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A total of 139 endophytic fungal isolates derived from 20 medicinal and aromatic plants were tested for their capacity to ferment rose oil distillation wastewater (RODW). Internal transcribed spacer sequence-based phylogenetic analysis affiliated the collected isolates to seven genera and nine different species, of which Alternaria alternata was the most widely represented. The fungal fermentation of RODW was evaluated through analysis of the sugar and phenolics content and phenolics composition. After cultivation in a small volume of RODW, the performed cluster analysis grouped the isolates in four distinct clusters according to their capacity to ferment RODW sugars and phenolics. Further larger volume shake-flask cultivation of a selected subset of fungi with a pronounced RODW fermentation capacity, outlined three groups of isolates with a distinct pattern and dynamics of sugars and phenolics fermentation. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of RODW phenolics extracts following the fermentation by the selected fungal isolates showed two main types of changes in phenolics composition: (1) changes in the relative abundance of part of the RODW phenolic compounds, mainly due to utilization of sugar residues from the RODW phenolic glycosides and (2) biosynthesis of new phenolic compounds, most of which are specific to the endophytic fungal isolates used for RODW fermentation. The overall results of the study clearly demonstrate that endophytic fungal isolates represent a rich and untapped source for efficient fermentation of RODW and other agro-industrial phenolics-rich wastewaters and highlight their capacity for directional changes and modification of RODW phenolics composition towards further wastewater phenolics valorization.

Background. The incidence of hearing loss is constantly increasing and according to the World Health Organization, by 2050, 900 million people will suffer from hearing loss. The main Objective of the study was to determine the differences between the severity of the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression in participants with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional aim was to examine the extent and manner in which protective face masks impact the communication of people with hearing loss. Matrials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 160 patients (81 men and 79 women) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patients’ age range was 50 to 80 years. Depending on the degree of hearing loss or pure-tone threshold, the participants were divided into four groups: mild hearing loss, moderate hearing loss, severe hearing loss and profound hearing loss. The research used the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a questionnaire in which the participants reported whether surgical face masks (medical three-layer masks) worn by speakers makes communication difficult, to what extent and in what way. Results: The average age of the patients was 67.97 ± 8.16. A significant correlation was found between the degree of hearing loss and communication difficulties caused by the use of protective face masks (p < 0.001). For patients with severe and profound hearing loss, communication is significantly more difficult (50.0% and 45.0% respectively) when the interlocutor wears a face mask. There is a significant correlation between the degree of hearing loss and the way in which communication is made more difficult when the interlocutor wears a face mask (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the degrees of hearing loss in all measured subscales: stress (p = 0.024), anxiety (p = 0.026) and depression (p = 0.016). Conclusions: We have determined that face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hamper communication among the study groups (p = 0.007) and there is a significant correlation between the degree of sensorineural hearing loss and the presence of symptoms in all three DASS-21 subscales, meaning that the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression were more intense in severe and profound hearing loss.

Nodding syndrome (NS) is a devastating and enigmatic childhood epilepsy. NS is accompanied by multiple neurological impairments and neuroinflammation, and associated with the parasite Onchocerca volvulus (Ov) and other environmental factors. Moreover, NS seems to be an 'Autoimmune Epilepsy' since: 1. ~50% of NS patients have neurotoxic cross-reactive Ov/Leimodin-I autoimmune antibodies. 2. Our recently published findings: Most (~86%) of NS patients have glutamate-receptor AMPA-GluR3B peptide autoimmune antibodies that bind, induce Reactive Oxygen Species, and kill both neural cells and T cells. Furthermore, NS patient's IgG induce seizures, brain multiple damage alike occurring in brains of NS patients, and elevation of T cells and activated microglia and astrocytes, in brains of normal mice. Human Leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II molecules are critical for initiating effective beneficial immunity against foreign microorganisms and contributing to proper brain function, but also predispose to detrimental autoimmunity against self-peptides. We analyzed seven HLA loci, either by next-generation-sequencing or Sequence-Specific-Oligonucleotide-Probe, in 48 NS patients and 51 healthy controls from South Sudan. We discovered that NS associates significantly with both protective HLA haplotype: HLA-B*42:01, C*17:01, DRB1*03:02, DQB1*04:02 and DQA1*04:01, and susceptible motif: Ala24, Glu63 and Phe67, in the HLA-B peptide-binding groove. These amino acids create a hydrophobic and sterically closed peptide-binding HLA pocket, favoring proline residue. Our findings suggest that immunogenetic fingerprints in HLA peptide-binding grooves tentatively associate with protection or susceptibility to NS. Accordingly, different HLA molecules may explain why under similar environmental factors, only some children, within the same families, tribes and districts, develop NS, while others do not.

Saat ini pemerintahan Kelurahan Kuala Lahang sudah menerapkan sistem informasi manajemen, namun belu berbasis web dalam melayani berbagai kebutuhan masyarakat akan administrasi surat menyurat dan kependudukan. Setiap hari jam kerja Kantor Lurah Kuala Lahang selalu mengalami antrian masyarakat yang ingin mengurus surat menyurat dan kepentingan hal yang lainnya. Antian yang lama membuat masyarakat Kelurahan Kuala Lahang selalu bosan dan mengeluh karena sistem yang berjalan sangat lambat, karena karyawan Kantor Lurah Kuala Lahang hanya bisa mengurus satu-persatu keperluan masyarakat yang datang ke Kantor Lurah Kuala Lahang. Dengan adanya sistem yang akan penulis buat ini maka akan mempermudah cara masyarakat Kelurahan Kuala Lahang dalam mengajukan surat yang dia inginkan. Dengansistem tersebut pula bisa memberikan berbagai keuntungan, antara lain dapat meminimalisir resiko kesalahan penulisan identitas, lebih praktis, dan akurat.Setelah mengetahui semua masalah yang ada di Kantor Lurah Kuala Lahang membuat penulis terdorong untuk mencoba membuat SISTEMINFORMASI MANAJEMEN KELURAHAN KUALA LAHANGBERBASIS WEB yang dapat diakses warga kapanpun, dimanapun, danjuga dapat untuk mengolah dapa kependudukan dan dapat mencetak langsungrekap data pengajuan surat oleh masyarakat Kuala lahang secara berkala, sehingga akan memudahkan dan meningkatkan kinerja Pemerintah Kelurahan Kuala Lahang.

