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Objective: The need for clinical services in U.S. colleges exceeds the supply. Digital Mental health Interventions (DMHIs) are a potential solution, but successful implementation depends on stakeholder acceptance. This study investigated the relevance of DMHIs from students' perspectives. Methods: In 2020–2021, an online cross-sectional survey using mixed methods was conducted with 479 students at 23 colleges and universities. Respondents reported views and use of standard mental health services and DMHIs and rated the priority of various DMHIs to be offered through campus services. Qualitative data included open-ended responses. Findings: Among respondents, 91% reported having experienced mental health problems, of which 91% reported barriers to receiving mental health services. Students highlighted therapy and counseling as desired and saw flexible access to services as important. With respect to DMHIs, respondents had the most experience with physical health apps (46%), mental health questionnaires (41%), and mental well-being apps (39%). Most were unaware of or had not used apps or self-help programs for mental health problems. Students were most likely to report the following DMHIs as high priorities: a crisis text line (76%), telehealth (66%), websites for connecting to services (62%), and text/messaging with counselors (62%). They considered a self-help program with coach support to be convenient but some also perceived such services to be possibly less effective than in-person therapy. Conclusions: Students welcome DMHIs on campus and indicate preference for mental health services that include human support. The findings, with particular focus on characteristics of the DMHIs prioritized, and students' awareness and perceptions of scalable DMHIs emphasized by policymakers, should inform schools looking to implement DMHIs.

Background: Although there is extensive evidence for the efficacy of online eating disorder (ED) prevention programs in clinical trials, these programs have rarely been adopted beyond the trial phase and offered to a wider audience. As risk factors for eating disorders are partly associated with overweight and overweight in turn is correlated to disordered eating, this study will offer a combined eating disorder prevention program which also promotes a balanced lifestyle to normal weight and overweight individuals alike. The efficacy of the program has been proven in previous trials. The study aims to evaluate the dissemination of a combined eating disorder prevention and health promotion program (everyBody) to women of all age groups and varying levels of ED risk status in the general population. Methods: A dissemination trial will be conducted in German-speaking countries, including 4160 women from the general population. Participants will be screened to exclude participants who are likely to have an ED. Eligible participants will be allocated to one of five program arms based on their BMI and respective ED symptoms. The guided program consists of 4 to 12 weeks of weekly sessions offering CBT-based exercises, psychoeducational material, self-monitoring, and group discussions. Outcomes will be assessed according to the RE-AIM model, including measures of effectiveness, reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the program. Discussion/conclusions: This trial aims to disseminate a combined ED prevention and health promotion program in the general population, offering universal, selective and indicated prevention in one program. To our knowledge, it is the first trial to systematically evaluate dissemination efforts based on the RE-AIM model. This trial will be conducted as part of the EU-funded ICare (Integrating Technology into Mental Health Care Delivery in Europe) project. Keywords: Eating disorders, Prevention, Internet-based intervention, Disseminationi

Objective: Eating disorders and subclinical eating disorders are serious and disabling diseases with high prevalence rates on college campuses. Many symptomatic students are never screened nor formally diagnosed with an eating disorder and do not receive mental health treatment. Method: This pilot study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of a 10-week online intervention, StudentBodies-Eating Disorders, designed to reduce eating disorder symptoms, related psychopathology, and weight and shape concerns. A total of 65 participants were randomized to the online intervention or waitlist control. Results: Results indicate that for study completers, the intervention had large effects for reduction of eating-related psychopathology (d = 1.5), weight concerns (d = .7), and psychosocial impairment (d = .7). Those who completed it rated the program very acceptable. This pilot study suggests the potential efficacy of StudentBodies-Eating Disorders as a self-help intervention for subclinical eating disorders in a non-clinical setting.

