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A novel strategy based on the sequential combination of UVC 254 nm -LED/H 2 O 2 and the Fenton process at neutral pH in continuous flow mode for wastewater reclamation has been assessed. The concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) reached water class A according to the European Union (EU) Regulation 2020/741 (≤10 CFU/100 mL) and a 87 ± 2 % of the contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) load was removed, complying with the new proposal regarding Urban Wastewater Treatment (Directive COM (2022) 541). To reach these results, initially the municipal wastewater secondary effluent was kept under UVC 254 nm -LED/H 2 O 2 process with a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 5 min, a liquid depth of 5-cm and 1.8 mmol L−1 of H 2 O 2. In the sequence, addition of Fe2+ to the outside of the UVC 254 nm -LED reactor was added to acquire the desired concentration of 1.8 mmol L−1 Fe2+ (Fenton process). To obtain the same disinfection and CECs degradation by only UVC 254 nm -LED/H 2 O 2 process, 45 min-HRT were necessary. These results show that the coupled processes are the best strategy, given the reduction in HRT (from 45 to 5 min) and total cost (from 1.79 to 0.54 € m−3). In addition, new research on the application at pilot scale will encourage to evaluate the long-term toxicity of the reclaimed wastewater and to identify the main transformation products of the most abundant CECs. [Display omitted] • 45-min HRT to reach 87 ± 1 % CECs removal by UVC/H 2 O 2. • min-HRT to reach 87 ± 2 % CECs removal by coupling UVC/H 2 O 2 and Fenton processes. • Reductions of treatment time (89 %) and costs (70 %) coupling both processes. • Quality A of water reclaimed (EU2020/741) and 87 ± 2 % of CECs removal were reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A derivation of the equation of motion satisfied by a prototype of the forward space–time Wigner distribution, that incorporates a Fourier transformation of truncated time shifts as compared with the standard Wigner distribution, is carried out in the case of a many-body system within the formalism of nonequilibrium Green's functions of quantum field theory. In particular, the single-particle equation found in López and Soler (2016) is recovered when the self-energy interaction effects are neglected. Then, a sinc-corrected quantum kinetic Boltzmann equation is derived that rules the evolution of the standard Wigner transform, which is shown to be reduced to the usual Boltzmann equation when only binary elastic collisions are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The steel strings of guitars suffer aggressive corrosion when exposed to human sweat. To mitigate this effect, in this research work guitar strings were subjected to cathodic protection by impressed current. To evaluate the corrosion, electrochemical techniques were used to determine the polarization resistance and the instantaneous corrosion rate, as well as the weight loss by gravimetric measurements. Microphotographs were also carried out to compare the corrosion status of the steel strings by stereoscopic optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Impressed current cathodic protection allowed the formation of iron oxides on steel guitar strings to be reduced by around 40%. Highlights • Guitar strings with artificial sweat are effectively protected by cathodic protection. • Mass loss due to corrosion is 40% lower for impressed current protected strings. • Rp is a quick and non-destructive method to measure the corrosion of guitar strings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Mitragyna speciosa and its extracts are called kratom (dried leaves, extract). They contain several alkaloids with an affinity for different opioid receptors. They are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases, as a substitute by opiate addicts, and to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Apart from their medical properties, they are used to enhance physical endurance and as a means of overcoming stress. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms underlying the effects of kratom on restraint-stress-induced analgesia which occurs during or following exposure to a stressful or fearful stimulus. Methods To gain further insights into the action of kratom on stress, we conducted experiments using restraint stress as a test system and stress-induced analgesia as a test parameter. Using transgenic mu opioid-receptor (MOR) deficient mice, we studied the involvement of this receptor type. We used nor-binaltorphimine (BNT), an antagonist at kappa opioid receptors (KOR), to study functions of this type of receptor. Membrane potential assay was also employed to measure the intrinsic activity of kratom in comparison to U50,488, a highly selective kappa agonist. Results Treatment with kratom diminished stress-induced analgesia in wildtype and MOR knockout animals. Pretreatment of MOR deficient mice with BNT resulted in similar effects. In comparison to U50,488, kratom exhibited negligible intrinsic activity at KOR alone. Conclusions The results suggest that the use of kratom as a pharmacological tool to mitigate withdrawal symptoms is related to its action on KOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Segmental analysis in mitral prolapse is important to decide the chances of valvular repair. Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the only echocardiographic tool validated for this aim hitherto. The aim of the study was to assess if segmental analysis can be performed with transthoracic real-time 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography as accurately as with TEE, hence representing a valid alternative to TEE. Methods: Forty-one consecutive patients diagnosed with mitral prolapse underwent TEE and a complete 3D echocardiography study, including parasternal and apical real-time; apical full-volume; and 3D color full-volume. Investigators performing TEE were blinded to the 3D results. Results: Three-dimensional echocardiogram was feasible in 40 to 41 patients (97.7%). Ages ranged from 15 to 92 years, and all possible anatomical patterns of prolapse were represented. Thirty-seven patients (90.2%) had mitral regurgitation of any degree. The level of agreement was k = 0.93 (P < or = .0001), sensitivity of 96.7%, specificity of 96.7%, likelihood ratio for a positive result of 29.0%, and likelihood ratio for a negative result of 0.03%. Four false positives were found, corresponding to scallops A2 (1), A3 (2), and P3 (1). Four false negatives were found, corresponding to scallops A1 (2) and P1 (2). Sensitivity and specificity in the scallop P2 were 100%. Conclusion: Segmental analysis in mitral prolapse can be performed with transthoracic real-time 3D echocardiography as accurately as with TEE. False negatives tend to appear around the anterolateral commissure, whereas false positives tend to appear around the posteromedial commissure. Highest accuracy was reached in central scallops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion state of steel guitar strings and their morphology were evaluated according to exposure time to artificial human sweat solution. The instantaneous corrosion rate was evaluated using polarization resistance. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to measure the strings' state due to corrosion in artificial human sweat solution. Modification of vibroacoustic parameters was analyzed: changes in harmonic content of sound were studied by means of the Fast Fourier Transform and spectrograms. The correlation between corrosion and acoustic measurements was established in the successive stages of corrosion. Thus, the strings' acoustic properties could be modified by means of controlled corrosion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the genetic diversity and structure of populations of Jatropha curcas in their postulated centre of origin will permit to identify genetic material useful for future improvement of the species. Although it is estimated that Mexico is the likely centre of origin and domestication of J. curcas, so far the “true” centre of origin still has to be found. A representative set of 175 accessions of J. curcas from nine central and southeastern Mexican states (Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Morelos, Yucatán, Guerrero, Hidalgo and Puebla), including toxic, non-toxic, and contrasting protein and oil content genotypes was used for diversity analysis by AFLP markers. The results indicate that Mexico has a high genetic diversity of J. curcas; molecular analysis suggests population structuring in the different states where this species is spread. The germplasm from Chiapas, where contrasting protein and oil content genotypes were detected, showed the highest genetic diversity and clearly varies from the accessions from the other states. This is probably the most comprehensive study of diversity of germplasm of J. curcas from Mexico, and together with previous reports on the genetic diversity, biochemistry, morphology and germplasm agronomics of J. curcas from Chiapas, suggest the likelihood that this area is the centre of origin for this species and that domestication took place in the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, such as Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla and Yucatán, where genotypes with low or no phorbol ester content exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Jatropha curcas in Chiapas, México using AFLP markers. The AFLP technique allowed us to estimate the genetic relationships in the germplasm of J. curcas and to detect a high level of polymorphism. Analysis of the frequency and distribution of polymorphic fragments allowed us to detect the highest number of rare fragments in one single accession (e.g., accession number 1 from Tuxtla Chico). Besides being an accession that exhibits traits of agronomic importance (such as the presence of 100% pistillated flowers), this diversity of rare fragments may allow for development of markers for identification of this accession and/or development of markers linked to this trait. In addition, very divergent collections have been detected from regions where high average oil content and other characters associated with productivity have been found. Moreover, the analysis of genetic relationships, Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) and the diversity index (DI = 60%) confirm a broad gene pool in the J. curcas germplasm from Chiapas, México. The high diversity found within the accessions showed non-random mating between groups and/or