Finding a new type of cholinesterase inhibitor that would overcome the brain availability and pharmacokinetic parameters or hepatotoxic liability has been a focus of investigations dealing with the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Isothiocyanates have not been previously investigated as potential cholinesterase inhibitors. These compounds can be naturally produced from their glucosinolate precursors, secondary metabolites widely distributed in our daily Brassica vegetables. Among 11 tested compounds, phenyl isothiocyanate and its derivatives showed the most promising inhibitory activity. 2-Methoxyphenyl ITC showed best inhibition on acetylcholinesterase with IC50 of 0.57 mM, while 3-methoxyphenyl ITC showed the best inhibition on butyrylcholinesterase having 49.2% at 1.14 mM. Assessment of the antioxidant efficacy using different methods led to a similar conclusion. The anti-inflammatory activity was also tested using human COX-2 enzyme, ranking phenyl isothiocyanate, and 3-methoxyphenyl isothiocyanate as most active, with ∼99% inhibition at 50 μM.

With the increasing interest in obtaining biologically active compounds from natural sources, Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter (Asteraceae) came into our focus as a readily available and aromatic wild shrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. This work provides a phytochemical profile of D. viscosa in terms of parallel chemical composition in the lipophilic fraction (essential oil) and the water fraction (hydrosol). GC-MS analysis identified 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene oxide, α-terpenyl acetate, and α-muurolol as the major components of the essential oil, while in the hydrosol p-menth-1-en-9-ol, 1,8-cineole, linalool, cis-sabinene hydrate, and α-muurolol were the major volatile components. 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid was found to be the predominant compound in the hydrosol composition by HPLC analysis. The antimicrobial potential of both extracts was evaluated against thirteen opportunistic pathogens associated with common skin and wound infections and emerging food spoilage microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil suggests that the volatiles of D. viscosa could be used as novel antimicrobial agents. The antiproliferative results of D. viscosa volatiles are also new findings, which showed promising activity against three cancer cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer cell line), HCT116 (human colon cancer cell line), and U2OS (human osteosarcoma cell line). The decrease in GSH level observed in hydrosol-treated HeLa cells suggests oxidative stress as a possible mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of hydrosol on tumor cells. The presented results are also the first report of significant antiphytoviral activity of hydrosol against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. Based on the results, D. viscosa might have the potential to be used in crop protection, as a natural disinfectant and natural anticancer agent.

E-cadherin is a key player in gastric cancer (GC) and germline alterations of CDH1, its encoding gene, are responsible for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) syndrome. This study aimed at elucidating the role of genetic variants and DNA methylation of CDH1 promoter and enhancers in the regulation of gene expression. For this purpose, we analyzed genetic variants of the CDH1 gene through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in a series of GC cell lines (NCI-N87, KATO-III, SNU-1, SNU-5, GK2, AKG, KKP) and the corresponding CDH1 expression levels. By bisulfite genomic sequencing, we analyzed the methylation status of CDH1 regulatory regions in 8 GC cell lines, in a series of 13 sporadic GC tissues and in a group of 20 HDGC CDH1-negative patients and 6 healthy controls. The NGS analysis on CDH1 coding and regulatory regions detected genetic alterations in 3 out of 5 GC cell lines lacking functional E-cadherin. CDH1 regulatory regions showed different methylation patterns in patients and controls, GC cell lines and GC tissues, expressing different E-cadherin levels. Our results showed that alterations in terms of genetic variants and DNA methylation patterns of both promoter and enhancers are associated with CDH1 expression levels and have a role in its regulation.

Background and Purpose: Although natural hazards cannot be prevented, a better understanding of the processes and scientific methodologies for their prediction can help mitigate their impact. Torrential floods, as one of the consequential forms of the existing erosion processes in synergy with extremely high precipitation, are the most frequent natural hazard at the regional level, which was confirmed by the catastrophic events in May 2014 when huge territories of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia were flood-struck. The basic input data for the design of protective structures in torrential beds and watershed slopes are the values of the maximal discharge, area sediment yields, and sediment transport. The calculation of these values requires a careful approach in accordance with the characteristics of torrential watersheds, such as the steepness of slopes and beds in torrential watersheds, intensive erosion processes, favorable conditions for fast runoff formation and the transport of huge quantities of sediment. Materials and Methods: The calculations of maximal discharges, area sediment yields, and sediment transport in the experimental watershed of the Čađavica River were based on using two different spatial resolutions of digital elevations models (DEMs) – 20 m resolution DEM, with land use determined from aerial photo images, and the 90 m resolution DEM, with land use determined on the basis of the CORINE database. The computation of maximal discharges was performed by applying a method that combined synthetic unit hydrograph (maximum ordinate of unit runoff qmax) and Soil Conservation Service methodologies (deriving effective rainfall Pe from total precipitation Pb). The computation was performed for AMC III (Antecedent Moisture Conditions III – high content of water in the soil and significantly reduced infiltration capacity). The computations of maximal discharges were done taking into account the regional analysis of lag time, internal daily distribution of precipitation and classification of soil hydrologic groups (for CN – runoff curve number determination). Area sediment yields and the intensity of erosion processes were estimated on the basis of the “Erosion Potential Method”. Results and Conclusions: The selected methodology was performed using different input data related to the DEM resolution. The results were illustrated using cartographic and numerical data. Information on relief conditions is a vital parameter for calculating the elements of the environmental conditions through the elements of maximal discharge, area sediment yields and sediment transport. The higher precision of input data of DEM provides a more precise spatial identification and a quantitative estimation of the endangered sites.