Study and treatment dropout and adherence represent particular challenges in studies on Internet-based interventions. However, systematic investigations of the relationship between study, intervention and patient characteristics, participation, and intervention outcomes in online-prevention are scarce. A review of participation in trials investigating a cognitive-behavioral, Internet-based, 8-week prevention program (StudentBodies™) for eating disorders, moderators of participation, and the impact of participation on the relationship of outcome moderators and outcomes was performed. Seven US and three German studies with a total of N = 1059 female participants were included. Two of the U.S. and one of the German trials explicitly addressed high risk samples in a selective prevention approach. Across studies, dropout rates ranged from 3% to 26%. The women who participated in the trials accessed on average between 49% and 83% of the assigned intervention content. None of the study characteristics (universal vs. selective prevention, incentives, country, participants' age) predicted adherence or study dropout. After adjusting for adherence, intervention outcomes (EDI Drive for Thinness and EDI Bulimia) were only moderated by participant's age, with smaller effects in one sample of adolescent girls. Adherence to StudentBodies™ proved to be high across a number of trials, settings and countries. These findings are promising, but it is likely that adherence will be distinctly lower in the general public than in research settings, and intervention effects will turn out smaller. However, the intervention is readily available at minimal cost per participant, and the public health impact may still be notable.

Climate change presents a major threat to biodiversity globally. Northern ecosystems, such as Canada's boreal forest, are predicted to experience particularly severe climate-induced changes. These changes may reduce the carrying capacity and habitat suitability of the boreal forest for many wildlife species. Boreal birds are susceptible to both direct and indirect effects of climate change, and several studies have predicted northward shifts in species distributions as temperatures become warmer. We forecasted spatially-explicit changes in the densities of 72 boreal landbird species using integrated climate change projections and a forest dynamics model in the Taiga Plains ecozone of the Northwest Territories (NT), Canada, over the 2011–2091 horizon. We 1) identified ''winner,'' ''loser,'' and ''bellringer'' species over short (2031) and long-term (2091) forecasts, 2) mapped landbird range and density changes under three contrasting Global Circulation Models (GCMs), and 3) quantify differences in landbird density predictions across a latitudinal gradient. Species that showed a moderate increase or decrease in their predicted abundance were considered ''winners'' and ''losers,'' respectively. Species that showed a marked increase or decrease – a doubling or halving – of their predicted abundance in all three GCMs, were termed ''bellringers''. From 2011–2031, only 2/72 (2.8%) were considered winners, and 3/72 (4.2%) were losers. From 2011–2091, the abundance of more species was predicted to change: 26/72 (36.1%) were winners, and 10/72 species (13.9%) were losers. Four species were considered bellringers: Gray-cheeked Thrush, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and American Tree Sparrow. Overall, projected range shifts were strongly oriented along a southeast-to-northwest axis. Shifts to the north and south were evenly distributed among all three GCMs. Our results suggest that future climate-mitigated distribution shifts and population declines of boreal landbirds will require targeted conservation actions. They also highlight the importance of the NT as a potential refugium for many boreal-breeding landbird species in Canada.

Four activated hydrochars (AHCs) were obtained by hydrothermal carbonization of pine sawdust followed by physical and chemical activation in mild conditions. The effects of the activating agents on the porous structure of AHCs were analysed using nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Their CO2 adsorption capacity was assessed by means of carbon dioxide isotherms at 25 and 50 ºC and thermogravimetry, and compared with a commercial activated carbon (AC). SBET values greater than 2000 m2/g were obtained. A narrow micropore volume of 0.392 cm3/g was obtained for the hydrochar activated with KHCO3. The highest CO2 uptake of 3.3 mmol/g (145.2 mg/g) was obtained at room temperature (25 ºC) for the hydrochar activated with KHCO3. Three kinetic models (pseudo-first, pseudo-second and fractional order Avrami’s models) were used to examine the rate parameters of CO2 uptake, with Avrami’s model giving the most accurate prediction of CO2 adsorption. The intraparticle diffusion model and Boyd’s film-diffusion model were applied to identify the CO2 adsorption mechanism.

