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Measurements of specific acute phase proteins (APP) and protein electrophoresis (EPH) fractions have been widely used to better assess the health of species under managed care across numerous taxa. To date, APP assays have not been validated in the hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), and reference intervals have not yet been established. This information is critical for the interpretation of APP and EPH measurements used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases during routine veterinary care of this species. To obtain this information, banked serum samples from hamadryas baboons of various age, sex, and health status, under managed care at the North Carolina Zoo, were analyzed. A small pilot study found significantly higher serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) but not haptoglobin in baboons with acute inflammation compared to healthy counterparts, so these two APPs were investigated further. Reagents for serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were validated, although differences in CRP reagents were observed. Based on the results of this study, SAA and CRP were defined as major APPs that were significantly increased in baboons with active inflammation or infection compared to healthy conspecifics. Baboons with acute inflammation additionally had significantly higher gamma globulins compared to healthy baboons. Although mean albumin concentrations were lower in baboons with acute inflammation, the difference from healthy baboons was not statistically significant. This study identifies SAA, CRP, and EPH as useful tools in the diagnosis of inflammatory disease in the hamadryas baboon and establishes reference intervals to aid in the future veterinary care of this species.

l trabajo presenta la investigación desarrollada en la Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Cuba, para enfrentar las limitaciones existentes en la creación de entornos virtuales de aprendizaje en línea para la formación continuada de profesionales y tuvo como objetivo: la elaboración de una concepción didáctica para un entrenamiento de posgrado en línea sobre la publicación de artículos en revistas científicas considerando las posibilidades tecnológicas de la plataforma Moodle instalada en la institución. El diseño metodológico seguido, quedó enmarcado fundamentalmente dentro del enfoque de la investigación-acción y la sistematización, aunque fueron empleados otros métodos teóricos y empíricos durante las tres etapas que abarcó la investigación. La concepción didáctica del entrenamiento en línea, se fue construyendo a lo largo del proceso investigativo y fue comprobada su funcionalidad durante el propio proceso, alcanzándose resultados positivos en su implementación. Palabras clave: Entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, plataforma Moodle, educación a distancia, superación profesional, fundamentos didácticos.

Frailty assessments have been incorporated into preoperative planning for surgery in the elderly population. Frailty in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation has been associated with increased short-term mortality. We compared 2 frailty scores, modified Frailty Index (mFI) and Risk Analysis Index (RAI), to evaluate the short- and long-term mortality stratified by frailty status after lower extremity amputation.A retrospective review at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center was performed for all patients with peripheral vascular disease that underwent an above or below the knee amputation from 2014 to 2019. Preoperative variables were obtained to calculate the mFI and RAI frailty scores. The frailty scoring systems were used to separate the patients into 3 cohorts: non-frail (mFI0.45, RAI20), frail (mFI 0.45-0.55; RAI 20-32), and very frail (mFI0.55, RAI32). The frailty groups with each scoring system were compared for 30-day outcomes (readmission, reoperation, adverse events, length of stay) and short- and long-term mortality.A total of 298 patients underwent lower extremity amputation. The number of non-frail patients was 98 (RAI) and 102 (mFI); frail patients 99 (RAI), and 123 (mFI); very frail patients 101 (RAI) and 73 (mFI). For the 30-day outcomes, only length of stay (mFI) was associated with increasing frailty. The short- and long-term mortality was associated with a worse survival with increasing frailty. At 1-year, the mortality by RAI was non-frail 8%; frail 24%, very frail 43% (P 0.001); the mortality by mFI was non-frail 16%, frail 24%, very frail 41% (P 0.001).Preoperative frailty scoring systems identify patients with worse short- and long-term mortality for lower extremity amputation. Frailty scoring should be considered as a screening tool for patients with peripheral vascular disease undergoing lower extremity amputation because of the high rate of frail and very frail patients. The frailty status may provide a more patient-centered approach to counsel patients and their families on the risks and benefits of amputation.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are still limited by the shuttle of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) and the slow Li-S reaction. Herein, we demonstrate that when using cobalt sulfide as a catalytic additive, an external magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet can significantly improve the LiPS adsorption ability and the Li-S reaction kinetics. More specifically, the results show both experimentally and theoretically how an electron spin polarization of Co ions reduces electron repulsion and enhances the degree of orbital hybridization, thus resulting in LSBs with unprecedented performance and stability. Under an external magnetic field, LSBs with 0.0084 % per cycle decay rate at 2 C during 8150 cycles are produced. Overall, this work not only demonstrates an effective strategy to promote LiPS adsorption and electrochemical conversion in LSBs at no additional energy cost but also enriches the application of the spin effect in the electrocatalysis fields., This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.: 51572118 and 21975123) and partially by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant Nos.: lzujbky-2021-it33). C. Y. Zhang, C. Q. Zhang, and L. Gong thank the China Scholarship Council for the scholarship support. A. Cabot thanks financial support from the Combenergy project (PID2019-105490RB-C32) from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. The authors also greatly acknowledge the support supported by the Supercomputing Center of Lanzhou University, China., With funding from the Spanish government through the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000917-S).

Reseña del número 43 María Antonia Peña y Marta Bonaudo, dirs. Historia cultural de la corrupción política. Prácticas, escenarios y representaciones contemporáneas. Rosario: Prohistoria, 2019, 168 pp.

To evaluate the accuracy of multiple risk calculators for 30-day mortality on patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation.The actual 30-day mortality at a single Veterans Affairs institution was compared to the predicted outcome from the following risk calculators: ACS-NSQIP, VASQIP, amputation scoring tool (AST), and POTTER elective.The overall calculated 30-day mortality was similar to the actual mortality with the VASQIP and POTTER elective risk calculators, while the NSQIP and AST over-estimated the 30-day mortality. The predictive accuracy of the POTTER and NSQIP risk calculators were moderate (AUC0.7), and fair for the VASQIP and AST.Risk assessment tools can provide adjunctive data on predicted 30-day mortality in patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation. In our study, there were differences in predictability of the risk calculators for lower extremity amputation that should be considered when utilizing a risk assessment tool to improve physician-patient shared decision-making.

Lemons are a relevant agricultural commodity in Uruguay, mainly exported for fresh consumption. Food eco-labels are on the rise worldwide as consumers and authorities are increasingly demanding them. However, there is a lack of scientific studies estimating the environmental impacts of Uruguayan citrus production. This study aims to assess the environmental performance of lemon production in Uruguay taking into account inter-seasonal variability by applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and following the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) guidelines. A cradle-to-farm gate assessment was carried out based on both mass and spatial functional units. Primary data was gathered from a representative orchard of the region for four harvest seasons (2016-2020). Environmental impact categories recommended by EN 15804 + A2 standard were assessed. Specifically, blue water scarcity was assessed using the AWARE method. In addition, human and freshwater ecotoxicity were assessed using USEtox. Results show that on-field emissions and input production are critical for most of the categories assessed (on average, 84% CC, 88% Ac, 98% MEu, and 85% TEu), whereas blue water consumed for irrigation is the main hotspot in blue water scarcity (86%, on average). As expected, inter-seasonal impacts present higher variability when expressing results per tonne vs. per hectare because, although agricultural inputs applied are the same, climatic variability influences water requirements and also affects yield. Blue water scarcity exhibits the highest variability because water consumption depends strongly on agroclimatic conditions, mainly on rain and irrigated water and on water dynamics in soil. Nitrate leaching is a key emission for freshwater eutrophication and, to a minor degree, for climate change, which also depends on the water dose and timing, either from rain or irrigation. Optimising the N application is crucial to minimise on-field emissions, a hotspot in the present study. Along these lines, improved agricultural practices are suggested to enhance the environmental profile of Uruguayan lemons. Replacement or minimisation of the dose of certain inputs (e.g., copper oxide) through the implementation of complementary agricultural practices is suggested. Finally, up-to-date techniques to decrease blue water scarcity are proposed. Methodological recommendations for future studies include modelling N emissions using mechanistic models, incorporating potential reductions in N emissions due to certain agricultural practices, and harmonizing the methodology to quantify water consumption. This study sets a baseline LCA for Uruguayan citrus fruit production. It highlights inter-seasonal variability as an issue to be considered, even when agricultural practices do not change, and especially relevant in countries with high climatic variability like Uruguay. The study also provides scientific and quantitative evidence to support the environmental decisions of both citrus producers and consumers.