Background & aimsAcute hepatitis C (AHC) is not frequently identified because patients are usually asymptomatic, although may be recognized after iatrogenic exposures such as needle stick injuries, medical injection, and acupuncture. We describe an outbreak of AHC among 12 patients who received IV saline flush from a single multi-dose vial after intravenous contrast administration for a computerized tomography (CT) scan. The last patient to receive IV contrast with saline flush from a multi-dose vial at the clinic on the previous day was known to have chronic HCV genotype 1b (termed potential source, PS). Here we sought to confirm (via genetic analysis) the source of infection and to predict the minimal contaminating level of IV saline flush needed to transmit infectious virus to all patients.MethodsIn order to confirm the source of infection, we sequenced the HCV E1E2 region in 7 CT patients, in PS, and in 2 control samples from unrelated patients also infected with HCV genotype 1b. A transmission probabilistic model was developed to predict the contamination volume of blood that would have been sufficient to transmit infectious virus to all patients.ResultsViral sequencing showed close clustering of the cases with the PS. The transmission probabilistic model predicted that contamination of the multi-dose saline vial with 0.6-8.7 microliters of blood would have been sufficient to transmit infectious virus to all patients.ConclusionAnalysis of this unique cohort provides a new understanding of HCV transmission with respect to contaminating volumes and viral titers.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210173.].

Aqueous extracts of two Cistus species wild growing in Croatia—Cistus creticus (CC) and Cistus salviifolius (CS)—have been assessed with UPLC-MS/MS, showing 43 different phytochemicals, with flavonol glycosides: myricetin-3-hexoside and myricetin-rhamnoside, predominate ones in CC and myricetin-3-hexoside in CS. Antioxidant potential tested with the FRAP method showed no difference between CS and CC aqueous extracts, while higher phenolic content of CC comparing to CS, determined with a Folin–Cicolateu reagent correlated to its higher antioxidant capacity observed by the DPPH method. Both extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity, using disc-diffusion and broth microdilution assays, targeting the opportunistic pathogens, associated with food poisoning, urinary, respiratory tract, blood stream and wound infections in humans. Antimicrobial assays revealed that fungi were in general more sensitive to both Cistus aqueous extracts, comparing to the bacteria where two extracts showed very similar activity. The most potent activity was observed against A. baumannii for both extracts. The extracts were tested on human lung cancer (A549) cell line using the MTT assay, showing very similar antiproliferative activity. After 72 h treatment with CC and CS aqueous extracts in concentration of 0.5 g/L, the viability of the cells were 37% and 50% respectively, compared to non-treated cells.

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare tumor, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. In MBC, genetic predisposition plays an important role; however, only a few studies have investigated in depth the role of genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2. We performed a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis with a panel of 94 cancer predisposition genes on germline DNA from an Italian case series of 70 patients with MBC. Moreover, we searched for large deletions/duplications of BRCA1/2 genes through the Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) technique. Through the combination of NGS and MLPA, we identified three pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 gene and six in the BRCA2 gene. Besides these alterations, we found six additional pathogenic/likely-pathogenic variants in PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, RAD51C, BAP1 and EGFR genes. From our study, BRCA1 and BRCA2 emerge as the main genes associated with MBC risk, but also other genes seem to be associated with the disease. Indeed, some of these genes have already been implicated in female breast cancer predisposition, but others are known to be involved in other types of cancer. Consequently, our results suggest that novel genes could be involved in MBC susceptibility, shedding new light on their role in cancer development.

Prenatalna vezanost se opisuje kao psihološka veza koja se razvija u toku trudnoće između majke i fetusa. Njen značaj ogleda se u kvalitetu brige trudnice za fetus, a smatra se da je ona i razvojni prethodnik emocionalne vezanosti između majke i deteta i važan aspekt formiranja roditeljskog identiteta i pripreme za odgovorno i kompetentno roditeljstvo. Predhodna istraživanja ukazuju na to da se obrasci koji formiraju roditeljski identitet prenose transgeneracijski, putem iskustva koje se internalizuje i oblikuje unutrašnji radni model čije komponente čine roditeljske reprezentacije. Zbog toga je cilj ovog istraživanja bio ispitivanje prediktivnog doprinosa introjektovanog iskustva iz porodice porekla na razvoj prenatalne vezanosti. Uzorkom je obuhvaćena 91 trudnica, a prikupljen je na Klinici za ginekologiju i akušerstvo u Novom Sadu gde su ispitanice boravile zbog određenih zdravstvenih tegoba u toku trudnoće. Za ispitivanje prenatalne vezanosti korišćena je Skala za procenu materinske prenatale vezanosti (SPMPV: Hanak, 2009), dok je kao mera iskustva u odnosu sa roditeljima korišćen modifikovan Upitnik prisustva oca (Father presence questionnaire − FPQ: Krampe & Newton, 2006). Rezultati ukazuju na to da efekat pozitivnog odnosa sa majkom ostvaruje najviši prediktivni doprinos u razvoju prenatalne vezanosti, što je u skladu sa istraživanjima koja ukazuju na pravilnost da su karakteristike starateljskog ponašanja direktno povezane sa prethodnim iskustvima koje su roditelji imali u porodicama porekla. Rezultati su diskutovani u kontekstu razumevanja uloge majke kao dominantnog staratelja u našem društvu, ali i ideje o modelovanju kao hipoteze u osnovi objašnjenja transgeneracijskog prenosa roditeljstva.