The study aimed to assess sleep quality in PCC patients and its predictors by analysing its relationship with emotional, cognitive and functional variables, as well as possible differences based on COVID-19 severity. We included 368 individuals with PCC and 123 healthy controls (HCs) from the NAUTILUS Project (NCT05307549 and NCT05307575). We assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), global cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA), everyday memory failures (Memory Failures of Everyday Questionnaire, MFE-30), fatigue (Chadler Fatigue Questionnaire, CFQ), quality of life (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, EQ-5D), and physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ). 203 were nonhospitalized, 83 were hospitalized and 82 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We found statistically significant differences in the PSQI total score between the PCC and HC groups (p

Objective: Having chronic conditions may result in reduced physical and cognitive function but less is known about multimorbidity with daily movement. We examined the association of multimorbidity and device-measured total daily movement in a nationally representative sample of US adults aged ≥ 30 years from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Methods: Any multimorbidity (≥2 conditions) and complex multimorbidity (≥3 conditions across ≥ 3 body systems) were quantified using 16 chronic conditions via self-report and/or clinical thresholds. Total movement over 24-hours (Monitor-Independent Movement Summary units [MIMS-units]) was measured using a wrist-worn device (ActiGraph GT3X). Multivariable linear regression examined the association of 1) each chronic condition, 2) number of conditions, 3) any multimorbidity, and 4) complex multimorbidity with total movement. Covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and smoking status. Results: Among US adults (N = 7304, mean age: 53.2 ± 0.34 years, 53.2% female, 69.4% Non-Hispanic White), 62.2% had any multimorbidity with 34.2% having complex multimorbidity. After adjustment, a higher number of chronic conditions was associated with incrementally lower total movement (β MIMS-units [95% CI] compared to those with no chronic conditions; one: −419 [−772, −66], two: −605 [−933, −278], three: −1201 [−1506, −895], four: −1908 [−2351, −1465], 5+: −2972 [−3384, −2560]). Complex multimorbidity presence was associated with −1709 (95% CI: −2062, −1357) and −1269 (−1620, −918) lower total movement compared to those without multimorbidity and multimorbidity but not complex, respectively. Conclusions: Multimorbidity was associated with lower 24-h movement among US adults and may be helpful for identifying adults at risk for low movement.

Different types of environmental pollution cause negative consequences to ecosystems throughout the globe, which humanity is now trying to mitigate. It is necessary to know the level of pollution problems in the immediate environment, to evaluate the impact of human activities, and mitigation strategies necessary to ensure habitability. For this reason, in this work, a low-cost pollution measurement station for outdoor or indoor use is proposed and developed that measures air pollution (particulate matter and CO2), noise (level and direction), light pollution (power and multispectral), and also relative humidity and ambient temperature. The system stores the data in an SD memory or transmits data in real-time to the internet via WiFi. The purposes of the system are to be used in environmental studies, to deploy monitoring networks, or to ensure the habitability of a living or working space. The prototype integrates the measurement of the different sources of contamination in a single compact device at USD$ 628.12 without sacrificing measurement accuracy. The system is validated for each variable with reference equipment, obtaining an average error of approximately 2.67% in the measurement of all the variables measured. The system is easy to assemble and has an option for power supply using solar photovoltaic devices and an alternative for connection to 2G/3G mobile networks.

The high variety of tailor fitted molecular structures of polyethylene (PE) is very beneficial to fulfill requirements of various applications, however it poses a difficulty in the mechanical recycling of post-consumer PE products. To improve the quality of PE recyclates and increase the amounts of recyclates that can be used in new products, separation of PE waste by density and melt flow rate (MFR) during mechanical sorting is essential. Therefore, 25 virgin PE grades were used to manufacture compression molded plates that were then characterized by means of Attenuated Total Reflection - Fourier transformed IR (ATR-FTIR) and near IR (NIR) spectroscopy, NIR hyperspectral imaging and dual-comb spectroscopy. The results were used to build partial least squares regression (PLS) models to predict MFR and density. ATR-FTIR and laboratory NIR spectroscopy provided sufficient information to predict the density value of PE, whereas the MFR assessments was not possible. The PLS model from the industrial NIR data also only allowed the density-based classification of virgin PE grades. The PLS models built from transmission and reflectance dual comb spectroscopy infrared (DCS-IR) of selected samples clearly showed that density and MFR prediction can be carried out with high accuracy. As DCS-IR could be implemented on plastic sorting systems using a conveyor belt, the addition of this sensor in mechanical sorting line would lead to a significantly higher quality of recycled PE with narrow well-defined density and MFR ranges. Such an improvement would immensely support the targeted recycling rates and amount by the European Union and would make a significant step towards circular plastics.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease with worldwide presence and a major cause of death in several developing countries. Current diagnostic methodologies often lack specificity and sensitivity, whereas a long time is needed to obtain a conclusive result. Methods: In an effort to develop better diagnostic methods, this study aimed at the discovery of a biomarker signature for TB diagnosis using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance based metabolomics approach. In this study, we acquired 1H NMR spectra of blood serum samples of groups of healthy subjects, individuals with latent TB and of patients with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB. The resulting data were treated with uni- and multivariate statistical analysis. Results: Six metabolites (inosine, hypoxanthine, mannose, asparagine, aspartate and glutamate) were validated by an independent cohort, all of them related with metabolic processes described as associated with TB infection. Conclusion: The findings of the study are according with the WHO Target Product Profile recommendations for a triage test to rule-out active TB.