ObjectiveIn a healthcare system with finite resources, hospital organisational factors may contribute to patient outcomes. We aimed to assess the association of nurse staffing and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) occupancy with outcomes of preterm infants born DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingFour level III NICUs.PatientsInfants born 23–32 weeks’ gestation 2015–2018.Main outcome measuresNursing provision ratios (nursing hours worked/recommended nursing hours based on patient acuity categories) and unit occupancy rates were averaged for the first shift, 24 hours and 7 days of admission of each infant. Primary outcome was mortality/morbidity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe neurological injury, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotising enterocolitis and nosocomial infection). ORs for association of exposure with outcomes were estimated using generalised linear mixed models adjusted for confounders.ResultsAmong 1870 included infants, 823 (44%) had mortality/morbidity. Median nursing provision ratio was 1.03 (IQR 0.89–1.22) and median unit occupancy was 89% (IQR 82–94). In the first 24 hours of admission, higher nursing provision ratio was associated with lower odds of mortality/morbidity (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98), and higher unit occupancy was associated with higher odds of mortality/morbidity (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.36). In causal mediation analysis, nursing provision ratios mediated 47% of the association between occupancy and outcomes.ConclusionsNICU occupancy is associated with mortality/morbidity among very preterm infants and may reflect lack of adequate resources in periods of high activity. Interventions aimed at reducing occupancy and maintaining adequate resources need to be considered as strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Endoscope contamination is infrequent but can be the source of nosocomial infections and outbreaks. In August 2016, an unexpected increase in the incidence of amikacin-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates (AK-Pae) was observed at a tertiary care center in the south of Spain. An epidemiological and microbiological investigation (August-October 2016) was performed to explain this finding. Isolates from clinical and environmental samples (2 endoscopes used for retrograde cholangiopancreatography; ERCP) were identified by MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the MicroScan system. Whole-Genome-Sequencing (Miseq, Illumina) was performed to determine the resistome and virulome. Clonal relatedness among isolates was assessed by SpeI-PFGE and MLST. A Caenorhabditis elegans killing assay was performed for virulence testing. Biofilm formation was performed using a colorimetric assay. Four of the 5 patients infected and/or colonized with AK-Pae in August 2016 had undergone ERCP ≤5 days before sample collection. Two endoscopes were contaminated with AK-Pae. Isolates from one endoscope showed an identical PFGE pattern to 9 isolates (cluster I) and differed (1–2 bands) to 5 isolates (cluster II). Isolates from these clusters belonged to the ST17 clone. This S17 clone was characterized by its low virulence in the C. elegans killing assay, and its biofilm-forming ability, slightly superior to that of high-risk clones of P. aeruginosa ST175 and ST235. This outbreak was caused by an endoscope used for ERCP contaminated with an invasive, moderately virulent, biofilm-forming AK-Pae ST17 clone, suggesting the possible emergence of a new high-risk lineage of this clone.

Background: The American College of Surgeons Risk Calculator (ACS-RC) provides an assessment of a patient's risk of thirty-day postoperative complications. The Surgeon Adjusted Risk (SAR) parameter of the calculator allows for ad hoc adjustment of risk based on risk factors not considered by the model. This study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the ACS-RC in vascular surgery patients undergoing major lower-extremity amputation (LEA) and identify additional risk factors that warrant use of the SAR parameter. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 298 sequential amputations at a single institution. At the population level, the mean of predicted thirty-day outcomes from the ACS-RC with a SAR score of 1 (no adjustment necessary) and 2 (risk somewhat higher than estimate) were compared to the rate of observed outcomes. Predictive accuracy at the individual level was completed using receiver operating curve area under the curve (AUC). Logistic regression with respect to mortality was performed over variables not considered by the ACS-RC. Efficacy of selectively utilizing the SAR parameter in predicting mortality was analyzed with a stratified analysis in which patients with risk factors significant for mortality were assigned increased risk. Results: At the population level, ACS-RC grossly underpredicted serious complications, SSI, VTE, and unplanned RTOR, while overpredicting mortality and cardiac complications. At the individual level, SAR1 was more predictive for serious complications (AUC = 0.624), SSI (AUC = 0.610), and unplanned RTOR (AUC = 0.541). Conversely, SAR2 was more predictive for mortality (AUC=0.709), cardiac complications (AUC = 0.561), and VTE (AUC = 0.539). Logistic regression identified history of CVA with a residual deficit (OR = 4.61, p=0.033) and ischemic rest pain without tissue loss (OR= 4.497, p=0.047) as independent risk factors for postoperative mortality. Stratified analysis with utilization of the SAR2 based on the two independent risk factors improved AUC in predicting mortality (AUC 0.792 from 0.709). Conclusions: Major LEAs are associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. In a veteran population, the ACS-RC showed mixed predictability at the population level and fair predictability at the individual level with regards to postoperative outcomes. Rest pain without tissue loss and history of CVA with residual deficit were identified as risk factors for postoperative mortality. Although ad hoc adjustment with the subjective SAR modifier based on the presence of these two risk factors increased the calculator's accuracy, this study highlights some potential limitations of the ACS-RC when applied to vascular surgery patients undergoing major LEA.

Les metaphores de submersion et de « flux » sont souvent appliquees dans la sphere publique aux phenomenes de deplacement et de migration, mais il y aussi des « vagues » et des « marees » d’acteurs humanitaires, de « benevoles » et de chercheurs qui se concentrent maintenant sur les refugies. Les interventions humanitaires, securitaires et anthropologiques dans la « crise des refugies » europeenne de 2015-2016 s’inscrivent souvent dans une logique commune d’urgence et de crise. Les principaux problemes et pieges des tendances anthropologiques actuelles dans l’etude des deplacements aux portes de l’Europe sont lies aux dimensions business du travail anthropologique. Le business de l’anthropologie renforce le regime europeen de gestion des refugies, qui fait des transfrontaliers des cibles policieres, d’intervention et d’etude.

A specific treatment protocol for managing scapular spine fractures does not currently exist. The purpose of our report is to describe this type of injury and detail our treatment management in order to better elucidate this rare pathology. We present a case of a 26-year-old female with an acute scapular spine and base fracture after a motor vehicle collision. Successful treatment of an acute free-floating scapular spine fracture was achieved with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an elbow plate. Since scapular spine fractures are an unfortunate, rare injury, it may impose difficult challenges to the treating surgeon. With our case report, we hope to contribute to the overall knowledge of scapular spine fractures and offer our experience with a successful and appropriate treatment option in our patient.

