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This paper evaluates the nonlinear dynamics of a melanoma cancer model through the iterative technique of finding compact invariant sets (LMCIS). The objective is to discover equilibrium points, ascertain their stability qualities, and determine the presence of compact invariant sets within the model. For instance, this approach is assessed in a model demonstrating the interplay between four cellular populations and administrating interleukin-12 (IL-12) immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which this anti-cancer therapy operates has yet to be completely defined. The approach is evaluated using severe treatment situations to provide evidence for the presence of equilibrium points inside the iteratively confined zone and to assess its effectiveness. The outcomes derived from using this approach were then compared with a conventional iteration of Newton's method. Newton's approach extends to the resolution of the system of equations inside the model, facilitating the identification of the equilibrium points with a small tolerance error. While the iterations of the localization algorithm were set close to the results obtained by this method. Finally, the simulation outcomes are shown via the utilization of MATLAB R2020b. The findings demonstrate the temporal progression of the model under the effect of immunotherapy and without it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study is presented, simulating the firing process of artisanal red brick in a laboratory muffle. Under controlled heating conditions, the influence of both temperature and time on both the compressive strength and surface color of model bricks are evaluated. A production run and numerical simulations of laboratory brick heating are used to define the experimental conditions in the laboratory. A statistical model replicates the behavior of the compressive resistance at different temperatures, both in the muffle furnace and in production. Brick color has a more representative tone of a well-burned brick when created at the burning temperatures suggested in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of dry needling and stretching has been proposed for the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTPs), but it is not currently known whether the combination of both interventions would be of greater interest than the application of stretching alone. Thus, this systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness of deep dry needling with stretching versus stretching alone on pain among patients with MTPs. The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched to identify studies analysing the effect of deep dry needling in combination with stretching versus stretching alone for the treatment of pain. The Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool (RoB2) was used to assess the risk of bias, and the DerSimonian‒Laird method was applied to estimate the pooled standard effect sizes (ESs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Five randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review, and their pooled ES for pain was −1.73 (95% CI: −3.06; −0.40). The RoB2 tool revealed that four studies had an unclear risk of bias, and one study had a high risk of bias. Adding deep dry needling to stretching for the treatment of MTP may be an effective approach for the treatment of pain in patients with MTPs. Further research is needed to clarify the ideal number of local twitch responses to perform during deep dry needling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior knee pain (AKP) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with patellar preservation is a common complication that significantly affects patients' quality of life. This study aimed to develop a machine-learning model to predict the likelihood of developing AKP after TKA using radiological variables. A cohort of 131 anterior stabilized TKA cases (105 patients) without patellar resurfacing was included. Patients underwent a follow-up evaluation with a minimum 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was AKP, and radiological measurements were used as predictor variables. There were 2 observers who made the radiological measurement, which included lower limb dysmetria, joint space, and coronal, sagittal, and axial alignment. Machine-learning models were applied to predict AKP. The best-performing model was selected based on accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and Kappa statistics. Python 3.11 with Pandas and PyCaret libraries were used for analysis. A total of 35 TKA had AKP (26.7%). Patient-reported outcomes were significantly better in the patients who did not have AKP. The Gradient Boosting Classifier performed best for both observers, achieving an area under the curve of 0.9261 and 0.9164, respectively. The mechanical tibial slope was the most important variable for predicting AKP. The Shapley test indicated that high/low mechanical tibial slope, a shorter operated leg, a valgus coronal alignment, and excessive patellar tilt increased AKP risk. The results suggest that global alignment, including sagittal, coronal, and axial alignment, is relevant in predicting AKP after TKA. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing TKA outcomes and reducing the incidence of AKP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to observe the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) after induced phonotrauma. Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (1) Vocal demand and (2) Control. Participants in the experimental group (vocal demand) were asked to read aloud some texts during 1 hour, at 85-90 dB. Inflammation (H 2 O 2 from exhaled breath condensate), acoustic, aerodynamic, and subjective measures were obtained at four time points: before vocal demand (baseline), immediately after baseline, 4-hour after baseline, and 24 hours after baseline. The same acquisition process was implemented for subjects in control group, except that they were not asked to engage in any vocal demand tasks at all. As for biological samples, a significant effect for group was observed. Higher values were found for participants in experimental condition. Significant differences were observed for within contrasts in the experimental group, namely 4 hours against baseline, 4 hours against immediately post, and 24 hours against 4 hours. Instrumental outcomes did not show significant differences across the different conditions at any time points. Self-reported measures (vocal fatigue and sensation of muscle tension) showed a significant main effect for group and main effect for condition. Intense vocal demand causes an increase in the concentration of H 2 O 2 obtained from EBC at four hours after baseline, which is compatible with the generation of an inflammatory process in the vocal folds (phonotrauma). Moreover, the increase in the sensation of vocal fatigue and muscle tension after demand tasks seems to be an immediate reaction that did not match in time with the increment of H 2 O 2 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cardiometabolic disorders are associated with lung ageing. • The highest percentage of cardiometabolic complications occurs in workers with obesity. • Obesity without cardiometabolic abnormalities is not associated with patterns of pulmonary dysfunction. Four phenotypes relate metabolism and obesity: metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy (MUO) people with obesity and metabolically healthy (MHNO) and unhealthy (MUNO) people without obesity. No studies have addressed the association between these categories and lung function in the working population. The aim was to determine the relationship of phenotypes to lung ageing as measured by lung age and its relationship to lung dysfunction. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a working population. The outcome variable was lung function assessed by lung age. The four phenotypes of obesity and metabolic health (MHNO, MHO, MUO and MUNO) were determined using NCEP-ATP III criteria. Lung dysfunctions were classified into restrictive, obstructive, and mixed patterns. The mean age of the participants was 43.7 years, ranging from 18 to 67 years. Of the 1860 workers, 51.3 % were women. The prevalences found were 71.4 %, 12 %, 10.6 % and 6 % for MHNO, MUO, MHO, and MUNO, respectively. MHO (β = 0.66; p = 0.591) was not associated with increased lung ageing compared with MHNO, but MUO (β = 7.1; p < 0.001) and MUNO (β = 6.6; p < 0.001) were. Concerning pulmonary dysfunctions, MUNO (OR = 1.93; p < 0.001) and MUO (OR = 2.91; p < 0.001) were found to be related to the presence of a restrictive pattern, and MUNO (OR = 2.40; p = 0.028) to the mixed pattern. The results show that metabolic abnormalities, not obesity, are responsible for premature lung ageing and, therefore, lung function decline. In our study, having obesity without metabolic abnormality was not significantly associated with the presence of dysfunctional respiratory patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical management of congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased worldwide, but healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can threaten these efforts. To analyse the incidence of HAI, the impact of preventive interventions, and microbiological profiles in a paediatric cardiovascular surgery programme. Cohort study including children aged <12 years with CHD who underwent cardiovascular surgery between 2010 and 2021 in Medellín, Colombia (a middle-income setting). Data were collected from medical and laboratory records and infection control programme databases. Impact of various preventive interventions was assessed using a Poisson model. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 2512 surgeries were analysed. Incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) was 5.9%, followed by central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI; 4.7%), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI; 2.2%), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP; 1.4%). Most of the strategies focused on preventing SSI, resulting in a reduction from 9.5% in 2010 to 3.0% in 2021 (P = 0.030). Antibiotic prophylaxis based on patient weight and continuous infusion had an impact on reducing SSI (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32–0.99). Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in clean wounds reduced 100% of infections. No significant risk reduction was observed for other HAI with the implemented interventions. Preventive strategies effectively reduced SSI but no other infections, emphasizing the need for targeted approaches to address a broader spectrum of HAI successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The body of literature discussing the acoustic, aerodynamic, perceptual, and morphometric changes that occur during and after semi-occluded vocal tract exercise (SOVTE) has dramatically expanded within the past 20 years. The current study integrates the literature on SOVTE from the 1990s onward, reviewing the technique's clinically relevant effects in vocally untrained adults both with and without dysphonia. The study aims to give clinicians actionable information on how SOVTEs alter vocal function in both normal and pathological states. The author queried the MEDLINE database for combinations of search terms related to semi-occluded vocal tract exercise. To improve article identification, the author also performed iterative citation webbing in which the reference lists of each article selected for full-text screening were cross-referenced against the articles returned in the initial MEDLINE search. Articles identified by iterative citation webbing that did not appear in the initial MEDLINE search were then screened individually. The second author independently verified adherence to the review's inclusion and exclusion criteria in both the initial search and data extraction phases. The initial MEDLINE search returned 869 articles, 111 of which passed the title and abstract screening phase. Iterative citation webbing returned an additional 20 studies, resulting in a total of 131 articles that qualified for full-text screening. 53 articles passed full-text screening and were included in the current review. Semi-occluded vocal tract exercise increases the inertive reactance of the glottis, vocal tract, and air column, as well as introducing flow resistance at the level of the lips or velopharyngeal port. Each of these mechanisms yields downstream acoustic, aerodynamic, morphometric, and perceptual changes, including reductions in phonation threshold pressure and perceived phonatory effort, improved spectral characteristics of the acoustic signal, attenuation of vocal fold impact stress as indexed by various metrics such as maximum area declination rate, and alterations to the physical dimensions of the vocal tract. Although few studies examined the duration of these changes post exercise, several RCTs support the assertion that SOVTE's effects can be sustained with regular practice over weeks or months, regardless of current vocal health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology previously described 4 subclasses of atypia within the Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS) category: nuclear (AUS-Nuc), architectural (AUS-A), oncocytic (AUS-Onc), and atypia not otherwise specified (AUS-NOS). Accumulating evidence supports a binary AUS subclassification scheme based primarily on the presence of nuclear atypia only. The purpose of this study is to compare the risk stratification of binary versus 4-tier AUS subclassification systems among AUS nodules with molecular and/or histologic follow-up. Thyroid aspirates classified as AUS and tested using Afirma (Veracyte, Inc.) between 6/2013 and 7/2021 were included. For resected nodules, histological classification was considered as the final outcome. For unresected nodules, benign Afirma results were considered low-risk outcomes, similar to histologically benign nodules. Suspicious or nondiagnostic Afirma results were considered indeterminate outcomes. The prevalence of outcomes warranting surgery (noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features [NIFTP] or cancer) was calculated for each AUS subclass. A total of 559 AUS nodules with Afirma testing were identified. Excluding nodules with indeterminate molecular outcomes, NIFTP/cancer prevalence for AUS-Nuc was 21% (57/266), which was higher than that for AUS-A (6%, 11/188), AUS-Onc (8%, 4/53), and AUS-NOS (0%, 0/9). A binary AUS subclassification scheme based on nuclear atypia showed a significant difference in NIFTP/cancer prevalence (21% versus 6%, P < 0.0001). Binary reporting of AUS subclasses based on nuclear atypia distinguishes cases with a higher risk of NIFTP/cancer. There is a low but non-negligible prevalence of NIFTP/cancer in cases without nuclear atypia. • Combined molecular and histologic endpoints are used to estimate the risk of malignancy for the 4 subclasses of AUS (nuclear atypia, architectural atypia, oncocytic atypia, or atypia not otherwise specified), as defined by the second edition of TBSRTC. • A simplified binary subclassification scheme based on nuclear atypia only (AUS-Nuclear versus AUS-Other), as proposed by the third edition of TBSRTC, achieves statistically significant separation of NIFTP/cancer prevalence. • At the study institution, the data support consideration of different management strategies for thyroid nodules classified as AUS-Nuclear versus AUS-Other. • This method for estimating risk of NIFTP/cancer for AUS nodules – ie, incorporating molecular testing outcomes as well as histopathologic outcomes – may be broadly applicable to other institutions as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curriculum as an operational and teleological guide of an educational proposal, expresses the formative intention of educational institutions to achieve the learning goals, which dynamize the teaching processes, and are defined from the different perspectives established, according to the curricular principles that support it. For this, the present study consisted of a systematic review with meta-analysis of scientific documents in the Web of Science database regarding the curricular principles of transversality and transdisciplinarity. The main findings show a reiterative use of transversality and transdisciplinarity when designing the curricula of different programs in HEIs. It can be concluded that these two principles of the curriculum are considered a key piece in the process of integral formation of students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at an international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family-origin companies have a fundamental importance in the business fabric and significantly contribute to the Colombian national economy. However, the present study aims to understand the characterization of Corporate Governance in family businesses in the city of Barranquilla. This research establishes the scope of characterizing Corporate Governance in family businesses in Barranquilla. For this purpose, a descriptive methodology is constructed and framed within exploratory information analysis through cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis. As relevant findings of the research, three profiles were identified in the study population with a Silhouette indicator of 0.496: the first profile has room for improvement in all dimensions due to low consolidation compared to the other profiles; the second profile has strength in good governance and selection