiratory infections (ARI) is essential to establish appropriate therapy and prevent nosocomial transmission.To compare the efficacy of indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIF) with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify respiratory viruses in children hospitalized for ARI.47 nasopharyngeal aspirates of children ≤ 2 years with ARI were included. IFI included respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, influenza A and B and parainfluenza. PCR also included the detection of metapneumovirus, enterovirus/rhinovirus, bocavirus and coronavirus. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (VPP/NPV) and kappa correlation for RSV were estimated by IIF compared to PCR.The IIF detected only RSV (29; 61.7%). PCR detected several viruses, including RSV in 26 cases (55.3%), followed by bocavirus (29.8%), rhinovirus/enterovirus (21.3%), adenovirus (14.9%) and parainfluenza (4,3%) among others, with 35.5% of coinfection. The IIF presented sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 73.6%, PPV: 82.7%, NPV: 77.7% and kappa: 0.5990 (95% CI, 0.3636-0.8346) for RSV.The IIF presents good sensitivity, but moderate specificity for RSV. However, IIF fails to detect other respiratory viruses. The introduction of PCR would improve the etiological diagnosis of ARI of viral origin.

En este estudio se somete a verificación un modelo completo de regresión estructural explicativo de la actividad físico-deportiva a partir de los factores motivacionales personales y contextuales centrales del modelo de elección de logro (Eccles, 2011). Participaron en el estudio 429 adolescentes, 233 (54.30 %) hombres y 196 (45.70 %) mujeres, entre 11 y 19 años (M = 14.93; DT = 2.11) de la Comunidad Autónoma Cántabra y País Vasco. Los resultados corroboran la influencia directa de las variables expectativas de éxito y valor subjetivo de la tarea sobre la actividad físico-deportiva. Asimismo, las variables autoconcepto físico y actitudes y comportamientos de los otros significativos aparecen como predictores directos de dicho comportamiento. ABSTRACT: This study tests the verification of a comprehensive explanatory structural regression model of physical activity based on the key personal and contextual motivational factors of the achievement-related choices model (Eccles, 2011). Participants were 429 adolescents, 233 (54.30%) boys and 196 (45.70%) girls, all aged between 11 and 19 (M = 14.93; SD = 2.11) from the Autonomous Regions of Cantabria and the Basque Country, in Spain. Results corroborate the direct influence of the variables expectations for success and subjective task value on the physical activity of adolescents. The variables general physical self-concept and attitudes and behaviors of significant others were found to be indirect predictors of this same behavior. RESUMO: Neste estudo passa por uma verificação do modelo completo de regressão estrutural que explica a actividade física e desportiva com base nos principais fatores motivacionais pessoais e contextuais do modelo de escolha de realização (Eccles, 2011). 429 adolescentes, 233 (54.30%) homens e 196 (45.70%) mulheres, entre 11e 19 años (M = 14.93; D.E. = 2.11), da Cantábria e País Basco participaram do estudo. Os resultados corroboram a influência direta das variáveis expectativas de sucesso e valor subjetivo da tarefa sobre a actividade física e desportiva. Também, as variáveis auto-conceito físico e atitudes e comportamentos dos outros significativos previram diretamente o mesmo comportamento.

Background: This study aims to explore the gene-environment interaction hypothesis applied to pre-symptomatic neurodevelopmental phenotypes of first episode psychosis (FEP), that is, genetic factors might increase vulnerability to the effects of environmental adverse conditions occurring at later stages of development. Methods: We constructed a schematic 'two-hit' model, with Val/Val homozygosity for the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism as the 'first hit' and history of obstetric complications and parental socioeconomic status as 'second hits'. Early adjustment, measured using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale, was considered the main outcome. The study population comprised 221 adolescents and adults with FEP and 191 sex-and age-matched controls. Results: The interaction between the Val/Val COMT genotype and a positive history of obstetric complications plus low parental socioeconomic status was significantly associated with poorer early adjustment. These results were observed both in FEP individuals and in controls, and remained significant after controlling for age, sex, and diagnosis. Conclusions: Individuals carrying Val/Val seem to be more sensitive to the synergistic effect of environmental factors acting early in neurodevelopment, which leads to vulnerability phenotypes such as impaired early adjustment. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