The Virtual Population (ViP) phantoms have been used in many dosimetry studies, yet, to date, anatomical phantom uncertainty in radiofrequency (RF) research has largely been neglected. The objective of this study is to gain insight, for the first time, regarding the uncertainty in RF-induced fields during magnetic resonance imaging associated with tissue assignment and segmentation quality and consistency in anatomical phantoms by evaluating the differences between two generations of ViP phantoms, ViP1.x and ViP3.0. The RF-induced 10g-average electric (E-) fields, tangential E-fields distribution along active implantable medical devices (AIMD) routings, and estimated AIMD heating were compared for five phantoms that are part of both ViP1.x and ViP3.0. The results demonstrated that differences exceeded 3 dB (-29%, +41%) for local quantities and 1 dB (±12% for field, ±25% for power) for integrated and volume-averaged quantities (e.g., estimated AIMD-heating and 10 g-average E-fields), while the variation across different ViP phantoms of the same generation can exceed 10 dB (-68% and +217% for field, -90% and +900% for power). In conclusion, the anatomical phantom uncertainty associated with tissue assignment and segmentation quality/consistency is larger than previously assumed, i.e., 0.6 dB or ±15% (k = 1) for AIMD heating. Further, multiple phantoms based on different volunteers covering the target population are required for quantitative analysis of dosimetric endpoints, e.g., AIMD heating, which depend on patient anatomy. Phantoms with the highest fidelity in tissue assignment and segmentation should be used, as these ensure the lowest uncertainty and possible underestimation of exposure. To verify that the uncertainty decreases monotonically with improved phantom quality, the evaluation of differences between phantom generations should be repeated for any improvement in segmentation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:458-471. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

BACKGROUND For small molecules such as teriflunomide, used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), that are potentially embryotoxic, there is a theoretical risk of transmission of the medication from males on the drug to female sexual partners. However, that risk has been undefined up to now. METHODS Teriflunomide concentrations were assayed concomitantly in ten sexually active couples, not using barrier methods of contraception, in whom the male partner with MS was on treatment with teriflunomide 14 mg daily for at least two months. These results were compared by male and female age, teriflunomide concentrations and reported average number of incidences of sexual intercourse per month. The threshold level of detection of teriflunomide was 0.020 µg/ml in females. RESULTS The average age of the cohort was 46.70 for males and 47.10 for females. Four of ten females had detectible teriflunomide concentrations (mean 0.046µg/ml (range 0.22-0.077, standard deviation 0.025). Male age and both female teriflunomide positive threshold and female teriflunomide concentration were inversely correlated (r=0.67, R2=0.45, p=0.034) for the former and (r=0.62, R2=0.39, p=.05, ns) for the latter. No significant correlations were observed for female age, male teriflunomide concentrations, or reported mean monthly episodes of sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION This limited study suggests that the small risk that low levels of teriflunomide can be transmitted from male to female partners via sexual intercourse is related to male age. This supports the recommendations found in the United States Product Insert (USPI) stating that men taking teriflunomide who do not wish to father a child, and their female partners, should use reliable contraception. Men wishing to father a child should discontinue use of teriflunomide and undergo an accelerated elimination procedure to reduce the plasma concentrations of the medication to less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 µg/ml1.

Currently there is great interest in targeting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer. However, notwithstanding the targeting of mutant dehydrogenases, nearly all hopeful ‘mito-therapeutics’ cannot discriminate cancerous from non-cancerous OXPHOS and thus suffer from a limited therapeutic index. Using acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a model, herein, we leveraged an in-house diagnostic biochemical workflow to identify ‘actionable’ bioenergetic vulnerabilities intrinsic to cancerous mitochondria. Consistent with prior reports, AML growth and proliferation was associated with a hyper-metabolic phenotype which included increases in basal and maximal respiration. However, despite having nearly 2-fold more mitochondria per cell, clonally expanding hematopoietic stem cells, leukemic blasts, as well as chemoresistant AML were all consistently hallmarked by intrinsic OXPHOS limitations. Remarkably, by performing experiments across a physiological span of ATP free energy, we provide direct evidence that leukemic mitochondria are particularly poised to consume ATP. Relevant to AML biology, acute restoration of oxidative ATP synthesis proved highly cytotoxic to leukemic blasts, suggesting that active OXPHOS repression supports aggressive disease dissemination in AML. Together, these findings argue against ATP being the primary output of leukemic mitochondria and provide proof-of-principle that restoring, rather than disrupting, OXPHOS may represent an untapped therapeutic avenue for combatting hematological malignancy and chemoresistance.

Objetivo Evaluar el grado de seguimiento de las recomendaciones de las versiones de la Guía española para el manejo del asma (GEMA 2009 y 2015) y su repercusión en el control de la enfermedad. Material y métodos Estudio observacional y ambispectivo realizado entre septiembre del 2015 y abril del 2016, en el que participaron 314 médicos de atención primaria y 2.864 pacientes. Resultados Utilizando datos retrospectivos, 81 de los 314 médicos (25, 8% [IC del 95%, 21, 3 a 30, 9]) comunicaron seguir las recomendaciones de la GEMA 2009. Al inicio del estudio, 88 de los 314 médicos (28, 0% [IC del 95%, 23, 4 a 33, 2]) seguían las recomendaciones de la GEMA 2015. El tener un asma mal controlada (OR 0, 19, IC del 95%, 0, 13 a 0, 28) y presentar un asma persistente grave al inicio del estudio (OR 0, 20, IC del 95%, 0, 12 a 0, 34) se asociaron negativamente con tener un asma bien controlada al final del seguimiento. Por el contrario, el seguimiento de las recomendaciones de la GEMA 2015 se asoció de manera positiva con una mayor posibilidad de que el paciente tuviera un asma bien controlada al final del periodo de seguimiento (OR 1, 70, IC del 95%, 1, 40 a 2, 06). Conclusiones El escaso seguimiento de las guías clínicas para el manejo del asma constituye un problema común entre los médicos de atención primaria. Un seguimiento de estas guías se asocia con un control mejor del asma. Existe la necesidad de actuaciones que puedan mejorar el seguimiento por parte de los médicos de atención primaria de las guías para el manejo del asma. Objective: To assess the degree of compliance with the recommendations of the 2009 and 2015 versions of the Spanish guidelines for managing asthma (Guía Española para el Manejo del Asma [GEMA]) and the effect of this compliance on controlling the disease. Material and methods: We conducted an observational ambispective study between September 2015 and April 2016 in which 314 primary care physicians and 2864 patients participated. Results: Using retrospective data, we found that 81 of the 314 physicians (25.8%; 95% CI 21.3–30.9) stated that they complied with the GEMA2009 recommendations. At the start of the study, 88 of the 314 physicians (28.0%; 95% CI 23.4–33.2) complied with the GEMA2015 recommendations. Poorly controlled asthma (OR, 0.19; 95% CI 0.13–0.28) and persistent severe asthma at the start of the study (OR, 0.20; 95% CI 0.12–0.34) were negatively associated with having well-controlled asthma by the end of the follow-up. In contrast, compliance with the GEMA2015 recommendations was positively associated with a greater likelihood that the patient would have well-controlled asthma by the end of the follow-up (OR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.40–2.06). Conclusions: Low compliance with the clinical guidelines for managing asthma is a common problem among primary care physicians. Compliance with these guidelines is associated with better asthma control. Actions need to be taken to improve primary care physician compliance with the asthma management guidelines.

Objective To assess the degree of compliance with the recommendations of the 2009 and 2015 versions of the Spanish guidelines for managing asthma (Guia Espanola para el Manejo del Asma [GEMA]) and the effect of this compliance on controlling the disease. Material and methods We conducted an observational ambispective study between September 2015 and April 2016 in which 314 primary care physicians and 2864 patients participated. Results Using retrospective data, we found that 81 of the 314 physicians (25.8%; 95% CI 21.3–30.9) stated that they complied with the GEMA2009 recommendations. At the start of the study, 88 of the 314 physicians (28.0%; 95% CI 23.4–33.2) complied with the GEMA2015 recommendations. Poorly controlled asthma (OR, 0.19; 95% CI 0.13–0.28) and persistent severe asthma at the start of the study (OR, 0.20; 95% CI 0.12–0.34) were negatively associated with having well-controlled asthma by the end of the follow-up. In contrast, compliance with the GEMA2015 recommendations was positively associated with a greater likelihood that the patient would have well-controlled asthma by the end of the follow-up (OR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.40–2.06). Conclusions Low compliance with the clinical guidelines for managing asthma is a common problem among primary care physicians. Compliance with these guidelines is associated with a better asthma control. Actions need to be taken to improve primary care physician compliance with the asthma management guidelines.

