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La pandemia COVID-19 ha supuesto un gran desafío para los sistemas de salud y su personal en todo el mundo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la depresión en sanitarios paraguayos que están en contacto con pacientes COVID-19, así como síntomas asociados a la misma. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal. Participaron 130 profesionales paraguayos en el área de la salud mediante muestreo intencional. Se empleó la escala HPQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire). Se trata de un instrumento compuesto por 9 ítems relacionados con sintomatología depresiva. La puntuación media obtenida por los sanitarios, en la prueba PHQ-9, fue de 6,56, lo que se interpreta como “depresión leve o moderada”. En las variables de tipo somático, se presentó sensación de cansancio (83,1%), especialmente, en los enfermeros/as (p= ,016). El 58,5% manifestó alteraciones en la alimentación y el 56,2% dificultades en el sueño. En relación con trastornos de personalidad, el 47,7% evidenció síntomas depresivos en los últimos días, en especial las mujeres. El 37,7% se sintió fracasado, el 11,5% en algún momento tuvo ideas suicidas, el 58,4% dificultades en la concentración para actividades y el 41,6% vio afectadas sus relacione sociales. El análisis de regresión logística binaria percibió que el 27,6% de los profesionales en medicina y el 26,3% de enfermería había pensado en abandonar la profesión. Se requiere profundizar en este tipo de estudio para diseñar intervenciones eficaces de protección y ayuda.

Snack consumption contributes to the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases because snacks contain high quantities of fat, sodium, and sugar. It is possible to reformulate these foods to improve their nutritional composition by incorporating coconut byproducts. This study aims to improve the nutritional profile of a snack by adding coconut flour to it. A Box–Behnken design was used to study the effects of coconut flour (40-60%), baking time (15-20 min), and temperature (140-160°C) on the physicochemical properties of the snack. There were considered response variables color aspects (L ∗ , a ∗ , b ∗ , C ∗ , and h ∗ ), aw, moisture, BI, and hardness. The R 2 was over 0.73 for aw, moisture, a ∗ , and b ∗ ; meanwhile, as for the rest of the variables, it was lower to 0.71, except for the hardness, for which the model was not significant. For that, the variables considered for the optimization were aw, moisture, a ∗ , and b ∗ . It was found that the moisture content and a ∗ and b ∗ values decreased as the amount of coconut flour increased. Time and temperature reduced the moisture content and the aw and b ∗ values. The optimum conditions of coconut flour amount, time, and temperature were 55.3%, 20 min, and 159°C, respectively. The result was a snack with appropriate physicochemical properties and an increase in the content of protein, fat, and ash compared to the nixtamalized corn flour; also, the principal fatty acid of the snack was the lauric acid, characteristic of the coconut. This study validates the production of a snack made with a virgin coconut oil byproduct.

En este trabajo se elaboraron películas comestibles (PCs) a base de quitosano (Q), agar (A) y tomillo (T), en cuatro diferentes formulaciones (Q, A, QA y QAT). A las PCs se les evaluaron propiedades mecánicas (tensión y elongación a la ruptura), propiedades estructurales (espectroscopía de infrarrojo por FTIR), propiedades térmicas (análisis termogravimétrico), propiedades de transporte (permeabilidad al vapor de agua) y análisis morfológico (microscopía electrónica de barrido). Las PCs de QA y QAT destacaron por su resistencia a la tensión, transparencia, velocidad de transmisión al vapor de agua y permeancia, así como la mayor capacidad antioxidante. Se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación de los recubrimientos comestibles (RCs) de QA y QAT en la calidad de frutos de aguacate “Hass” durante 13 días de almacenamiento a 25 °C. Se evaluaron periódicamente en los frutos las variables de pérdida de peso, tasa de respiración, producción de etileno, apariencia visual y pudriciones. La aplicación de los RCs al fruto redujo su pérdida de peso y extendió su vida de anaquel. Los RCs les confirieron a los frutos una barrera al vapor de agua, reduciendo la pérdida de peso en 40%. Así mismo, se disminuyó la incidencia de pudriciones de los frutos.

SummaryMemories are stored as ensembles of engram neurons and their successful recall involves the reactivation of these cellular networks. While progress has been made in understanding the biology of engrams, significant gaps remain in connecting these cell ensembles with the process of forgetting. Here, we examine whether forgetting is governed by changes in engram plasticity and suggest that it helps animals prioritize relevant memory representations for adaptive behavior. We utilized a mouse model of object memory and investigated the conditions in which a memory could be preserved, retrieved, or forgotten. The results indicate that engram activity correlated with the rate of forgetting. Direct modulation of engram activity via optogenetic stimulation or inhibition either facilitated or prevented the recall of an object memory. In addition, the modulation of engram activity was able to prevent forgetting itself. Moreover, through pharmacological and behavioral interventions, we successfully prevented or accelerated forgetting of an object memory. Finally, we show that these results can be explained by a computational model in which engrams that are subjectively less relevant for adaptive behavior are more likely to be forgotten. Together, these findings suggest that forgetting is an adaptive form of engram plasticity that involves circuit remodeling, which allows engrams to switch from an accessible state to an inaccessible state.

