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Teresa Serrano,1 Paula Pierozan,2 Esteban Alberti,1 Lisette Blanco,1 Karelys de la Cuétara Bernal,1 María E González,1 Nancy Pavón,1 Lourdes Lorigados,1 María A Robinson-Agramonte,1 Jorge A Bergado1 1International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN), La Habana, Cuba; 2Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Abstract: This article investigates the possible effects of transplantation of mononuclear bone marrow cells (mBMCs) to ameliorate or prevent the behavioral impairments and the cellular damage observed in a quinolinic acid (QA) model of Huntington’s disease. mBMCs were isolated using a standard procedure and implanted within the QA-lesioned striatum. Behavior was explored using motor (beam test) and memory (object recognition and Morris water maze) tests. Morphology was evaluated using conventional histology (cresyl violet), bisbenzimide (to evaluate cell vitality), and immunohystochemistry to identify neurons or glia. mBMC-transplanted animals showed improvements in motor coordination (beam test). Regarding memory, object recognition was significantly improved in transplanted animals, while spatial memory (Morris water maze test) was not severely affected by QA and, therefore, the results after transplantation were significant only in the probe-trial retention test. In samples taken from the animals that participated in the behavioral tests, a preserved morphology of striatal neurons and a reduced glial reaction indicated a possible neuroprotective effect of the transplanted mBMCs. A parallel study confirmed that the transplanted mBMCs have a long survival period (1 year follow-up). The results presented confirm the possibility that mBMC transplantation may be a viable therapeutic option for Huntington’s disease. Keywords: mononuclear bone marrow cells, Huntington’s disease, quinolinic acid, transplant, Fluoro-Jade C, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuronal nuclear marker

Coastal wetlands are transitional ecosystems between land and sea. Participants of citizen science programs have detected frequent floods in wetlands, as well as small pools that appear and then disappear. Considering that it is not clear whether their main hydrologic drivers are of marine or continental origin, we studied the El Culebrón wetland located in the Chilean semi-arid zone. El Culebrón is strongly influenced by extreme rain events. This wetland also experiences seasonal changes in its water stage (WS). A high mean sea level agreed with 41% of the WS rises. High intensity storm surges coincided with 53% of WS peaks. A small tsunami in 2022 impacted the WS, and another very intense tsunami flooded it in 2015. An apparent diurnal cycle in the WS was discarded due to an instrumental artifact. The combination of the aforementioned factors provided an explanation for 91% of the WS rises. The probable and novel mechanism for sea level and storm surge influence on WS is the formation of a sand barrier between the coastal lagoon and the sea. As a whole, El Culebrón receives varied influences from both the sea and the mainland, but it seems to be more dependent on freshwater sources.

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects domestic and wild cats around the world. FeLV infection is associated with the development of neoplasms, bone marrow disorders and immunosuppression. Viral subgroups arise from mutations in the FeLV genome or from recombination of FeLV with ancestral endogenous retroviruses in the cat genome. The retroviral endogenisation process has allowed generation of a diversity of endogenous viruses, both functional and defective. These elements may be part of the normal functioning of the feline genome and may also interact with FeLV to form recombinant FeLV subgroups, enhance pathogenicity of viral subgroups, or inhibit and/or regulate other retroviral infections. Recombination of the env gene occurs most frequently and appears to be the most significant in terms of both the quantity and diversification of pathogenic effects in the viral population, as well as affecting cell tropism and types of disease that occur in infected cats. This review focuses on available information regarding genetic diversity, pathogenesis and diagnosis of FeLV as a result of the interaction between endogenous and exogenous viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermín Silva Cayatopa, Ana Luisa González Méndez, Robinson Barrientos Ortiz, Alejandro Silva Diaz, Fernando Godin Estrada Department of Ophthalmology, Research Department Clínica La Luz, Lima, PeruCorrespondence: Ana Luisa González MéndezResearch Department Clínica La Luz, Department of Ophthalmology, Av. Arequipa 1148, Lima, PeruTel +51 947273992Email dra.analuisagonzalez88@gmail.comPurpose: To evaluate the results of central pars plana vitrectomy + phacoemulsification + intraocular lens implantation in patients with small eyes, cataract, and narrow chambers.Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 89 eyes of 58 patients undergoing central pars plana vitrectomy + phacoemulsification + IOL implantation in small eyes with cataract at Clínica La Luz Eye Institute in Lima, Peru.Results: The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8± 0.6 preoperatively, 0.5± 0.6 at 1 month, 0.3± 0.3 at 6 months, 0.1± 0.1 at 9 months, and 0.05± 0.1 at 1 year, which was statistically significant from the preoperative period to 1 year of follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 22.09± 2.4 mmHg preoperatively, 14.55± 2.9 mmHg at 1 day, 12.94± 2.04 mmHg at 1 month, 12.01± 1.2 mmHg at 6 months, 12.20± 1.9 mmHg at 9 months, and 11.34± 1.1 mmHg at 1 year. The reduction in the intraocular pressure from the preoperative control period to the follow-up at 1 year was statistically significant. There was only one complication, a rupture of the posterior capsule, which was quickly resolved.Conclusion: Central pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification is a safe and effective technique to perform in narrow chambers with all types of cataracts, in experienced hands, which can avoid intraoperative complications.Keywords: best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, intraocular lens implantation, crowded anterior chamber

MONOGRAFÍA: ENSEÑANZA DE LA GRAMÁTICA EN ELE: RESULTADOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y NUEVAS PROPUESTAS En la era de aprendizaje actual, el entorno M@estro surge como un concepto global del aprendizaje y enseñanza de la lengua, cuya visión didáctica permite formar a futuros profesores en una concepción consciente sobre cómo enseñar ELE en una sociedad cambiante. Concretamente, la enseñanza de contenidos gramaticales en ELE puede presentar obstáculos a la hora de llevarlos al aula de una manera consciente, eficaz y accesible tanto para docentes como discentes. Este entorno promueve el enriquecimiento y la diversificación de la enseñanza de la gramática, donde una práctica docente ecléctica y suficientemente flexible permite adaptarse a realidades y necesidades en constante evolución. Así, en el presente artículo pretendemos presentar y explicar este entorno didáctico, e ilustrar su funcionamiento por medio de la aplicación de cada uno de sus principios al tratamiento de los contenidos gramaticales en el aula. ABSTRACT In the current learning era, the M@estro environment emerges as a global concept of language learning and teaching. This didactic vision enables to train future teachers in how to teach ELE in a changing society. More specifically, teaching grammatical content in ELE can often represent a barrier in bringing it to the classroom in a conscious, effective and accessible way, both for teachers and students. This environment promotes the enrichment and diversification of grammar teaching, where an eclectic and sufficiently flexible teaching practice allows adapting to constantly evolving realities and needs. Therefore, in this article we intend to present and explain this teaching environment and illustrate its operation through the application of each of its principles to the treatment of grammatical content in the classroom.