Objective To determine the real-world use of pharmacotherapy with new evidence-based cardiovascular indications in an academic Preventive Cardiology Clinic. Methods A retrospective study of patients seen in our Center for Preventive Cardiology (CPC) and who received a new prescription, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved indications, for one of the following pharmacotherapies with new evidence-based cardiovascular indications from May 2019 to May 2020: proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). Treatment endpoints were prescription patterns, medication access, patient out-of-pocket expenses, medication tolerability, and clinical cardiovascular events while on these therapies. Results Of the 2390 patients seen in our CPC clinic over the observation period, 532 (22.3%) had already started and 291 (12.2%) were newly initiated on pharmacotherapy with new evidence-based cardiovascular indications with a median treatment duration of 9.1 months. Of these, 291 patients (for a total of 320 separate drug orders) – 93 (29.1%) were prescribed PCSK9i, 131 (40.9%) EPA, 46 (14.4%) SGLT2i, and 50 (15.6%) GLP-1 RA. Nearly 80% of cases required some form of provider intervention post-prescription (authorization, appeal, financial assistance, and/or side effect management). A total of 70% of adult patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin and with an HgbA1C >7% were treated with a SGLT2i and/or GLP-1 RA – either initiated prior to or during the study period. Median monthly drug cost for the total cohort was reduced from $595.00 pre-insurance approval to $70.50 post-insurance approval, to $7.00 post-financial assistance intervention. The medications were well tolerated with any side effect occurring in 28.3%, and discontinuation due to side effects in 5.8% of cases. Clinical cardiovascular events occurred in 2.7%, of which 1.9% was due to ASCVD and 0.8% to hospitalization for heart failure. Differences in medication access, cost, tolerability and clinical cardiovascular events varied widely between the medication classes. Conclusions Initiation and management of pharmacotherapy with new evidence-based cardiovascular indications in a real-world setting requires substantial provider intervention, a workflow amenable to a multi-disciplinary approach which allows for high rates of medication access and cost minimization, and low rates of medication side effects and clinical cardiovascular events., Highlights • Over 12 months, PCSK9i, EPA, SGLT2i, and GLP-1 RA where prescribed in 291 patients. • Nearly 80% of cases required some form of provider intervention post-prescription. • Multi-disciplinary efforts reduced median monthly patient cost from $595 to $7. • Cost was the leading factor for medication non-adherence. • Drugs with new CV indications were well tolerated with low rates of CV events.

Spontaneous ovulation has been identified in several wild felid species and domestic cats previously thought to undergo only induced ovulation. Two studies have assessed ovulation patterns in tigers (Panthera tigris) and have not found evidence of spontaneous ovulation in this species. However, uterine pathology typically associated with prolonged progesterone exposure has been identified in unbred tigers, suggesting spontaneous ovulation occurs. Ovaries from 47 tigers were reviewed with histologic examination. The presence or lack of active corpora lutea was documented and compared with social housing conditions for each animal. Social housing categories were as follows: female housed alone, female housed with other females, and female housed with at least one male. Active corpora lutea were identified in 66% (10/15) of females housed alone, 85% (6/7) of females housed with other females, and 58% of females housed with a male. A chi-squared test found the presence of active corpora lutea was independent of social housing condition. These results offer strong evidence of spontaneous ovulation in tigers. This finding suggests that a luteal control protocol with an early follicular inhibition agent may improve assisted reproduction efforts and supports spaying nonreproductive or postreproductive female tigers to reduce the rate of uterine infections.

OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of insurance status on access to orthopaedic care and incidence of surgical site complications in patients with closed unstable ankle fractures. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING Certified Level-1 urban trauma center and county facility. PARTICIPANTS Four hundred eighty-nine patients with closed unstable ankle fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation between 2014 and 2016. INTERVENTION Open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time from injury to presentation, time from injury to surgery, rate of surgical site infections, and loss to follow-up. RESULTS A total of 489 patients (70.5% uninsured vs. 29.5% insured) were enrolled. Uninsured patients were more likely to be present to an outside hospital first (P = 0.004). Time from injury to presentation at our hospital was significantly longer in uninsured patients (4.5 ± 7.6 days vs. 2.3 ± 5.5 days, P < 0.001). Time from injury to surgery was significantly longer in uninsured patient (9.4 ± 8.5 days vs. 7.3 ± 9.1 days, P < 0.001). Uninsured patients were more likely to be lost to postoperative follow-up care (P = 0.002). A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that delayed surgical timing was directly associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical site infection (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Uninsured patients with ankle fractures requiring surgery experience significant barriers regarding access to health care. Delay of surgical management significantly increases the risk of surgical site infections in closed unstable ankle fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background This report highlights a rapidly progressive case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) whose time from symptom onset to death spanned less than two months. We also explore the most recently available in-patient demographics data for discharges with CJD in the United States. Methods We reviewed a CJD case and systematically analyzed a retrospective cohort of CJD discharges using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) to evaluate the existing national data on the status of CJD demographics and dispositions in the United States in 2016. Results An estimated total of 710 hospital discharges with a diagnosis of CJD were seen across the United States in 2016. According to HCUP, the average age of patients was 66.15 ± 11.54 years with 48.6 % female. Average time to intubation from admission to hospital was 4.71 ± 7.32 days with a rate of intubation of 6.34 %. The mean hospital cost was $19,901.25 ± $18,743.48. The rate of in-hospital mortality was 8.45 %. No significant geographical differences were noted (p = 0.49). No significant differences were seen among incidence in specific ethnic groups (p = 0.33) or income quartiles (p = 0.90). Conclusions Our data shows that the incidence of CJD in 2016 appears to be equally distributed among individuals in the United States by demographic categories. Additionally, our case-study from 2019 illustrates an important example for diagnosing a rapidly-progressing case of CJD.

Novel approaches that incorporate electrofluidic and microfluidic technologies are reviewed to illustrate the translation of traditional enclosed structures into open and accessible textile based platforms. Through the utilization of on-fiber and on-textile microfluidics, it is possible to invert the typical enclosed capillary column or microfluidic "chip" platform, to achieve surface accessible efficient separations and fluid handling, while maintaining a microfluidic environment. The open fiber/textile based fluidics approach immediately provides new possibilities to interrogate, manipulate, redirect, extract, characterize, and quantify solutes and target species at any point in time during such processes as on-fiber electrodriven separations. This approach is revolutionary in its simplicity and provides many potential advantages not otherwise afforded by the more traditional enclosed platforms.

fr La maîtrise du français pour les étudiants du postsecondaire est un défi important. Une solution adoptée pour tenter de le relever fut la création de centres d’aide en français (CAF). Depuis le premier, mis en place en 1987 (Fortier et Ménard, 2017), ceux-ci sont maintenant bien établis dans 103 établissements d’enseignement supérieur au Québec. Malgré cela, la maîtrise de la langue demeure problématique et des enseignants rapportent conseiller à des étudiants de solliciter du soutien au CAF, mais plusieurs ne s’y présentent pas. À ce jour, peu d’écrits scientifiques informent sur les facteurs qui sous-tendent la non-fréquentation des CAF et encore moins sur l’utilisation et la perception qu’en ont les usagés principalement visés, soit les étudiants. L’objectif de l’étude exploratoire rapportée ici était d’examiner les raisons de non-fréquentation des CAF. Les données ont été récoltées auprès de collégiens par le biais d’un questionnaire (n = 985) et d’entrevues semi-dirigées (n = 13). Les résultats montrent que les raisons d’ordre organisationnel, surtout relatives à la gestion du temps, sont les plus exprimées, mais des raisons d’ordre individuel, liées aux émotions ressenties, comme la honte ou la peur d’être jugé de façon négative, expliqueraient aussi une grande part d’évitement des CAF. Dans ce contexte, les participants aux entrevues ont exprimé leurs idées de solutions. Ces résultats permettent de proposer des pistes d’intervention mieux ajustées aux besoins des étudiants, de manière à maximiser l’accessibilité et l’utilisation des services offerts dans les CAF. en Mastering French (as the first language) for post-secondary students is a major challenge. One solution adopted to address this challenge was the creation of institutional academic skills center (ASC) in French. Since the first ASC created in 1987 (Fortier et Ménard, 2017), they are now well established in 103 higher education institutions in Quebec. Despite that, language proficiency remains globally problematic and, more specifically, teachers report advising students to seek support in French from ASC, but many of them do not attend. Scientific writings about the effectiveness of ASC are poor and even rarer about the use and perception of the mainly concerned users, the students. The exploratory study reported here surveyed post-secondary students to examine the reasons for non-attendance of ASCs. Data were collected through a questionnaire (n = 985) and semi-directed interviews (n = 13). The results show that the organizational reasons, especially concerning time management, are at the top of the list, but reasons of individual order, related to emotion, such as shame or the fear of negative evaluation, would also explain a large part of HC avoidance. In this context, interview participants expressed their ideas for solutions. These results make it possible to propose intervention ideas better adapted to the needs of students, in order to maximize the accessibility and use of HC’s French-language help services.