RNA guanine quadruplexes (G4s) regulate RNA functions, metabolism, and processing. G4s formed within precursors of microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) may impair pre-miRNAs maturation by Dicer, thus repressing mature miRNA biogenesis. As miRNAs are essential for proper embryonic development, we studied the role of G4s on miRNA biogenesisin vivoduring zebrafish embryogenesis. We performed a computational analysis on zebrafish pre-miRNAs to find putative G4 forming sequences (PQSs). The precursor of the miRNA 150 (pre-miR-150) was found to contain an evolutionarily conserved PQS formed by three G-tetrads and able to foldin vitroas G4. MiR-150 controls the expression ofmyb, which shows a well-defined knock-down phenotype in zebrafish developing embryos. We microinjected zebrafish embryos within vitrotranscribed pre-miR-150 synthesized using either GTP (G-pre-miR-150) or 7-Deaza-GTP, a GTP analogue unable to form G4s (7DG-pre-miR-150). Compared to embryos injected with G-pre-miR-150, embryos injected with 7DG-pre-miR-150 showed higher levels of miRNA 150 (miR-150) and lower levels ofmybmRNA and stronger phenotypes associated withmybknock-down. The incubation of pre-miR-150 prior to the injection with the G4 stabilizing ligand pyridostatin (PDS) reverted gene expression variations and rescued the phenotypes related tomybknock-down. Overall, results suggest that the G4 formed in pre-miR-150 functionsin vivoas a conserved regulatory structure competing with the stem-loop structure necessary for miRNA biogenesis.

Históricamente, los estudios de desastres han presentado dos comprensiones antagónicas de las catástrofes: singularidades extremas que producen historia o procesos que perpetúan estructuras sociopolíticas e inequidades. Mediante un análisis del terremoto de 1970 en Ancash, Perú, y su influencia en la implementación de discursos de (des)aceleración en medio de grandes transformaciones en la sociedad peruana, este artículo presenta una comprensión alternativa de los desastres más allá de la disrupción y continuidad, para enfocarse en las articulaciones temporales que estos producen. Al ser concebidos como dispositivos temporales, los desastres tienen la capacidad de reestructurar ritmos, escalas y temporalidades de manera heterogénea y múltiple. El artículo pretende aportar argumentos que, aunque basados en el terremoto de Ancash, pueden aplicarse a otros debates sobre catástrofes, crisis y desastres como desencadenantes de aceleración y desaceleración económica, social o cultural.

The addition of bioactive components, especially antioxidants, and plasticizers are good strategies to improve the properties of edible films. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract (MEE) and glycerol (G) in chitosan (C) films. Two concentrations of MEE (0.07 and 0.15% wt) and two concentrations of G (20 and 40% wt) were incorporated and their effect on the physical, mechanical, optical, barrier, structural, morphological, and bioactive properties of the film was evaluated. In physical properties, the incorporation of G increased the density and moisture in 78.2% and 71.3%, respectively. However, the addition of MEE affected the solubility. Films with 40% wt of G and MEE exhibited an antiplasticizing effect, which was observed in a decrease of 38.3% in tensile strength (TS) and 72.1% in percentage of elongation at break (% Eb) values. In the optical properties, the addition of MEE acted as a barrier to light transmission. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of some films showed a decreased up to 6.5% due to the presence of MEE compared to control films. In structural properties, infrared spectroscopy revealed that the structure of the films was slightly modified. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the films were homogeneous and films with 40% wt G showed two phases on their surface. Films with 40% wt G and 0.15% wt MEE presented the highest content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. This formulation showed suitable physicochemical properties and could be considered as a potential material for active packaging for food products.

Decades of scientific collaboration have brought innovation, prosperity and wide societal benefit to Europe. However, recent political events have impacted pan-European research and collaborations, and solutions are yet to materialise. Here, we argue that a vibrant, united European Research community led by its members and independent from political bodies is needed for Europe to remain a successful, interconnected scientific hub and keep delivering globally competitive science. The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) is in an ideal position to play a paramount role in this endeavour.