policy but opportunities for improvement in other variables; and finally, the third profile has strength in all dimensions. These family businesses must define roles and apply Corporate Governance to achieve stability and understanding of subsystems, impacting the economy and family cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the integration of Augmented Reality in civic education within Maker Space Museums. We devised a methodology using feedback from students at the University of la Costa, Villavicencio, Colombia, and applied legal design techniques for data analysis. The proposed Augmented Reality application aims to enhance civic competency by fostering multiperspectivism. It provides an interactive, digitally enriched learning environment, helping students explore diverse perspectives on complex issues. Our approach includes a prototype tailored to students' needs, offering an innovative educational tool that bridges gaps between conflicting viewpoints and potential solutions, promoting informed, comprehensive civic understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research applies design thinking to craft a prototype for a digital participation strategy that boosts the ability of Colombian communities to protect natural ecosystems. It delves into modern digital involvement trends related to environmental sustainability and examines the roles of AI and blockchain in ensuring transparency and accountability. The paper also touches on community-driven methods for sustainable management, highlighting approaches like adaptive and landscape-based co-management that incorporate citizen science and collaborative engagement. The research is rooted in participatory methods, co-creating the empathy map and prototype with the community of Villavicencio, Colombia, and the research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New Ostracoda biozonation is proposed for the Aptian in Brazilian Basins. • he Pattersoncypris micropapillosa (OST-011) Biozone is divided into four subzones. • ntegrate biostratigraphic framework based on Ostracoda and Foraminifera. • The Santana Group, Araripe Basin, Brazil palaeoenvironmental interpretation. The Santana Group, consisting of the Barbalha, Crato, Ipubi and Romualdo formations, records the post-rift sequence of the Gondwana break-up in the Araripe Basin. The post-rift phase of the South Atlantic rifting is dated as the Alagoas Stage, which corresponds to the ostracod biozone 011. A detailed ostracod stratigraphical distribution along the Santana Group, allowed to standardise a common ostracod for the biozone name and a code, the Pattersoncypris micropapillosa Biozone (OST-011). Four different ostracod associations were recognized establishing the subzones: Pattersoncypris cucurves (OST-011.1), Pattersoncypris cucurves - Neuquenocypris berthoui (OST-011.2), Damonella grandiensis (OST-011.3) and Pattersoncypris crepata (OST-011.4). Planktic foraminifera were also recovered in different associations, leading to identify two international biostratigraphic intervals and calibrate the ostracod subzones, the Early Aptian Leupoldina cabri Zone includes the OST-011.1 and OST-011.2 subzones, and the upper Late Aptian Hedbergella infracretacea – Microhedbergella miniglobularis composite zone correlated to the OST-011.4 subzone. Between these zones there is an interval without foraminiferal biostratigraphy resolution, the OST-011.3 subzone which is assigned to the lower Late Aptian. The palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Santana Group was reconstituted from the integrated study of ostracods, planktic and benthic foraminifera. Through the Aptian, the Araripe Basin evolved from a transitional to a marine environment, recording estuarine, fluvial to bayhead deltas, a bay coastal watershed that reached better-marine conditions under extreme aridity and the full installation of an epeiric sea flooding the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the molecular mechanism of curcumin on periodontitis based on a pharmacological network strategy. The potential therapeutic targets of curcumin and differentially expressed genes in periodontitis were identified. Subsequently, we extracted the molecules in common and analyzed them. A metabolic pathway enrichment and gene ontology analysis were performed and the protein–protein interaction network was inferred. These analyses allowed the identification of key proteins. Finally, a molecular docking of the main key proteins was performed with curcumin. Our results showed that 55 genes are differentially expressed in periodontitis and are potential targets of curcumin. In addition, we observed that these genes participate in cell motility and immune response and are related to chemokine receptors (CXCRs) and enzymatic activity, such as arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5). We identified six key proteins, IL1B, CXCL8, CD44, MMP2, EGFR, and ITGAM; molecular docking revealed that these six proteins spontaneously bind to curcumin. The results of this study helps us understand the molecular mechanism of curcumin in periodontitis. We propose that curcumin affects proinflammatory cytokines, ALOX5, and cell migration through chemokine receptors and acts on the cell membrane. Additionally, we identified six key proteins that are essential in this mechanism, all of which spontaneously bind to curcumin. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of a Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program (WVHPP) and working conditions on voice functioning of college professors. This is a pre-post intervention study. College professors were randomly assigned in a control group or an intervention group. Participants filled out a questionnaire and recorded a voice sample at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. This program contains four sessions (2 face-to-face and 2 virtual sessions; one per week) focused on voice hygiene, vocal training, and strategies to modify teaching-learning process. The Intervention group (n = 15) showed increased scores in V-RQOL in comparison with the control group (n = 14), but the effect was not statistically significant. After the program, shimmer decreased (P = 0.05), whereas MPT and HNR increased (P = 0.02 and 0.04 respectively) among professors in the intervention group after the implementation of the WVHPP. Concerning working conditions, number of students per class was statistically associated with SPL. MPT was statistically associated with age and good acoustics inside the classroom. Our results indicate that implementation of a WVHPP, as well as working conditions, influence voice functioning measured by means of instrumental voice measures and voice-related quality of life. Therefore, workplace promotion programs may be good approaches to decrease the high prevalence of voice disorders among professors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a rare malignant myofibroblastic tumor, typically manifesting in the head and neck region, that exhibit diverse appearances, ranging from benign-like to an overtly malignant aspect, rendering their diagnosis challenging. A 30-year-old female patient attended to Maxillofacial Surgery Department presenting an expansive mandibular tumor. The radiographic evaluation revealed a 7.5 cm mass, spanning from the right mid-portion of the mandible to the ramus, exhibiting a radiolucent area with a multinodular pattern, cortical expansion, and perforation of the alveolar ridge. An incisional biopsy was performed, showing a malignant proliferation of fusiform fibroblasts with plump nuclei and blunt-edges, pleomorphism, and hyperchromatism, exhibiting a storiform growth pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positivity for actin and calponin, and focal positivity for SATB2. In contrast, desmin, SOX10, and osteonectin were negative. The patient was treated through a block-resection and subsequent surgical reconstruction. Although there is no specific panel for LGMS diagnosis, positivity to both vimentin and a myogenic biomarker (MSA or SMA) could allow the diagnosis. Due to the shared characteristics among myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and smooth-muscle cells, desmin, or calponin could be positive, thus these are nonspecific markers. The complex nature of LGMS, along with its clinical presentation, histological features, and its infiltrative and destructive behavior, can lead to misdiagnosis. The accurate diagnosis of LGMS hinges on the confirmation of its myofibroblastic origin, its infiltrative pattern, focal nuclear pleomorphism and the proliferation score, in order to guide the most effective treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and idiopathic condition and is among the most common causes of generalized chronic pain, even affecting psychological