A fast determination of acidity constants (pKa) of very insoluble drugs has become a necessity in drug discovery process because it often produces molecules that are highly lipophilic and sparingly soluble in water. In this work the high throughput internal standard capillary electrophoresis (IS-CE) method has been adapted to the determination of pKa of water insoluble compounds by measurement in methanol/aqueous buffer mixtures. For this purpose, the reference pKa values for a set of 46 acid-base compounds of varied structure (internal standards) have been established in methanol-water mixtures at several solvent composition levels (with a maximum of 40% methanol). The IS-CE method has been successfully applied to seven test drugs of different chemical nature with intrinsic solubilities lower than 10-6 M. pKa values have been determined at different methanol/aqueous buffer compositions and afterwards Yasuda-Shedlovsky extrapolation method has been applied to obtain the aqueous pKa. The obtained results have successfully been compared to literature ones obtained by other methods. It is concluded that the IS-CE method allows the determination of aqueous pKa values using low proportions of methanol, becoming then more accurate in the extrapolation procedure than other reference methods.

La littérature compte de nombreux instruments permettant de mesurer la motivation à l’égard des activités physiques et des sports pratiqués dans le cadre des cours d’éducation physique et à la santé (ÉPS). Toutefois, rares sont ceux qui visent la motivation à l’égard des cours d’ÉPS. Pour lutter contre les effets indésirables de l’inactivité physique, des enseignants d’ÉPS mettent sur pied diverses stratégies d’enseignement et d’évaluation. Dans ce contexte, un instrument mesurant la motivation en ÉPS pourrait contribuer à évaluer l’efficacité des stratégies mises en place. La présente étude rapporte le processus d’élaboration et de validation d’un tel instrument auprès d’étudiants francophones du postsecondaire, incluant une version préintervention et une version postintervention. Les résultats indiquent de bonnes qualités psychométriques pour l’instrument élaboré. Ils sont analysés en fonction des prospectives de l’instrument et des besoins qui ont justifié sa conduite., There are numerous instruments in the literature to measure motivation in physical activity and sport achieved in physical education context. However, tools for assessing motivation in physical and health education (PHE) courses are rare. To promote physical activity, PHE teachers are developing various teaching and assessment strategies. In this context, an instrument that measures motivation in PHE would help to assess the effectiveness of the strategies put in place. This study reports on the process of developing and validating such an instrument with French-speaking postsecondary students, including a pre-intervention version and a post-intervention version. Results indicate good psychometric properties for the instrument. These results are discussed in the light of the instrument’s foresights and the needs that justified its conduct., A literatura conta com inúmeros instrumentos para medir a motivação em relação às atividades físicas e desportivas praticadas no contexto dos cursos de educação física e da saúde (EFS). No entanto, poucos são os que almejam a motivação em relação aos cursos de EFS. Para combater os efeitos indesejáveis da inatividade física, os professores de EFS implementam diversas estratégias de ensino e avaliação. Neste contexto, um instrumento de medida da motivação em EFS poderia contribuir para avaliar a eficácia das estratégias implementadas. Este estudo relata o processo de elaboração e validação de tal instrumento com estudantes francófonos do pós-secundário, incluindo uma versão pré-intervenção e uma versão pós-intervenção. Os resultados indicam boas qualidades psicométricas para o instrumento elaborado. Eles são analisados em função das prospetivas do instrumento e das necessidades que justificaram sua conduta.

This review aims to examine the available literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of burn-induced pain. A search was conducted on the epidemiology of burn injury and treatment of burn pain utilizing the database Medline, and all relevant articles were systemically reviewed. In addition, a critical review was performed on the pathophysiology of burn pain and animal models of burn pain. The search on the epidemiology of burn injury yielded a total of 163 publications of interest, 72 of which fit the inclusion/exclusion criteria, with no publications providing epidemiological data on burn injury pain management outcomes. The search on the treatment of burn pain yielded a total of 213 publications, 14 of which fit the inclusion/exclusion criteria, highlighting the limited amount of evidence available on the treatment of burn-induced pain. The pathophysiology of burn pain is poorly understood, with limited clinical trials available to assess the effectiveness of analgesics in burn patients. Further studies are needed to identify new pharmacological targets and treatments for the effective management of burn injury pain.

La biología reproductiva y aspectos relacionados con el aporte de presas y alimentación durante la crianza de los pollos del Gavilán de Gurney, Geranoaetus poecilochrous, fueron estudiados durante 1991 - 1994 y 2007 - 2012 en el páramo del Antisana, Ecuador, a 3800 – 4 000 msnm. De 8 territorios bajo control, 6 (75%) lo constituyeron grupos poliandricos. La nidificación se inicia en casi todos los meses del año, pero el 74% aconteció en los primeros seis meses del año. El intervalo entre nidificaciones consecutivas de las mismas parejas o grupos poliandricos fue de 6 - 11 meses. La presa principal de la dieta de los pichones fueron conejos, Sylvilagus brasiliensis. La mayoría de las presas para los pichones la aportaron los machos. Los grupos poliandricos se mantuvieron estables durante los cuatro años de estudio, salvo en un territorio en el que se detectaron 3 hembras diferentes en 14 años. Los machos contribuyeron en la construcción del nido, incubación, vigilancia y en aportar presas al nido. En los grupos poliandricos un único macho copuló con la hembra, los otros machos del grupo actuaron como meros “ayudantes”. De 15 adultos, en cinco territorios, cuatro (26.7%, 3 machos, 1 hembra) fueron de la fase clara y 11 (73.3%, 4 hembras, 7 machos) de la fase oscura. Detalles de cuatro sonidos (llamadas) son presentados. Los machos ayudantes presentan plumaje subterminal con la parte dorsal rojizo quizás por su condición de subordinados al macho alpha.