Wound healing treatment in diabetic patients worldwide represents around 2.1 trillion dollars to global health sectors. This is because of the complications presented in the wound healing process of skin ulcers, such as a lack of macrophage and fibroblast growth factors (TGF-β1 and PDGF, respectively) that are both needed for extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Therefore, there is a need for research on new and cost-effective materials to enable ECM synthesis. Such materials include co-electrospun nanofibers used as wound dressings, since they have a similar morphology to the ECM, and therefore, possess the advantage of using different materials to accelerate the wound healing process. Co-electrospun nanofibers have a unique structural configuration, formed by a core and a shell. This configuration allows the protection and gradual liberation of healing agent compounds, which could be included in the core. Some of the materials used in nanofibers are polymers, including natural compounds, such as chitosan (which has been proven to possess antimicrobial and therapeutic activity) and gelatin (for its cell growth, adhesion, and organisational capacity in the wound healing process). Synthetics such as polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) (mainly as a co-spinning agent to chitosan) can also be used. Another bioactive compound that can be used to enhance the wound healing process is eugenol, a terpenoid present in different medicinal plant tissues that have scarring properties. Therefore, the present review analyses the potential use of co-electrospun nanofibers, with chitosan-PVA-eugenol in the core and gelatin in the shell as a wound dressing for diabetic skin ulcers.

Infantile amnesia is possibly the most ubiquitous form of memory loss in mammals. Despite its widespread relevance, little is known about the biological conditions for infantile amnesia to occur and its effect on the engram cells that encode a memory. We investigated how memories are stored in the brain throughout development by integrating engram labeling technology with mouse models of infantile amnesia. We discovered a sex-specific phenomenon in which male offspring in maternal immune activation models of autism spectrum disorder do not experience infantile amnesia. We rescued the same apparently forgotten infantile memories in mice by optogenetically reactivating dentate gyrus engram cells that were labeled during complex experiences in infant development. Further, we were able to permanently reinstate lost infantile memories by artificially updating the memory engram, demonstrating that infantile amnesia is a reversible process. Our findings suggest that immune activation during development modulates innate, and reversible, forgetting switches that determine whether infantile amnesia will occur.

Protein lifespan is regulated by co-translational modification by several enzymes, including methionine aminopeptidases and N-alpha-aminoterminal acetyltransferases. The NatB enzymatic complex is an N-terminal acetyltransferase constituted by two subunits, NAA20 and NAA25, whose interaction is necessary to avoid NAA20 catalytic subunit degradation. We found that deletion of the first five amino acids of hNAA20 or fusion of a peptide to its amino terminal end abolishes its interaction with hNAA25. Substitution of the second residue of hNAA20 with amino acids with small, uncharged side-chains allows NatB enzymatic complex formation. However, replacement by residues with large or charged side-chains interferes with its hNAA25 interaction, limiting functional NatB complex formation. Comparison of NAA20 eukaryotic sequences showed that the residue following the initial methionine, an amino acid with a small uncharged side-chain, has been evolutionarily conserved. We have confirmed the relevance of second amino acid characteristics of NAA20 in NatB enzymatic complex formation in Drosophila melanogaster. Moreover, we have evidenced the significance of NAA20 second residue in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using different NAA20 versions to reconstitute NatB formation in a yNAA20-KO yeast strain. The requirement in humans and in fruit flies of an amino acid with a small uncharged side-chain following the initial methionine of NAA20 suggests that methionine aminopeptidase action may be necessary for the NAA20 and NAA25 interaction. We showed that inhibition of MetAP2 expression blocked hNatB enzymatic complex formation by retaining the initial methionine of NAA20. Therefore, NatB-mediated protein N-terminal acetylation is dependent on methionine aminopeptidase, providing a regulatory mechanism for protein N-terminal maturation.

A rise in the number of flood-affected people and areas has increased the interest in new methods and concepts that account for this change. Citizens are integrated into disaster risk reduction processes through participatory approaches and can provide valuable up-to-date local knowledge. During a field study in Eberbach (Baden–Wuerttemberg, Germany) sketch maps and questionnaires were used to capture local knowledge about flooding. Based on a previous study on urban flooding in Santiago de Chile, the tools were adapted and applied to river flooding in the city of Eberbach, which is regularly flooded by the Neckar River, a major river in southwest Germany. The empirical database of the study comprises 40 participants in the study area and 40 in a control area. Half of the participants in each group are residents and half are pedestrians. Purposive sampling was used, and the questionnaires aimed to gather demographic information and explore what factors, such as property, influence the risk perception of the study participants. The results show that residents identify a larger spatial area as at risk than pedestrians, and owning property leads to higher risk awareness. The flood type influenced the choice of the base maps for the sketch maps. For river flooding, one map with an overview of the area was sufficient, while for urban flooding a second map with more details of the area also enables the marking of small streets. The information gathered can complement authoritative data such as from flood models. This participatory approach also increases the communication and trust between local governments, researchers, and citizens.