and cognitive aspects. To evaluate the efficacy of cupping therapy on pain, quality of life, sleep disorders, and the impact of the disease in subjects with fibromyalgia. We searched the Pubmed, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials involving adults with fibromyalgia undergoing cupping were included. Pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disturbances, and the impact of fibromyalgia were assessed. We have reported the results using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. Two articles with a total of 155 participants were included. Large effect sizes were found for pain intensity, moderate for quality of life, and low for the impact of fibromyalgia and sleep disorders. However, the certainty of the evidence is low for most outcomes except for sleep disorders. There is a discrepancy in the efficacy of cupping therapy in improving pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disturbances, and disease impact in people with fibromyalgia. Future high-quality randomized clinical trials are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA-ω3), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) might have beneficial effects on lean mass and fat mass synthesis. To investigate the effect of LCPUFA-ω3 supplementation on body composition changes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at remission and three months (3 mo) after supplementation. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 72 children (3–13 y) with newly diagnosed ALL (placebo group [500 mg sunflower oil]: 36 patients; LCPUFA-ω3 group [225 mg DHA, 45 mg EPA]: 36 patients). LCPUFA-ω3 was administered at 0.100 g/kg of body weight/day for 3 mo. Both groups were provided with an oral milkshake supplement. Main outcomes and measures: Body composition was measured at diagnosis, remission, and 3 months after supplementation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Red blood cell fatty acid analyses were performed with gas chromatography. Student's t test compared the percentage changes in body weight, total body fat percentage (TBFP), and lean body mass (LBM) between the groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the groups, and the Friedman range test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for intratreatment comparisons. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for LBM and erythrocyte LCPUFA-ω3 content. LBM decreased significantly in both groups. This loss was greater in the placebo group than in the LCPUFA-ω3 group at remission (p = 0.044) and at 3 months of supplementation (p = 0.039). There were significant and progressive increases in DHA and EPA concentrations in the LCPUFA-ω3 group (p < 0.001). LBM at remission was directly correlated with increased DHA (r = 0.487, p = 0.034) and EPA (r = 0.499, p = 0.030) erythrocytes in the LCPUFA-ω3 group. At ALL diagnosis and during the first three months of treatment, 100 mg/kg of body weight/d DHA and EPA decreased LBM loss and allowed the incorporation of fatty acids into cell membranes (clinicaltriasl.gov #: NCT01051154). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcomas of the head and neck carry a poor prognosis as diagnosis is often delayed until a late stage of the disease. Accordingly, it is essential to be familiar with the clinical and imaging features of sarcomas to suggest an appropriate differential diagnosis for collaborating surgeons and pathologists. However, as there are only 1000-1500 cases in the United States annually, many radiologists lack experience with pertinent imaging findings of sarcoma and lack knowledge of both treatment and necessary follow-up. In this review, a brief discussion of WHO definitions and histopathology is included to decode information provided by pathologists. Finally, staging and treatments are illuminated to aid the radiologist with initial imaging staging and follow-up care. This review aims to increase the comprehensive knowledge of a neuroradiologist and further their value to the multidisciplinary tumor board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal amoebae are usually transmitted via ingestion of amoebic cysts in fecally contaminated water or food. However, other modes of transmission include sexual contact through anal-oral sex. While the primary role of anal cytology is the detection of anal cancer and precursor lesions, organisms can also be identified. Despite this, assessment of the clinical significance of cytologic identification of amoebae is lacking in the literature. A 10-year retrospective review of the pathology archives of 2 institutions in Boston, Massachusetts was conducted. Anal Pap tests that identified amoeba were reviewed and correlated with the medical records for investigation into clinical parameters and patient management. A total of 46 cases were identified between the 2 sites. The majority of patients were male (95.7%) and endorsed having sex with men (84.8%). Only a minority endorsed recent travel (6.5%). Most of the patients were also HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive (71.1%) with all of these patients being well-controlled on antiretroviral therapy. Most patients were asymptomatic (87.0%). On review of the anal Pap tests, the average organism number per case was 35.4. In the majority of cases, follow-up microbiology testing for confirmation and/or speciation was not performed (89.1%) and were not treated (93.5%). While identification of amoeba is possible on anal cytology, the clinical significance remains unclear as most patients were asymptomatic and not treated in this series. Ultimately, the clinical setting likely plays an important role in determination of management. • Anal Pap tests are integral in the surveillance for cancer in high-risk populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). While this is the main use of anal Pap tests, various infections including intestinal amoeba can be identified. Despite this, there is a paucity of literature regarding the detection of amoeba on anal Pap tests. • In this 10-year, multi-institutional retrospective study, we describe the experience of 2 large academic medical centers with the detection of amoeba on anal Pap tests with investigation into the clinical significance of this finding. • A total of 46 cases were identified between the 2 sites. The vast majority were from MSM (94.8%) without recent history of travel. The majority of patients were asymptomatic (87.0%). • On follow-up, the majority of cases were not further characterized by microbiology studies (89.1%) and the vast majority of patients were not treated (93.5%). These findings question the clinical significance of this cytologic finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cause severe socioecological, economic, food innocuity, and public health problems in countries where aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism share marine ecosystem goods and services. HABs will likely intensify with rising eutrophication, ocean warming, acidification and climatic atmospheric and oceanographic oscillations (e.g. , El Niño). During the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), it is imperative to produce knowledge to predict HABs and mitigate their severe negative sustainability consequences. This review on coevolved symbiotic and antagonistic algae-bacteria interactions highlights the HAB holobiome, i.e. , phycosphere-attached and free-living bacteria, as potential bioindicators of bloom onset and decline as they promote, inhibit or suppress algal growth. The reviewed literature led us to discuss (1) the conceptual issues and experimental approach required to generate and include the HAB holobiome data into monitoring schemes to evaluate the resulting predictive model, (2) the relevance of an integrated science-policy approach to articulate the holobiome knowledge among stakeholders, including policymakers, for the efficient use and adaptive management of ecosystem services, and 3) a way to translate, once validated, the holobiome-based predictive model into a widely adopted policy. In this sense, the ongoing Monitoring Algae in Chile project (MACH; www.mach-satreps.org/en/) provides a framework to articulate the holobiome science with policy to establish reliable forecast systems to minimize HAB impact on public health, aquaculture and fisheries activities. This Chilean-Japanese research collaboration builds on the lessons from the catastrophic HAB event on Chiloé Island (May 2016), where world-class salmon, mussel aquaculture, and artisanal fishers coexist. • Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cause severe ecological, socioeconomic, public health and sustainability problems. • The HAB holobiome, symbiotic and antagonist bacteria attached to algae, is a potential bioindicator of bloom dynamics. • The HAB