Introduction: History of Childhood Maltreatment (CM) has repeatedly been associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar disorders (BD) or schizophrenia (SZ). The impact of severe stress induced by CM is thought to be mediated by increased inflammation reflected by deregulated levels of circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, little is known about the potential impact of exposition to CM on lymphocyte subpopulations or the role of pre-existing infections on the impact of CM. We thus explored the role of CM and the impact of past exposure to infections on lymphocyte subpopulation.as these could be important avenues to better understand the impact of severe stress in major mood and psychotic disorders. Patients and Methods: 118 adult patients with SZ and 152 with BD were included in the analysis. History of CM was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), current and past psychiatric symptomatology were evaluated. Circulating lymphocytes subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry-based analysis. Past exposure to common infectious stigma including toxoplasma, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Ebstein-Barr Virus (EBV) were measured by solid phase-enzyme microplate and ELISA immunoassays. Relationship between CM, biological phenotypes and clinical phenotypes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: We found that patients with BD and CM, as compared to those without, had higher levels of CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CMV antibodies along decreased levels of CD45RA+CCR7+CD8+ naïve CD8 T cells, and a more severe clinical profile. We also observed that levels of CMV antibodies were inversely associated with the CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte subset level.Patients with SZ and CM have decreased levels of CD14+ monocytes. Accumulation of types of maltreatment is associated with increased Body Mass Index and CMV autoantibodies as well as decreased levels of CD14+ monocytes. Conclusion: We observed that adult patients with BD or SZ having been exposed to CM exhibit specific immune cell subset profiles, clinical features and stigma of past infections. Altogether, our findings, especially in the context of BD, allows us to suggest a possible interplay between CM and CMV infectious events possibly inducing premature aging and cellular senescence, two events already known to be associated with psychiatric conditions. Longitudinal studies of patients exposed to maltreatment are warranted to replicate, predict and anticipate the specific needs of these patients.