espanolEsta investigacion propone un metodo para valorar las dimensiones de calidad del servicio en una empresa de lavado de tanques industriales, articulando una carta de control y un nuevo indicador de calidad multivariante. Como marco teorico se utilizan los conceptos de control estadistico multivariante, calidad del servicio y Seis Sigma. La informacion primaria corresponde a 5 dimensiones de calidad en el servicio de limpieza en 12 meses para monitorear el desempeno del servicio de forma periodica y el indicador de capacidad de manera global. La carta T2 de Hotelling evalua las dimensiones de calidad de forma periodica y estas mostraron la mayor variabilidad en su desempeno en las dimensiones: arreglos de tanques, limpieza y pulida. En conclusion, el indicador de calidad multivariante evidencio ser pertinente para evaluar las dimensiones del servicio de forma global y precisar si el desempeno del servicio es conforme y estable. EnglishThis research study proposes a method to assess the dimensions of service quality in an industrial tank washing company, articulating a control chart and a new multivariate quality indicator. The concepts of multivariate statistical control, service quality, and Six Sigma are used as a theoretical framework. The primary information corresponds to five quality dimensions in the cleaning service for 12 months to monitor service performance periodically and indicator capacity globally. Hotelling's T2 chart periodically assesses the quality dimensions and showed the greatest performance variability in: tank arrangements, cleaning, and polishing. In conclusion, the multivariate quality indicator proved to be adequate to globally assess service dimensions and to specify whether service performance is consistent and stable.

Memories are crucial for making accurate predictions about our environment. New research suggests that, in the face of limited perceptual evidence, our brains quickly form generalized contextual memory engrams that can be refined based on future, confirmatory or misleading, experience.

Contains fulltext : 225281.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Contains fulltext : 225281pos.pdf (Author’s version postprint ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND & AIMS: Polycystic liver diseases (PLDs) are genetic disorders characterized by progressive development of multiple biliary cysts. Recently, novel PLD-causative genes, encoding for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident proteins involved in protein biogenesis and transport, were identified. We hypothesized that aberrant proteostasis contributes to PLD pathogenesis, representing a potential therapeutic target. METHODS: ER stress was analysed at transcriptional (qPCR), proteomic (mass spectrometry), morphological (transmission electron microscopy, TEM) and functional (proteasome activity) levels in different PLD models. The effect of ER stress inhibitors [4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA)] and/or activators [tunicamycin (TM)] was tested in polycystic (PCK) rats and cystic cholangiocytes in vitro. RESULTS: The expression levels of unfolded protein response (UPR) components were upregulated in liver tissue from PLD patients and PCK rats, as well as in primary cultures of human and rat cystic cholangiocytes, compared to normal controls. Cystic cholangiocytes showed altered proteomic profiles, mainly related to proteostasis (ie synthesis, folding, trafficking and degradation of proteins), marked enlargement of the ER lumen (by TEM) and hyperactivation of the proteasome. Notably, chronic treatment of PCK rats with 4-PBA decreased liver weight, as well as both liver and cystic volumes, of animals under baseline conditions or after TM administration compared to controls. In vitro, 4-PBA downregulated the expression (mRNA) of UPR effectors, normalized proteomic profiles related to protein synthesis, folding, trafficking and degradation and reduced the proteasome hyperactivity in cystic cholangiocytes, reducing their hyperproliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of proteostasis in cystic cholangiocytes with 4-PBA halts hepatic cystogenesis, emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy.

Biodegradable films based on agar with glycerol (GLY) as a plasticizer were developed by incorporating hydroalcoholic garlic extract (HGE) on the film surface. The effect of GLY content (0, 15, or 30 wt%) and different concentrations of HGE (0, 0.5, 1, or 1.5 μg/mL) on the physicochemical and transport properties of the films was evaluated. The optical (color and transparency), mechanical (tensile test), transport (diffusion and water vapor transmission rate), thermal (thermogravimetric analysis) structural (infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction), and morphological (scanning electron microscope) properties were analyzed. The impregnation of HGE increased the transparency values and decreased the luminosity, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and crystallinity of the agar films. The formulation of 30 wt% GLY with 1.5 μg/mL HGE, identified as 30 GLY [1.5], showed a similar thermal stability that of a neat agar film. The agar films with 30 wt% GLY showed the lowest diffusion coefficient and water vapor transmission rate, indicating that volatile compounds are slowly released. From the results the formulation 30 GLY [1.5] could be used as a film to transport and to release HGE which is supported by a biodegradable matrix and this system has a potential use as insect semiochemical for plague control.