TT-173 is a new hemostatic agent consisting of yeast-derived microvesicles containing a modified version of recombinant human tissue factor. In the present work, the procoagulant activity of TT-173 has been evaluated for the first time in humans. This is a phase I, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, systemic absorption, and immunogenicity of TT-173 in healthy volunteers undergoing tooth extraction. Subjects received TT-173 or placebo into the alveolar cavity, just after tooth extraction. Time to clot formation, bleeding time, and adverse events were recorded. Treatment with TT-173 reduced the bleeding time and the time to clot formation. No adverse events related with product administration were reported. In the same way, neither systemic absorption nor immunogenic reaction against the product was detected. Our findings pave the way to evaluate the usefulness of this new topical hemostatic agent in more complex oral surgeries and in those patients affected with coagulation disorders that may compromise the realization of dental procedures. The new hemostatic agent TT-173 has proven efficacious and safe in healthy subjects undergoing tooth extraction supporting its further evaluation in more complex surgeries. The development of this new topical hemostatic agent could contribute to bleeding control in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug known as being more effective compared with traditional antipsychotics for patients with poor response or resistance to treatment. It has been demonstrated that clozapine modulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity and affects central brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, which could explain part of its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we investigated the role of genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (FKBP5 and NR3C1) and neurotrophic factors (BDNF and NTRK2) in clinical response to clozapine in 591 schizophrenia patients. We found significant allelic and genotype associations between FKBP5-rs1360780, NTRK2-rs1778929 and NTRK2-rs10465180 polymorphisms and clozapine response. The haplotypes composed of rs1360780-rs3777747-rs17542466-rs2766533 (FKBP5) and rs1619120-rs1778929-rs10465180 (NTRK2) were also nominally significant. Our results suggest that genetic variability in FKBP5 and NTRK2 genes may partially explain clinical response to clozapine. Further studies are needed to clarify the involvement of these genes in clinical response to atypical antipsychotics.

El reconocido papel de las mariposas como indicadoras del estado de conservación, diversidad, endemismo y grado de intervención de una biota y la identificación de sus especies se constituye en una herramienta importante en la conservación de hábitats poco alterados como la Serranía de los Churumbeles en el departamento del Cauca. Se presenta un listado de las mariposas diurnas colectadas durante la expedición Colombia'98 a esta serranía. Los adultos se observaron y colectaron en un gradiente altitudinal comprendido entre los 350 y 1450 m. incluyéndose algunas notas biológicas, el estimativo de la riqueza, abundancia, equitatividad y distribución altitudinal de las especies. Se registraron 144 especies, distribuidas en cinco familias y 12 subfamilias. Los valores más altos de riqueza y diversidad se presentaron a 350 y 700 m y los más bajos a 1450 m. Se observó la tendencia a la disminución de estos valores con el incremento de la altitud y una muy baja similaridad conjunta en la comunidad. Los valores altos de diversidad registrados para estas altitudes, se deben quizá a la alta heterogeneidad vegetal y la disponibilidad de recursos alimenticios que brinda esta zona. Ca Serranía de los Churumbeles, en cuanto a su lepidopterofauna. se constituye en un importante enclave a conservar, pues una buena parte de las especies allí encontradas cuando menos son raras o poco representadas en colecciones de referencia y dejan ver el carácter prístino de la zona, no obstante la presencia de algunas especies propias de bosques que presentan efecto de borde.

Resumen del trabajo presentado al "IV Iberian Symposium on Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Advanced Batteries" celebrado en Estoril (Portugal) del 26 al 28 de junio de 2013.

Trabajo presentado al "IV Iberian Symposium on Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Advanced Batteries" celebrado en Estoril (Portugal) del 26 al 28 de junio de 2013., In this work the processing route for an anode supported microtubular solid oxide fuel cell is adjusted. The fuel cell composition and microstructure design is based on previous work. In this work we have developed microtubular cells based on an extruded support. Firstly, Ni-YSZ anode was manufactured by Powder Extrusion Moulding (PEM). Feedstock composition and extruding parameters were adjusted to obtain tubular green bodies. An YSZ layer was then deposited as the electrolyte and the sintering parameters were optimized to obtain a dense layer. An active area of ~1 cm2 LSMYSZ was deposited as the cathode and its electrochemical performance was measured using pure hydrogen as fuel, yielding a power output at 0.5V of 0.7Wcm-2 at 8500C., Authors would like to thank financial support received from MICINN and Feder program of the European Community (MAT2010-19837-C06 and MAT2012-30763 projects), Madrid regional government (MATERYENER S2009 PPQ-1626 program), and also grant GA-LC-035/2012, financed by the Aragón Government and La Caixa Foundation.

