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This work presents a current-mode readout frontend for a 128 × 64 array of ISFETs integrated in 180 nm 1P6M CMOS technology. The most relevant ISFET systems have not been implemented using single device configurations, instead, ISFETs in an array configuration has been used. The proposed front-end architecture linearly digitizes the output current of the ISFET array through a current conveyor, a transimpedance amplifier, and a 12 bit SAR ADC. A slave I2C digital circuit controls the array ISFET selection decoders and serializes the ADC output. Linearity of R2 = 99.94%, current consumption of 450 µA, and a low-frequency ENOB of 11.24 bit were achieved by post-layout simulation. The implemented chip occupies 0.52 mm2. Prototypes just arrived from the foundry and experimental measures will be performed soon.

Una de las problemáticas sociales en América Latina son los altos índices de delincuencia que involucra desapariciones forzadas, Argentina y Colombia han desarrollado técnicas y métodos geofísicos relacionados a la Geología Forense para la búsqueda de personas desaparecidas, mientras que en Ecuador aún no existen estudios. Contribuir con la búsqueda de personas desaparecidas supuestamente enterradas aplicando el método geofísico georadar GPR (Ground Penetration Radar). Se realizó pruebas experimentales simulando condiciones de entierro en una fosa de un metro de profundidad en suelos no homogéneos, donde se colocó restos de un Canis lupus familiaris de 0.80 metros de largo, levantando radargramas en diferentes periodos de tiempo, el día de la simulación, uno y dos meses después, con una antena de 250 MHz. En tiempo real no se evidencia la zona de relleno ni la hipérbola generada por los restos óseos en los tres periodos de tiempo, en el procesamiento se obtuvo resultadosfavorables a partir de la segunda toma. En tiempo real la respuesta de los restos puede pasar desapercibidas ante la presencia de objetos altamente reflectivos (tubería de acero y roca) y la aplicación de filtros permitió resaltar los restos y la excavación.

Currently it is a priori need for companies to use optimal communication with their different audiences, so that they can interact and attract potential customers for their benefit. Facebook, being one of the most recognized and used social networks worldwide, has become an indispensable medium for people and companies; which allows, within the framework of external communication, an exclusive approach with its audiences (Barrio 2017). The general objective of this research was to analyze the influence of the social network Facebook as the main communication tool. The design was non-experimental, descriptive and qualitative in focus. The population consisted of 500 high school students, parents, and school workers. The sample consisted of 24 students, divided into 3 groups of 8 students from the third, fourth and fifth grade of secondary school, a group of 6 parents and the head of the Public Relations area, being chosen with the type of non-probability sampling for convenience. After analyzing the data collected in the focus groups, 3 factors were identified that make the social network facebook a main external communication tool: digital competence as the first factor (digital platform with the largest number of users, virtual traffic and easy to use), the second factor is the prestige (image and reputation that the social network has managed to consolidate through the influence it generates in its users) and the third factor is the impact (efficiency and effectiveness of the information and interaction that the users).

Purpose: The use of invasive EEG (iEEG) recordings before epilepsy surgery has increased as more complex focal epilepsies are evaluated. Psychotic symptoms (PS) during iEEG have been scarcely reviewed. We aim to report our series of patients with psychotic symptoms (PS) brought about by cortical stimulation (CS) and to identify triggers. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients who underwent iEEG and CS. We report patients who developed delusional thinking and/or disorganized behaviour within 24 h after CS. Exclusion criteria were primary psychiatric disorders or absence of CS. Results: We evaluated 32 (SEEG 23; subdural 9) patients with a median age of 38 years, 6 with PS. Patients underwent 2586 stimulations over 1130 contacts. Age at CS was significantly higher in patients with PS. Temporal lobe epilepsy was significantly more often documented in patients with PS (chi 2: 3.94; p< 0.05). We found no correlation between stimulation of the limbic system and development of psychosis. Four (66.7 %) patients were stimulated in the non-dominant limbic system and developed psychosis compared to 7 (27 %) who did not [chi 2: 3.41; p= 0.06].Epilepsy duration was significantly higher in PS patients (p=0.002). Patients with history of postictal psychosis were twice more likely to experience PS(p=0.04). Conclusions: PS may arise more frequently in patients with PIP history, older age and longer epilepsy duration. The neurobiology and physiology of psychosis, that may share common mechanisms with epilepsy, is yet to be identified but we hypothesize that it may be triggered by CS due to alteration of brain networks dynamics.