Ecological disturbances triggered by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are of fundamental importance in structuring the temperate forests of southwestern South America and New Zealand. We review studies of the ecological effects of these tectonic phenomena and how they have been central to progress in the modern development of forest ecology in both regions. Studies of tectonic influences on the dynamics of southern temperate rainforests of Chile and New Zealand published in the 1970s and early 1980s contributed prominently to the shift away from the equilibrium paradigms dominant globally in the 1960s and towards modern non-equilibrium frameworks of forest dynamics. Empirical studies of tectonic ecology in these temperate forests in combination with critical evaluations of earlier successional theory have significantly advanced understanding of the roles of coarse-scale disturbance in the dynamics of forests in southwestern South America and New Zealand. Recognition that cohort forest structures triggered by exogenous disturbances such as wind storms and tectonic events are the norm rather than all-aged structures has been of fundamental importance to understanding the dynamics of these forests. The non-equilibrium patch dynamics framework for interpreting forest structure and dynamics bolstered by tectonic ecology studies in southern South America and New Zealand was of key importance in refining older views of these forests as being out of equilibrium with contemporary climate, revising understanding of the effects of introduced browsing animals on forest structure, and guiding the development of appropriate forest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reported on the study of fragmentation pattern in mass spectrometry of 1,2,5-oxadiazole N-oxide derivatives involving deuterium-labeled analogues to identify some critical fragmentations. A neutral CH2O loss from 3-hydroxymethyl-N2-oxide-4-phenyl-1,2,5-oxadiazole was confirmed with the corresponding mono-deuterated analogue. An OH loss, involving the oxygen of N-oxide, via beta-H and delta-H rearrangement, was clearly revealed from 3-(4-methylpiperazine-1-ylmethyl)-N2 -oxide-4-phenyl-1,2,5-oxadiazole using the adequate tetra-deuterated analogue. N-oxide isomer and deoxygenated analogues were also used to confirm the participation of the oxide moiety in the fragmentation process.

El trastorno bipolar es una enfermedad crónica que provoca cambios patológicos del estado de ánimo. Aunque se piensa que puede estar infradiagnosticado, se estima una prevalencia de entre el 1 y el 2.5%. Para su tratamiento existe un amplio arsenal farmacológico, no obstante es la combinación de medicación y psicoterapia la que consigue los mejores resultados.A continuación, se expone el caso de AF, diagnosticado de trastorno bipolar hace más de 20 años a lo largo de los cuales ha requerido varios ingresos en la unidad de agudos de referencia. Este caso que sigue el curso típico de la enfermedad, ilustra a la perfección la complejidad de atención que requiere el paciente con trastorno mental grave

1. Colombia tiene amplias posibilidades de desarrollar una industria frutícola floreciente dadas las excepcionales condiciones de ubicación geográfica, diversidad de climas y de suelos. 2. La deficiente producción frutera actual es el resultado de una reunión de factores adversos, entre los que resalta el desconocimiento de los problemas científicos que afectan a dicha industria. En este aspecto, los problemas fitosanitarios, abandonados y faltos de investigación, ocupan lugar preponderante. 3. Las moscas Anastrephas constituyen la plaga más importante de la fruticultura nacional, y por esta razón, un estudio sobre estos insectos es un tema de importancia. 4. Las principales "moscas de las frutas" pertenecen dentro de la familia Trypetidae, a los géneros: Dacus, Rhaglethis, Ceratitis, Dactrocera y Anastrepha. 5. Los nombres comunes con que se conocen las moscas Anastrephas varían de un país a otro y se relacionan particularmente con el lugar de origen de las distintas especies o la fruta determinada como preterida por la mosca en una localidad. En Colombia la denominación vernácula más difundida es la de "gusano de las frutas". También se nombra el insecto como "mosca o gusano del mango" o "gusano de la guayaba". 6. Los nombres científicos de las moscas distinguen a una, gran cantidad de especies. En Colombia, varios autores han reportado la existencia de las especies A.fraterculus, A. ludens, A. mombinpracoptans, A. pikeli y A. serpentina. Todas estas especies inciden en las regiones colombianas comprendidas entre 0 y 2000 metros de altura, es decir, en casi todas las regiones agrícolas importantes (frutales, café, cacao) de temperaturas entre 14° y 30° C. 7. Las moscas Anastrephas están confinadas casi exclusivamente al continente americano entre las latitudes 27° N. y 35° S. Particularmente, la especie A. fraterculus, una de las más difundidas en Colombia, fué determinada por Wiedemann (1830) como oriunda del Brasil, es decir una especie enteramente tropical. 8. Dentro de los dípteros, las moscas del género Anastrepha se pueden clasificar como suborden Cyclorrapha, serie Schyzophora, sección Myodaria, subsección Acalyptratae, familia Trypetidae. 9. Las moscas Anastrephas cumplen su ciclo biológico al través de 4 estados metamorfósicos que ocurren así: imago en el ambiente aéreo, huevo y larva en la fruta y pupa en el suelo. En cada uno de los estados metamorfósicos, el insecto exhibe las características comunes de los dípteros. 10. Los huevos miden l , mm.; son de forma ovalada y ápices un tanto agudos, de color blancuzco ligeramente cremoso. La incubación demora de 4 a 7 días; el número de huevos por postura es de 3 y hasta l. La incubación de los huevos y la vida de la larva recién nacida son afectados por temperatura, humedad y determinados factores resultantes de la condición de madurez de la fruta. 11. Las larvas son vermiformes, puntiagudas en la cabeza, de color amarillo crema claro en tonalidades diversas hasta blanquecino o cremoso. No poseen patas; no tienen ojos ni antenas. Su tamaño y la duración del período larvario varían con la temperatura, la humedad, y diversas condiciones de la fruta en cuanto a cantidad de material parásito, acidez, estado de madurez, etc. El número de larvas puede ser de 1 a 3 por fruta y hasta cifras muy elevadas como 72, según la población de moscas y la clase de fruta. Las larvas adquieren su desarrollo completo entre tres estadios y dos "écdicis". 12. Las pupas son ovaladas como una barrilito; miden de 3 a 7 mm, de largo x 1 1⁄2 a 21⁄2 de ancho. Son de color castaño claro en tonalidades hasta el tabaco oscuro. La duración del período de pupa, así como diferentes hechos relacionados con el estado, sufren variaciones debidas a temperatura, humedad, acidez, soltura y textura del suelo, que es el medio donde normalmente ocurre el empupamiento. 13. El estado perfecto del insecto o imago posee características bien definidas que permiten diferenciarlo de otros insectos con facilidad. Miden de 10 a 15 mm, con las alas extendidas y 6 a 9 mm, de largo sin contar el vigoroso ovipositor que ostenta el insecto hembra. Las moscas son de color vistoso, ligeramente amarillo hacia parcia oscuro. Las notas sobresalientes son las manchas alares de color humo que se hallan dispuestas en forma de barra, de S inclinada y de V invertida; las cerdas y pelos del cuerpo (tórax y base de la cabeza); los ojos grandes de color verde brillante; los tres ocelos sobre fondo oscuro; la frente amplia, la probaseis bien desarrollada; las tres líneas sobre el tórax de color amarillo sobre fondo rubio, en sentido longitudinal; el abdomen en forma de pera y el ovipositor en las hembras. 14. El insecto exhibe gran facilidad de reproducción a Juzgar por el volumen máximo de oviposición (hasta 800 huevos) y la relación macho -hembra (1 : 2) 15. Las distintas especies del insecto se pueden diferenciar entre sí por la disposición y características de las manchas alares, los manchas toráxicas, la forma y el tamaño del ovipositor, y algunos detalles del abdomen. 16. La especie A. fraterculus ha sido encontrada en 40 frutos distintos en el país, en su gran mayoría de importancia económica. 17. Las preferencias selectivas que el insecto exhibe para alimentación y oviposición son fenómenos de vigencia local regidos por diversos factores ambientales y condiciones propias de los distintos frutos parasitados. 18. Las Anastrephts son parásitos específicos del fruto. Sus daños son muy importantes en la generalidad de los frutos atacados (carnosos y jugosos) porque destruyen la parte comestible o comercial de éstos, inutilizándolos totalmente para el consumo humano. 19. Los daños del insecto se pueden diferenciar de otros daños producidos por insectos parásitos de los frutos, aparte de sus características especiales en el estado dañino (larva) o en el estado perfecto (mosca), por estos simples detalles: a) Los huevos y las larvas se encuentran dentro del fruto parasitado. b) Los frutos parasitados no presentan orificios de entrada de las larvas. c) Los frutos no se deforman, ni sufren daño alguno en su semilla. 20. La influencia de los distintos factores que, actúan sobre la vida del insecto a través de los distintos estados de su ciclo, pueden resumirse así: a) Los niveles intermedios de humedad y temperatura son óptimos para la vida y desarrollo del insecto. b) Los niveles fuertes de acidez son limitantes para la vida del huevo, la larva y la pupa. c) La textura del suelo en asocio de la humedad determina la profundidad del empupamiento y la rapidez con que se efectúa el proceso. 21. Para controlar el insecto es preciso recurrir a la combinación de diversas prácticas de control artificial, cultural y biológico asesoradas por inteligente legislación al respecto. En forma aislada, cualquiera de los sistemas de control conocidos, parece inefectivo y puede rendir escasos beneficios. Esto se debe al carácter mismo de la plaga, particularmente en cuanto se refiere a su amplitud poligráfica, hábitos, y ocurrencia nacional. 22. Entre las prácticas de control artificial, el uso de insecticidas moderno, parece la más efectiva si bien, encierra algunos peligros, sobre todo en cuanto a la conservación de los recursos biológicos y el equilibrio faunístico de la población entomológica. Los experimentos conducidos revelan que los siguientes insecticidas : Chlordano al ½%, DDT al ½%" Metoxychlor al 0,01 %, Toxapheno al ½% , Aldrin al 0,0002%, Dieldrin al 0,0003%, y Pyrenone (Butóxido de piperonil y piretrinas) al 0,25 % son altamente tóxicos para las moscas aplicados en forma de aspersión sobre el vegetal o adicionados al suelo en el momento del empupamiento, para impedir la formación de la pupa y la emersión normal de las moscas. 23. En cuanto a defensa cuarentenaria, la refrigeración de las frutas a temperaturas letales para la mosca y la esterilización de los mismos en atmósfera de vapor saturado, son medidas de importancia y recomendables. 24. En las prácticas de control cultural, es de suma importancia el manejo de los frutos, labor que puede ser: a) Embolsado de los frutos, cuando se trate de huertos pequeños, de frutos valiosos, y vegetales que permitan el fácil acceso a aquéllos. b) Destrucción de los frutos atacados en regiones sin parásitos de la mosca, enterrándolos a profundidades convenientes. c) Recolección y almacenamiento de los frutos atacados, en pozos provistos de tapas especiales, cuando se trate el problema en regiones con parásitos de la mosca. 25. La picada superficial del suelo debajo Je los frutales y un riego corto hasta saturación del suelo en la época del empupamiento, son labores culturales que pueden ayudar a la labor de los parásitos y a la destrucción de muchas pupas por la acción de los factores ambientales (luz, calor, exposición a la sequía, etc.). 26. Las plantas hospedadoras silvestres pueden utilizarse como planta-trampas recolectando los frutos atacados oportunamente y almacenándolos en pozos provistos con tapa, a fin de favorecer la multiplicación de los parásitos de la mosca. En caso contrario, la destrucción de tales plantas hospedadoras silvestres, es lo más aconsejable. 27. Colombia cuenta con ignorados recursos biológicos para el control de las Anastrephas. Se ha logrado aislar algunos parásitos de larvas procedentes de varias frutas, entre los cuales se han identificado Ganaspis carvalhoi Dett., y otras especies relacionadas posiblemente; Diachasma (O.) crawfordi Vier., Odontosema anastrephae Borgm., Heteropilus,spp., posiblemente; Opius trinidadensis Gah., O. crawfordi Vier. Además se ha comprobado el parasitismo de la Sphalangia pilippinensis sobre las pupas de las Anastrephas. En otros países afectados se conocen numerosas especies parásitas de importancia. 28. El Estado es la entidad llamada a organizar una campaña de control de las Anastrephas, luego de concienzudos estudios sobre los recursos biológicos de parásitos y predatores, y de las posibles introducciones de especies foráneas de la misma índole. Es el Estado igualmente, la única entidad capaz de aunar esfuerzos y recursos para lograr una labor realmente efectiva en el control de esta terrible plaga de la fruticultura colombiana.