regions of accessions of J. curcas, which complicates the selection of representative collections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The attitudes of medical students towards the clinical importance of neuroanatomy have been little studied. Because it has been reported that medical students find neuroanatomy difficult and can have 'neurophobia', here we test the hypothesis that early-stage medical students across Europe have a low regard for neuroanatomy's clinical relevance. The work was conducted under the auspices of the Trans-European Pedagogic Research Group (TEPARG), with just over 1500 students from 12 European medical schools providing responses to a survey (52% response rate) that assessed their attitudes using Thurstone and Chave methodologies. Regardless of the university surveyed, and of the teaching methods employed for neuroanatomy, our findings were not consistent with our hypothesis. However, the students had a less favourable opinion of neuroanatomy's importance compared to gross anatomy; although their attitudes were more positive than previously reported for histology and embryology. The extent to which neuroanatomy plays a significant role in the early years of medical education is moot. Nevertheless, we conclude that in addition to newly recruited medical students being informed of the subject's role in a healthcare profession, we advocate the use of modern imaging technologies to enhance student understanding and motivation and cognisance of the core syllabus for the subject being developed by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physicians rated the anatomists as teachers first (50.4%), next as physicians (41%), then as scientists (32.5%) and lastly as biologists (1.9%). • The opinion on the dissection usefulness for the undergraduates and the anatomist's professional identity differed among physicians' genders. • There was a disparity between the opinions of physicians and anatomists as to whether the dissection shall influence the behavior of students towards the patient. • A progressive reduction in dissecting human bodies has been detected during undergraduate medical training over the years. • The practice of dissecting in the medical degree needs to be reinforced. It serves to acquire anatomical knowledge but also skills and demeanors. Studies abound regarding the views of faculty anatomists and medical students on the importance of anatomy and the dissection of human bodies, but very little is known about the views of practicing physicians. A survey was distributed among physicians and surgeons practicing in Spain in order to find out their views on the practice and consequences of human dissection by undergraduate students of medicine. The most relevant definition to qualify faculty anatomists of medical schools was also requested. Responses were repeatedly clustered into characteristic subgroups for analysis. In total, 536 physicians and surgeons belonging to 36 different specialties in seven Spanish hospitals responded to the survey. The results highlighted two main facts. Firstly, faculty anatomists were perceived as teachers, above any other professional identity (namely: physician, biologist or scientist); nonetheless, the ascription of identities varied between specialties (p = 0.009); and it also depended on whether the respondents had dissected in their undergraduate degree (p = 0.03) and on the respondent's gender (p = 0.03). Secondly, physicians and surgeons confirmed that dissecting human cadavers serves the undergraduate student not only for acquiring anatomical knowledge, but also essential skills and attitudes, including professionalism. The results strongly suggest that dissection practice should be reinforced and enriched in undergraduate medical school. As this is important in itself, the results of the study could also help with the development of strategies to alleviate the current shortage of adequately trained anatomists for medical degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of downstream processing is a critical step in any microalgae-related process. The microalgal biomass is separated from the initial diluted cultures to form a concentrated slurry, the properties of which greatly influence the design and performance of further processing steps, such as enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, the rheological behaviour of two microalgal concentrates produced both in freshwater (Scenedesmus almeriensis) and seawater (Nannochloropsis gaditana) were studied. Measurements were performed on the entire range of biomass concentrations, from 0.5 g/L to 264 g/L. Non-Newtonian behaviour was observed whatever the water type and biomass concentration used, especially at high biomass concentrations above 10 g/L. The rheological data were adjusted to the Power Law model, and the consistency and flow behaviour indexes were correlated with the biomass concentration. The results show that the freshwater and seawater biomasses exhibited different behaviours, with freshwater slurries being more viscous than seawater ones. The high viscosity of freshwater slurries requires increased energy consumption for mixing, with an estimated cost increase of 60% when using them under the non-Newtonian conditions considered. These findings highlight the considerable effect of