Understanding memory fundamentally relies on the study of behaviour, the readout of learned information encoded in the brain. Investigating memory, therefore, requires an integrative approach that links behaviour to neural substrates. Classical methods of measuring and manipulating brain activity such as in vivo electrophysiology and pharmacological interventions have been very useful, but lack precision. Today, state-of-the-art techniques allow us to directly observe and specifically manipulate brain activity that is associated with behaviour, particularly in rodents. The use of optogenetics and chemogenetics have revolutionised the investigation of memory, in particular when coupled with activity-dependant tagging methods (e.g. engram cell labelling). Calcium imaging and especially miniaturised microscopes allowed visualisation and quantification of neuronal activity in freely behaving animals. This review will examine the contribution of these and other contemporary methodologies to conceptual progress in the neuroscience of memory.

The filamentous green seaweed Chaetomorpha can grow in a wide range of salinities and temperatures, and it is often reported as nuisance in other cultures due to its proliferation capacity and ordinarily discarded. However, Chaetomorpha can represent a promising feedstock for different purposes due to their potential valuable compounds. In the present study, Chaetomorpha gracilis grown as an opportunistic species in Solieria filiformis cultivated under an integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) in tanks was valorized through three sequential extractions. The sequential extraction process implemented was successful and managed to recover three valuable products: a lipid fraction with interesting saturated fatty acids (SFAs), a water-soluble sulfated polysaccharide (SP) with gelling capacity and antioxidant activity, and a highly crystalline cellulose. We discuss on the promising uses and applications for this C. gracilis compounds valuable to obtain biofuel and other pharmacological uses and industrial applications (composites and/or as pulp in paper making).

espanolEsta investigacion propone un metodo de evaluacion de la calidad del servicio en un centro de atencion documental en una universidad. Desde un enfoque cuantitativo y racional se establecio un metodo fundamentado en las teorias de calidad del servicio y el concepto de Seis sigma. Se analizaron dos periodos de estudio y se contextualizaron las metricas asociadas con los criterios de evaluacion. Se determinaron tres metricas de Seis Sigma, valor de defectos por partes por millon (DPMO), el nivel Z y el rendimiento. En los resultados, todas las dimensiones evaluadas en febrero presentaron un nivel de sigma mayor con respecto al que obtuvieron en enero, asi como una disminucion de los defectos por partes por millon de un periodo al otro, es decir mejoro la calidad del servicio y se disminuyeron costos, salvo para la dimension de calidad ‘Respuesta pertinente’. Adicionalmente, mediante el calculo del rendimiento se encontro, que para la mayoria de los criterios de evaluacion de la calidad se mantuvieron por encima del 90%. Esta investigacion evidencia la pertinencia de articular conceptos de calidad del servicio con las metricas de Seis Sigma, permitiendo disenar un estandar de rendimiento del servicio para el mejoramiento de la calidad. EnglishThis research proposes a method to evaluate service quality in a documentary attention center in a university. From a quantitative and rational approach, a method based on the theories of quality of service and the concept of Six Sigma was established. Two study periods were analyzed and the metrics associated with the evaluation criteria were contextualized; Three metrics of Six Sigma, value of defects per parts per million (DPMO), level Z and performance were determined. In the results, all the dimensions evaluated in February presented a sigma level higher than that obtained in January, as well as a decrease in the defects per parts per million from one period to the other, that is, the quality of the service improved and costs decreased, except for the quality dimension 'Relevant response'. Additionally, by calculating the yield it was found that for most of the quality evaluation criteria they remained above 90%. This research demonstrates the relevance of articulating concepts of quality of service with Six Sigma metrics, allowing to design a standard of service performance for the improvement of quality

The thalamus is a gateway to the cortex. Cortical encoding of complex behavior can therefore only be understood by considering the thalamic processing of sensory and internally generated information. Here, we use two-photon Ca2+ imaging and optogenetics to investigate the role of axonal projections from the posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (POm) to the forepaw area of the mouse primary somatosensory cortex (forepaw S1). By recording the activity of POm axonal projections within forepaw S1 during expert and chance performance in two tactile goal-directed tasks, we demonstrate that POm axons increase activity in the response and, to a lesser extent, reward epochs specifically during correct HIT performance. When performing at chance level during learning of a new behavior, POm axonal activity was decreased to naive rates and did not correlate with task performance. However, once evoked, the Ca2+ transients were larger than during expert performance, suggesting POm input to S1 differentially encodes chance and expert performance. Furthermore, the POm influences goal-directed behavior, as photoinactivation of archaerhodopsin-expressing neurons in the POm decreased the learning rate and overall success in the behavioral task. Taken together, these findings expand the known roles of the higher-thalamic nuclei, illustrating the POm encodes and influences correct action during learning and performance in a sensory-based goal-directed behavior.