Radioactive radon gas poses significant threats to human health. Understanding the complexities of radon distribution and the dynamic relationship with atmospheric parameters will help in mitigating its impact. In this study, Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA) and chaos analysis were used to examine the fractal structure in radon gas at La Cueva del Viento, Tenerife, between January 2021 and December 2022. The results showed that radon has multifractal properties in 2021, 2022, and 2021-2022, with values of the spectrum with of about 0.43, 0.49 and 0.44 respectively. The multifractality in radon gas was found to be driven by both long-range correlations and fat-tail distribution. Radon gas concentration at La Cueva del Viento was found to be chaotic in nature, hence, long-term prediction is impossible. Meteorological parameters such as relative humidity, air temperature and pressure were found to contribute to the variation in radon gas concentration within the cave. Relative humidity was observed to have the strongest cross-correlation with radon gas in 2021, 2022, and 2021-2022. The results from this study will help in dosimetric control for both workers and visitors to the cave., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Wild fruits, particularly the underutilized sloe (Prunus spinosa), are gaining interest as natural antioxidants, with residues from liqueur production being a source of bioactive compounds. This study proposes a sustainable approach for valorizing sloe residues, seeds and skins, by employing an innovative green extraction method. HPLC-ESI-QTOF and spectrophotometric techniques were used to explore the phenolic profile, highlighting the predominance of quercetin, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic and ferulic acids (9.7-57 μg·g -1 ). In addition, the presence of Cu, Zn and Ca was confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Simultaneously, their neuroprotective potential against Alzheimer's disease (AD) was studied by exploring the inhibition of beta-amyloid aggregation and oxidative stress cytoprotection in SH-SY5Y cell line, standing out 1 μg·g -1 and 10 μg·g -1 extracts of sloe skin. Phenolic composition was correlated with bioactivities by means of multivariate analysis. These results contributed to highlight the potential of this bio-residue as a neuroprotective agent against AD in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, is the primary cause of dementia. Despite significant advancements in neuroscience, a definitive cure or treatment for this debilitating disease remains elusive. A notable characteristic of AD is oxidative stress, which has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Polyphenols, secondary metabolites of plant origin, have attracted attention due to their potent antioxidant properties. Epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods and the prevention of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, which underscores the potential of polyphenols as a therapeutic strategy in AD management. Hence, this comprehensive review focuses on the diverse roles of polyphenols in AD, with a particular emphasis on neuroprotective potential. Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were used as leading databases for study selection, from 2018 to late March 2024. Analytical chemistry serves as a crucial tool for characterizing polyphenols, with a nuanced exploration of their extraction methods from various sources, often employing chemometric techniques for a holistic interpretation of the advances in this field. Moreover, this review examines current in vitro and in vivo research, aiming to enhance the understanding of polyphenols' role in AD, and providing valuable insights for forthcoming approaches in this context.