holobiome is potentially a novel, ecosystem-based and complementary tool for HAB monitoring and early warning. • A transdisciplinary approach, including non-scientific stakeholders, is proposed for HAB forecasting and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE) may improve the source and filter interaction by changing the acoustic characteristics and the impedance of the vocal tract, both in dysphonic and vocally healthy populations. However, there are a few studies that verify the effects of these exercises in a clinical trial. Thus, this study's purpose was to analyze the effectiveness of the SOVTE-Therapeutic Program (SOVTE-TP) in vocal quality and self-assessment, comparing it with Vocal Function Exercises. Eighteen (eight men; 10 women), ages 18-50, with behavioral dysphonia participated in this randomized and blinded clinical trial. The participants were equally randomized into two groups: Experimental Group and Vocal Function Exercises Group. They were assessed at three moments: before the treatment, after finishing it, and one month after finishing the treatment––follow up. Acoustic measures (ie, fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, cepstral peak-smoothed, alpha ratio, and L1-L0), auditory-perceptual analysis, vocal fatigue index (VFI), self-perceived resonant voice, and vocal handicap index-30 (VHI-30) were measured at all assessment moments. For the two groups, the interventions happened twice per week (four weeks) and lasted 35 minutes. It was applied the repeated-measures ANOVA test (P < 0.05) and Tukey Test. The acoustic measures and auditory-perceptual had no differences between the groups and moments, respectively, which means that SOVTE-TP did not cause any harm. The auditory-perceptual analysis showed a mild deviation of participants' vocal quality. All groups reduced the VFI and VHI-30 scores in M2 and kept these results at M3 also, the vocal economy sensation increased in M2, decreasing slightly in M3. SOVTE-TP has positive effects regarding self-assessment (VFI, VHI, and resonant voice quality) on patients with mild behavioral dysphonia, and it provides the same effects as VFE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Credit risk models are vitally important for organizations whose corporate purpose is to operate profitably in the loan or credit business. Technological developments have enabled the application of different statistical techniques to create functions that assist in measuring, and consequently in managing, exposure to credit risk; however, these models must be periodically reassessed and optimized to ensure that they fulfill their objectives. This study addresses problems that have been observed in the model for reading the credit history of customers of a company in the real sector, contributing to the design of a risk-scoring model using the discriminant analysis technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central cement-ossifying fibroma (COCF) is a benign fibro-osseous odontogenic neoplasm that affects the jaw, and is characterized by the production of bone and cement-like material in a hypercellular fibrous stroma. It occurs mainly between the third and fourth decades of life, it has a predilection for the female sex in a ratio of 5:1 over the male and is more common in White patients. It affects both the maxilla and the mandible. It is usually a solitary lesion, but when there are multiple lesions it could be associated with mandibular tumor syndrome due to hyperparathyroidism. In the present work, a bilateral case not associated with hyperparathyroidism is reported. A 35-year-old male patient, without significant pathological history, presented with facial asymmetry, asymptomatic. Which refers to having slow progressive growth in the left mandibular region. In laboratory studies, he had normal parathyroid hormone values. Radiographically, there were bilateral well-defined radiolucent lesions with radiopacities involving the roots of molars and premolars on each side, which were diagnosed as cement-ossifying fibromas. Bilateral mandibular (COCF) is rare with a predilection for the female sex. It occurs in patients between the second and fourth decades of life and is more common in patients with alterations in the parathyroid gland. Its prognosis is good with adequate enucleation and curettage of the lesion. Generally reported bilateral (COCF) are associated with mandibular tumor syndrome due to hyperparathyroidism. However, there are multiple cases that are not associated with hyperparathyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runoff is pivotal in water resource management and ecological conservation. Current research predominantly emphasizes enhancing the precision of machine learning-based runoff predictions, with limited focus on their physical interpretability. This study introduces an innovative two-step hybrid runoff prediction framework tailored for the headwater region of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) to improve prediction accuracy and elucidate the runoff modeling process. The framework integrates machine learning techniques with dual signal decomposition approaches, incorporating diverse hydrometeorological and geographic indicators. Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms were employed to predict monthly runoff generation in sub-basins delineated by the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), which were subsequently integrated using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) for monthly runoff concentration prediction. Results indicate that the proposed models delivered superior prediction performance compared to the SWAT model (R2 = 0.86, NSE = 0.85), with the LSTM-based two-step hybrid model (R2 = 0.90, NSE = 0.90) outperforming the XGBoost-based model (R2 = 0.89, NSE = 0.88). The dual decomposition method, integrating seasonal-trend decomposition based on loess (STL) and successive variational mode decomposition (SVMD), demonstrated exceptional efficacy in addressing the complexities of hydrometeorological time series. Models decomposed by STL-SVMD exhibited the highest average R2 and NSE values, as well as the lowest RMSE and MAE values in sub-basin runoff calculations. The low standard deviations of performance metrics further underscored the stability of these models across all sub-basins. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed two-step hybrid model for simulating physical runoff processes in the headwater region of the YRB, providing valuable insights for regional hydrological cycle research and hydro-ecological security. • Propose a novel hybrid runoff generation and concentration forecasting framework. • Explore the performance of different decomposition and machine learning models. • The LSTM-based two-step hybrid model exhibited remarkable prediction accuracy. • Stepwise prediction combining geographic and hydrometeorological information increases the model's physical interpretability. • Dual signal decomposition improves accuracy by effectively managing complex time series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Emerging economies are often more vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. • This study examines how climate governance and growth opportunities drive climate mitigation initiatives. • The results indicate a positive impact of climate governance mechanisms. • Further efforts are required to mitigate the negative effects of growth opportunities and disruptive events. Emerging economies are often more vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, experiencing devastating floods and a collapse in agricultural production. This study, under the lens of resource dependence theory, aims to determine the role of climate governance and growth opportunities in driving the adoption of climate change mitigation initiatives by the leading listed companies in the 28 most important emerging economies from 2013 to 2022. The results indicate that climate governance mechanisms facilitate the development of innovative solutions to fight climate change. However, further efforts are required to mitigate the negative effects of growth opportunities and disruptive events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• To improve the analysis of ECG signals, a novel method based on slope chain code is used to calculate the tortuosity of the signals. • The proposed method analyzes and differentiates between arrhythmia and healthy control signals. • The proposed method is compared with the widely used method RR-interval estimation, and it obtains a better performance in differentiating the signals of the study groups. The present work aims to evaluate an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal with a new algorithm based on the tortuosity of the signal, which seeks a better