One leading hypothesis suggests that memories are stored in ensembles of neurons (or 'engram cells') and that successful recall involves reactivation of these ensembles. A logical extension of this idea is that forgetting occurs when engram cells cannot be reactivated. Forms of 'natural forgetting' vary considerably in terms of their underlying mechanisms, time course and reversibility. However, we suggest that all forms of forgetting involve circuit remodelling that switches engram cells from an accessible state (where they can be reactivated by natural recall cues) to an inaccessible state (where they cannot). In many cases, forgetting rates are modulated by environmental conditions and we therefore propose that forgetting is a form of neuroplasticity that alters engram cell accessibility in a manner that is sensitive to mismatches between expectations and the environment. Moreover, we hypothesize that disease states associated with forgetting may hijack natural forgetting mechanisms, resulting in reduced engram cell accessibility and memory loss.

The extensive use of petroleum-based plastics has led to serious environmental problems worldwide. A viable alternative is to replace these polymers with those that are biodegradable. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with properties that are similar to petroleum-based polymers. However, it has some drawbacks such as brittleness, poor impact strength, low heat distortion, and poor difficulties in thermal stability during processing. In this study, we describe the use of modified jute fibres to reinforce the PLA polymer matrix in order to improve its adhesion. Biocomposites of PLA and cut jute fibres (CJF) were prepared by extrusion. The CJF were modified using three different physical and chemical pretreatments (alkaline, maleic anhydride functionalization, and gamma irradiation). The results showed improvement in the mechanical, thermal, structural, and morphological properties of PLA biocomposites with 10% wt. CJF that were subjected to gamma irradiation at 50 kGy. The biocomposites developed could be used for rigid food packaging and are a good alternative for reducing domestic dependence on petroleum-based thermoplastics.

The present work lies in the framework of designing polymeric fibre reinforced materials to be used in nanosatellite structures (CubeSat). In the design of any structural system for a space mission the balance between mass, stiffness and strength must be taken into account, also the used materials have to be appropriated for the space environmental conditions. The CubeSat are exposed to high radiation levels (because of the sun irradiance), and so, the accurate determination of the thermal and radiation properties are a key issue for the materials design used in such applications. This work reports the thermal and radiation performance of a biphasic epoxy resin system incorporating two types of ceramic nanoparticles: zinc oxide and graphene, chosen as potential fillers to improve the thermal properties of the epoxy system. Materials are exposed to Gamma and UV radiation at rates of 1 kGy and 10 kGy and characterized after exposure. Different characterization techniques (Thermogravimetric analysis - TGA, Scanning Electron Microscopy - SEM and Colorimetry) are performed to determine thermal properties and possible material degradation after radiation exposure. The influence of the different nanofiller in the thermal and radiation response of the epoxy system are discussed. Thermal properties found are also added to the Finite Element Analysis of a CubeSat composite structure to estimate more accurately its performance under the thermal load and service conditions during satellite life cycle.

Assembly of spherical nanoparticles after Ca2+-induced cold gelation of aqueous extracts of wheat bran was previously reported. Although nanospheres were suggested to be constituted by proteins and stabilized by calcium bridges, their exact origin was not fully demonstrated because of the complexity of wheat bran extracts. To deepen in this respect, by means of a bottom-up approach, the experiment was reproduced with fractions of wheat bran obtained by size exclusion chromatography. After thermal treatment and addition of CaCl2, fractions were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron microscopy. Instead of the expected nanospheres, spheroidal particles with diameters 210 – 330 nm were precipitated from a protein fraction of 21 – 43 kDa, even before the addition of CaCl2. Spectroscopic and SDS-PAGE characterization showed that particles were mainly constituted by proteins. Global evidence indicates that calcium did not participate in the assembly of the particles, but rather the driving force for protein aggregation was the denaturation caused by the heat treatment. According to their characteristics, spheroidal particles were classified as biopolymer particles.