We assembled the first gridded burned area (BA) database of national wildfire data (ONFIRE), a comprehensive and integrated resource for researchers, non-government organisations, and government agencies analysing wildfires in various regions of the Earth. We extracted and harmonised records from different regions and sources using open and reproducible methods, providing data in a common framework for the whole period available (starting from 1950 in Australia, 1959 in Canada, 1985 in Chile, 1980 in Europe, and 1984 in the United States) up to 2021 on a common 1° × 1° grid. The data originate from national agencies (often, ground mapping), thus representing the best local expert knowledge. Key opportunities and limits in using this dataset are discussed as well as possible future expansions of this open-source approach that should be explored. This dataset complements existing gridded BA data based on remote sensing and offers a valuable opportunity to better understand and assess fire regime changes, and their drivers, in these regions. The ONFIRE database can be freely accessed at https://zenodo.org/record/8289245 ., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To identify predictors for developing delayed neurological syndrome (DNS) after an initial episode of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the interest of detecting patients most likely to develop DNS so that they can be followed., Material and Methods: Retrospective review of cases of CO poisoning treated in the past 10 years in the emergency departments of 4 hospitals in the AMICO study (Spanish acronym for the multicenter analysis of CO poisoning). We analyzed demographic characteristics of the patients and the clinical characteristics of the initial episode. The records of the cohort of patients with available follow-up information were reviewed to find cases of DNS. Data were analyzed by multivariant analysis to determine the relationship to characteristics of the initial exposure to CO., Results: A total of 240 cases were identified. The median (interquartile range) age of the patients was 36.2 years (17.6-49.6 years); 108 patients (45.0%) were men, and the poisoning was accidental in 223 cases (92.9%). The median carboxyhemoglobin concentration on presentation was 12.7% (6.2%-18.7%). Follow-up details were available for 44 patients (18.3%). Eleven of those patients (25%) developed DNS. A low initial Glasgow Coma Scale score predicted the development of DNS with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.41-0.92) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.876 (95% CI, 0.761-0.990) (P .001)., Conclusion: The initial Glasgow Coma Scale score seems to be a clinical predictor of DNS after CO poisoning. We consider it important to establish follow-up protocols for patients with CO poisoning treated in hospital EDs.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Current therapies have limited efficacy, prompting the search for novel treatments. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as promising candidates for AD therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential therapeutic effects. This review provides an overview of SeNPs and their potential application in AD treatment, as well as the main bioanalytical techniques applied in this field. SeNPs possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them potential candidates to combat the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation associated with AD. Moreover, SeNPs have shown the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing them to target brain regions affected by AD pathology. Various methods for synthesizing SeNPs are explored, including chemical, physical and biological synthesis approaches. Based on the employment of algae, yeast, fungi, and plants, green methods offer a promising and biocompatible alternative for SeNPs production. In vitro studies have demonstrated the potential of SeNPs in reducing beta-amyloid aggregation and inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, providing evidence of their neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells. In vivo studies using transgenic mouse models and AD-induced symptoms have shown promising results, with SeNPs treatment leading to cognitive improvements and reduced amyloid plaque burden in the hippocampus. Looking ahead, future trends in SeNPs research involve developing innovative brain delivery strategies to enhance their therapeutic potential, exploring alternative animal models to complement traditional mouse studies, and investigating multi-targeted SeNPs formulations to address multiple aspects of AD pathology. Overall, SeNPs represent a promising avenue for AD treatment, and further research in this field may pave the way for effective and much-needed therapeutic interventions for individuals affected by this debilitating disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bioactive compounds extracted from plum seeds were identified and quantified, aiming to establish how the brandy manufacturing process affects the properties and possible cascade valorization of seed residues. Extraction with n -hexane using Soxhlet has provided oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids (92.24-92.51%), mainly oleic acid (72-75.56%), which is characterized by its heart-healthy properties. The fat extracts also contain tocopherols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All the ethanol-water extracts of the defatted seeds contain neochlorogenic acid (90-368 µg·g -1 ), chlorogenic acid (36.1-117 µg·g -1 ), and protocatechuate (31.8-100 µg·g -1 ) that have an impact on bioactive properties such as antimicrobial and antioxidant. Anti-amyloidogenic activity (25 mg·mL -1 ) was observed in the after both fermentation and distillation extract, which may be related to high levels of caffeic acid (64 ± 10 µg·g -1 ). The principal component analysis showed that all plum seed oils could have potential applications in the food industry as edible oils or in the cosmetic industry as an active ingredient in anti-aging and anti-stain cosmetics, among others. Furthermore, defatted seeds, after both fermentation and distillation, showed the greatest applicability in the food and nutraceutical industry as a food supplement or as an additive in the design of active packaging.

The integrated valorization of food chain waste is one of the most promising alternatives in the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Thus, an efficient solid-phase matrix dispersion extraction method, using experimental factorial design and response surface methodology, has been developed and optimized for the recovery of polyphenols from defatted cherry seeds obtained after cherry liquor manufacture and subsequent fatty acid extraction, evaluating the effect of each processing step on the composition and phenolic content of sweet cherry residues. The phenolic extracts before fermentation showed the highest content of total polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) (3 ± 1 mg QE·g -1 and 1.37 ± 0.08 mg GAE·g -1 , respectively), while the highest antioxidant capacity was obtained in the defatted seed extracts after both fermentation and distillation. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used to determine the phenolic profile. Dihydroxybenzoic acid, neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and quercetin were the main phenolics found, showing differences in concentration between the stages of liquor production. The results underline the prospective of cherry by-products for obtaining phenol-rich bioactive extracts for possible use in different industrial sectors, offering a feasible solution for the cascade valorization of cherry agri-food waste.

From November 2014 to May 2017, 332 patients homogeneously treated with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD) induction, autologous stem cell transplant, and VRD consolidation were randomly assigned to receive maintenance therapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (RD; 161 patients) vs RD plus ixazomib (IRD; 171 patients). RD consisted of lenalidomide 15 mg/d from days 1 to 21 plus dexamethasone 20 mg/d on days 1 to 4 and 9 to 12 at 4-week intervals, whereas in the IRD arm, oral ixazomib at a dose of 4 mg on days 1, 8, and 15 was added. Therapy for patients with negative measurable residual disease (MRD) after 24 cycles was discontinued, whereas those who tested positive for MRD remained on maintenance with RD for 36 more cycles. After a median follow-up of 69 months from the initiation of maintenance, the progression-free survival (PFS) was similar in both arms, with a 6-year PFS rate of 61.3% and 55.6% for RD and IRD, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.136; 95% confidence interval, 0.809-1.603). After 2 years of maintenance, treatment was discontinued in 163 patients with negative MRD, whereas 63 patients with positive MRD continued with RD therapy. Maintenance discontinuation in patients tested negative for MRD resulted in a low progression rate (17.2% at 4 years), even in patients with high-risk features. In summary, our results show the efficacy of RD maintenance and support the safety of maintenance therapy discontinuation in patients with negative MRD at 2 years. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02406144 and at EudraCT as 2014-00055410., (© 2023 by The American Society of Hematology.)

Prunus fruit seeds are one of the main types of agri-food waste generated worldwide during the processing of fruits to produce jams, juices and preserves. To valorize this by-product, the aim of this work was the nutritional analysis of peach, apricot, plum and cherry seeds using the official AOAC methods, together with the extraction and characterization of the lipid profile of seed oils using GC-FID, as well as the measurement of the antioxidant activity and oxidative stability using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging method. Chemometric tools were required for data evaluation and the obtained results indicated that the main component of seeds were oils (30-38%, w). All seed oils were rich in oleic (C18:1n9c) and linoleic (C18:2n6c) acids and presented heart-healthy lipid indexes. Oil antioxidant activity was estimated in the range IC 50 = 20-35 mg·mL -1 , and high oxidative stability was observed for all evaluated oils during 1-22 storage days, with the plum seed oil being the most antioxidant and stable over time. Oxidative stability was also positively correlated with oleic acid content and negatively correlated with linoleic acid content. Therefore, this research showed that the four Prunus seed oils present interesting healthy characteristics for their use and potential application in the cosmetic and nutraceutical industries.