In the present research, two studies were performed to determine the effects of specific botanical compounds (BCs) on the innate feed preference and feed intake of piglets, as follows: Exp. 1 studied the innate feed preferences of post-weaning piglets using a double-choice feeding test. A total of 828 weaned piglets were distributed into 36 pens (23 pigs/pen) and assigned to three dietary pair choice feeding options (n = 12): unsupplemented prestarter diets (reference) versus reference plus D-limonene, trans-anethole, or eucalyptol. Piglets showed a preference for diets with D-limonene (53.8%) and trans-anethole (54.5%), and an aversion to eucalyptol (41.6%) (p &lt, 0.05). Exp. 2 studied whether the prenatal and perinatal exposure to D-limonene, trans-anethole, and eucalyptol influences the feed intake and growth of newly-weaned piglets. Twenty-eight gestating and lactating sows were distributed into two dietary treatments (n = 14): unsupplemented Control diets or Control plus a blend of BCs (BBC, containing D-limonene, trans-anethole, and eucalyptol). D-limonene, trans-anethole, and eucalyptol were transferred into the placental fluid, and D-limonene and trans-anethole into the milk (p &lt, 0.05). Furthermore, weanling piglets (n = 200, Control) and (n = 203, BBC) received the same treatment as their mothers in prestarter diets. The early response after weaning showed that piglets’ post-weaning BW gain was higher in the Control (p &lt, 0.05) group than in those exposed to BBC. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to preferred D-limonene and trans-anethole, or familiarity to eucalyptol did not help to overcome the innate aversion to eucalyptol and its negative effect on weanling piglets’ BW.

Summary Background Pompe disease is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) and accumulation of lysosomal glycogen. We assessed the safety and efficacy of avalglucosidase alfa, a recombinant human GAA enzyme replacement therapy specifically designed for enhanced mannose-6-phosphate-receptor targeting and enzyme uptake aimed at increased glycogen clearance, compared with the current approved standard of care, alglucosidase alfa, in patients with late-onset Pompe disease. Methods We did a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial at 55 sites in 20 countries. We enrolled individuals (aged ≥3 years) with enzymatically confirmed late-onset Pompe disease who had never received treatment. We used a centralised treatment allocation system to randomly allocate participants to either avalglucosidase alfa or alglucosidase alfa. Participants and investigators were unaware of their treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline to week 49 in upright forced vital capacity percent (FVC%) predicted. We used a hierarchical fixed sequential testing strategy, whereby non-inferiority of avalglucosidase alfa compared with alglucosidase alfa was assessed first, with a non-inferiority margin of 1·1. If non-inferiority was seen, then superiority was tested with a 5% significance level. The key secondary objective was effect on functional endurance, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Safety was assessed, including treatment-emergent adverse events and infusion-associated reactions. The modified intent-to-treat population was the primary analysis population for all efficacy analyses. The safety population was the analysis population for safety analyses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02782741 . We report results of the 49-week primary analysis period. Findings Between Nov 2, 2016, and March 29, 2019, 100 participants were randomly allocated avalglucosidase alfa (n=51) or alglucosidase alfa (n=49). Treatment with avalglucosidase alfa resulted in a least-squares mean improvement in upright FVC% predicted of 2·89% (SE 0·88) compared with 0·46% (0·93) with alglucosidase alfa at week 49 (difference 2·43% [95% CI −0·13 to 4·99]). Non-inferiority was shown because the lower bound of the 95% CI for the difference far exceeded the predefined non-inferiority margin but did not exclude 0 (p=0·0074). Superiority was not reached (p=0·063), so formal testing was stopped, as per the testing hierarchy. Improvements were also seen in the 6MWT with avalglucosidase alfa compared with alglucosidase alfa, with greater increases in distance covered (difference 30·01 m [95% CI 1·33 to 58·69]) and percent predicted (4·71% [0·25 to 9·17]). Treatment-emergent adverse events potentially related to treatment were reported in 23 (45%) of 51 participants in the avalglucosidase alfa group and in 24 (49%) of 49 in the alglucosidase alfa group, and infusion-associated reactions were reported in 13 (26%) participants in the avalglucosidase alfa group and 16 (33%) in the alglucosidase alfa group. Of the five trial withdrawals, all in the alglucosidase alfa group, four were due to adverse events, including two infusion-associated reactions. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in eight (16%) participants who received avalglucosidase alfa and in 12 (25%) who received alglucosidase alfa. One participant treated with alglucosidase alfa died because of acute myocardial infarction determined to be unrelated to treatment. Antidrug antibody responses were similar in both groups. High and persistent titres (≥12 800) and neutralising antibodies were more common with alglucosidase alfa (in 16 [33%] participants) than with avalglucosidase alfa (ten [20%]). Interpretation We consider that this study provides evidence of clinically meaningful improvement with avalglucosidase alfa therapy over alglucosidase alfa in respiratory function, ambulation, and functional endurance, with no new safety signals reported. An open-label extended-treatment period is ongoing to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of avalglucosidase alfa, with the aim for this therapy to become the new standard treatment in late-onset Pompe disease. Funding Sanofi Genzyme.