algal biomass rheology on the mixing power required during microalgal biomass processing. [Display omitted] • Properties of microalgal slurries influence performance of downstream processes • Freshwater and seawater microalgae slurries show a pseudo-plastic behaviour. • Biomass concentration influences the consistency and flow behaviour indexes. • Energy consumption of downstream process increases 60 % concerning Newtonian behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflorescences of the Mexican gordolobo are used as a folk medicine to treat various respiratory diseases. Currently, the botanical species that bear the name Mexican gordolobo belong to the genera Gnaphalium and Pseudognaphalium. Despite a long history of traditional use, most Mexican gordolobo species have never been fully chemically characterized, and the range of constituents in the species has not been comprehensively reported. To establish a quality control and chemical characterization method, a total of 49 samples belonging to 18 species of Pseudognaphalium and four species of Gnaphalium were studied. Nine flavones were quantified using a UPLC-PDA method. The method was validated in terms of linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (intra- and inter-day: 0.1–3.9%), accuracy (96–103%), detection limit (10 ng/mL), limit of quantification (25 ng/mL) and robustness. 3-Methylquercetin, luteolin, quercetin, 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone, apigenin and gnaphaliin A were present at relatively high levels in most of the samples analyzed. The samples of P. oxyphyllum and P. liebmannii showed the highest content of the 9 compounds analyzed. Whereas the samples of the 5 species of Gnaphalium showed the lowest levels, including non-detectable, of the 9 compounds quantified. This marks an important difference with Pseudognaphalium species. Furthermore, using UHPLC-ESI-QToF data with targeted and non-targeted approaches, 57 compounds, were identified in Mexican gordolobo samples. Flavonoids were the main group of compounds found in Mexican gordolobo. [Display omitted] • Nine flavones were quantified in 18 species of Pseudognaphalium and 4 species of Gnaphalium. • Samples of P. oxyphyllum and P. liebmannii showed the highest content of the 9 compounds analyzed. • Using UHPLC-ESI-QToF data 57 compounds were identified in Mexican gordolobo. • This is the first work in which many Mexican gordolobo species have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been an increase in the prevalence of allergic reactions to contact with/or consumption of crustaceans by immune responses mediated by IgE antibodies. Arginine kinase (AK) is considered one of the main allergens present in marine invertebrates. Currently, the allergenic potential of the brown crab (Callinectes bellicosus), which is a crustacean of great economic importance, has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify C. bellicosus AK as an allergen and to predict IgE-binding epitopes through immunobioinformatic analysis. AK was purified by precipitation with ammonium sulfate and ion- exchange chromatography. AK allergenicity was evaluated by IgE reactivity against sera from crustacean-allergic and non-allergic patients in both native and denaturing conditions. Additionally, a homology model was built based on the deduced amino acid sequence. A single band (~40 kDa) was found in SDS-PAGE, which was identified as an AK by mass spectrometry. AK showed immunoreactivity against crab-allergenic sera in both native and denaturing conditions with 70% and 80% positive reactions, respectively. Additionally, a 1073 bp ORF was obtained which codes for a deduced sequence of 357 amino acids corresponding to AK with > 90% identity with other AKs. Structural homology model of AK showed two main domains with conserved / folding of phospho-guanidine kinases. BediPred and Discotope were used for epitope prediction analysis, which suggests eight possible linear epitopes and seven conformational epitopes, respectively; and shows to be similar to other crustaceans AKs. C. bellicosus AK was identified as an allergenic protein by IgE reactivity and immunobioinformatic analysis indicates that both linear and conformational epitopes could be located in the surface of C. bellicosus AK structure. • C. bellicosus AK was identified as an allergenic protein. • Most crab-allergenic patient sera react against native arginine kinase. • In silico analysis predicts both linear and conformational epitopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of microalgae in the production of bioproducts and biofuels, along with their ability to provide a sustainable pathway for wastewater treatment, makes them promising alternatives to conventional processes. Nevertheless, large-scale downstream processing requires an understanding of biomass rheology that needs to be addressed further. This study aimed to characterize microalgal concentrates rheologically in different culture media. The presence of bacteria was quantified by photorespirometry and plate counting techniques. The culture medium was found to significantly influence viscosity, with primary wastewater exhibiting the highest viscosity and seawater plus pig slurry the lowest. The concentration of heterotrophic bacteria was directly related to the viscosity. Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) in supernatant exhibited an inverse viscosity trend compared to biomass concentrates, with pig slurry cultures having higher concentrations. These findings emphasize the profound influence of culture medium and EPS on the rheology of microalgal biomass, underscoring the need for continued research aimed at facilitating and optimizing large-scale downstream processes within the framework of a circular economy and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (6,8, and 12). [Display omitted] • Culture medium highly influences the rheology of microalgae concentrates. • Heterotrophic bacteria concentration was related to microalgae concentrate viscosity. • Dynamics of EPS production/binding were associated with microorganism activities. • Pig slurry cultures presented higher EPS production indicating its market potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Trace elements may play an important role in bipolar disorders. The objective of this study is to determine serum copper and zinc, blood lead and cadmium and urine lead, cadmium and thallium concentrations in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorders and to compare these levels with those of a healthy control group. Materials and methods: A total of 25 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 29 healthy subjects participated in this study. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry; the blood lead and cadmium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction; urine lead, cadmium and thallium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Median blood and urine lead and cadmium levels were significantly higher among the bipolar patients than among the control group: Blood lead (μg/dL): patient median: 3.00 (IQR: 1.40–4.20); control median (μg/dL): 2.20 (IQR: 0.90–3.00) p =0.040. Blood cadmium (μg/L): patient median: 0.39 (IQR: 0.10–1.15); control median: 0.10 (IQR: 0.10–0.17) p <0.001. The median of cadmium (μg/L) in patients who smoked (1.20 IQR: 0.44–2.30) was higher than that in non-smokers (0.12 IQR: 0.10–0.34) p <0.001. There was a statistically significant increase (p =0.001) in zinc levels among patients in the manic phase (mean 111.28, SD: 33.36μg/dL) with respect to the control group (mean 86.07, SD: 12.39μg/dL). Conclusions: The results suggest that there could be higher levels of some toxic trace elements in the group of patients with bipolar disorder than in the healthy control group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, we performed first-principles calculations to study the interactions of Ni n clusters (n = 2-5) with graphene. Ni n clusters were adsorbed on pristine graphene and graphene with a vacancy. We observed that the adsorption energy is significantly lowered when graphene has a single vacancy. The single vacancy gives place to a charge redistribution that favors chemisorption. The dangling bonds of the carbon atoms produced by the vacancy increase the magnetic moment of the C atoms around the hole induced by the Ni clusters. We found that the situation is very different when the Ni cluster is adsorbed with atoms on both sides of the vacancy. We consider the cases in which one of the Ni atoms is located on one side of the graphene sheet and the rest on the other, Ni n , 1. The adsorption energy for Ni 3 , 1 and Ni 4 , 1 clusters are slightly larger than when the whole cluster is chemisorbed on one side only, but the charge redistribution, occurring on both sides of the graphene, increases the possibility to adsorb other molecules. For all cases, we analyzed the electronic density of states to account for the electronic changes on the graphene sheet as a function of the size of the Ni n cluster. Finally, the Bader effective charges were computed to follow the charge transfer between Ni n clusters and the graphene atoms. • Ni n adsorbs stronger on graphene pristine as n increases; the opposite occurs for graphene with a vacancy. • The d z 2 states from Ni hybridize with p z from C atoms. • QTAIM methodology was used to analyze the charge transfer between Ni and C atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Kisspeptin facilitates lordosis behavior. • Kiss-234, Antide, and RU486 (Kiss, GnRH-1, PR antagonists) diminish lordosis behavior. • Kisspeptin induces lordosis behavior through GnRH release. The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss) is crucial in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is produced by two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus: the rostral periventricular region around the third ventricle and the arcuate nucleus. Kiss is the peptide product of the KiSS-1 gene and serves as the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. The Kiss/GPR54 system functions as a critical regulator of the reproductive system. Thus, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of 3 μg of Kiss to the right lateral ventricle of ovariectomized rats primed with a dose of 5 μg subcutaneous (sc) of estradiol benzoate (EB). Kiss treatment increased the lordosis quotient at all times tested. However, the lordosis reflex score was comparatively lower yet still significant compared to the control group. To investigate receptor specificity and downstream mechanisms on lordosis, we infused 10 μg of GPR54 receptor antagonist, Kiss-234, 5 μg of the progestin receptor antagonist, RU486, or 3 μg of antide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) receptor antagonist, to the right lateral ventricle 30 min before an infusion of 3 μg of Kiss. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by Kiss at 60 and 120 min when Kiss-234, RU486, or antide were administered. These findings suggest that Kiss stimulates lordosis expression by activating GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons and that Kiss/GPR54 system is an essential intermediary by which progesterone activates GnRH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of two thermal treatments (fast freezing at −40°C and vapor cooking at 100°C) on connective tissue extract (CTE) from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) was investigated. Samples of CTE frozen at −40°C were taken at 0, 3, 5 and 12min. Also CTE was cooked at 100°C and samples were taken at 0, 1, 2.5 and 5min. Light microscopic observations of CTE after 12min of freezing showed rupture of fibres. The CTE fibres showed agglutination during cooking time. The CTE insoluble fraction increased with freezing and cooking time. Maximum zeta potential value of untreated CTE was detected at pH 5.0 at +30mV, meanwhile in the frozen CTE it was detected at pH 7.0 at +30mV and two peaks (at pH 5.5 and 9.0) were observed at +20mV in the cooked CTE. One endothermic peak was found at 105.9°C in the untreated CTE, while in the frozen and cooked CTE the endothermic peaks were found at lower temperatures and enthalpies. Electrophoresis analysis of untreated CTE showed three bands. In the frozen CTE two bands appeared above 200kDa, and in the cooked CTE, a 45kDa band disappeared. These results suggest that during freezing and cooking processes there were modifications to molecular bonds that hold the integrity of the structure of the connective tissue of the jumbo squid mantle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundSince the first organ transplantation in the 1950s, there have been reports that patients who underwent organ transplantation had a poor prognosis if they were depressed and/or anxious prior to transplantation. Our objective in this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in the different stages of bone marrow transplantation (BMT).: MethodsMood disorders (MD), anxiety disorders (AD), and adjustment disorders (ADD) were measured five times with DSM IV. The Beck Inventory of Depression (BID) and Hamilton Rating Scale of Anxiety (HRSA) were used to measure levels of depression and anxiety, respectively, at registration and at days −1, +21 ± 7, +30 ± 10, and 90 ± 10 days from BMT. Analysis between diverse periods was made for allogeneic BMT (allo-BMT) with chi square test, while Fisher exact test was used for the autologous BMT (auto-BMT).: ResultsWe report on 26 patients, including 18 with allo-BMT, and eight with auto-BMT. The allo-BMT was associated with depression during post BMT period (χ2 = 11.924; p = 0.01). Slight anxiety without statistical significance was found in all stages. There was a high prevalence of anxiety and adjustment disorder in the immediate posttransplantation stage. Anxiety and adjustment disorders were more frequently found in all posttransplantation stages, particularly in the immediate stage (χ2 =11.104, p = 0.02). After 3 months, no survivor received a psychiatric diagnosis. We did not find any differences in MD. There were five deaths.: ConclusionsThe auto-BMT group did not show significant associations between different stages and psychiatric variables studied. One death occurred at 1 month. This patient had severe depression. We recommend that the depressive syndrome be intentionally researched during the different stages of BMT, specifically in the immediate transplantation stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic nanostructured materials have found numerous biomedical applications. However, the influence of a magnetic field on the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms has been poorly explored. Zinc and Iron nano-structured oxides have been widely used due to their biocompatibility and their excellent optoelectronic and magnetic properties. Nevertheless, little effort has been devoted to demonstrate their antibacterial activity at doses that are not harmful to mammalians. In this work, ZnO, Fe 3 O 4 (MNPs) and ZnO@Fe 3 O 4 (NCs) were synthesized and fully characterized. The materials exhibit good antibacterial activity to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) both, as planktonic cells and as biofilms structures at low doses. The photocatalytic activity of the materials (NCs) was demonstrated when radiated suspensions of NCs and microorganisms (MOs) exhibited higher inhibition growth of MOs in comparison to non-radiated assays. The materials show better antibacterial activity for biofilm growth inhibition in comparison to commercially available antibiotics. Magnetic antimicrobial films were fabricated by in situ deposition of MNPs in Arabic gum (AG) solution. The films exert enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus growth due to Fe3+lixiviation and magnetic disruption. Regarding the biocompatibility of the materials, ZnO modifies significantly biochemical parameters in Wistar rats