During bone regeneration, the periosteum acts as a carrier for key regenerative cues, delivering osteochondroprogenitor cells and crucial growth factors to the injured bone. We developed a biocompatible, 3D polycaprolactone (PCL) melt electro-written membrane to act as a mimetic periosteum. Poly (ethyl acrylate) coating of the PCL membrane allowed functionalization, mediated by fibronectin and low dose recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) (10-25 μg/ml), resulting in efficient, sustained osteoinduction in vitro. In vivo, rhBMP-2 functionalized mimetic periosteum demonstrated regenerative potential in the treatment of rat critical-size femoral defects with highly efficient healing and functional recovery (80%-93%). Mimetic periosteum has also proven to be efficient for cell delivery, as observed through the migration of transplanted periosteum-derived mesenchymal cells to the bone defect and their survival. Ultimately, mimetic periosteum demonstrated its ability to deliver key stem cells and morphogens to an injured site, exposing a therapeutic and translational potential in vivo when combined with unprecedentedly low rhBMP-2 doses., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

The fortification of foods with bioactive polyphenols aims to improve their functional properties and to provide health benefits. Yet, to exert their benefits, phenolic compounds must be released from the food matrix and absorbed by the small intestine after digestion, so assessing their bioaccessibility is crucial to determine their potential role. This work aims to incorporate Citrus reticulata Blanco peel extracts into wheat bread as a promising opportunity to increase their bioactive potential, along with supporting the sustainable management of citrus-industry waste. A control and a wheat bread enriched at 2% and 4% ( w / v ) with a phenolic extract from mandarin peels were prepared and analyzed for antioxidant activity and phenolic composition using LC-MS and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In addition, in vitro digestion was performed, and the digested extracts were analyzed with HPLC-MS/MS. The results showed a significant increase in total flavonoid content (TFC, 2.2 ± 0.1 mg·g -1 ), antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 37 ± 4 mg·g -1 ), and contents of quercetin, caffeic acid, and hesperidin in the 4% ( w / v ) enriched bread. Yet, most polyphenols were completely degraded after the in vitro digestion process, barring hesperidin (159 ± 36 μg·g -1 ), highlighting the contribution of citrus enrichment in the development of an enriched bread with antioxidant potential.

Introduction: There is no consensus on whether invasive ventilation should use low tidal volumes (V T ) to prevent lung complications in patients at risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The purpose of this study is to determine if a low V T strategy is more effective than an intermediate V T strategy in preventing pulmonary complications., Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in invasively ventilated patients with a lung injury prediction score (LIPS) of >4 performed in the intensive care units of 10 hospitals in Spain and one in the United States of America (USA) from 3 November 2014 to 30 August 2016. Patients were randomized to invasive ventilation using low V T (≤ 6 mL/kg predicted body weight, PBW) ( N  = 50) or intermediate V T (> 8 mL/kg PBW) ( N  = 48). The primary endpoint was the development of ARDS during the first 7 days after the initiation of invasive ventilation. Secondary endpoints included the development of pneumonia and severe atelectases; the length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay; and ICU, hospital, 28- and 90-day mortality., Results: In total, 98 patients [67.3% male], with a median age of 65.5 years [interquartile range 55-73], were enrolled until the study was prematurely stopped because of slow recruitment and loss of equipoise caused by recent study reports. On day 7, five (11.9%) patients in the low V T group and four (9.1%) patients in the intermediate V T group had developed ARDS (risk ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.62-2.17]; p  = 0.735). The incidence of pneumonia and severe atelectasis was also not different between the two groups. The use of a low V T strategy did neither affect the length of ICU and hospital stay nor mortality rates., Conclusions: In patients at risk for ARDS, a low V T strategy did not result in a lower incidence of ARDS than an intermediate V T strategy. Clinical Trial Registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02070666., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 de Haro, Neto, Gomà, González, Ortega, Forteza, Frutos-Vivar, García, Simonis, Gordo-Vidal, Suarez, Schultz and Artigas.)

Background: In recent years, chronic kidney disease has increased in the pediatric population and has been related to environmental factors. In the diagnosis of kidney damage, in addition to the traditional parameters, early kidney damage biomarkers, such as kidney injury molecule 1, cystatin C, and osteopontin, among others, have been implemented as predictors of early pathological processes., Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between exposure to environmental pollutants and early kidney damage biomarkers., Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in February 2016 and involved 115 apparently healthy children aged 6-15 residing in Apizaco, Tlaxcala. Participant selection was carried out randomly from among 16,472 children from the municipality of Apizaco. A socio-demographic questionnaire included  age, sex, education, duration of residence in the area, occupation, water consumption and dietary habits, pathological history, and some non-specific symptoms. Physical examination included blood pressure, weight, and height. The urine concentrations of urinary aluminum, total arsenic, boron, calcium, chromium, copper, mercury, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, lead, selenium, silicon, thallium, vanadium, uranium, and zinc, were measured. Four of the 115 participants selected for the study were excluded due to an incomplete questionnaire or lack of a medical examination, leaving a final sample population of 111 participants., Results: The results showed a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of 89.1 ± 9.98 mL/min/1.73m 2 and a mean albumin/creatinine ratio of 12.9 ± 16.7 mg/g urinary creatinine. We observed a positive and significant correlation between estimated glomerular filtration rate with fluoride, total arsenic and lead, and a correlation of albumin/creatinine ratio with fluoride, vanadium, and total arsenic. There was also a significant correlation between the early kidney damage biomarkers and fluoride, vanadium, and total arsenic, except for cystatin C., Conclusion: In conclusion, our results show that four urinary biomarkers: α1-microglobulin, cystatin C, kidney injury molecule 1, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin are related to environmental exposure to urinary fluoride, vanadium, and total arsenic in our pediatric population., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Italian Society of Nephrology.)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, representing 80% of the total dementia cases. The "amyloid cascade hypothesis" stablishes that the aggregation of the beta-amyloid protein (Aβ 42 ) is the first event that subsequently triggers AD development. Selenium nanoparticles stabilized with chitosan (Ch-SeNPs) have demonstrated excellent anti-amyloidogenic properties in previous works, leading to an improvement of AD aetiology. Here, the in vitro effect of selenium species in AD model cell line has been study to obtain a better assessment of their effects in AD treatment. For this purpose, mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) and human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines were used. Cytotoxicity of selenium species, such as selenomethionine (SeMet), Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys) and Ch-SeNPs, has been determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry methods. Intracellular localisation of Ch-SeNPs, and their pathway through SH-SY5Y cell line, have been evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The uptake and accumulation of selenium species by both neuroblastoma cell lines have been quantified at single cell level by single cell- Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry detection (SC-ICP-MS), with a previous optimisation of transport efficiency using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) ((69 ± 3) %) and 2.5 mm calibration beads ((92 ± 8) %). Results showed that Ch-SeNPs would be more readily accumulated by both cell lines than organic species being accumulation ranges between 1.2 and 89.5 fg Se cell -1 for Neuro-2a and 3.1-129.8 fg Se cell -1 for SH-SY5Y exposed to 250 μM Ch-SeNPs. Data obtained were statistically treated using chemometric tools. These results provide an important insight into the interaction of Ch-SeNPs with neuronal cells, which could support their potential use in AD treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The high prevalence of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity in Chile despite government-sponsored measures and campaigns, along with others in the last 30 years, suggests additional reinforcement of these efforts at the primary care level., Objectives: To determine if lifestyles and modifiable health risk factors in first-year students from the University of Chile Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, potential future promoters of healthy lifestyles, show changes throughout their first academic year., Methods: In a randomized stratified sample of 388 students according to sex and chosen career weight, height, waist circumference, waist circumference-weight ratio, food consumption, smoking prevalence and dependence, alcohol use, perceived stress level, and physical activity were measured at the first week, 3 and 6 months after their admission. The Cochrane test assessed dichotomic variables, and the Friedman test was used for nonparametric values., Results: 253 students (186 women) completed the follow-up. A significant worsening of obesity (general and abdominal) and physical inactivity, persistent moderate and high-stress perception, and smoking prevalence were documented throughout the study period., Conclusions: The progressive obesity and physical inactivity, high-stress perception, and persistent smoking prevalence in the first year of academic life suggest considering measures in the curricular academic structure that facilitate adjustments in the student's lifestyles. Future follow-up of this cohort, increasing participants, and assessing students' mental health are planned.