Objective:Co-Phenylcaine Forte is a nasal spray routinely prescribed by otolaryngologists in Australia. The taste of Co-Phenylcaine Forte is typically described as unpleasant. This study sought to improve the overall patient experience associated with Co-Phenylcaine Forte by generating a Co-Phenylcaine Forte formulation, referred to as Co-Phenylcaine Zest, which contains an added vanilla flavour and masking agent.Methods:Participants were randomised to receive two actuations of Co-Phenylcaine Forte in each nostril followed by two actuations of Co-Phenylcaine Zest, or vice versa. There was a 6–36-hour washout period between each treatment. After the administration of each spray, participants completed a questionnaire to rate various sensory attributes of each formulation on seven-point ordinal scales. Patients reported their overall formulation preference after receiving both treatments.Results:A total of 86 participants completed the trial. Seventy-four per cent of patients preferred Co-Phenylcaine Zest, 21 per cent preferred Co-Phenylcaine Forte and 5 per cent had no preference (p < 0.001). The satisfaction score associated with Co-Phenylcaine Zest was 1.22 points greater than with Co-Phenylcaine Forte (p < 0.001).Conclusion:A novel formulation of Co-Phenylcaine Forte was created by adding a flavour and a masking agent; this formulation was preferred by most patients.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in men. Carica papaya is a popular tropical plant that has been traditionally used for its nutritional and medicinal properties. METHODS: We investigated the anti-proliferative responses of papaya leaf juice (LJP) and its various extracts ("biological"- in vitro digested, "physical"- size exclusion, and "chemical"-solvent extraction) on a range of cell lines representing benign hyperplasia, tumorigenic and normal cells of prostate origin. RESULTS: Time course analysis (by 24h, 48h and 72h) of LJP (1-0.1mg/mL) before and after in vitro digestion, and of molecular weight based fractions of LJP showed anti-proliferative responses. The medium polarity fraction of LJP (0.03-0.003mg/mL) after 72h exposure showed potent growth inhibitory (IC50=0.02-0.07mg/mL) and cytotoxic activities on all prostate cells, with the exception of the normal (RWPE-1 and WPMY-1) cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as a possible mechanism for these activities. Medium polar fraction of LJP also inhibited migration and adhesion of metastatic PC-3 cells. CONCLUSION: This is the first report suggesting selective anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic attributes of LJP extract against prostatic diseases, including PCa. KEYWORDS: Anti-proliferative activity; Extraction; Papaya; Prostate cancer

The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains is associated with the spread of a few international epidemic clones called high-risk clones. The existence of a fitness cost associated with multidrug resistance remains unclear, and little is known about the host inflammatory response in acute P. aeruginosa infections. This study aimed to investigate how the inflammatory response occurs in the most relevant high-risk clones and to compare the process with that recorded in clinical susceptible isolates. Nine P. aeruginosa strains were studied, including the most relevant MDR high-risk clones (ST111, ST175 and ST235) circulating worldwide. The inflammatory response in terms of the release of interleukins in serum was investigated in a mouse peritonitis-sepsis model at three time points (4, 8 and 12 h). TNFα and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were significantly higher at all time points in mice inoculated with clinical susceptible strains compared with those inoculated with MDR strains. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the clinical susceptible strain group at 8 h and 12 h (P = 0.036 and P = 0.007, respectively). Bacterial counts (log CFU/mL) in peritoneal fluid were higher in the clinical susceptible strain group compared with the MDR strain group at 8 h [6.00 (4.30-6.90) vs. 4.46 (3.30-5.34); P = 0.005] and 12 h [7.75 (4.00-7.97) vs. 4.04 (2.58-4.94); P = 0.003]. MDR P. aeruginosa strains elicited a weaker inflammatory response than susceptible strains in an experimental mouse model, suggesting the existence of a fitness cost associated with multidrug resistance.

El trabajo aborda la experiencia desarrollada en la Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Cuba, relacionada con la concepción e implementación de una propuesta curricular de programa optativo acerca de la actualización de la gestión de la información de los estudiantes en formación docente, para solucionar las carencias que en ese sentido presentaban los mismos. Se insiste en la importancia actual del tema tratado y se analiza el diseño metodológico de la experiencia, el proceso de determinación de necesidades, la caracterización del programa y la implementación de actividades docentes; dichas actividades se fueron construyendo desde la práctica, a partir del empleo de métodos de investigación, en especial el método de investigación-acción, por lo que estuvieron sometidas a ciclos de mejoramiento continuo durante todo el proceso vivido. Se presentan los resultados obtenidos y se destaca la medición de los indicadores a partir del desempeño de los estudiantes, considerando también los datos cualitativos recogidos durante el proceso. En general, se demostró que los estudiantes elevaron su nivel de dominio en los conocimientos, habilidades y valores relacionados con los contenidos abordados, así como su motivación por continuar elevando su cultura informacional para responder a las exigencias de del desarrollo científico técnico.

One of the main challenges of electrochemical Fenton-based processes is the treatment of organic pollutants at near-neutral pH. As a potential approach to this problem, this work addresses the use of a low content of soluble chelated metal catalyst, formed between Fe(III) and ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic (EDDS) acid (1:1), to degrade the herbicide triclopyr in 0.050 M Na2SO4 solutions at pH 7.0 by photoelectro-Fenton with UVA light or sunlight (PEF and SPEF, respectively). Comparison with electro-Fenton treatments revealed the crucial role of the photo-Fenton-like reaction, since this promoted the production of soluble Fe(II) that enhanced the pesticide removal. Hydroxyl radicals formed at the anode surface and in the bulk were the main oxidants. A boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode yielded a greater mineralization than an IrO2-based one, at the expense of reduced cost-effectiveness. The effect of catalyst concentration and current density on the performance of PEF with BDD was examined. The PEF trials in 0.25 mM Na2SO4 + 0.35 mM NaCl medium showed a large influence of generated active chlorine as oxidant, being IrO2 more suitable than RuO2 and BDD. In SPEF with BDD, the higher light intensity from solar photons accelerated the removal of the catalyst and triclopyr, with small effect on mineralization. A plausible route for the herbicide degradation by Fe(III)-EDDS-catalyzed PEF and SPEF is finally proposed based on detected byproducts: three heteroaromatic and four linear N-aliphatic compounds, formamide, and tartronic and oxamic acids.

[Objectives]: We assessed the association between the lethality of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Caenorhabditis elegans model and outcomes of P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections. [Methods]: A total of 593 P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates recovered from a prospective Spanish multicentre study were analysed. Clinical variables, susceptibility profiles and Type III Secretion System (TTSS) genotypes (exoU/exoS genes) were available from previous studies. A C. elegans virulence score (CEVS) was used, classifying the isolates into high (CEVS 4–5), intermediate (CEVS 3) and low (CEVS 1–2) virulence. The main outcome analysed was 30-day mortality. [Results]: Up to 75% (446/593) of the isolates showed a high-virulence phenotype, and 17% (101/593) a low-virulence one. No association between virulence phenotype and the main outcome variable (30-day mortality) was found (29/101 (28.7%) versus 127/446 (28.5%), p 1). However, an inverse association between C. elegans virulence and multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant profiles was documented (OR 0.655 (95% CI 0.571–0.751) and OR 0.523 (95% CI 0.436–0.627), p, This work was supported by Planes Nacionales de I+D+i 2008–2011/2013–2016 and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Redes y Centros de Investigación Cooperativa, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016) and grants PI12/00734, PI15/00088 and PI18/00076, co-financed by the European Development Regional Fund ‘A way to achieve Europe’ and operative programme Intelligent Growth 2014–2020. Sánchez-Diener I is the recipient of a P-FIS fellowship from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.

Background Baltic amber teething necklaces have been popularized as a safe and natural alternative to conventional or pharmacological medicines for the management of teething pain. However, claims made by retailers regarding the efficacy and mechanism of action of these necklaces lack scientific or clinical basis. The claim most closely resembling science is the assertion that succinic acid will leach out of the beads and through the skin of the wearer and carry out anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The objective of the current research is to scientifically assess this claim. Methods Beads from necklaces were powdered for identification by infrared spectroscopy, and dissolved in sulfuric acid for quantification of succinic acid using HPLC. Succinic acid release from beads was assessed by long-term submersion of amber beads (separated according to light, medium and dark brown colour) in solvents relevant to human skin conditions. The potential for succinic acid to have anti-inflammatory effects was assessed by measuring the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNFα, and the inflammatory messenger PGE2, from THP-1 human macrophages after treatment with succinic acid and LPS. Results Amber teething necklaces were positively identified as Baltic amber, by comparison of the beads’ infrared spectrum to the literature, and by their succinic acid content (1.5 mg per bead; 1.44% w/w). However, whole amber beads submerged in octanol or pH 5.5 phosphate buffered saline did not release any measurable succinic acid, except for the light-coloured beads in octanol which broke into tiny fragments. Additionally, treatment of macrophages with succinic acid did not reduce the release of any inflammatory cytokines measured, and displayed toxicity to the cells at high concentrations. Conclusions While amber teething necklaces are genuine Baltic amber, we have found no evidence to suggest that the purported active ingredient succinic acid could be released from the beads into human skin. Additionally, we found no evidence to suggest that succinic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.