Resumen: Introducción: La deformidad postero-medial (DPMT), a diferencia de otras formas congénitas que afectan a la tibia, presenta una buena evolución corrigiendo de forma espontánea las importantes desalineaciones que presentan al nacimiento en base a las clásicas leyes ortopédicas de Wolff y Hueter-Volkmann dejando unas angulaciones residuales leves y una dismetría variable. Material y métodos: Los autores realizan una revisión retrospectiva de casos diagnosticados de DPMT, de la evolución de la angulación tibial y de la discrepancia de la longitud de 14 pacientes (11 varones y 3 mujeres) seguidos y tratados entre los años 2003 al 2018 y a los que a 7 se les realizó una elongación ósea. Se han valorado los estudios efectuados mediante radiografía simple en 2 proyecciones y telerradiografía de mensuración de miembros en bipedestación a lo largo del crecimiento, así como las historias clínicas. Resultados: La deformidad radiológica diafisaria medial de recién nacido o periodo neonatal fue de 34° y la final de 10°. La deformidad posterior evolucionó de 46° hasta una angulación final de 11°. La angulación fisaria en la proyección AP inicial fue de 34° y final de 8° y en la proyección lateral de 44 a 6°. El eje mecánico de la extremidad también fue corrigiéndose hacia un eje neutro con relación a la corrección fisaria y diafisaria antes mencionadas en todos los casos excepto en 2. En 5 de los casos, aunque el eje mecánico se encontraba normo-alineado, a nivel tibial discurría de forma excéntrica y externo al córtex tibial. La relación de longitud entre la tibia corta y la tibia sana mantiene una proporción constante a lo largo del crecimiento del 89%, es decir, la inhibición de crecimiento es de un 11%. Observamos que el 80% de la discrepancia se halla en la tibia, y que el 20% restante era a expensas de la altura del tarso. Dos pacientes presentaron fractura diafisaria de tibia por causa traumática y casual. A 7 pacientes les fue compensada la diferencia de longitud de la tibia mediante una elongación ósea media de 5.4 cm empleando la técnica de callotasis con un índice de curación de 34,5 días/cm. Conclusiones: La DPMT mejora sustancialmente durante los primeros años de la vida. La alineación articular de rodilla y tobillo se consiguen antes que la corrección de deformidad diafisaria. La discrepancia de longitud de las tibias va aumentando con el crecimiento del niño ya que existe un 11% de inhibición del crecimiento que originará una discrepancia a la madurez esquelética entre 4-7 cm. La elongación ósea progresiva antes de la madurez esquelética es el método de elección para compensar esta discrepancia. Abstract: Introduction: Postero-medial deformity (DMPT), unlike other congenital forms that affect the tibia, presents a good evolution spontaneously correcting the important misalignments that present at birth based on the classic orthopedic laws of Wolff and Hueter-Volkmann, leaving slight residual angulations and variable limb length discrepancy. Material and methods: Authors carry out a retrospective review of cases diagnosed with DPMT, the evolution of the tibial angulation and the discrepancy in the length of fourteen patients (11 males and 3 females) followed and treated between the years 2003 and 2018. Seven of these were treated by callus distraction. We have considered: PA and lateral of the tibia and stand-up entire limbs x-ray during age growth, along with the clinical records of the patients. Results: The medial diaphyseal radiological deformity of the newborn or neonatal period was 34° and the final 10°. The posterior deformity evolved from 46° to a final angulation of 11°. The physeal angulation in the initial AP projection was 34° and the end view was 8° and in the lateral projection from 44 to 6°. The mechanical axis of the limb was correcting towards a neutral axis in relation to the aforementioned physeal and diaphyseal correction in all cases except two. In five of the cases, although the mechanical axis was normal-aligned, at the tibial level it ran eccentrically and externally to the tibial cortex. The length relationship between the short tibia and the healthy tibia maintains a constant proportion throughout the growth of 89%, that is, the inhibition of growth is 11%. We observe that 80% of the discrepancy is found in the tibia and that the remaining 20% ??was exposed from the height of the tarsus. Two patients presented a traumatic and accidental diaphyseal fracture of the tibia. The difference in the length of the tibia was compensated to seven patients by callus distraction of 5.4 cm using the callotasis method with a Healing Index of 34.5 days/cm. Conclusions: DPMT improves substantially during the first years of life. Joint alignment of the knee and ankle is achieved before the correction of diaphyseal deformity. The tibia length discrepancy increases with the growth of the child since there is an 11% growth inhibition that will cause a skeletal maturity discrepancy between 4-7 cm. Callus distraction before skeletal maturity is the method chosen to compensate this discrepancy.

To contribute to the targeted 10 million tons per year of recycled plastic in Europe by 2025 and to improve the mechanical sorting degree of polyethylene (PE) products, density prediction models were developed from Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Raman spectroscopic data. State-of-the-art sorting in mechanical recycling provides separated polymer classes, however an improved classification with specific chemical and physical features such as density or melt flow rate has not been developed yet.Applying multivariate data analysis (MVDA) on the spectral datasets of 10 different PE materials, one FTIR-ATR and two Raman spectra based partial least square (PLS) density models were developed. However, whereas all three models are applicable to predict PE density accurately, the Raman models have shown some advantages. Firstly, less principle components (PC) are needed and secondly the density can be assessed with higher accuracy, due to the more robust cross-validated PLS model. Moreover, the obtained PC-s indicate that in the FTIR-ATR model the CH3/CH2 ratio, while in the Raman model the CH2, CH and the crystalline C–C bands can be correlated with the PE density. The most accurate PLS model was obtained from the 1500-1000 cm−1 Raman shift region. The developed models could improve the density based mechanical separation of PE and consequently increase the quality of recycled and reprocessed PE products.