In the departments of the Vaupés and Guaviare, in southeastern Colombia, in a transitional area between Amazonia and the eastern plains, inhabit indigenous groups belonging to the Tukanoan (East) and Guahiban linguistic families. Although some studies have dealt with the culture and the cosmology description of these groups, little research has been done on the biological diversity and genetic relationships of such groups.To estimate the diversity, the structure, and the genetic relationships of one Guahiban and two Tukanoan groups of the Colombian Amazonian region.Samples were collected (n = 106) from unrelated individuals belonging to the Vaupés native indigenous communities. The DNA was extracted and nine autosomal microsatellites were typed. Several measures of diversity, FST, pairwise FST, and population differentiation between groups were calculated. Finally, it was estimated the genetic distances of the groups studied in relation with other Amazonian, Andean and Central American indigenous people.1. The genetic diversity found stands within the range of other Amazonian populations, whereas compared to the mestizo and afro-descendant Colombian populations, such diversity showed to be lower. 2. The structure and population differentiation tests showed two clusters; one consisting of the Vaupés Tukanoan and Guaviare Tukanoan groups, and a second one formed by the Guayabero. 3. Tukanoan groups are found to be closer related to the Brazilian Amazonian populations than to the Guayabero.The results of this study suggest that the Guayabero group from Guaviare, are genetically differentiated from those Tukanoan groups of the Vaupés and Guaviare.En los departamentos del Vaupés y el Guaviare, al Suroriente de Colombia, en un área transicional entre la Amazonía y los Llanos Orientales, habitan pueblos indígenas de las familias lingüísticas Tucano (Oriental) y Guahibo. Se han hecho estudios sobre la cultura y la cosmología de dichos grupos, pero poco se ha investigado sobre su diversidad biológica y sus relaciones genéticas.Estimar la diversidad, la estructura y las relaciones genéticas de dos poblaciones Tucano Oriental y un grupo Guayabero (Guahibo) de la Amazonía colombiana.Se recolectaron muestras de 106 individuos no emparentados, pertenecientes a comunidades indígenas del Vaupés y el Guaviare. Se tipificaron nueve microsatélites autosómicos. Se estimó la heterocigosidad, la diversidad génica, FST y FST pareados entre grupos. Se realizó una prueba de estructura espacial y se construyó un árbol de distancias genéticas con otras poblaciones indígenas amazónicas, Andinas y centroamericanas.La diversidad genética se encuentra en el rango estándar de otras poblaciones amazónicas, pero es más baja que en población mestiza y afrodescendiente de Colombia. Los Tucano Oriental del Vaupés y el Guaviare conforman una unidad genética que se diferencia significativamente de los Guayaberos. Los grupos Tucano están más cerca genéticamente de las poblaciones amazónicas brasileras que de los Guayabero.Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que los Guayaberos en el Guaviare, están diferenciados genéticamente de los grupos Tucano del Vaupés y de los Tucano del Refugio en el Guaviare.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo el desarrollo y la validación de un instrumento específico para valorar de un modo objetivo la calidad de vida de personas mayores y personas con discapacidad que acuden a algún tipo de servicio social. La escala se desarrolló siguiendo un proceso de tres pasos: revisión de la literatura, elaboración de un banco de ítems y evaluación de los ítems seleccionados por un grupo de 15 expertos en términos de idoneidad, importancia y observabilidad. La validación del cuestionario se llevó a cabo en una muestra de 100 usuarios adultos de servicios proporcionados por Matía Fundazioa (San Sebastián). La fiabilidad se evaluó en términos de consistencia interna (Alpha de Cronbach y correlación entre dos mitades de Spearman-Brown) y estructura factorial (fiabilidad zeta y omega). La validez se evaluó en términos de validez de contenido, validez discriminante, validez concurrente y validez de constructo. Los resultados obtenidos confirman la validez y fiabilidad de la Escala FUMAT para evaluar la calidad de vida objetiva de personas mayores y personas con discapacidad que son usuarias de servicios sociales.

The mortality rate of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains high, despite clinical improvements. Many attempts have been made to find accurate and reliable predictors of outcome. Deadspace (Vd/Vt) and dynamic compliance (DC) measured by single breath CO2 analysis may be useful to evaluate pulmonary function and perfusion. In the present study we analyse both parameters in patients with CDH. Nine patients with CDH were included for Vd/Vt and DC study. Measurements of arterial blood gases (pH, PO2, pCO2) were obtained, oxygenation index and alveolo-arterial difference calculated at diagnosis, preoperatively and postoperatively. Vd/Vt and DC were measured at the same moments by analysis of the CO2 espirogram. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test, ANOVA and Mann Whitney and Chi-square. The Vd/Vt was significant lower for the group of patients who survived (0.39 +/- 0.07 vs 0.64 +/- 0.14, p = 0.038). DC was significantly higher in the survivors group (1.39 +/- 0.30 vs 0.5 +/- 0.07, p = 0.011). The analysis of the evolutive Vd/Vt and DC (initial and preoperative) showed significant differences within both groups. Respiratory deadspace can be easily quantified in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia providing an important insight regarding the efficiency of the airway-alveolus and its relationship to pulmonary blood flow. Vd/Vt and DC measurement constitute a reliable method to predict outcome in patients with CDH.