« Bled-La traversee » de Michel Azama est une coproduction Theâtre de Poche, Compagnie Bacchus. La piece a ete jouee au theâtre Bacchus du 17 au 28 mars 1992, dans une mise en scene de Jean-Claude Meignan, avec Nina Moreno, Mohamed Guellati, Alexandre Picard. Alexandre Picard a 22 ans. Des le lycee, il a voulu devenir comedien professionnel et a commence un peu comme tout le monde par un atelier theâtre au college. Il a ensuite passe trois ans avec Jean Petrement et Jackie Castan a l'atelier ...

The concept of entropy stabilized complex materials provides a novel direction for the design and engineering of breakthrough materials to be used in extreme environments and particularly in advanced nuclear reactors. While still in its infancy, the use of high entropy materials (HEMs) in nuclear fusion/fission reactors is extremely promising. This mini review first gives a brief introduction to advanced nuclear reactors and their material requirements. Next, it summarizes recent advances in irradiation behaviors of high entropy alloys (HEAs). Additionally, challenges and perspectives regarding the irradiation behavior of HEAs and potential research directions are deduced.

Developmental senescence in plants is an age dependent process affected by phytohormones, nutrient status, and environmental factors, while the antiaging effects of zinc are recognized in humans. This study explores the possible influence of a high, non-toxic Zn-supply (12 μM) on senescence and reproductive fitness in A. thaliana. Auxin-resistance mutant, axr1-12, and auxin overexpressing YUCCA6 mutant, yuc6-1D, and their corresponding background genotypes were grown until complete rosette senescence to quantify the fruit biomass and seed number. Gene expression of different antioxidant, auxin and senescence-associated markers were analyzed after the onset of senescence. All mutants showed delayed developmental senescence. Luxury Zn delayed senescence in wild type, but not in the mutant genotypes. Excluding axr1-12 mutants, which showed very low expression of the auxin gene marker INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE 2 (IAA2), enhanced expression of the senescence markers SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE 12 (SAG12) and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (ARF2) coincided with decreased expression of IAA2. Delayed senescence and total number of seeds per plant were related to higher expression of the peroxisomal antioxidant enzymes Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD3) and catalase (CAT2). These results evidence that high Zn-induced delayed senescence and improved reproductive fitness in Arabidopsis are related to an auxin-independent mechanism that retains antioxidant activity.

El trabajo describe la experiencia en la aplicación de un Proyecto Institucional de Desarrollo Profesional gestionado en la Sede Pedagógica de la Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Cuba, dirigido hacia la concepción de un plan de acción para promover la participación de los docentes en el trabajo en redes académicas y científicas y en la publicación de artículos en revistas educativas reconocidas internacionalmente. Se destaca la importancia actual del tema tratado y se precisa el problema a resolver. Se describe el diseño metodológico seguido, el cual se basa en el enfoque de la investigación-acción, como un proceso de mejoramiento continuo, organizado en una secuencia de fases que incluyen, las de: diagnóstico, planificación, implementación y evaluación. Por último, se analizan los resultados o hallazgos así como las perspectivas abiertas para la continuación del trabajo en próximas etapas.

According to the elemental defense hypothesis the accumulation of trace elements by plants may substitute for organic defenses, while the joint effects hypothesis proposes that trace elements and organic defenses can have additive or synergistic effects against pathogens or herbivores. To evaluate these hypotheses the response of the pathosystem Alternaria brassicicola - Arabidopsis thaliana to control (2 μM) and surplus (12 μM) Zn was evaluated using the camalexin deficient mutant pad3-1 and mtp1-1 , a mutant with impaired Zn vacuolar storage, along with the corresponding wildtypes. In vitro, a 50% inhibition of fungal growth was achieved by 440 μM Zn. A. thaliana leaves could accumulate equivalent concentrations without harm. In fact, surplus Zn enhanced the resistance of A. thaliana to fungal attack in Columbia (Col-0), Wassilewskija (WS), and mtp1-1 . However, surplus Zn was unable to protect pad3-1 demonstrating that Zn cannot substitute for camalexin, the main organic defense in A. thaliana . High, non phytotoxic leaf Zn concentrations enhanced the resistance to A. brassicicola of A. thaliana genotypes able to produce camalexin. This was mainly due to Zn-induced enhancement of the JA/ETH signaling pathway leading to enhanced PAD3 expression. These results support the joint effects hypothesis and highlight the importance of adequate Zn supply for reinforced pathogen resistance.

The Aboriginal population of Central Australia use endemic Nicotiana species to make a smokeless tobacco product known usually as pituri or mingkulpa. Nicotiana leaves are masticated with wood ash into a ‘quid’ that is chewed/sucked for absorption of nicotine. In addition to nicotine, smokeless tobacco products contain a spectrum of biologically active compounds that may contribute to effects on health. The objective of this study was to quantify nicotine, and related alkaloids and tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), in Nicotiana leaves used in pituri, and compare in vitro toxicity of pure nicotine with Nicotiana leaf extract at the same concentration of nicotine. An aqueous extract of dry leaves of Nicotiana gossei and a reference smokeless tobacco (CORESTA CRP2) were quantified for major pyridine alkaloids and TSNAs using HPLC-UV and LC–MS/MS. A range of extract concentrations and corresponding concentrations of nicotine standard were tested using an MTS assay to measure human lung epithelium cell (A549) survival. Cells treated for 24 h with the maximum concentration of 1.5 mg/ml of nicotine resulted in 77% viability. In contrast, extracts from N. gossei leaves and CRP2 containing a similar concentration of nicotine (1.3 mg/ml) resulted in remarkably lower viability of 1.5 and 6%, respectively. Comparison of cytotoxicity of pure nicotine with that of the extracts revealed that nicotine was not the source of their cytotoxicity. Other biologically active compounds such as the known carcinogens NNK and NNN, derived from nicotine and nornicotine and found to be present in the smokeless tobacco extracts, may be responsible.

The severity of psychopathology has a strong negative impact on quality of life (QoL) among older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. However, because these subjects generally experience multiple psychiatric symptoms, it remains unclear whether decreased QoL in this population is due to specific symptoms (e.g., hallucinations), specific dimensions of psychopathology (e.g., negative symptoms), a general psychopathology dimension representing the shared effect across all psychiatric symptoms, or a combination of these explanations. Data were derived from the Cohort of individuals with Schizophrenia Aged 55 years or more (CSA) study, a large (N = 353) multicenter sample of older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder recruited from French public-sector psychiatric departments. We used structural equation modeling to examine the shared and specific effects of psychiatric symptoms on QoL, while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, general medical conditions, global cognitive functioning and psychotropic medications. Psychiatric symptoms and QoL were assessed face-to-face by psychiatrists using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Quality of Life Scale (QLS). Among older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, effects of psychiatric symptoms on QoL were exerted mostly through a general psychopathology dimension (β = − 0.43, p

In the present work, we detail a fast and simple solution‐based method to synthesize hexagonal SnSe2 nanoplates (NPLs) and their use to produce crystallographically textured SnSe2 nanomaterials. We also demonstrate that the same strategy can be used to produce orthorhombic SnSe nanostructures and nanomaterials. NPLs are grown through a screw dislocation‐driven mechanism. This mechanism typically results in pyramidal structures, but we demonstrate here that the growth from multiple dislocations results in flower‐like structures. Crystallographically textured SnSe2 bulk nanomaterials obtained from the hot pressing of these SnSe2 structures display highly anisotropic charge and heat transport properties and thermoelectric (TE) figures of merit limited by relatively low electrical conductivities. To improve this parameter, SnSe2 NPLs are blended here with metal nanoparticles. The electrical conductivities of the blends are significantly improved with respect to bare SnSe2 NPLs, what translates into a three‐fold increase of the TE Figure of merit, reaching unprecedented ZT values up to 0.65., This work was supported by the European Regional Development Funds. Y.L., T.Z. and Y.Z. thank the China Scholarship Council for scholarship support. T.Z., PY. T. and J.A. acknowledge funding from Generalitat de Catalunya 2017 SGR 327 and the Spanish MINECO coordinated project VALPEC (ENE2017‐85087‐C3). ICN2 acknowledges support from the Severo Ochoa Programme (MINECO, Grant no. SEV‐2013‐0295) and is funded by the CERCA Programme/ Generalitat de Catalunya. J.L. is a Serra Húnter Fellow and is grateful to ICREA Academia program and GC 2017 SGR 128.