performance in differentiating pathologies without losing signal information due to abnormalities. The digitized ECG signal is studied as a set of segments that make up the complete signal. For each segment, the associated slope is calculated and, using the chain code, the change in the slope between contiguous segments is obtained to conform the tortuosity of the signal. This procedure was used for 12-lead ECG signals for 14 subjects from the arrhythmia group and 14 subjects form the control group, resulting in 168 signals analyzed per study group. The tortuosity results between both study groups were compared using the statistical t -test, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05) in 9 of 12 leads of the ECG signal. This was compared with the RR-interval values, in which no significant difference was found in any lead between the study groups, indicating better discrimination performance with the proposed algorithm. The proposed method can differentiate for most of the ECG leads between pathological and healthy signals. This method was compared to the widely used method RR-interval estimation and outperformed it by obtaining statistical differences in 9 more leads between the study groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of fishing activities on habitats for commercially important species may, directly and indirectly, influence species and associated communities. These effects include those on target species, bycatch species, habitats, etc. In this study, the impact of small-scale fisheries on habitats was evaluated in four fishing communities from the Northwest Mexican Pacific. The species and size selectivity of several fishing gear were evaluated, and the spatial distribution of catches was studied to assess the impacts of fishing gear using a Consequence Spatial Analysis (CSA). Our results showed that in finfish fisheries from Guaymas and Isla Natividad, the catch of the target species represents more than 75% of the total catch and in El Rosario, the catch represents less than 50%. We assessed 42 habitat types in four communities, which were qualified with low-risk scores. The fishing gears used to target commercial species are selective to optimal sizes above their maturity size. The results contribute to improving management in data-poor fisheries by evaluating the impacts of fishing on habitats and discussing their relevance for implementation. • Handline, diving, and trap's habitats impacts were assessed in four areas under a FIPin the Northwest Mexican Pacific. • The bycatch represented 11% of the total catch in Isla Natividad, 15% in Guaymas, and 57% in El Rosario. • In El Rosario, fish exceeded maturity, while in Isla Natividad, they were below reported maturity sizes. • Forty-two habitat types were assessed for the four fisheries, which were qualified with low-risk scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact tracing of individual exposed to any infectious measles case deserves special attention when in the country the disease is mostly imported. We present the coordinated public health actions triggered after reporting a suspected measles case in an aircraft. Spanish public health authorities and airlines responded promptly to allow a rapid contact tracing. Even one secondary measles case was reported no further transmission was identified, revealing that giving PEP and appropriate information help to avoid transmission and to maintain measles elimination in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • DatAMCG is the biggest data repository for massive anorthosite and related rocks. • Massif-type anorthosite intrusions crystallized from hybridized magmas. • Geochemical data suggest a late- to post-collision extensional tectonic setting. • Lithospheric delamination and slab detachment triggered the partial melting process. The occurrence of massif-type anorthosite intrusions is a widespread Proterozoic phenomenon. They are usually associated with gabbroic, charnockitic, and granitic rocks, comprising the so-called anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite. Although these rocks have been extensively studied worldwide, several aspects concerning their formation remain unsettled. Among them, the magma source and the tectonic setting are the most important. To evaluate these issues, we first compiled geochemical and isotopic data of Proterozoic anorthosite massifs and AMCG suites worldwide and stored it in a database named datAMCG. This plethora of data allows us to make some important interpretations. We argue that the wide-ranging multi-isotopic composition of this group of rocks reflects varying proportions of juvenile mantle-derived melts and crustal components. We interpret that the precursor magmas of most massive anorthosite bodies and associated mafic rocks have a mantle-dominated origin. However, we highlight that a crustal component is indispensable to generate these lithologies. Adding variable amounts of this material during succeeding multi-stage assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) processes gives these intrusions their typical mantle-crustal hybrid isotopic traits. In contrast, a crustal-dominant origin with a complementary mantle component is interpreted for most MCG rocks. In summary, the isotopic information in datAMCG indicates that both sources are necessary to generate AMCG rocks. Therefore, we suggest that hybridized magmas with different mantle-crust proportions originate these rocks. This interpretation might offer a more nuanced and accurate depiction of this phenomenon in future work instead of choosing a single-sourced model as in the past decades. Finally, tectonomagmatic diagrams suggest that the rocks under study were likely generated in a tectonic environment that transitioned between collision and post-collisional extension, sometimes involving subduction-modified mantle sources. This interpretation is supported by geological and geochronological information from most complexes, thus challenging the Andean-type margins as an ideal tectonic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a widespread human-induced disturbance, whose effects have been documented in many ecosystems. However, limited attention has been given to the source of the lights behind ALAN, so this study examined three of them: High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps and warm and cool white Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Laboratory experiments compared the effects of each type of light to natural day/night conditions, upon the activity, feeding behavior and growth of the isopod Tylos spinulosus. Tanks equipped with actographs monitored locomotor activity, while separate tanks were utilized to assess food consumption and growth under natural and ALAN conditions. Our results show that all ALAN sources disrupt and reduce isopods' activity and feeding behavior, with cool and warm LEDs being the most severe and mildest, respectively. Instead, ALAN had only minor effects on isopod growth. Our findings suggest that warm LEDs may be preferable for ALAN mitigation purposes. • ALAN spectral composition affects isopod's activity patterns and feeding behavior. • Cool LEDs severely disrupt activity and feeding compared to warm LED and HPS lights. • Warm LEDs show potential for mitigating ALAN effects on sandy beach ecosystems. • Studies on the effects of ALAN properties on species are essential for informed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are considered as an Ultra Low Head (ULH) hydraulic resource. This has provoked an inadequate extraction of its potential energy by Micro Hydroelectric Plants (MHP) due to the improper relationship between the size and performance of the turbine. Thus, this work proposes the optimized design of a turbine composed of an intake-runner-diffuser, which looks for the maximum energy extraction from this kind of hydraulic resource. The annual Flow Duration Curve (FDC) of a WWTP effluent was examined to determine the flow rate with which the maximal available energy could be extracted through an adequate runner design. A 3D computational model of the intake-runner-diffuser was optimized by coupling a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software with a Multi Island Genetic Algorithm, while the pressure and flow field of the selected cases were qualitative and quantitatively analyzed. It was found that with the lowest Reaction Degree (RD), a propeller turbine reached its highest efficiency and pressure ratio coefficient, extracting 76% of the annual available energy of the hydraulic resource. In this way, the maximal exploitation of a ULH resource through the turbine design of the MHP system instead of adapting turbines from Large Hydropower Plants (LHP) could help to establish an actual and attractive project