La Cueva del Viento is a volcanic lava tube located in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain). Its touristic section, 180 m long, receives more than 28,200 visitants each year. According to the European and Spanish legislation, a radon monitoring program is required to minimize the radon exposition of workers, tourists, and cavers. In this work, we studied the radon concentration dynamics in the touristic section of the cave for ca. 1 year, using both passive and active radon detectors. Pluviometry and external air temperature played an important role in the seasonal and daily variations of indoor radon concentrations. Daily fluctuations during the dry season were analyzed using time series (Box-Jenkins methodology) and frequency analysis (Fourier and Wavelet transforms) methods. The experimental radon time-series was well-fitted using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model: Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (2,0,1) (2,1,0) 24 , and its value, in a short-time window (ca. 1 week) was conveniently forecasted. Finally, this work revealed that the annual effective doses received, during the observation period (1 year), by the touristic guides and visitors was ca. 2 mSv/yr and 4 μSv/hr, respectively. We concluded that the touristic exploitation of La Cueva del Viento is safe for both tourists and guides. However, based on our results, La Cueva del Viento had to be classified as a "Monitoring zone" and a regular monitoring program should be implemented., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this study., (© 2022 The Authors. GeoHealth published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Geophysical Union.)

Obtaining polyphenols from horticultural waste is an emerging trend that enables the valorization of resources and the recovery of value-added compounds. However, a pivotal point in the exploitation of these natural extracts is the assessment of their chemical stability. Hence, this study evaluates the effect of temperature storage (20 and -20 °C) and drying methods on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of clementine and lemon peel extracts, applying HPLC-DAD-MS, spectrophotometric methods, and chemometric tools. Vacuum-drying treatment at 60 °C proved to be rather suitable for retaining the highest antioxidant activity and the hesperidin, ferulic, and coumaric contents in clementine peel extracts. Lemon extracts showed an increase in phenolic acids after oven-drying at 40 °C, while hesperidin and rutin were sustained better at 60 °C. Hydroethanolic extracts stored for 90 days preserved antioxidant activity and showed an increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in lemon peels, unlike in clementine peels. Additionally, more than 50% of the initial concentration was maintained up to 51 days, highlighting a half-life time of 71 days for hesperidin in lemon peels. Temperature was not significant in the preservation of the polyphenols evaluated, except for in rutin and gallic acid, thus, the extracts could be kept at 20 °C.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta protein (Aβ), which is believed to be the very starting event of AD neurodegeneration. In this work, D-Phe, D-Ala, and D-Glu amino acids, which are the non-occurring enantiomeric form in the human body, and also D-Asp and DL-SeMet, have proved to be amyloidogenic regarding Aβ 42 aggregation in TEM studies. These amyloidogenic amino acid enantiomers also widened Aβ 42 fibrils up to 437% regarding Aβ 42 alone, suggesting that Aβ 42 aggregation is enantiomerically dependent. To inhibit enantiomeric-induced amyloid aggregation, selenium nanoparticles stabilized with chitosan (Ch-SeNPs) were successfully synthesized and employed. Thus, Ch-SeNPs reduced and even completely inhibited Aβ 42 aggregation produced in the presence of some amino acid enantiomers. In addition, through UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence studies, it was deduced that Ch-SeNPs were able to interact differently with amino acids depending on their enantiomeric form. On the other hand, antioxidant properties of amino acid enantiomers were evaluated by DPPH and TBARS assays, with Tyr enantiomers being the only ones showing antioxidant effect. All spectroscopic data were statistically analysed through experimental design and response surface analysis, showing that the interaction between the Ch-SeNPs and the amino acids studied was enantioselective and allowing, in some cases, to establish the concentration ratios in which this interaction is maximum., (© 2022. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of using biochar from oat hulls (BO) as a potential bio-modifier to improve the physical properties of conventional asphalt binder. The BO and asphalt binder were characterized by confocal (fluorescence) laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, an asphalt binder modification procedure was established and modifications with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% of BO on the weight of the asphalt binder were evaluated, using a particle size < 75 µm. The physical properties of the evaluated modified asphalt binder with BO were: rotational viscosity in original and aged state, aging index, Fraass breaking point, softening point, penetration, penetration rate and storage stability. The results indicated that the BO has a porous structure, able to interact with the asphalt binder by C=O and C=C bonds. In addition, modification of the asphalt binder with BO increases the rotational viscosity related to high-temperature rutting resistance. The results obtained from the Fraass breaking point and softening point indicated that the use of BO extends the viscoelastic range of the asphalt binder. In addition, the evaluated modifications present low susceptibility to aging and good storage stability.

Introduction: Response kinetics is a well-established prognostic marker in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The situation is not clear in multiple myeloma (MM) despite having a biomarker for response monitoring (monoclonal component [MC])., Materials and Methods: We developed a mathematical model to assess the prognostic value of serum MC response kinetics during 6 induction cycles, in 373 NDMM transplanted patients treated in the GEM2012Menos65 clinical trial. The model calculated a "resistance" parameter that reflects the stagnation in the response after an initial descent., Results: Two patient subgroups were defined based on low and high resistance, that respectively captured sensitive and refractory kinetics, with progression-free survival (PFS) at 5 years of 72% and 59% (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44-0.93; P = .02). Resistance significantly correlated with depth of response measured after consolidation (80.9% CR and 68.4% minimal residual disease negativity in patients with sensitive vs. 31% and 20% in those with refractory kinetics). Furthermore, it modulated the impact of reaching CR after consolidation; thus, within CR patients those with refractory kinetics had significantly shorter PFS than those with sensitive kinetics (median 54 months vs. NR; P = .02). Minimal residual disease negativity abrogated this effect. Our study also questions the benefit of rapid responders compared to late responders (5-year PFS 59.7% vs. 76.5%, respectively [P < .002]). Of note, 85% of patients considered as late responders were classified as having sensitive kinetics., Conclusion: This semi-mechanistic modeling of M-component kinetics could be of great value to identify patients at risk of early treatment failure, who may benefit from early rescue intervention strategies., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of the study was to describe the origin, course, and termination of frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the Mexican population of neurosurgical referral centers., Methods: From January 2018 to May 2019, we analyzed 50 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in diffusion tensor imaging sequences of patients of the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Manuel Velasco Suárez." Five brains were fixed by the Klingler method and dissected in the neurosurgery laboratory of the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara to identify the origin, trajectory, and ending of the FAT., Results: FAT was identified in 100% of the MRI and brain dissections. The origin of the FAT was observed in 63% from the supplementary premotor area, 24% from the supplementary motor area, and 13% in both areas. Its ending was observed in the pars opercularis in 81%, pars triangularis in 9%, and in both pars opercularis and ventral premotor area in 10% in the magnetic resonance images, with a left side predominance. In the hemispheres dissections, the origin of FAT was identified in 60% from the supplementary premotor area, 20% from the supplementary motor area, and 20% in both areas. Its ending was observed in the pars opercularis in 80% and the pars triangularis in 20%. It was not identified as an individual fascicle connected with the contralateral FAT., Conclusion: In the Mexican population, FAT has a left predominance; it is originated more frequently in the supplementary premotor area, passes dorsal to the superior longitudinal fascicle II and the superior periinsular sulcus, and ends more commonly in the pars opercularis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Surgical Neurology International.)