The purpose of this study was to measure the feasibility of well mannered language book for parenting the preschool-aged children in Kudus regency. Based on feasibility test that had been executed, it was obtained feasibility test score from linguist with feasibility aspect of writing, feasibility of content, feasibility of language use, feasibility of presentation, and feasibility of graph, it was obtained result equal to 78,3% which meant in feasible category. 83.5% score was obtained from the feasibility test of the material expert with the aspect of the feasibility of the grammar, the feasibility of the content, the feasibility of language use, the feasibility of presentation, and the feasibility of graph which meant in the very feasible category. Feasibility test from module expert with aspect of grammar, content feasibility, feasibility of language use, feasibility of presentation, and feasibility of graph, it was obtained the score of 90% in very feasible category. Based on these data, it could be concluded that the well mannered language book that had received input of the linguists experts, materials (psychologists), and teachers was very feasible in the category.

Pendidikan inklusi merupakan suatu pendekatan pendidikan yang inovatif dan strategis untuk memperluas akses pendidikan bagi semua anak berkebutuhan khusus termasuk anak penyandang cacat. Adanya sekolah dasar inklusi dapat menjadikan siswa berkebutuhan khusus menjadi terisolir dan merasa didiskriminasikan di dalam pembelajaran di sekolah, karena setiap anak mempunyai hak yang sama untuk memperoleh pendidikan.Pembelajaran mendeskripsikan daur hidup dengan media kartu bergambar dilihat dari kemandirian belajar siswa SD inklusi diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemandirian siswa dalam pembelajaran IPA berdasarkan aspek kebahasaan melalui materi daur hidup dan mendeskripsikannya.

Rad se bavi odnosom kvaliteta koroditeljske saradnje i funkcionalnog statusa deteta u porodicama dece predškolskog uzrasta koja su u periodu istraživanja prvi put pošla u vrtić. Polazak u vrtić predstavlja razvojnu krizu za porodicu koja može remetiti i menjati funkcionisanje porodičnih odnosa i funkcionalni status deteta. U radu je prikazana povezanost koroditeljske saradnje, opisane preko snage roditeljskog saveza i regulatorskog ponašanja majke, i procene funkcionalnog statusa deteta od strane očeva i majki. Rezultati su diskutovani u odnosu na dosadašnja istraživanja koja su se bavila značajem roditeljskih relacija za detetov razvoj i blagostanje. Dobijeni nalazi ukazali su na značaj rada na koroditeljskoj saradnji u smislu prevencije regulatorskog ponašanja majki što bi vodilo većoj senzitivnosti roditelja i kvalitetnijoj brizi o detetu.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan pengaruh model pembelajaran problem based instruction dalam mengembangkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa kelas IV SD Muhammadiyah I Kudus. jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimen semu dengan desain randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Data hasil tes dianalisis dengan uji anava satu jalan. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan antara kelas eksperimen dengan kelas kontrol, kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa pada kelompok eksperimen lebih baik dari kelas kontrol. Kemampuan berpikir kritis yang diamati meliputi; kemampuan mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis masalah, kemampuan memecahkan masalah, kemampuan menentukan solusi yang tepat dan menyimpulkan.

Kuala Lupak Wildlife Sanctuary (KLWS) is one of the proboscis monkey habitat in South Kalimantan. Degradation of habitat due to conversion of mangroves into cultivation area in KLWS is currently the main factor that threaten the sustainability of proboscis monkeys population in this region. This research was conducted to estimate proboscis monkey populations and identified its structure and social groups at KLWS. Proboscis population data were collected by concentration count method. Data collection carried out in three areas: 1) good vegetation and preferably proboscis monkeys area as reference site, 2) vegetated but less favored proboscis area as model 1 site, and 3) disturbed vegetation area, where near from settlement as model 2 site. There were no proboscis found on model site 2. Population estimate of proboscis monkey are 139 ± 43 individuals with the density of 81 individuals/km2. The sex ratio of adult proboscis are 1:3,09. There are three types of social groups proboscis monkey in SMKL i.e. All Male Group (AMG) formed by young males, One Male Group (OMG) consisting of one male and several females with their offspring, abd multimale group formed by two or more OMG’s. There are at least 2 AMG group consisting of 5-26 individual young males, 7 harem’s or OMG’s group consisting of 7-35 individuals, and 8 multimale group with total membership of 9-59 individuals. Proboscis population structure based on age class showed that infant population was smaller than the juvenile and the adult. Keywords: group structure, population, population structure, proboscis monkey, sex ratio

Demand for food quality and extended freshness without the use of harmful chemicals has become a major topic over the last decade. New technologies are using UV light, strong electric field, ozone and other reactive agents to decontaminate food surfaces. The low-power non-equilibrium (cold) atmospheric pressure operating plasmas effectively combines all the qualities mentioned above and thus, due to their synergetic influence, promising results in fruit surface decontamination can be obtained. The present paper focuses on the applicability of the recently developed microwave surface wave sustained plasma torch for the treatment of selected small fruit. Optical emission spectroscopy is used for the determination of plasma active particles (radicals, UV light) and plasma parameters during the fruit treatment. The infrared camera images confirm low and fully applicable heating of the treated surface that ensures no fruit quality changes. The detailed study shows that the efficiency of the microbial decontamination of selected fruits naturally contaminated by microorganisms is strongly dependent on the fruit surface shape. The decontamination of the rough strawberry surface seems inefficient using the current configuration, but for smooth berries promising results were obtained. Finally, antioxidant activity measurements demonstrate no changes due to plasma treatment. The results confirm that the MW surface wave sustained discharge is applicable to fruit surface decontamination.