The present paper analyses cone yields of ninety clones during four years in a stonepine clone bank in Madrid. The yield of each tree was modelled by a generalized linear model that includes the genotype as fixed factor and size parameter and spatial correlations as covariables. The latter two were surrogated by stem cross-section area above grafting point and by the moving average of the direct neighbour trees. Original Complete Block Design failed to remove plot variability, so a iterative method was used for archiving independent residuals. Clonal least square means showed a gradual variation, which did not allow to discriminate a clear group of plus genotypes. Se evalúan las primeras cosechas de piña de los clones candidatos a grandes productores de piña injertados en el banco clonal de pino piñonero Cataluña Litoral, situado en el Centro Nacional de Mejora Genética Forestal Puerta de Hierro (Madrid). Con este fin se ha establecido un modelo lineal generalizado de producción de árbol individual que estima como factor fijo el valor medio de cada genotipo, ajustado por el tamaño de cada ramet y por las correlaciones espaciales observadas. Estas dos fuentes de variación significativas se han estimado, respectivamente, por la sección del fuste por encima del punto de injerto y por la media móvil de los valores residuales de los árboles vecinos, debido a que los bloques completos del diseño original de la parcela no recogen satisfactoriamente la variación espacial observada. Se aplica un método iterativo para lograr la independencia de los residuos del modelo. Las medias ajustadas de los clones muestran una variación gradual que todavía no permite proponer una población de mejora depurada que se diferencie nítidamente del promedio general.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of high frequency ventilation (HFV) used as a rescue strategy in newborn infants with severe lung disease who either failed conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) or had an air block. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1995 to June 1998, 241 infants with severe lung disease and managed according to a common protocol of HFV used as a rescue strategy were prospectively evaluated in the nine participating level III Spanish Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The most frequent diagnoses were respiratory distress syndrome (119), meconium aspiration (24), pneumonia (19) and congenital diaphragm hernia (18). RESULTS: Mean +/- SD gestational age and birth weight were 32.0 +/- 5.5 weeks and 1,187 +/- 1,071 g, respectively. All babies were previously manages with CMV for a mean of 59 hours. HFV was started at a mean postnatal age of 82 hrs, with a mean oxygenation index (OI) of 28.3 +/- 15.3 and an a/A DO2 of 0.10 +/- 0.08. Initial mean HFV settings were: mean airway pressure 12.8 +/- 3.4 mbar, frequency 8.3 +/- 1.4 Hz, amplitude 53 +/- 20 percent, tidal volume 2.2 +/- 0.7 ml/kg and FiO2 0.88 +/- 0.2. At two hours of HFV there was a significant increase in the mean PaO2 (from 48 to 80 mmHg), with a concomitant decrease in FiO2 (from 0.88 to 0.79), PaCO2 (from 60 to 46 mmHg) and OI (from 28 to 18). Mean a/A DO2 increased from 0.10 to 0.19; these changes remained similar thereafter. HFV was suspended after a mean of 95 hrs because of improvement in 70%, death in 19% and failure to improve the clinical condition in the remaining 19%. Intrahospital death rate was 32%. The following complications were observed: pneumothorax (10%), interstitial emphysema (4%), intraventricular hemorrhage grades III and IV (14.5%) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (35%). CONCLUSIONS: HFV is an effective rescue strategy that improves pulmonary gas exchange within two hours of its initiation.