Background and objectives: The therapeutic effects of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonist, bromocriptine, in type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been attributed to central nervous system actions. However, peripheral dopamine directly modulates glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue (AT). We hypothesized that the dopaminergic system may be impaired in the adipose tissue of patients with T2D and that the therapeutic actions of bromocriptine could involve the modulation of metabolism in this tissue. Methods: The expression of dopamine receptors was evaluated in visceral AT samples from patients with obesity and stratified in several groups: insulin sensitive (IS); insulin resistance (IR) normoglycaemic; insulin resistant prediabetic; insulin resistant diabetic, according to Ox-HOMA2IR, fasting glycaemia and HbA1c levels. T2D Goto-Kakizaki rats (GK) were fed a high-caloric diet (HCD) for five months and treated with bromocriptine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) in the last month. The levels of dopaminergic system mediators and markers of insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolism were assessed in the peri-epididymal adipose tissue (pEWAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissues, liver, and skeletal muscle. Results: Patients with IR presented a decreasing trend of DRD1 expression in the visceral adipose tissue, being correlated with the expression of UCP1, PPARA, and insulin receptor (INSR) independently of insulin resistance and body mass index. Although no differences were observed in DRD2, DRD4 expression was significantly decreased in patients with prediabetes and T2D. In HCD-fed diabetic rats, bromocriptine increased D1R and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in pEWAT and the liver. Besides reducing adiposity, bromocriptine restored GLUT4 and PPARγ levels in pEWAT, as well as postprandial InsR activation and postabsorptive activation of lipid oxidation pathways. A reduction of liver fat, GLUT2 levels and postprandial InsR and AMPK activation in the liver was observed. Increased insulin sensitivity and GLUT4 levels in BAT and an improvement of the overall metabolic status were observed. Conclusions: Bromocriptine treatment remodels adipose tissue and the liver dopaminergic system, with increased D1R and TH levels, resulting in higher insulin sensitivity and catabolic function. Such effects may be involved in bromocriptine therapeutic effects, given the impaired expression of dopamine receptors in the visceral adipose tissue of IR patients, as well as the correlation of D1R expression with InsR and metabolic mediators.

This work is a systematic laboratory study of coal oxidation under well-controlled temperature and humidity conditions that attempts to simulate those found in the transport and storage of coking coals. Four bituminous coals of different rank were oxidised at 50 °C under different humidity conditions in order to establish the effect that the moisture of the air medium has on their coking properties. The effect of oxidation was examined by means of the free swelling index (FSI), the Gieseler test, thermogravimetry and coke microstrength measurements. The point of zero charge (pHPZC) was explored as a possible method for detecting coal oxidation.In general, the results obtained revealed a deterioration of the thermoplastic properties, a decrease in the point of zero charge and a diminution of the maximum rate of volatile matter evolution. It was observed that the highest humidity level (90% rh) retarded the oxidation of the lowest rank coal during the first few days of oxidation, whereas the higher rank coals were affected more by high humidity conditions. It was also found that low volatile coals become more dangerous after oxidation regardless of the humidity conditions. No significant variations were observed in the mechanical strength of the resultant cokes attributable to the humidity conditions. Keywords: Bituminous coal, Low-temperature oxidation, Controlled humidity atmosphere, Point of zero charge

This article aims to clarify and expand the information published in the article Evaluation of synergy during co-pyrolysis of torrefied sawdust, coal and paraffin. A kinetic and thermodynamic study, which evaluate kinetically and thermodynamically the existence of synergies during the co-pyrolysis of binary and ternary blends of coal, torrefied pine sawdust and paraffin. These materials were selected because they have been used before in the preparation of briquettes for the steel industry with good results. In order to facilitate the understanding and reproducibility of the main article, the following descriptions, dataset and figures have been provided: description and formulation of iso-conversional methods, some TGA curves and the standard deviation of the TG analysis, the activation energy of all the raw materials and their blends at different level of conversion using Friedman, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) methods, as well as, the linear plots for their calculations for the KAS and FWO models; also the thermodynamic parameters for pyrolysis of all the samples studied and the theoretical and experimental plots for prediction of solid state reaction mechanism using Criado method of several weights of paraffin are include.