after acute administration. Our results show that the composite ZnO@Fe 3 O 4 at low doses: (a) exerts an optimum inhibition on the biofilm formation of microorganisms due to its synergetic activity of lixiviation of ions and oxidative activity; (b) good biocompatibility of the composite with living cells. These properties suit ZnO@Fe 3 O 4 as potential candidates for the development of new anti-biofilm formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases displayed by the Heuser alloys Pd 2 MnAl, Pd 2 MnIn, and Pt 2 MnAl, are theoretically studied. The crystalline structure, electronic, and magnetic properties are calculated within the ab initio density functional theory. The super unit cell considered to describe the various magnetic arrangements contains 128 atoms. We analyzed the ferromagnetic (FM) and the three different antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases and found that the Pd 2 MnAl crystalline structure is orthorhombic with dimensions 6.055, 6.461, 6.026 Å. The AFM state with the lowest energy is the AFM3 with a Mn magnetic moment of 3.813 μ B. The Pd 2 MnIn crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure with lattice parameters 6.249, 6.763, 6.227 Å. The ground state antiferromagnetic arrangement is also of type 3 with a Mn magnetic moment of 3.932 μ B. The Pt alloy crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure with lattice dimensions of 6.029, 6.906, and 5.683 Å. In this case, the antiferromagnetic ground state is of type 1 with a Mn magnetic moment of 3.716 μ B. The Pd and Pt d states are deep in energy and do not interact much with the Mn d states. This produces, in Pd and Pt, no magnetic polarization. • X 2 MnZ (X = Pd, Pt; Z = Al, In) Heusler alloys were studied by DFT. • The energy difference between magnetic structures can reach up to 11 meV (≈ 128 K). • The Pt 2 MnAl structures have similar energies due to the strong coupling between Pt and Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgB 4 O 7 doped with rare earths and alkaline elements has been reported as a good TLD because of its high sensitivity, effective atomic number close to that of biological tissue and low fading. In this work, thermoluminescent matrices were synthesized of MgB 4 O 7 :Dy and MgB 4 O 7 :Dy, Na to evaluate their thermoluminescent response (TL) when exposed to γ-rays and neutrons. The amount of Dy was studied in a concentration range of 0.01–1.5 mol% of total doping, while for Na the concentration of 0.5 mol% was established to determine the TL response as a function of doping. The synthesis of the powders was carried out by the method of wet reaction assisted by heat treatment and the samples were characterized by techniques of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine the size of grain and crystallographic phase. For the dosimetric study, thermoluminescent phosphors were irradiated with a source of 137Cs at an estimated dose 6.8 ± 0.4 mGy to evaluate their response to γ-rays exposure, while for neutrons a source of 241AmBe was used (estimated dose of 3.1 ± 0.1 mGy). The thermoluminescent responses are similar for all materials exposed to γ-rays as for neutrons, the differences are shown to 280 °C, where a peak of high temperature is observed in materials exposed to neutrons. • MgB 4 O 7 , doped with Dy, and Na with Dy, was synthesized aiming to produce a TLD. • X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy were used to characterize the materials. • Materials were exposed to 137Cs γ-rays and 241AmBe neutrons. • TL responses, for neutrons and gamma-rays, are higher when material is doped with 0.1 mol% of Dy, and 0.5 mol% of Na. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to derive the Surface Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSSC) and river sediment discharge (for the period 2000-2016) along the Orinoco River reaches using MODIS remote sensing data. A single SSC retrieval algorithm was calibrated using HYBAM long term monitoring program data (n = 183). The comparison of satellite and field measurements showed a RMSE of 32%, corresponding to a mean absolute error of 21 mg l−1. These results supported the use of MODIS sensors to monitor the SSSC at six virtual stations in the middle and lower reaches of the Orinoco River. The highest mean SSSC were found downstream of the Meta River (101 mg l−1) and of the Apure River (99 mg l−1), which provide the major sediment input to the Orinoco main stream. The lowest mean SSSC was found upstream of the Meta River (42 mg l−1). In the lower reach, at Ciudad Bolivar station we assessed a mean SSSC of 88 mg l−1. MODIS-derived and ground-derived assessments of the annual sediment discharge show very fine agreement, within −2%. Coupling satellite-derived SSSC estimates and river discharge monitoring data, we calculated the Orinoco River sediment discharge at Ciudad Bolivar station between 2001 and 2016. For a mean Orinoco River discharge of 33,320 m3.s−1, the sediment loads varied from 75 to 103 Mt.yr−1, with a mean value of 89 Mt.yr−1 (RSD of 9%) corresponding to a sediment yield of 91–125 t.km−2yr−1 with no positive or negative trends over the observed period. • The Orinoco River surface suspended sediment concentration (SSSC) was estimated using MODIS sensors. • The results shown a general increasing trend in SSSC