To determine the design and comfort in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs), by analysing visiting hours, information, and family participation in patient care.Descriptive, multicentre study.Spanish ICUs.A questionnaire e-mailed to members of the Spanish Society of Intensive Care Medicine, Critical and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), subscribers of the Electronic Journal Intensive Care Medicine, and disseminated through the blog Proyecto HU-CI.A total of 135 questionnaires from 131 hospitals were analysed. Visiting hours: 3.8% open 24h, 9.8% open daytime, and 67.7% have 2 visits a day. Information: given only by the doctor in 75.2% of the cases, doctor and nurse together in 4.5%, with a frequency of once a day in 79.7%. During weekends, information is given in 95.5% of the cases. Information given over the phone 74.4%. Family participation in patient care: hygiene 11%, feeding 80.5%, physiotherapy 17%. Personal objects allowed: mobile phone 41%, computer 55%, sound system 77%, and television 30%. Architecture and comfort: all individual cubicles 60.2%, natural light 54.9%, television 7.5%, ambient music 12%, clock in the cubicle 15.8%, environmental noise meter 3.8%, and a waiting room near the ICU 68.4%.Visiting policy is restrictive, with a closed ICU being the predominating culture. On average, technological communication devices are not allowed. Family participation in patient care is low. The ICU design does not guarantee privacy or provide a desirable level of comfort.

Comunicació presentada al 9th International Conference on Language Resources and Evaluation (LREC'14), celebrat del 26 al 31 de maig de 2014 a Reykjavík, Islàndia. We present the results of the experiment of bootstrapping a Treebank for Catalan by using a Dependency Parser trained with Spanish sentences. In order to save time and cost, our approach was to profit from the typological similarities between Catalan and Spanish to create a first Catalan data set quickly by (i) automatically annotating with a delexicalized Spanish parser, (ii) manually correcting the parses, and (iii) using the Catalan corrected sentences to train a Catalan parser. The results showed that the number of parsed sentences required to train a Catalan parser is about 1000, which were achieved in 4 months with 2 annotators. This work was partially supported by the SKATER project (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, TIN2012-38584-C06-05).

This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Thermoelectric Materials., Zinc oxide (ZnO) has being recognised as a potentially interesting thermoelectric material, allowing flexible tuning of the electrical properties by donor doping. This work focuses on the assessment of tantalum doping effects on the relevant structural, microstructural, optical and thermoelectric properties of ZnO. Processing of the samples with a nominal composition Zn1−xTaxO by conventional solid-state route results in limited solubility of Ta in the wurtzite structure. Electronic doping is accompanied by the formation of other defects and dislocations as a compensation mechanism and simultaneous segregation of ZnTa2O6 at the grain boundaries. Highly defective structure and partial blocking of the grain boundaries suppress the electrical transport, while the evolution of Seebeck coefficient and band gap suggest that the charge carrier concentration continuously increases from x = 0 to 0.008. Thermal conductivity is almost not affected by the tantalum content. The highest ZT~0.07 at 1175 K observed for Zn0.998Ta0.002O is mainly provided by high Seebeck coefficient (−464 μV/K) along with a moderate electrical conductivity of ~13 S/cm. The results suggest that tantalum may represent a suitable dopant for thermoelectric zinc oxide, but this requires the application of specific processing methods and compositional design to enhance the solubility of Ta in wurtzite lattice., This research was funded by FCT individual grant SFRH/BPD/124238/2016; project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (ref. UID/CTM/50011/2019), Project of Bilateral Cooperation between FCT and DAAD (Germany) and the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031875, financed by COMPETE 2020 Program and National Funds through the FCT/MEC and when applicable cofinanced by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. TEM work was financed by H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016 SPICOLOST (Grant No. 734187) and has been conducted at Advanced Microscopy Laboratory INA- Universidad de Zaragoza. David M. Tobaldi is grateful to the Portuguese National Funds (OE), through FCT and IP, within the scope of the framework contract provided for by numbers 4, 5 and 6 of Article 23, of the Decree-Law 57/2016, of August 29, changed by Law 57/2017, of July 19.

Background and Objectives: Currently, pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are recognized with increasing frequency and have become a more common finding in clinical practice. EUS is challenging in the diagnosis of PCLs and evidence-based decisions are lacking in its application. This study aimed to develop strong recommendations for the use of EUS in the diagnosis of PCLs, based on the experience of experts in the field. Methods: A survey regarding the practice of EUS in the evaluation of PCLs was drafted by the committee member of the International Society of EUS Task Force (ISEUS-TF). It was disseminated to experts of EUS who were also members of the ISEUS-TF. In some cases, percentage agreement with some statements was calculated; in others, the options with the greatest numbers of responses were summarized. Results: Fifteen questions were extracted and disseminated among 60 experts for the survey. Fifty-three experts completed the survey within the specified time frame. The average volume of EUS cases at the experts' institutions is 988.5 cases per year. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of EUS alone in the morphologic diagnosis of PCLs, the results of the survey indicate that EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration is widely expected to become a more valuable method.