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is a serious environmental problem and has stimulated the scientific community to pay attention to the need for detection and monitoring of gases released into the atmosphere. In this regard, the development of sensitive and selective gas sensors has been the subject of several research programs. An important greenhouse gas is sulphur hexafluoride, an almost non-reactive gas widely employed in industrial processes worldwide. Indeed it is estimated that it has a radiative forcing of 0.52 W/m2. This work compares two photoacoustic spectrometers, one coupled to a CO2 laser and another one coupled to a Quantum Cascade (QC) laser, for the detection of SF6. The laser photoacoustic spectrometers described in this work have been developed for gas detection at small concentrations. Detection limits of 20 ppbv for CO2 laser and 50 ppbv for quantum cascade laser were obtained.

Se determinó el desempeño laboral del género femenino en los organismos públicos relacionados con la actividad turística del estado Nueva Esparta. La metodología es descriptiva y de campo, basada en la revisión bibliográfica, en entrevistas dirigidas a los Gerentes o representantes de estos organismos, en la aplicación de un cuestionario a las mujeres empleadas en ellos. Se revisaron leyes y reglamentos que regulan la participación de la mujer en estos organismos. Se concluye que en relación al perfil de la mujer, estas ocupan cargos relevantes en áreas administrativas y directivas; con experiencia laboral en los organismos relacionados con el turismo, e igualdad de participación con respecto a los hombres. Los representantes de estos organismos consideran positivo el aporte del recurso humano femenino, demostrado en el manejo eficiente de información y habilidades para desempeñar las funciones relacionadas con su cargo.

A geração de energia a partir do biogás é uma maneira de produzir energia elétrica limpa, buscando reduzir os impactos globais gerados pela queima dos resíduos sólidos urbanos. Nesse trabalho foram estudadas as tecnologias de conversão energética, com a análise da melhor alternativa para a conversão energética do biogás em aterros sanitários e na agropecuária no Brasil. São apresentados estudos comparativos e os resultados demonstraram que os grupos geradores, utilizando motores de combustão interna (ciclos Otto ou Diesel), são mais viáveis tanto no viés técnico quanto no econômico, para conversão energética do biogás de aterros sanitários no Brasil por meio de Unidades Termoelétricas a biogás. Palavras Chave: Biogás; Conversão Energética; Gases de efeito estufa; Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo.

A energia solar fotovoltaica é uma fonte limpa e importante opção como fonte alternativa de energia elétrica. Um estudo das condições energéticas de Moçambique, na África, através do ministério de energia, daquele governo, fornece dados importantes para conhecimento das condições de suas regiões desprovidas de energia elétrica. Os dados solarimétricos são usados para se definir um sistema fotovoltaico. Estes podem ser obtidos do órgão meteorológico da região, que fornece dados para as cidades das estações meteorológicas espalhadas pelo país e de laboratórios de pesquisa internacionais de campo que fornecem dados solarimétricos, usando satélites de varredura, que são capazes de cobrir todo globo terrestre e disponibilizarem aplicativos que permitem, através das coordenadas do local, identificar exatamente a irradiação solar em qualquer ponto. Neste estudo, dados laboratoriais, validados através de comparações com os dados de órgãos oficiais da região, permitiram se montar um banco de dados solarimétricos e se calcular o potencial fotovoltaico de geração de energia de cada local. Foram também observadas regiões, desprovidas de redes elétricas, muito propícias ao aproveitamento da energia solar para geração direta de eletricidade, para ser conectada à rede de distribuição.

Historically, the focus has been to use in vitro BBB models to optimize rate of drug delivery to the CNS, whereas total in vivo brain/plasma ratios have been used for optimizing extent. However, these two parameters do not necessarily show good correlations with receptor occupancy data or other pharmacological readouts. In line with the free drug hypothesis, the use of unbound brain concentrations (Cu,br) has been shown to provide the best correlations with pharmacological data. However, typically the determination of this parameter requires microdialysis, a technique not ideally suited for screening in early drug development. Alternative, and less resource-demanding methodologies to determine Cu,br employ either equilibrium dialysis of brain homogenates or incubations of brain slices in buffer to determine fraction unbound brain (fu,br), which is subsequently multiplied by the total brain concentration to yield Cu,br. To determine Cu,br/Cu,pl ratios this way, still requires both in vitro and in vivo experiments that are quite time consuming. The main objective of this study was to explore the possibility to directly generate Cu,br/Cu,pl ratios in a single in vitro model of the BBB, using a co-culture of brain capillary endothelial and glial cells in an attempt to mimick the in vivo situation, thereby greatly simplifying existing experimental procedures. Comparison to microdialysis brain concentration profiles demonstrates the possibility to estimate brain exposure over time in the BBB model. A stronger correlation was found between in vitro Cu,br/Cu,pl ratios and in vivo Cu,br/Cu,pl obtained using fu,br from brain slice than with fu,br from brain homogenate for a set of 30 drugs. Overall, Cu,br/Cu,pl ratios were successfully predicted in vitro for 88% of the 92 studied compounds. This result supports the possibility to use this methodology for identifying compounds with a desirable in vivo response in the CNS early on in the drug discovery process.