Dopamine and its 5 receptors, which are grouped into two families (D1-like and D2-like), modulate functions at a systemic level in both the central nervous system and periphery. The central nervous system and the immune system are the main adaptive systems, which participate in a continuous and functional crosstalk to guarantee homeostasis. On binding to its 5 dopamine receptors, dopamine acts as a co-regulator of the immune system, contributing to the interaction of the central nervous system and inflammatory events and as a source of communication between the different immune cells. Dopaminergic perturbations in the central nervous system are observed in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders with a poorly understood pathoaetiology that includes genetic and environmental components that promote alterations in the dopaminergic system. Interestingly, abnormalities in dopamine receptors expression in lymphocytes of schizophrenia patients have been reported, often significantly correlating with the severity of the psychotic illness. Here, we review the current literature regarding the dopaminergic system in human lymphocytes and its alterations in schizophrenia.

Raw cane sugars have been claimed to be rich in natural phenolic compounds which, in contrast to refined sugar, may increase the nutritional value of foods and contribute to the development of healthier foods and diets. The use of non-refined cane sugars in food formulation seems an interesting option since they provide natural antioxidants with sucrose still being the major sugar present, minimizing the loss of technological properties. However, substitution of refined sugar could imply an undesired impact on physicochemical and sensory properties, conditioning consumer's acceptance. Functional jams (strawberry and kiwifruit) with a larger fruit to sugar ratio than conventional ones, in which white sugar was replaced by granulated jaggery (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 y 75 % w/w) were obtained. Impact of sugar replacement was assessed by evaluating physicochemical properties (moisture, water activity, pH, total soluble sugars, sugar profile (glucose, fructose, sucrose), and optical, rheological, mechanical and antioxidant properties). Sensory properties and microbiological stability were also determined. Jaggery improved the antioxidant properties of jams (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antiradical activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods), proportionally to the amount of cane sugar incorporated and more significantly in the case of kiwifruit. Other physicochemical properties were not significantly affected by jaggery, except for color. However, these differences were not crucial in the acceptability tests, since acceptance of jams containing jaggery was generally good, very good when intermediate replacement percentages were used. Conclusions of the present work suggest that granulated jaggery can be used to formulate sugar-rich food products such as jams in order to increase their nutritional value, with little impact on physicochemical properties and good consumer acceptance.

Sleep disturbance has been described in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients as relevant to clinical and lung function predictive factors helping to improve the diagnosis and early intervention. Related paediatric studies are scarce. Objective: To describe respiratory sleep disturbance (RSD) and its association with spirometric indices in a population of CF children. A second aim was to determine if spirometric indices and wake-time SpO2 are predictors of sleep disturbance. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 33CF paediatric patients. All participants underwent in-lab polysomnography (PSG), pulse oximetry and spirometry. A standardized sleep questionnaire was completed for each patient. Two subgroups were considered: I â Normal (FEV1 > â1.64 z-score); II â Obstructed (FEV1 â¤Â â1.64 z-score). Results: Participant's median age was 12 (6â18) years, 16 (48.5%) were male. Twenty-nine patients (87.9%) presented sleep complaints. Sleep efficiency was reduced; sleep latency and waking after sleep onset (WASO) increased. N1 increased, N2, N3, REM and awakenings were normal. The apnoeaâhypopnoea index was 0.6/h (sd 0.9); respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 6.6/h (sd 5.2). Mean awaking (97% (sd 1.1)) and sleep SpO2 (95% (sd 2.7)) were normal; mean nocturnal oximetry desaturation index was 2.36/h; minimal nocturnal SpO2 was 89% (sd 4.1).We found associations between mean nocturnal SPO2 and mean values of FEV1 (r = 0.528; p = 0.002) and FEF25â75 (r = 0.426; p = 0.013). There were significant differences in nocturnal SpO2 between normal and obstructed patients (pÂ