The finding of biofillers for the development of biodegradable composite materials (biocomposites) is constantly growing in academic and industrial interest since it promotes sustainability. In this work, biocomposites of polylactic acid (PLA) and pecan nutshell (PNS) at two different concentrations (5 and 7.5 wt%) were prepared in order to study their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. Biocomposites were prepared with non-treated and treated PNS and the overall mechanical and thermal properties compared and discussed. The treatment consisted in the extraction by chloroform of fatty acids (lipids, oils, and waxes) present in the PNS. The extraction process adds novel information of the chemical characterization of the PNS. The structural characterization performed by FTIR analyses showed the absence of carbonyl and methyl group signals in treated PNS as compared with untreated PNS, which corroborated the extraction of fatty acids from the PNS. The results obtained have shown that the mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural modulus as well as the impact strength in the biocomposites increased in comparison to the neat PLA, especially when treated PNS was used. Moreover, the dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed that the stiffness in the biocomposites is increased with the use of PNS. The overall results were positively correlated with the rheology tests and melt flow properties. However, thermal stability decreases as the PNS increases in both cases. While the SEM micrographs show gaps and poor adhesion of the two different phases in non-treated PNS, the adhesion with the matrix was improved by using treated PNS, as it was corroborated by the mechanical evaluation. PLA biocomposites loaded by PNS untreated and treated have been investigated; the results suggest that PLA–PNS biocomposites may be used in rigid packaging and other applications.

Animal trypanosomosis, caused by Trypanozoon trypanosomes (Trypanosoma evansi and T. equiperdum), and Trypanosoma vivax, is endemic to South American countries and has a negative impact on the livestock industry. However, the risk factors for trypanosomosis in Paraguay remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for equine trypanosomosis in Paraguay based on a PCR-based molecular survey and individual horse sampling data. In this study, 739 blood samples were collected from horses in 16 departments of Paraguay between August 2019 and November 2020. To elucidate the risk factors for trypanosome infection, the relationship between trypanosome infection status detected by PCR and the location, sex, age, breed of horses, and season of sample collection was analyzed. There were no significant differences in trypanosome prevalence in horses between the eastern and western regions, ages, or breeds of horses in Paraguay. Sex and season were identified as risk factors for trypanosome infection in horses in Paraguay in the current study. These results suggest that the rainy-summer season, when vectors increase in number and their blood-sucking activity, could be the most important risk factor for trypanosome infection in Paraguay horses. Preventive measures and treatments should be developed to address these factors.

Historically, disaster studies have been confronted with two antagonistic, but not exclusive, conceptualizations of catastrophes: first and foremost, extreme singularities that produce history, but also processes that perpetuate sociopolitical structures and inequalities. By exploring how the 1970 earthquake in Ancash, Peru was the scenario for implementing discourses of acceleration and deceleration amid strong transformations in Peruvian society, this article presents an alternative understanding of disasters beyond disruption and continuity by focusing on the temporal articulations they induce. When conceived as temporal devices, disasters have the capacity of restructuring rhythms, scales, and temporalities heterogeneously and manifoldly. This paper aims to bring forward arguments that, although grounded in the 1970 Ancash earthquake, can be applied to other discussions of disasters, catastrophes,and crises as triggering scenarios of economic, social, or cultural acceleration and deceleration. Históricamente, los estudios de desastres han presentado dos comprensiones antagónicas de las catástrofes: singularidades extremas que producen historia o procesos que perpetúan estructuras sociopolíticas e inequidades. Mediante un análisis del terremoto de 1970 en Ancash, Perú, y su influencia en la implementación de discursos de (des)aceleración en medio de grandes transformaciones en la sociedad peruana, este artículo presenta una comprensión alternativa de los desastres más allá de la disrupción y continuidad, para enfocarse en las articulaciones temporales que estos producen. Al ser concebidos como dispositivos temporales, los desastres tienen la capacidad de reestructurar ritmos, escalas y temporalidades de manera heterogénea y múltiple. El artículo pretende aportar argumentos que, aunque basados en el terremoto de Ancash, pueden aplicarse a otros debates sobre catástrofes, crisis y desastres como desencadenantes de aceleración y desaceleración económica, social o cultural.

Resumen basado en el de la publicación Título, resumen y palabras clave en español y en inglés La finalidad de la investigación ha sido elaborar un instrumento válido y fiable para evaluar las competencias interculturales a partir de las percepciones de los estudiantes de educación social y la educación inclusiva. Se ha realizado un amplio estudio que aplican cuestionarios para investigar este tema. El análisis de los datos estadísticos verificó la validez y la fiabilidad del CCI. Se concluye que el cuestionario integra los componentes de la competencia intercultural para los estudiantes y se demuestra su representatividad con las dimensiones del CCI. ESP