cost-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Cardiometabolic diseases refer to a group of interrelated conditions, sharing metabolic dysfunctions like insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The gut microbiota has been associated with CMD and related conditions. Alterations in the intestinal epithelium permeability triggered by chronic stress and diet could bridge gut microbiota with inflammation and CMD development. Here, we assessed the relationship between intestinal permeability and circulating SCFAs with cardiometabolic health status (CMHS) and gut microbiota in a sample of 116 Colombian adults.Methods and Results: Plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), claudin-3, and purported zonulin peptides (PZP) were measured by ELISA, whereas plasmatic levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In addition, for further statistical analysis, we took data previously published by us on this cohort, including gut microbiota and multiple CMD risk factors that served to categorize subjects as cardiometabolically healthy or cardiometabolically abnormal. From univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, we found the levels of I-FABP, LBP, and PZP increased in the plasma of cardiometabolically abnormal individuals, although only PZP reached statistical significance.Conclusions: Our results did not confirm the applicability of I-FABP, LBP, claudin-3, or SCFAs as biomarkers for associating intestinal permeability with the cardiometabolic health status in these subjects. On the other hand, the poorly characterized peptides detected with the ELISA kit branded as "zonulin" were inversely associated with cardiometabolic dysfunctions and gut microbiota. Further studies to confirm the true identity of these peptides are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first record of medicinal plants in the southwest of the Coahuila state, an arid zone where extreme dry conditions prevail. One hundred twenty-two residents (in sixteen communities) were interviewed. The residents were questioned with a questionnaire-guided ethnomedical survey protocol about the various plants used. Seventy-seven species of medicinal plants belonging to 36 botanical families were cited. The highest use-value (UV) was calculated for Lippia graveolens Kunth (0.30); Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (0.20); Eucalyptus abdita Brooker & Hopper , Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (0.16); Mentha spicata L. (0.15) and Salvia officinalis L. (0.10). Informant consensus factor (ICF) about usages of medicinal plants ranges from 0.41 to 0.80; the highest level of agreement was determined between the informants and Respiratory System Diseases (0.80). The highest fidelity level (FL) values (100%) were identified in Flourensia cernua DC., Artisia ludoviciana Nutt., and Parthenium incanum Kunth to Gastro-intestinal System Diseases; Eucalyptus abdita Brooker & Hopper , Bougainvillea berberidifolia Heimerl, and Lippia graveolens Kunth to Respiratory System Diseases (RSD) and Cyclolepis genistoides D.Don and Ephedra antisyphilitica Berland. ex C.A.Mey. to Obstetrics, Gynecology and Urinary tract Diseases. These last two medicinal plant species ("palo azul" and "pitoreal") used by the rural communities in Viesca in the treatment of urinary tract infections and kidney stones have not been reported previously. These findings can provide new research directions for further phytochemical studies. The present study revealed that the residents are rich in ethno-medicinal knowledge and actively use medicinal plants to treat various diseases. New phytochemical and pharmacological research are needed to confirm the therapeutic potential and safety of the identified plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octopus maya is an endemic species of the Yucatan Peninsula. This species sustains the octopus' fishery in the region and is the only cephalopod cultured in Mexico. It is known that O. maya harbor a large richness and abundance of metacestodes that have been tentatively identified by light microscopy alone. Since the larval stages of some orders of marine cestodes lack the taxonomic characteristics shown by the adult stages and on which cestode taxonomy is based, identification down to the species level is often unattainable. Hence, the goal of this study was to characterize the parasites, for the first time, at morphological and molecular levels. A total of 60 octopuses were collected from September to December 2017 from four fishery landing ports in Yucatán: Sisal, Progreso, Dzilam de Bravo, and Rio Lagartos (15 hosts per locality). Morphology of metacestodes was characterized by light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the genes 18S and 28S rDNA were sequenced for molecular characterization. Based on phenotypic characters and molecular data, seven taxa of metacestodes were identified, four of them belonging of order Trypanorhyncha: Eutetrarhynchus sp., Kotorella pronosoma , Nybelinia sp., Prochristianella sp. 1; and the three remaining taxa belonging to the order Onchoproteocephalidea: Acanthobothrium sp., Phoreiobothrium sp., and Prosobothrium sp. This work provides, for the first time, molecular support to the morphological characterization of metacestodes recorded in Octopus maya. [Display omitted] ● Seven taxa of metacestodes from Octopus maya were identified ● First morphological and molecular match in cestodes of O. maya is presented ● Phylogenetic analysis indicate octopus cestodes grouped in four different groups of trypanorhynchs and onchoproteocephalids ● Prochristianella sp. 1 is the only species with 100% prevalence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To evaluate the mechanical complications of weekly care and maintenance versus once every 10 days of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line insertion site versus once every 10 days in newborns. Prospective propensity score matched cohort study. Care and maintenance of the PICC line insertion site were performed on days 7 and 10 during January 2018 to December 2019. To compare mechanical complications, propensity score matching was performed. Propensity scores were used to determine the relative risks and hazard ratios by using logistic regressions with log-link function and Cox regressions, respectively. We included 175 newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who underwent insertion of a PICC line. Ninety-six received weekly care and maintenance, and 79 received care and maintenance every 10 days. Weekly care and maintenance were associated with more breakage (RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.68–2.34); occlusions (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.46–1.42) and accidental withdrawals (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.93–1.84) were not different between care and maintenance every 7 and 10 days. A survival analysis was performed, showing that weekly care and maintenance are a risk factor for removal for mechanical complications (HR 7.61, 95% CI 3.05–19.01). We concluded that care and maintenance of the PICC in newborns every 10 days have fewer complications than when performing care and maintenance every 7 days. Newborns requiring intravenous therapy will benefit from care and maintenance every 10 days, and this practice could potentially spread to other NICUs. • The care and maintenance of a PICC line insertion site over a 10-day period in newborns are introduced. • Care and maintenance every 7 days were found to have increased risk for PICC line breakage. • Weekly care and maintenance carry more risk of mechanical complications compared to care and maintenance every 10 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the direct medical costs due to hospitalizations by COVID-19 in Colombia and to identify their cost drivers in Colombia. This is a retrospective cost-of-illness study of COVID-19 in Colombia. We estimated direct medical costs using data from patients insured to a Benefit Plan Administrator Company, between March 15, 2020 and May 29, 2020. Absolute and relative frequencies, averages, medians, and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used to characterize the population and estimate the costs of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We stratified the cost analysis by sex, age groups, comorbidities, and type of hospitalization (general ward and intensive care unit [ICU]). Cost drivers were calculated from a generalized linear model. We studied 113 confirmed patients, 51.3% men. On average, the hospital length of stay was 7.3 (± 6.2) days. A person hospitalized with COVID-19 reported median costs of $1688 (IQR 788-2523). In women, this cost was $1328 (IQR 463-2098); in men, this was 1.4 times greater. The median cost for ICU was $4118 (IQR 2069-5455), 3 