The degradation of 2.5L of Allura Red AC solutions in sulfate medium containing 0.50mM Fe(2+) has been studied by solar photoelectro-Fenton (SPEF) using a flow plant equipped with a Pt/air-diffusion cell and a solar photoreactor. Comparative electro-Fenton treatment yielded rapid total decolorization but poor mineralization, since most products were slowly destroyed by OH formed from Fenton's reaction between Fe(2+) and H2O2 generated at the air-diffusion cathode. In contrast, the potent action of UV radiation from sunlight in SPEF allowed the rapid photolysis of recalcitrant intermediates, thus giving rise to a quick mineralization. Sulfate and nitrate ions, along with a large proportion of volatile N-derivatives, were always released. The increase in current density and decrease in azo dye concentration accelerated the decolorization and mineralization in SPEF, although lower current efficiency and greater specific energy consumption were obtained. The most cost-effective SPEF treatment was found for 460 mg L(-1) azo dye in 0.05 M Na2SO4 at 50 mA cm(-2), which yielded 95% mineralization with 81% current efficiency and 8.50 kW h m(-3). No significant effect of sulfate concentration was found. Up to 16 aromatic intermediates and 11 short-chain carboxylic acids, including oxalic and oxamic as the most persistent ones, were detected by GC-MS and HPLC. The large oxidation ability of SPEF can be explained by the quick photolysis of Fe(III)-oxalate complexes and other undetected intermediates.

Acidic solutions of trans-cinnamic acid at pH 3.0 have been comparatively treated by anodic oxidation with electrogenerated H2O2 (AO-H2O2), electro-Fenton (EF), and photoelectro-Fenton (PEF). The electrolytic experiments were carried out with a boron-doped diamond (BDD)/air-diffusion cell. The substrate was very slowly abated by AO-H2O2 because of its low reaction rate with oxidizing •OH produced from water discharge at the BDD anode. In contrast, its removal was very rapid and at similar rate by EF and PEF due to the additional oxidation by •OH in the bulk, formed from Fenton’s reaction between cathodically generated H2O2 and added Fe2+. The AO-H2O2 treatment yielded the lowest mineralization. The EF process led to persistent final products like Fe(III) complexes, which were quickly photolyzed upon UVA irradiation in PEF to give an almost total mineralization with 98 % total organic carbon removal. The effect of current density and substrate concentration on all the mineralization processes was examined. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of electrolyzed solutions allowed identifying five primary aromatics and one heteroaromatic molecule, whereas final carboxylic acids like fumaric, acetic, and oxalic were quantified by ion exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). From all the products detected, a degradation route for trans-cinnamic acid is proposed.

Cette étude visait à évaluer un dispositif pédagogique interdisciplinaire ayant pour but de stimuler le développement de l’intérêt de collégiens envers un cours de français. Ce dispositif a consisté en un pairage, entre un cours de mise à niveau en français et un cours de psychologie de la sexualité. Il a été évalué par un devis quasi-expérimental avec condition témoin et suivi longitudinal. Les résultats indiquent un plus grand intérêt pour le cours de français par le groupe expérimental, une perception d’utilité plus élevée, un meilleur engagement comportemental ainsi qu’un meilleur rendement. Ces résultats soutiennent l’efficacité des approches interdisciplinaires., This study aimed to evaluate an interdisciplinary educational device designed to stimulate college students’ development of interest for a French course. This device consisted of a pairing between a preparatory French course and a psychology of sexuality course. It has been evaluated through a quasi-experimental condition with control group and followed longitudinally. The results indicate a greater interest in the French course by the experimental group, a higher perception of utility, and better behavioural engagement and performance. These results support the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches., Este estudio se propone evaluar un dispositivo pedagógico interdisciplinar cuyo objetivo es estimular el desarrollo del interés en un curso de francés de los alumnos de bachillerato. Este dispositivo consistió en una combinación entre un curso de nivelación en francés y un curso de psicología de la sexualidad y fue evaluado por un proceso cuasi-experimental con condición experimental y seguimiento longitudinal. Los resultados indican la presencia de un mayor interés por el curso de francés en el grupo experimental, así como una percepción más elevada de la utilidad, una mayor implicación comportamental y un mejor rendimiento. Estos resultados apoyan la eficacia de los enfoques interdisciplinares.

Salinity is a persistent problem, causing important losses in irrigated agriculture. According to global climate change prediction models, salinity is expected to expand in the near future. Although intensive studies have been conducted on the mechanisms by which plants cope with saline conditions, the multi-component nature of salt stress tolerance has rendered most plant breeding efforts to improve the plant's response to salinity unsuccessful. This occurs despite the extensive genetic diversity shown by higher plants for salt tolerance and the similar mechanisms found in salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotypes in response to the presence of excess of salts in the growth media. On the other hand, there is an urge to increase crop yield to the maximum to cope with the growing world population demands for food and fuel. Here, we examine some major elements and signaling mechanisms involved in the plant's response to salinity following the pathway of salt-footprints from the soil environment to leaf. Some of the possible contrasting determinants for a better-balanced resource allocation between salt tolerance and plant growth and yield are considered.

International audience; The purpose of this work is to achieve a better understanding of the coupling between adsorption and swelling in microporous materials. This is typically of utmost importance in the enhancement of non-conventional reservoirs or in the valorization of CO 2 geological storage. We consider here the case of fully saturated porous solids with pores down to the nanometer size (≤ 2nm). Hardened cement paste, tight rocks, activated carbon or coal are among those materials. Experimentally, different authors tried to combine gas adsorption results and volumetric swelling data, especially for bituminous coal. However, most results in the literature are not complete in a sense that the adsorption experiments and the swelling experiments were not performed on the exact same coal sample. Other authors present simultaneous in-situ adsorption and swelling results but the volumetric strain is extrapolated from a local measurement on the surface sample or by monitoring the two-dimensional silhouette expansion. Only elastic and reversible swellings are reported in the literature. Theoretically, most continuum approaches to swelling upon adsorption of gas rely on a coupling between the adsorption isotherms and the mechanical deformation. A new poromechanical framework has been recently proposed to express the swelling increment as a function of the increment of bulk pressure with constant porosity. However, this framework has to be extended to take into account the porosity evolution upon swelling. This paper aims at presenting a new experimental setup where both adsorption and strain are measured in-situ and simultaneously and where the full-field swelling is monitored by digital image correlation. Permanent strain and damage are observed. On the other hand, we present an extended poromechanical framework where the porosity is variable upon swelling. A new incremental nonlinear scheme is proposed where the poromechanical properties are updated at each incremental pressure step, depending on the porosity changes. Interactions between swelling and the adsorption isotherms are examined and a correction to the classical Gibbs formalism is proposed. Predicted swellings are compared with results from the literature.