Soursop ( Annona muricata L.) is climacteric fruit with a short ripening period and postharvest shelf life, leading to a rapid softening. In this study, transcriptome analysis of soursop fruits was performed to identify key gene families involved in ripening under postharvest storage conditions (Day 0, Day 3 stored at 28 ± 2 °C, Day 6 at 28 ± 2 °C, Day 3 at 15 ± 2 °C, Day 6 at 15 ± 2 °C, Day 9 at 15 ± 2 °C). The transcriptome analysis showed 224,074 transcripts assembled clustering into 95, 832 unigenes, of which 21, 494 had ORF. RNA-seq analysis showed the highest number of differentially expressed genes on Day 9 at 15 ± 2 °C with 9291 genes (4772 up-regulated and 4519 down-regulated), recording the highest logarithmic fold change in pectin-related genes. Enrichment analysis presented significantly represented GO terms and KEGG pathways associated with molecular function, metabolic process, catalytic activity, biological process terms, as well as biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant hormone signal, starch, and sucrose metabolism, plant-pathogen interaction, plant-hormone signal transduction, and MAPK-signaling pathways, among others. Network analysis revealed that pectinesterase genes directly regulate the loss of firmness in fruits stored at 15 ± 2 °C.

Every effort aimed at stopping the expansion of Tuberculosis is important to national programs' struggle to combat this disease. Different computational tools have been proposed in order to design new strategies that allow managing potential patients and thus providing the correct treatment. In this work, artificial neural networks were used for time series forecasting, which were trained with information on reported cases obtained from the national vigilance institution in Colombia. Three neural models were proposed in order to determine the best one according to their forecasting performance. The first approach employed a nonlinear autoregressive model, the second proposal used a recurrent neural network, and the third proposal was based on radial basis functions. The results are presented in terms of the mean average percentage error, which indicates that the models based on traditional methods show better performance compared to connectionist ones. These models contribute to obtaining dynamic information about incidence, thus providing extra-help for health authorities to propose more strategies to control the disease's spread., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most serious and prevalent neurodegenerative disorder still without cure. Since its aetiology is diverse, recent research on anti-AD drugs has been focused on multi-target compounds. In this work, seven novel hybrids (RIV-BIM) conjugating the active moiety of the drug rivastigmine (RIV) with 2 isomeric hydroxyphenylbenzimidazole (BIM) units were developed and studied. While RIV assures the inhibition of cholinesterases, BIM provides further appropriate properties, such as inhibition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) aggregation, antioxidation and metal chelation. The evaluated biological properties of these hybrids included antioxidant activity; inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and Aβ 42 aggregation; as well as promotion of cell viability and neuroprotection. All the compounds are better inhibitors of AChE than rivastigmine (IC 50 = 32.1 µM), but compounds of series 5 are better inhibitors of BChE (IC 50 = 0.9-1.7 µM) than those of series 4 . Series 5 also showed good capacity to inhibit self- (42.1-58.7%) and Cu(II)-induced (40.3-60.8%) Aβ aggregation and also to narrow (22.4-42.6%) amyloid fibrils, the relevant compounds being 5b and 5d . Some of these compounds can also prevent the toxicity induced in SH-SY5Y cells by Aβ 42 and oxidative stress. Therefore, RIV-BIM hybrids seem to be potential drug candidates for AD with multi-target abilities.

In this study, an integrated characterisation through polyphenol and caffeine content and antioxidant activity was combined with chemometric analysis to assess the effects of simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility of these bioactive compounds from nine different tea infusions. Tea infusions were characterised based on total flavonoids, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity, together with the determination of individual polyphenol content. Fourteen phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, stilbenes and flavonoids, were selected based on their reported bioactivity and high accessibility, attributed to their low molecular weight. Both polyphenols and caffeine were initially monitored in raw tea infusions and through the different digestion stages (salivary, gastric and duodenal) by capillary high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (cHPLC-DAD) and/or HPLC coupled to a triple quadrupole mass analyser (HPLC-MS/MS). Multivariate analysis of the studied bioactives, using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, revealed that the decaffeination process seems to increase the stability and concentration of the compounds evaluated during digestion. The greatest transformations occurred mainly in the gastric and duodenal stages, where low bioactivity indices (IVBA) were shown for resveratrol and caffeic acid (IVBA = 0%). In contrast, the polyphenols gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercetin gave rise to their availability in white, green and oolong infusion teas (IVBA > 90%). Furthermore, highly fermented black and pu-erh varieties could be designated as less bioaccessible environments in the duodenum with respect to the tested compounds., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Sustained human pressures on the environment have significantly increased the frequency, extent, and severity of wildfires, globally. This is particularly the case in Mediterranean regions, in which human-caused wildfires represent up to 90% of all recorded wildfire ignitions. In Chile, it has been estimated that nearly 90% of wildfires are related to human activities, and that their frequency and distribution have steadily increased over the last decade. Despite this, the role of socio-economic factors in driving wildfire activity and its spatiotemporal distribution remains unclear. In this study, we assess the association between socio-economic drivers and spatiotemporal patterns of wildfires in the Mediterranean region of south-central Chile over the period 2010-2018. Our results show that 98.5% of wildfires are related to human activities, either accidentally (58.2%) or intentionally (36.6%). Wildfires occurred primarily during the summer months and their density at the commune-level was associated with increased road access, as well as with the percentage of land covered by agriculture, exotic tree plantations, and native forest. Wildfire activity at the commune-level was also related to socio-economic variables such as population density, proportion of indigenous population, and unemployment rate, although such associations varied considerably depending on the region and on whether the wildfire was started accidentally or intentionally. Our study provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessment of the complex ways in which land-cover and socio-economic factors drive the distribution of wildfire activity in south-central Chile. It represents an important guide for policy-making, as well a baseline for research into strategies aimed at predicting and mitigating wildfire activity at both local and national levels., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This study develops for the first time an analytical method for the characterization of silver and gold nanoparticles in sewage sludge. The evaluation of the effect of temperature, extracting agent and centrifugation speed and time on the extraction yield was carried out through a multifactorial analysis of variance which allows us to select 289 g, 5 min and 20 mM sodium pyrophosphate tetrabasic as optimal extraction conditions. Under these conditions, the analysis of the extract by single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry provided recovery percentages of 70 ± 2% and 56 ± 1% for silver and gold nanoparticles, respectively. Moreover, the complementary results obtained upon analysis of these extracts by transmission electron microscopy and single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry showed that the developed method did not modify the original size and shape of these nanoparticles during the extraction procedure. Size detection limits of 23 nm and 16 nm as well as number concentration limits of 3.12 × 10 9 particles kg -1 and 1.38 × 10 9 particles kg -1 were obtained for silver and gold nanoparticles, respectively. Moreover, a stability study of silver and gold nanoparticles in sewage sludge for 12 months showed differences between the two nanoparticle types. Although the sizes were not affected during the 12 months, silver nanoparticles underwent an oxidation process from 6 months onwards, which was reflected in an increase in the percentage of ionic silver from 14 ± 1% at 6 months to 24 ± 2% at 12 months. The developed methodology represents a simple, reliable and fast tool for detecting, quantifying and assessing the stability of nanoparticles in an important environmental sample such as sewage sludge., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Comprehensive geriatric assessment impacts on the preservation of functionality , affecting the quality of life of the patient. Low muscle mass, expressed as low grip strength, is a common condition that has shown great utility in predicting mortality, days of hospital stay, and early mobilization., Objective: To describe the usefulness of grip strength as a predictor of functional loss in patients older than 60 years with hip fracture., Material and Methods: A prospective, observational, analytical, longitudinal cohort study in 60-year-old hospitalized patients with hip fracture, the grip strength was evaluated with a hydraulic dynamometer at admission and after surgery, with a follow-up at 30 days., Results: The patients presented a significant decrease in grip strength at admission compared to grip strength at discharge (20.79 ± 4.75 vs. 15.45 ± 4.17 respectively). When evaluating muscle strength, it was found that those patients with functional loss had a higher score of grip strength at admission (21.42 ± 5.26, p = 0.04), and grip strength at discharge (16.14 ± 4.52 p = 0.013). For each day of hospital stay, 0.493 kg of muscle strength decreases., Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between the days of hospital stay with the decrease in muscle strength in addition to a positive correlation between the Barthel score and grip strength, which proposes that this parameter is an important factor to evaluate in the adult functionality approach.