times higher than those hospitalized only in the general ward. Admission to the ICU, having 1 comorbidity, length of stay, high blood pressure, having 5 comorbidities, and being treated in the city of Cartagena were statistically significant with direct medical costs. Our study provides an idea of the magnitude of costs needed to hospitalize a COVID-19 case in Colombia. Other studies in Colombia have assessed the costs of hospitalization for infectious diseases such as influenza, costs significantly lower than those described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a widely prevalent pathology with a high exponential growth worldwide. Altered lipid accumulation by adipose tissue is one of the main causes of obesity and exploring lipid homeostasis in this tissue may represent a source for the identification of possible therapeutic targets. The study of the proteome and the post-translational modifications of proteins, specifically acetylation due to its involvement in energy metabolism, may be of great interest to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity. The objective of this study was to characterize the subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue acetylome in conditions of obesity and insulin resistance and to describe the importance of acetylation of key molecules in adipose tissue to use them as therapeutic targets. The results describe for the first time the acetylome of subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue under physiological and physiopathological conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance. New evidence showed different acetylation patterns between two main depots and highlight the molecular complexity of adipose tissue. Results showed changes in FABP4 acetylation in subcutaneous fat in relation to insulin resistance, thus unveiling a potential marker of depot-specific dysfunctional expansion in obesity-associated metabolic disease. Furthermore, it is shown that the acetylation of FABP4 affects its function, modulating the capacity of differentiation in adipocytes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a profound, depot-specific alteration of adipose tissue acetylome, wherein the acetylation of FABP4 may play a key role in adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a tool to simulate the biomass production capacity of microalgae-based processes as a function of the prevailing weather conditions at selected locations around the world. The tool is designed for the use of raceway reactors operated in turbidostat mode, allowing for the simulation of biomass production at whatever location for different strains as a function of reactor size, culture depth, and biomass concentration in the reactor. The tool integrates the solar radiation and temperature data available in existing databases for the selected location to determine the light availability and temperature impact in the culture, to finally provide the growth rate and biomass productivity. Hourly values are calculated to estimate a detailed overview of cultures performance, and finally, mean daily and annual values are calculated. The simulation tool developed is a very useful instrument for decision-making processes about the installation of microalgae-related facilities, and also allows the determination of the potential production capacity. [Display omitted] • Simulation of microalgae production around the world • Comparison of microalgae genus production in different locations • A graphical tool to estimate microalgae production in raceway reactors • Evaluation of reactor size, culture depth, and biomass concentration effects [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential negative externalities that can be produced by urban freight transportation make it critical to investigate the impact of urban freight and land use-related decisions on energy efficiency, congestion, and emissions. To advance such investigation, the authors developed a Behavioral Microsimulation Software (BMS) that simulates freight vehicle tours generated in a study area. At the most general level, the BMS provides aggregate performance metrics. At the detailed level, it outputs the freight vehicle tours and their corresponding characteristics. This study sheds light on the impact of the location of logistic facilities on the delivery operation to businesses in metropolitan areas. Thus, the goal of this research is to quantify the impacts of three scenarios in a metropolitan area: (i) location of a new distribution center in the outskirts, (ii) location of a new distribution center in the core, (iii) relocation of an existing distribution center from the outskirts to the core. The impacts discussed are vehicle miles traveled, deliveries per tour, and the number of tours. The authors developed a case study on the New York State Capital Region (USA). The results indicate a reduction in total vehicle miles traveled when locating distribution centers closer to the area's urban core, where demand is concentrated, compared to when located in the outskirts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-scale fisheries are socioeconomically crucial in developing countries as a source of income, food, and employment. However, most fisheries lack the basic information (e.g., catch and effort) needed to evaluate their status and are poorly managed. Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP) have emerged as a community-driven option to enhance management since they require the status of harvested stocks. We assessed the stock trends of ten species involved in FIPs in Mexico, using data-poor methods based on catches. Due to inconsistencies in landing reports, data reconstructions must be made for most of the stocks evaluated. Data generated by communities involved in FIPs was used to refine these reconstructions and to inform assessment models. Results showed that most stocks are experiencing overfishing, which may be related to landing increases for the last ten years. Abundance indexes from FIP data were included in the models to improve stock estimations. These results are a starting point for understanding the status of the fisheries and identifying data needed to implement a more robust analysis. Improvement projects represent an opportunity to fill these gaps and inform assessment models for data-poor fisheries when official data is unavailable and will help foster the sustainability of small-scale fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) threatens to disrupt most natural habitats and species, including those in coastal settings, where a growing number of studies have identified ALAN impacts. A careful examination of the light properties behind those impacts is important to better understand and manage the effects of this stressor. This study focused on ALAN monochromatic wavelengths and examined which types of light spectra altered the natural activity of two prominent coastal species from the Pacific southeast: the talitroid amphipod Orchestoidea tuberculata and the oniscoid isopod Tylos spinulosus. We compared the natural daylight/night activity of these organisms with the one they exhibit when exposed to five different ALAN wavelengths: lights in the violet, blue, green, amber, and red spectra. Our working hypothesis was that ALAN alters these species' activity at night, but the magnitude of such impact differs depending on light wavelengths. Measurements of activity over 24 h cycles for five consecutive days and in three separate experiments confirmed a natural circadian activity pattern in both species, with strong activity at night (∼90% of probability) and barely any activity during daylight. However, when exposed to ALAN, activity declined significantly in both species under all light wavelengths. Interestingly, amphipods exhibited moderate activity (∼40% of probability) when exposed to red lights at night, whereas isopods shifted some of their activity to daylight hours in two of the experiments when exposed to blue or amber lights, suggesting a possible alteration in this species circadian rhythm. Altogether, our results were consistent with our working hypothesis, and suggest that ALAN reduces night activity, and some wavelengths have differential effects on each species. Differences between amphipods and isopods are likely related to their distinct adaptations to natural low-light habitat conditions, and therefore distinct sensitivity to ALAN. [Display omitted] • Exposure to ALAN reduces the activity of sandy beach amphipods and isopods. • Evidence of a circadian rhythm shift was found in isopods in response to two spectra. • Peracarids' response to ALAN reveals photosensitivity variations between species. • Insight on light wavelengths may guide mitigation against coastal light pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]