The management of solid waste is of great importance to avoid floods, infections and respiratory diseases, for this reason the present research aimed to develop a route planner for the collection of solid waste in the city of Huanuco, using general algorithms. Ethics. In addition, the study was of a quantitative-experimental approach. The following techniques and instruments were used to collect the information: scientific observation because we will examine the external reality in order to obtain the data in advance, observation guide to record evidence of solid waste collection, which was validated using the expert technique, who evidenced the existing relationship between the proposed objectives, categories, indicators, items and response options considering their coherence, relevance and writing The population was made up of 192,627 inhabitants of the city de Huanuco, The results of the tests show the effectiveness of the genetic algorithm with a population of 4 vehicles, in which lower cost values were obtained, and with respect to the execution time, a greater number of destinations. The graph was constructed by gathering information from the streets and/or avenues of the Huanuco district such as addresses, coordinates, and street intersections, through the Google Maps map provider through an Adjacency matrix, to then run the Genetic Algorithm.

Importance Neck ultrasonography, a mainstay of long-term surveillance for recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), is routinely used by endocrinologists, general surgeons, and otolaryngologists; however, physician confidence in their ability to use ultrasonography to identify lymph nodes suggestive of cancer recurrence remains unknown. Objective To evaluate physicians' posttreatment surveillance practices for DTC recurrence, specifically their use of and confidence in ultrasonography. Design, setting, and participants Cross-sectional study of 448 physicians in private and academic hospitals who completed a survey on DTC posttreatment practices from October 2018 to August 2019 (response rate, 69%) and self-reported involvement in long-term surveillance for thyroid cancer recurrence. Physicians were identified by patients affiliated with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program registries in Georgia State and Los Angeles County. Of the respondents, 320 physicians who reported involvement with DTC surveillance were included in the analysis. Main outcomes and measures Physician-reported long-term surveillance practices for DTC, including frequency of use and level of confidence in ultrasonography for detecting lymph nodes suggestive of cancer recurrence. Results In the cohort of 320 physicians who reported involvement with DTC surveillance, 186 (60%) had been in practice for 10 years to less than 30 years; 209 (68%) were White; and 212 (66%) were men. The physicians included 170 (56%) endocrinologists, 67 (21%) general surgeons, and 75 (23%) otolaryngologists. Just 84 (27%) physicians reported personally performing bedside ultrasonography. Only 57 (20%) had high confidence (rated quite or extremely confident) in their ability to use bedside ultrasonography to identify lymph nodes suggestive of recurrence; 94 (33%) did not report high confidence in either their ability or a radiologist's ability to use ultrasonography to detect recurrence. Higher confidence in ultrasonography was associated with the general surgery subspecialty (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% CI, 2.2-14.4; reference endocrinology) and with treating a higher number of patients per year (>50 patients: OR, 14.4; 95% CI, 4.4-47.4; 31-50 patients: OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 2.6-26.7; 11-30 patients: OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.5-12.1; reference 0-10 patients). Conclusions and relevance Given the importance of neck ultrasonography in long-term surveillance for thyroid cancer, these findings of physicians' low confidence in their own ability and that of radiologists to use ultrasonography to detect recurrence point to a major obstacle to standardizing long-term DTC surveillance practices.