The aim of this study was to investigate chromosomal regions affecting gestation length in sows. An experimental F2 cross between Iberian and Meishan pig breeds was used for this purpose and we genotyped 119 markers covering the 18 porcine autosomal chromosomes. Within this context, we have developed a new empirical Bayes factor (BF) approach to compare between nested models, with and without the quantitative trait loci (QTL) effect, and after including the location of the QTL as an unknown parameter in the model. This empirical BF can be easily calculated from the output of a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling by averaging conditional densities at the null QTL effects. Linkage analyses were performed in each chromosome using an animal model to account for infinitesimal genetic effects. Initially, three QTL were detected at chromosomes 6, 8 and 11 although, after correcting for multiple testing, only the additive QTL located in cM 110 of chromosome 8 remained. For this QTL, the allelic effect of substitution of the Iberian allele increased gestation length in 0.521 days, with a highest posterior density region at 95% ranged between 0.121 and 0.972 days. Although future studies are necessary to confirm if detected QTL is relevant and segregating in commercial pig populations, a hot-spot on the genetic regulation of gestation length in pigs seems to be located in chromosome 8.

El conducto apicoaórtico (CAA) es una alternativa a la sustitución valvular aórtica convencional. Puede indicarse en casos de «aorta en porcelana», derivaciones coronarias previas permeables y en obstrucciones complejas del tracto de salida ventricular izquierdo. Se presenta un caso de CAA en paciente con estenosis aórtica y aorta de porcelana. Material y métodos: La prótesis empleada puede ser tanto mecánica como biológica. Puede realizarse con o sin circulación extracorpórea (CEC). Requiere ventilación selectiva y toracotomía a nivel del cuarto-quinto espacio intercostal izquierdo. El primer paso consiste en realizar la anastomosis distal con pinzamiento lateral de la aorta receptora. Posteriormente se implantan dos cables de marcapasos en ventrículo izquierdo (VI) y se prepara la conexión ventricular, que debe realizarse a 2 cm del ápex ventricular, mediante puntos sueltos en «U» que deben abarcar la totalidad del grosor miocárdico; posteriormente, se induce fibrilación ventricular y se introduce el conector ventricular. El último paso consiste en anastomosar las dos prótesis vasculares. En este caso se realizó con CEC y se puede usar el conducto como donante en caso de revascularización miocárdica concomitante. Resultados: Se expone el caso de mujer de 74 años con historia de enfermedad coronaria y estenosis valvular aórtica grave sintomática. Se desestimó para cirugía convencional por calcificación masiva de la aorta ascendente y se indicó CAA con derivación coronaria a la arteria descendente anterior. Conclusiones: El CAA es una alternativa en la cirugía compleja de la raíz aórtica.

Purpose: to describe a case of bilateral neuroretinitis with bullous retinal detachment and multiple subretinal lesions, in a 10-year-old immunocompetent girl. Observations: A broad workup for infectious, inflammatory and masquerade etiologies was done for the patient, resulting in positive IgM and IgG for Bartonella henselae. The patient demonstrated improvement in the visual acuity, and rapid resolution of the retinal detachment and subretinal lesions in both eyes in response to systemic rifampin, doxycycline and corticosteroids. Conclusions and Importance: Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis may present as an acute form of bullous retinal detachment with multiple subretinal lesions and markedly reduced vision. Significant visual improvement may occur with prompt treatment with a combination of systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Purpose: To report a case of disseminated Nocardiosis with retinal and intracranial lesions. Observations: A 49-year-old woman immunosuppressed because of treatment given for bullous pemphigoid presented with altered mental status and multiple intracranial lesions on imaging. The patient was found to have multiple retinal lesions in both eyes, including a subretinal abscess in the right eye. The patient underwent brain biopsy, confirming Nocardia farcinica histopathologically and in culture. Conclusions and Importance: Ocular Nocardiosis is a rare disease with varying prognosis that requires prompt diagnosis to ensure appropriate medical therapy. Keywords: Abscess, Nocardia, Nocardiosis, Retina