with, however, spatial and temporal variations. • The suspended sediments loads and yields have shown no significant change over the observed period. • These results are of particular interest in the context of increasing or decreasing trends observed in most South American rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic evaluation of visible light active iron-nitrogen co-doped titanium dioxide (Fe 3+ -TiO 2−x N x ) nanostructured catalyst. Fe 3+ -TiO 2−x N x was synthesized using two different chemical approaches: sol-gel (SG) and microwave (MW) methods. The materials were fully characterized using several techniques (SEM, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance DRS, X-ray diffraction XRD, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS). The photocatalytic activity of the nanostructured materials synthesized by both methods was evaluated for the degradation of amoxicillin (AMX), streptomycin (STR) and diclofenac (DCF) in aqueous solution. Higher degradation efficiencies were encountered for the materials synthesized by the SG method, for instance, degradation efficiencies values of 58.61% (SG) and 46.12% (MW) were observed for AMX after 240 min of photocatalytic treatment under visible light at pH 3.5. With STR the following results removal efficiencies were obtained: 49.67% (SG) and 39.90% (MW) at pH 8. It was observed the increasing of degradation efficiencies values at longer treatment periods, i.e., after 300 min of photocatalytic treatment under visible light, AMX had a degradation efficiency value of 69.15% (MW) at pH 3.5, DCF 72.3% (MW) at pH 5, and STR 58.49% (MW) at pH 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bark of Amphipterygium adstringens Schiede ex Schltdl (Anacardiaceae), commonly known as 'cuachalalate' has been used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of skin and oral lesions, gastric ulcers, and other conditions. The use as wound healing of the bark of this plant has been known since before the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Its uses are mentioned in the first writings of the Spanish in the 16th century. It is important to highlight that its use for wound healing treatment has no scientific previous reports. The objectives of this study were to determine the wound healing effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of Amphipterygium adstringens and its main metabolites, using a model of excision in the back of Wistar rats. To evaluate its antimicrobial effect against common bacteria that living on the skin of wounds and to evaluate its effect on angiogenesis. The hydroalcoholic extract of cuachalalate (HAE, 10 mg/wound/day), the 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic acid (3 MA, 300 μg/wound/day), the masticadienoic acid (MA, 300 μg/wound/day), and a mixture of anacardic acids (ANA, 300 μg per wound) were tested in a murine excision model topically for 15 days, to evaluate their wound-healing effect. The results were reported in a wound closure percentage (n = 30 animals per treatment curve), using pirfenidone (PIR, 8% in vehicle) as a reference drug. In addition, histologic analysis was performed to evaluate the structure and quality of the scar. The effect on angiogenesis was assessed using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model (n = 6 eggs per treatment). The concentration evaluated for each treatment was 300 μg, using as proangiogenic reference drug the histamine (HIS, 5.6 μg) and as antiangiogenic drugs pirfenidone (9 μg) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 9 μg). The antimicrobial test was performed against S. mutans, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa y E. coli using a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic (3 MA) acid and the anacardic acids (ANA) improve the wound closure by approximates 30% (similar to pirfenidone) in comparison with the control-treated with the vehicle in the proliferative phase. On the other hand, the hydroalcoholic extract of cuachalalate (HAE) did not show an effect on the wound healing process. The histologic analysis demonstrated that the three main metabolites showed an improvement in the scar structure. According to the CAM results, it is probable that the main action mechanism of the 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic acid and the anacardic acids is related to their proangiogenic effect. In addition, ANA showed a modest antimicrobial effect. The 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic acid and anacardic acids showed a better tissue structure and reduced the time closure of the wound. In addition, the anacardic acids showed antimicrobial effects and both metabolites promote angiogenesis, suggesting that these effects may be related to their action mechanism. These metabolites of cuachalalate could be a good alternative for wound healing treatment. [Display omitted] • Disruption of skin integrity can lead to the loss of its basic functions. • Wound healing includes hemostasis/inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. • The development and growth of new blood vessels in the wound area is normal. • Triterpenoid compounds promotes wound healing through angiogenesis. • The immature collagen type III is modified into mature type I collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]