Context The use of radioactive iodine (RAI) for low-risk thyroid cancer is common, and variation in its use exists, despite the lack of benefit for low-risk disease and potential harms and costs. Objective To simultaneously assess patient- and physician-level factors associated with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Methods This population-based survey study of patients with newly diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer identified via the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County included 989 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, linked to 345 of their treating general surgeons, otolaryngologists, and endocrinologists. We assessed the association of physician- and patient-level factors with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Results Among this sample, 48% of patients reported receiving RAI, and 23% of their physicians reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Patients were more likely to report receiving RAI if they were treated by a physician who reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer compared with those whose physician reported they would not use RAI (adjusted OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.29-2.61). The odds of patients reporting they received RAI was 55% lower among patients whose physicians reported they saw a higher volume of patients with thyroid cancer (40+ vs 0-20) (adjusted OR: 0.45; 0.30-0.67). Conclusions Physician perspectives and attitudes about using RAI, as well as patient volume, influence RAI use for low-risk thyroid cancer. Efforts to reduce overuse of RAI in low-risk thyroid cancer should include interventions targeted toward physicians, in addition to patients.

This study assessed the metabolic energy consumption of walking with the external components of a “Muscle-First” Motor Assisted Hybrid Neuroprosthesis (MAHNP), which combines implanted neuromuscular stimulation with a motorized exoskeleton. The “Muscle-First” approach prioritizes generating motion with the wearer's own muscles via electrical stimulation with the actuators assisting on an as-needed basis. The motorized exoskeleton contributes passive resistance torques at both the hip and knee joints of 6Nm and constrains motions to the sagittal plane. For the muscle contractions elicited by neural stimulation to be most effective, the motorized joints need to move freely when not actively assisting the desired motion. This study isolated the effect of the passive resistance or “friction” added at the joints by the assistive motors and transmissions on the metabolic energy consumption of walking in the device. Oxygen consumption was measured on six able-bodied subjects performing 6 min walk tests at three different speeds (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 m/s) under two different conditions: one with the motors producing no torque to compensate for friction, and the other having the motors injecting power to overcome passive friction based on a feedforward friction model. Average oxygen consumption in the uncompensated condition across all speeds, measured in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (METs), was statistically different than the friction compensated condition. There was an average decrease of 8.8% for METs and 1.9% for heart rate across all speeds. While oxygen consumption was reduced when the brace performed friction compensation, other factors may have a greater contribution to the metabolic energy consumption when using the device. Future studies will assess the effects of gravity compensation on the muscular effort required to lift the weight of the distal segments of the exoskeleton as well as the sagittal plane constraint on walking motions in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

La pobreza energética se define como la carencia de satisfacción de servicios energéticos esenciales para la vida humana (falta de acceso, cantidad y calidad no solo de energía sino de equipamiento), y repercute sobre el nivel de bienestar y desarrollo humano de los miembros del hogar. Las tecnologías ejercen un rol central en los procesos de inclusión y cambio social. En este marco, la utilización de energías renovables es considerada una herramienta válida para aliviar la situación de pobreza energética y promover la inclusión de poblaciones vulnerables. En el presente artículo se presenta una propuesta de intervención para la satisfacción del servicio energético de agua caliente sanitaria en un barrio vulnerable de la ciudad de Bahía Blanca. Se detalla la tecnología a implementar, con sus beneficios, la población objetivo y la metodología propuesta para realizar un análisis de impacto a través de un experimento aleatorio. A su vez, se comentan las dificultades y cambios implementados en la aplicación de dicha tecnología debido a la pandemia por COVID-19. En los resultados preliminares socio-económicos se encuentra que la población objetivo evidencia múltiples privaciones y la dimensión energética es una de ellas. Por otro lado, se concluye que las estrategias individuales desarrolladas para la satisfacción de las necesidades energéticas son ineficientes, contaminantes e irregulares, mientras que los vecinos demuestran incentivos en participar de una propuesta ambientalmente amigable y de bajo costo. Energy poverty is defined as the lack of satisfaction of energy services essential for human life (lack of access, quantity and quality not only of energy but also of equipment), and has an impact on the level of well-being and human development of household members. Technologies play a central role in the processes of inclusion and social change. In this framework, the use of renewable energies is considered a valid tool to alleviate the situation of energy poverty and promote social inclusion. In the present work, an intervention proposal is presented to satisfy the sanitary hot water energy service in a vulnerable neighborhood of the city of Bahía Blanca. The technology to be implemented, with its benefits, the target population and the proposed methodology to carry out an impact analysis through a random experiment are detailed. In turn, the difficulties and changes implemented in the application of this technology due to the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed. In the preliminary socioeconomic results, it is found that the target population shows multiple deprivations and the energy dimension is one of them. On the other hand, it is concluded that the individual strategies developed to satisfy energy needs are inefficient, polluting and irregular, while neighbors show incentives to participate in an environmentally friendly and low-cost proposal. Fil: Reyes Pontet, Mauro David. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Economía. Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur; Argentina Fil: Ibañez Martín, María María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Economía. Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur; Argentina Fil: London, Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Economía. Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales del Sur; Argentina