INTRODUCTION: Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) is a validated tool for nutrition evaluation in patients with cancer. AIM: The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in head and neck cancer patients at diagnosis and evaluate the independent prognostic factors for malnutrition from PG-SGA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All outpatients attending at the Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Meeting for primary diagnosis, staging and treatment were evaluated by an oncology dietitian using the patient generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA). Patients with recurrences or secondary tumours will be excluded. RESULTS: 64 patients were evaluated (55 men and 9 women) with an average age of 63 years and body mass index (BMI) of 25.3 kg/m(2) (SD ± 5.18). After the nutritional assessment we observed that 43.8% of patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The most frequent symptom at diagnosis was dysphagia (48.4%) and anorexia (26.6%). From PG-SGA, the main prognostic factors (p<0,001) were the percentage of weight loss, serum albumin levels, BMI and the presence of dysphagia or/and anorexia prior diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Parameters as BMI, weight loss and low albumin levels at the time of diagnosis in head and neck cancer patients are independent predictors for malnutrition as well as the presence of anorexia or dysphagia.reaffirms the need for sustainability of interventions over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet is considered a determinant of weight status, however, more evidence is needed for children. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is one of the healthiest worldwide. This study analyzes the prospective association between adherence to the MedDiet at baseline and changes in standardized body mass index (zBMI) and the incidence of excessive weight., Methods: 1389 children participated with a follow-up of 15 months. Weight, height, and adherence to the MedDiet were measured (baseline and follow-up)., Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a high increase in zBMI was associated with lower odds of eating vegetables once [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.57-0.98)] or more a day [OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.49-0.95)], nuts 2-3 times/week [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.56-0.97)] or 2 cups of yogurt or/and cheese daily [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.55-0.99)]. Not consuming each food item was used as reference. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a negative (β = -0.010, p = 0.040) association between the MedDiet at baseline and changes in zBMI at follow-up, significance disappeared (p = 0.082) after final adjustment for baseline zBMI., Conclusion: Baseline MedDiet was not significantly associated with the incidence of excessive weight at follow-up. The MedDiet was positively associated with changes in zBMI, however the effect size was small., Impact: The present longitudinal study contributes knowledge regarding the adherence to Mediterranean diet as a predictive variable of weight status evolution in children. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline was prospectively and inversely associated with changes in zBMI after 15 months of follow-up. Consuming vegetables, nuts, and yoghurt/cheese according to the recommendations reduces the likelihood of having a high increase in zBMI after 15 months of follow-up., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Background: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been proposed as a good option for the treatment of persistent radicular pain based on its effect of neuromodulation on neuropathic pain. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) therapy is a conservative treatment based on the patient's own blood. The aim of this manuscript is to develop a study protocol using ACS on the DRG as a target for its molecular modulation., Methods: We plan to conduct a randomized controlled study to compare the efficacy of PRF therapy plus ACS versus PRF therapy plus physiological saline 0.9% (PhS) on the DRG to reduce neuropathic pain in patients with persistent lower limb radiculalgia (LLR) and to contribute to the functional improvement and quality of life of these patients. Study participants will include patients who meet study the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eligible patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of treatment with PRF plus ACS (experimental group) or PRF plus PhS (placebo group). The study group will consist of 70 patients (35 per group) who have experienced radicular pain symptoms for ≥ 6 months' duration who have failed to respond to any therapy. Both groups will receive PRF on the DRG treatment before the injection of the sample (control or placebo). Patient assessments will occur at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after therapy. The primary efficacy outcome measure is Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) responders from baseline to 12 months of follow-up using validated minimal important change (MIC) thresholds. A reduction of ≥ 2 points in NPRS is considered a clinically significant pain relief. The secondary efficacy outcome measure is the proportion of Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale (ODS) responders from baseline to 12 months of follow-up in the experimental group (PRF plus ACS) versus the placebo group (PRF plus PhS). ODS responders are defined as those patients achieving the validated MIC of ≥ 10-point improvement in ODS from baseline to 12 months of follow-up as a clinically significant efficacy threshold., Discussion: This prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study will provide level I evidence of the safety and effectiveness of ACS on neuropathic symptoms in LLR patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION {2A}{2B}: EUDRACT number: 2021-005124-38. Validation date: 13 November 2021. Protocol version {3}: This manuscript presents the 2nd protocol version., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Childhood obesity is a public health problem worldwide. An important determinant of child and adolescent obesity is socioeconomic status (SES). However, the magnitude of the impact of different SES indicators on pediatric obesity on the Spanish population scale is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between three SES indicators and obesity in a nationwide, representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents. A total of 2791 boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years old were included. Their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. SES was assessed using two parent/legal guardian self-reported indicators (educational level -University/non-University- and labor market status -Employed/Unemployed-). As a third SES indicator, the annual mean income per person was obtained from the census section where the participating schools were located (≥12.731€/<12.731€). The prevalence of obesity, severe obesity, and abdominal obesity was 11.5%, 1.4%, and 22.3%, respectively. Logistic regression models showed an inverse association of both education and labor market status with obesity, severe obesity, and abdominal obesity (all p < 0.001). Income was also inversely associated with obesity ( p < 0.01) and abdominal obesity ( p < 0.001). Finally, the highest composite SES category (University/Employed/≥12.731€ n = 517) showed a robust and inverse association with obesity (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.16-0.48), severe obesity (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05-0.81), and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.23-0.54) in comparison with the lowest composite SES category (Less than University/Unemployed/<12.731€; n = 164). No significant interaction between composite SES categories and age and gender was found. SES is strongly associated with pediatric obesity in Spain.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to gain insight into the characteristics and clinical impact of electronic monitoring devices of inhalers (EMDs) and their clinical interventions in adult patients with asthma or COPD. The search included PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus and Embase databases, as well as official EMDs websites. We found eight observational studies and ten clinical trials, assessing a wide range of clinical outcomes. Results from the meta-analysis on adherence to inhalers in a period over three months were favourable in the EMD group (fixed effects model: SMD: 0.36 [0.25-0.48]; random effects model SMD: 0.41 [0.22-0.60]). An exploratory meta-analysis found an improvement in ACT score (fixed effect model SMD: 0.25 [0.11-0.39]; random effects model: SMD: 0.47 [-0.14-1.08]). Other clinical outcomes showed mixed results in the descriptive analyses. The findings of this review highlight the benefits of EMDs in the optimization of adherence to inhaled therapy as well as the potential interest in other clinical outcomes.