Introduction: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is useful for eye preservation in advanced retinoblastoma (Rb). Intra-vitreal chemotherapy (IvitC) is the latest treatment for vitreous seeds., Methods: The present study is a retrospective assessment of 100 eyes, treated with primary or secondary IAC alone or with IvitC. We evaluated demographic and clinical variables, eye salvage, associated adverse events, and patient survival. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox hazard ratios were utilized to assess the effect of demographic and clinical variables over eye salvage., Results: Bilateral Rb was observed in 61% of patients, and 57% of eyes received secondary treatment. Forty eyes needed intra-arterial plus IvitC and 62 presented advanced disease (group D and E). Three- and 5-year ocular survival probabilities were 75 and 68%. We found a higher risk in group D and E eyes and those requiring 2 or more routes for ophthalmic artery catheterization. Patients coming from other countries also showed increased risk. Using primary or secondary treatment, or IvitC, did not affect this risk. Overall rates of survival and eye salvages were 98.8 and 73%, and we had a 100% catheterization success and none ophthalmic arterial occlusions., Conclusions: In an upper middle-income country such as Colombia, a specialized institution counting with therapeutic alternatives and a multidisciplinary team can reach rates of patient survival and eye salvage similar to those of high-income countries., Competing Interests: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2021 by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

A simple and efficient low-cost matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction assisted by TiO 2 nanoparticles and diatomaceous earth has been developed for the extraction of phenolic compounds from grape and grape pomace wastes. Experimental conditions for MSPD extraction were optimized by a factorial design and a surface response methodology. The simultaneous identification and quantification of eight main natural polyphenols (caffeic, p-coumaric, dihydroxybenzoic and gallic acid, rutin, resveratrol, quercetin and catechin) was possible by combining MSPD and capillary liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detection and a mass simple quadrupole analyzer (cLC-DAD-MS). Good linearity and acceptable LOD (0.05-62 µg·g -1 ) and LOQ (0.2-207 µg·g -1 ) were obtained. The quantities of extracted polyphenols were within 2.4 and 333 µg·g -1 , with catechin and rutin the most abundant compounds in grape pomace and grape wastes, respectively. Furthermore, considering the prospective uses of the winery bioresidues, the extracts have been characterised in terms of bioactive properties (several antioxidant activities and bacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomona aeruginosa) and parameters such as total polyphenol and total flavonoid content. The high antioxidant activity (IC 50 5.0 ± 0.4 µg ·g -1 against DPPH radical) and antibacterial activity (2.2 ± 0.3 mg·mL -1 ) suggests that the methodology developed is efficient, rapid and promising for the extraction of phenolic compounds with potential application as bioactive ingredients in food and cosmetic industries., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Biochar (BC) is a porous, carbonaceous material produced by slow pyrolysis of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions. BC production has been attracting research interest because it modifies soil physicochemical characteristics and improves the growth of plants in problem soils. These benefits may be best actualized for soils contaminated by metals, where remediation is hampered by metal toxicity to both plants and soil microbial communities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of the addition of chicken manure biochar (CMB), oat hull biochar (OHB), or pine bark biochar (PBB) on copper (Cu) bioavailability in a Cu-contaminated soil, the effectiveness of these BCs promoting plant growth, and its effects on soil microbial communities supporting these plants. A sandy soil (338 mg Cu kg -1 ) was amended with CMB, OHB, and PBB, and the metallophyte Oenothera picensis or the agricultural species Solanum lycopersicum and Lolium perenne were grown for 3 months. The BCs produced an increase in soil pH, reduced the exchangeable Cu, and increased Cu bound to organic matter and residual fractions. All BCs enhanced the quality of contaminated soil and increased the plant biomass production, notably for S. lycopersicum, which grew until 12 times more than plants in non-amended soil. While BC addition reduced the concentration of Cu in soil pore water, the amendment did not reduce the concentrations of Cu in shoot tissues. BC additions also stimulated soil microorganisms, increasing basal respiration and DHA activity and modifying microbial communities, especially in soils supporting L. perenne. These results indicate that BCs represent an effective tool to remediate Cu-contaminated sandy soils.

The design and/or remodelling of urban parks is a good health strategy to alleviate the lack of physical activity (PA) in children and, consequently, the different health problems derived from this. The main objective of the present study was to obtain a systematic review of the design features and characteristics that influence users' visits to urban parks and the PA engagement in them. A literature search was carried out in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases during the months of June and July 2020. After considering and applying inclusion criteria, the final review sample was formed of 31 scientific papers published between 2010-2020. The results obtained in the review lead us to conclude that the needs of the population (children and family members who care for them) and socio-economic context of the area in which they are built must be considered when constructing and/or remodelling parks. Involving community members in playground renovations can have a positive effect on park use and PA engagement in children.

Training processes are mainly based on the pedagogical methods applied by teachers. In many cases, these pedagogical methods are adapted to the social, economic, and cultural environment of the students themselves. In this study, we used a psychometric analysis based on the analysis of structural equations to detect the psychometric properties through classical goodness-of-fit indices. The objective of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate the instrument called the Teaching and Learning Experiences Questionnaire (ETLQ) for the population of Spanish adolescents in secondary education. The rrecommendations in the literature were followed for its translation and adaptation into Spanish. The results indicate that, after translation and adaptation, the model remained in 11 factors with acceptable goodness-of-fit indices. We conclude that the process of translation, adaptation, and validation of the ETLQ has produced a valid and reliable tool due to the psychometric findings revealed in the present work.

The crisis provoked by COVID-19 has rapidly and profoundly affected Latin America. The impacts are seen not only in infection and mortality rates, but also in the economic decline and increased inequality that plague the region, problems which have been exacerbated as a result of the pandemic. Women, in particular, constitute one of the groups most heavily impacted by the pandemic, facing higher rates of unemployment and furloughing due to structural discrimination and a subsequent increase in economic dependency as they are forced to return to traditional unremunerated occupations like caregiving and homemaking. However, it is the increase of direct violences that has received the most media attention and remains the most visible manifestation of the impact of the pandemic on women. Nonetheless, in countries like Mexico and Colombia, said violences are compounded in contexts of criminal violence which make the public sphere more dangerous than the private. Thus, this article focuses the analysis on the structural factors that consign women to a reality in which they permanently face discrimination. This article analyzes the behavior of violence against women in the period of pandemic in the cases of Colombia and Mexico from the perspective of horizontal inequality. It emphasizes that violence against women is a form of discrimination that inhibits the full exercise and enjoyment of one's rights (Interamerican Court of Human Rights [ICHR], 2009). Finally, the responsibility of the State is evaluated in relation to granting women access to emergency assistance and the administration of justice. It is argued that violence against women is a continuum , the most extreme form of which is feminicide, permitted by the failure of the State to guarantee equal protection for women., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 The Authors.)