The cherimoya ( Annona cherimola Mill.) is a fruit crop with worldwide commercial importance. However, its distribution and potential growing regions of cherimoya are not defined for Mexico. That is why, this research aims to map the natural distribution of cherimoya and different eco-climatic regions where it is grown in Mexico as well as to map the climatic adaptability with the current climate and a prospection with the climate change scenario, all by different models of GIS. The general distribution model of cherimoya in Mexico showed that it had a chance to find cherimoya “in a natural way” in the biogeographic provinces Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Sierra Madre del Sur and Highlands of Chiapas. Three eco-climatic groups were found in the distribution of cherimoya that corresponded to climates C(m)(w) , (A)C(e’) , and (A)C(e) , respectively. Where the group with climate (A)C(e) had the most restricted distribution. The potential growing regions of excellent adaptation of cherimoya were found in the biogeographic provinces of Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre del Sur and Highlands of Chiapas. Finally, based on eco-crop modelling, it is concluded that climate change will not greatly affect areas of excellent adaptation of cherimoya in Mexico.

Understanding memory requires an explanation for how information can be stored in the brain in a stable state. The change in the brain that accounts for a given memory is referred to as an engram. In recent years, the term engram has been operationalized as the cells that are activated by a learning experience, undergoes plasticity, and are sufficient and necessary for memory recall. Using this framework, and a growing toolbox of related experimental techniques, engram manipulation has become a central topic in behavioral, systems, and molecular neuroscience. Recent research on the topic has provided novel insights into the mechanisms of long-term memory storage, and its overlap with instinct. We propose that memory and instinct may be embodied as isomorphic topological structures within the brain's microanatomical circuitry.

CONTEXT In March, 2020, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was spreading in the Bay Area, especially in Santa Clara County, causing increases in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. PROGRAM The Association of Bay Area Health Officials (ABAHO) represents 13 Bay Area health jurisdictions. IMPLEMENTATION On March 15, 2020, the local health officers of 7 ABAHO members (counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara and the city of Berkeley) decided to issue legal orders on March 16 for 6.7 million residents to shelter in place to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19. The Bay Area was the first region in the United States to shelter in place, and within days, other regions in the United States followed. EVALUATION Subsequent comparative analyses have confirmed that acting early in issuing shelter-in-place orders prevented a large number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the Bay Area throughout the United States. The quality of a decision-in this case, for crisis decision making-cannot be judged by the outcome. A good decision can have a bad outcome, and a bad decision can have a good outcome. The quality of a decision depends only on the quality of the decision-making process at the time the decision was made. DISCUSSION In this Field Report, we review how we made this collective decision. With the benefit of hindsight and reflection, we recount our story through the lens of public health legal authority, meta-leadership, and decision intelligence. Our purpose is to improve the crisis decision-making skills of public health officials by improving how we make high-stakes decisions each day in our continuing fight to contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, to save lives, and to eliminate COVID-19 racial/ethnic inequities.

Tight control of transgene expression is key to ensure the efficacy of a wide range of gene therapy interventions, in which the magnitude and duration of gene expression have to be adjusted to therapeutic needs, thereby limiting secondary effects. The development of upgraded strategies to link transgene expression to pathological stress episodes is an unmet need in gene therapy. Here, we propose an expression strategy that associates transgene expression to an intracellular stress coping mechanism, the unfolded protein response. Specifically, we harnessed the

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an alternative for thousands of people worldwide with advanced atherosclerotic coronary artery disease...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1017/cts.2020.23.].

The uptake of arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] by functionalized calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) beads from aqueous solutions was investigated. Ca-Alg beads were protonated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) or polyethyleneimine (PEI) using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) or glutaraldehyde (GA) as crosslinking agents. Four types of protonated beads were prepared: Ca-Alg-EDC/NHS (PLL or PEI) and Ca-Alg-GA (PLL or PEI). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in total attenuated reflection mode (FTIR-ATR), analysis showed presence and increased intensity of bands corresponding to OH, NH, CH2 and CH3 groups in modifications with both polycations. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy of all modified capsules showed an increase in thermal stability and uniformity of the capsules, respectively. Ca-Alg-EDC/NHS-PLL beads had the maximum adsorption capacity of [As(V)] (312.9 ± 4.7 μg g−1 of the alginate) at pH 7.0 and 15 minute exposure, while Ca-Alg-EDC/NHS-PEI beads had the maximum adsorption capacity of [As(III)] (1052.1 ± 4.6 μg g−1 of alginate). However, all these EDC containing beads were degraded in the presence of citrate. Ca-Alg-GA-PEI beads removed 252.8 ± 9.7 μg of [As(V)] μg g−1 of alginate and 524.7 ± 5.3 de [As(III)] μg g−1 of alginate, resulting the most stable capsules and suitable for As removal.