Objectives: Pharmacists' care has an essential role in multidisciplinary teams in charge of chronic patients. However, data available on the clinical outcomes of these activities appear inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically investigate the effect of multidisciplinary teams that include coordinated pharmaceutical care on clinical outcomes., Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Relevant studies identified from MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL databases were analyzed. The search included randomized clinical trials published in 2000-2018. Included studies were all published studies in English that compared the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams including pharmacist care to usual care. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random effects model, and subgroup analysis was conducted to determine the sources of heterogeneity., Setting and Participants: 29 studies involving 4186 adult patients were included., Measures: Follow-up time varied from 30 to 180 days. The most common primary endpoint was the frequency of hospitalizations or readmissions, followed by variation in clinical parameter variables related to quality of prescription, treatment adherence and costs., Results: Twelve (41.3%) of the included studies scored low risk of bias according to the AMSTAR-2 scale, the remaining 17 (58.7%) being classified as intermediate risk. The intervention of a multidisciplinary team reduced the probability of readmission by 32% [odds ratio (OR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.89]. Six of the 29 (20.7%) studies included met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis on quality-of-life outcomes. The intervention of the multidisciplinary team represented a significant increase in patients' quality of life (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47-0.69). Analysis of heterogeneity showed a significant difference between the studies. No evidence of publication bias was identified., Conclusions and Implications: Multidisciplinary programs that include pharmaceutical care reduce the risk of visiting hospitals and improve patients' quality of life. This review supports the importance of the pharmacists as part of multidisciplinary teams., (Copyright © 2021 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recent research on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has primarily focused on searching for measures to prevent or delay the progression of MCI to dementia. Physical exercise has shown to be effective in the prevention of age-related cognitive decline in elderly adults with MCI. However, the most effective type and dose of exercise for the improvement of cognition are yet to be determined., Objective: To compare the cognitive effects of choreographed exercise (Choreography group) with a multimodal physical therapy program (Physical Therapy group) in elderly adults with amnestic MCI, a population with an increased risk of developing dementia., Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups under allocation concealment and assessor blinding. Participants were allocated into Choreography or Physical Therapy group and performed exercises twice per week in 60-minute sessions during 12 weeks., Results: Thirty-six participants with amnestic MCI, ages 65 to 85, were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, by comprehensive validated neuropsychological and physical assessments. A Repeated measures General Lineal Model showed statistically significant differences in cognitive and physical outcomes. Both groups significantly improved in visual delayed recall. The Choreography group exhibited significantly more benefits on verbal recognition memory than the Physical Therapy group., Conclusion: Greater cognitive benefits were achieved in the choreographic intervention than in the multimodal physical therapy, mainly in those functions more related to the risk of conversion to dementia. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether the observed effects are related to delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease in elderly adults with amnestic MCI.

Increased stair climbing reduces cardiovascular disease risk. While signage interventions for workplace stair climbing offer a low-cost tool to improve population health, inconsistent effects of intervention occur. Pedestrian movement within the built environment has major effects on stair use, independent of any health initiative. This paper used pooled data from UK and Spanish workplaces to test the effects of signage interventions when pedestrian movement was controlled for in analyses. Automated counters measured stair and elevator usage at the ground floor throughout the working day. Signage interventions employed previously successful campaigns. In the UK, minute-by-minute stair/elevator choices measured effects of momentary pedestrian traffic at the choice-point ( n = 426,605). In Spain, aggregated pedestrian traffic every 30 min measured effects for 'busyness' of the building ( n = 293,300). Intervention effects on stair descent (3 of 4 analyses) were more frequent than effects on stair climbing, the behavior with proven health benefits (1 of 4 analyses). Any intervention effects were of small magnitude relative to the influence of pedestrian movement. Failure to control for pedestrian movement compromises any estimate for signage effectiveness. These pooled data provide limited evidence that signage interventions for stair climbing at work will enhance population health., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The stress effect on multiple sclerosis remains unclear. Moderating psychosocial factors may be involved. This study compares some of them in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls, and their association with disease parameters. Coping style, social support, anxiety, alexithymia and early-life stress were measured, along with impairment and functionality. People with multiple sclerosis scored significantly higher on anxiety, alexithymia, and avoidance and instinctive coping but lower in social support. No differences were found in early-life stress. Impairment was related to avoidance, and functionality to avoidance and anxiety. Psychotherapeutic approaches focused on these psychosocial factors may improve functionality, impairment and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis.

We evaluated the impact of a workplace 'sit less, move more' programme (Walk@WorkSpain, W@WS, 19-week) on self-reported activity-related energy expenditure (AREE) in Spanish office employees (n = 264; 42 ± 10 years; 171 female) randomly assigned to Intervention (IG; used W@WS; n = 129) or comparison groups (CGs; n = 135). A linear mixed model assessed changes in METs-min/wk of total, vigorous, moderate and light physical activity (IPAQ short form) between baseline and 2 months follow-up. Over the CG, IG significantly increased light intensity AREE (P = 0.027). W@WS secured sustained increases on AREE-but not on achieving PA recommendations-providing translational evidence that active living in office employees can be increased., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.)

Background: Few studies have examined the impact of 'sit less, move more' interventions on workplace performance. This study assessed the short and mid-term impacts of and patterns of change within, a 19-week workplace web-based intervention (Walk@WorkSpain; W@WS; 2010-11) on employees´ presenteeism, mental well-being and lost work performance., Methods: A site randomised control trial recruited employees at six Spanish university campuses (n = 264; 42 ± 10 years; 171 female), assigned by worksite and campus to an Intervention (IG; used W@WS; n = 129; 87 female) or an active Comparison group (A-CG; pedometer, paper diary and self-reported sitting time; n = 135; 84 female). A linear mixed model assessed changes between the baseline, ramping (8 weeks), maintenance (11 weeks) and follow-up (two months) phases for the IG versus A-CG on (i) % of lost work productivity (Work Limitations Questionnaire; WLQ); (ii) three scales for presenteeism (WLQ) assessing difficulty meeting scheduling demands (Time), performing cognitive and inter-personal tasks (Mental-Interpersonal) and decrements in meeting the quantity, quality and timeliness of completed work (Output); and (iii) mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale). T-tests assessed differences between groups for changes on the main outcomes. In the IG, a multivariate logistic regression model identified patterns of response according to baseline socio-demographic variables, physical activity and sitting time., Results: There was a significant 2 (group) × 2 (program time points) interaction for the Time (F [3]=8.69, p = 0.005), Mental-Interpersonal (F [3]=10.01, p = 0.0185), Output scales for presenteeism (F [3]=8.56, p = 0.0357), and for % of lost work performance (F [3]=10.31, p = 0.0161). Presenteeism and lost performance rose significantly in both groups across all study time points; after baseline performance was consistently better in the IG than in the A-CG. Better performance was linked to employees being more active (Time, p = 0.041) and younger (Mental-interpersonal, p = 0.057; Output, p = 0.017). Higher total sitting time during nonworking days (Mental-interpersonal, p = 0.019) and lower sitting time during workdays (WLQ Index, p = 0.013) also improved performance., Conclusion: Versus an active comparison condition, a 'sit less, move more` workplace intervention effectively reduced an array of markers of lost workday productivity., Trial Registration: NCT02960750 ; Date of registration: 07/11/2016.

Research about the effects of stress on multiple sclerosis has yielded contradictory results. This study aims to systematically review the evidence focusing on two possible causes: the role of stress assessment and potential moderating and mediating factors. The Web of Knowledge (MEDLINE and Web of Science), Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were searched for relevant articles published from 1900 through December 2014 using the terms "stress*" AND "multiple sclerosis." Twenty-three articles were included. Studies focused on the effect of stress on multiple sclerosis onset ( n  = 9) were mostly retrospective, and semi-structured interviews and scales yielded the most consistent associations. Studies focused on multiple sclerosis progression ( n  = 14) were mostly prospective, and self-reported diaries yielded the most consistent results. The most important modifying factors were stressor duration, severity, and frequency; cardiovascular reactivity and heart rate; and social support and escitalopram intake. Future studies should consider the use of prospective design with self-reported evaluations and the study of moderators and mediators related to amount of stress and autonomic nervous system reactivity to determine the effects of stress on multiple sclerosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Purpose: Encouraging office workers to 'sit less and move more' encompasses two public health priorities. However, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of workplace interventions for reducing sitting, even less about the longer term effects of such interventions and still less on dual-focused interventions. This study assessed the short and mid-term impacts of a workplace web-based intervention (Walk@WorkSpain, W@WS; 2010-11) on self-reported sitting time, step counts and physical risk factors (waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure) for chronic disease., Methods: Employees at six Spanish university campuses (n=264; 42±10 years; 171 female) were randomly assigned by worksite and campus to an Intervention (used W@WS; n=129; 87 female) or a Comparison group (maintained normal behavior; n=135; 84 female). This phased, 19-week program aimed to decrease occupational sitting time through increased incidental movement and short walks. A linear mixed model assessed changes in outcome measures between the baseline, ramping (8 weeks), maintenance (11 weeks) and follow-up (two months) phases for Intervention versus Comparison groups., Results: A significant 2 (group) × 2 (program phases) interaction was found for self-reported occupational sitting (F[3]=7.97, p=0.046), daily step counts (F[3]=15.68, p=0.0013) and waist circumference (F[3]=11.67, p=0.0086). The Intervention group decreased minutes of daily occupational sitting while also increasing step counts from baseline (446±126; 8,862±2,475) through ramping (+425±120; 9,345±2,435), maintenance (+422±123; 9,638±3,131) and follow-up (+414±129; 9,786±3,205). In the Comparison group, compared to baseline (404±106), sitting time remained unchanged through ramping and maintenance, but decreased at follow-up (-388±120), while step counts diminished across all phases. The Intervention group significantly reduced waist circumference by 2.1cms from baseline to follow-up while the Comparison group reduced waist circumference by 1.3cms over the same period., Conclusions: W@WS is a feasible and effective evidence-based intervention that can be successfully deployed with sedentary employees to elicit sustained changes on "sitting less and moving more".