Improvement on litter size in hyperprolific sows has decreased piglet’s birthweight and increased newborn mortality. Besides, no significant changes have been reported on the sow colostrum-milk composition. Phytogenic compounds (PC) are phytochemicals that may promote swine health and performance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of PC maternal transfer on reproductive and litter performance, and sows colostrum-milk features. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows were assigned to 3 treatments. Control sows were unsupplemented, whereas treated sows were offered supplemented diets with 1 g/kg of a blend of PC (BPC) during gestation and lactation (GL), or only lactation (L). Maternal transfer of PC into the amniotic fluid and milk were determined by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Farrowing and litter performance were monitored. Moreover, the colostrum and milk composition, and milk inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Candida albicans were determined. Data were analyzed with ANOVA by using the MIXED procedure of SAS, while, Fisher test for milk bacteriostatic activity was performed. Thymol, anethole, linalool, and eucalyptol were transferred via amniotic liquid, whereas, p-cymene, thymol, and anethole were also transferred into the milk (P < 0.05). No differences (P > 0.05) were observed on number of total born piglets (C 17.14, L 17.75, and GL 19.16). However, BPC supplementation increased (P = 0.007) the piglets born alive (C 14.53, L 15.33, and GL 17.60), while reduced (P = 0.031) the newborn piglets BW. Colostrum protein in GL and milk fat contents in L and GL (Table 1) were increased (P < 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity (P < 0.05) against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, dietary BPC supplementation during gestation and/or lactation increased the number of piglets born alive, enhanced both the colostrum-milk composition, and the milk inhibitory activity against well-known pathogens.

(1) Background: An iterative learning control (ILC) strategy was developed for a “Muscle First” Motor-Assisted Hybrid Neuroprosthesis (MAHNP). The MAHNP combines a backdrivable exoskeletal brace with neural stimulation technology to enable persons with paraplegia due to spinal cord injury (SCI) to execute ambulatory motions and walk upright. (2) Methods: The ILC strategy was developed to swing the legs in a biologically inspired ballistic fashion. It maximizes muscular recruitment and activates the motorized exoskeletal bracing to assist the motion as needed. The control algorithm was tested using an anatomically realistic three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the lower leg and pelvis suitably modified to account for exoskeletal inertia. The model was developed and tested with the OpenSim biomechanical modeling suite. (3) Results: Preliminary data demonstrate the efficacy of the controller in swing-leg simulations and its ability to learn to balance muscular and motor contributions to improve performance and accomplish consistent stepping. In particular, the controller took 15 iterations to achieve the desired outcome with 0.3% error.

Background: Despite thyroid cancer being the second most common cancer in Hispanic women, little is known about access to and utilization of medical information resources by Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. Methods: Hispanic women who had diagnoses of thyroid cancer reported to the Los Angeles Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry in 2014-2015, and who had previously completed our thyroid cancer survey in 2017-2018, were offered follow-up surveys in both English and Spanish (N=273; 80% response rate). Acculturation, which is the process by which individuals adopt the language, values, attitudes, and behaviors of a different culture, was assessed with the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Health literacy was assessed with the validated single-item question of “How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?” with response categories based on a five-point Likert scale from “extremely” to “not at all”. Patients were also asked about their internet access, information resources used, and ability to access medical information about thyroid cancer in their preferred language. We generated descriptive statistics for all categorical variables and used Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square tests to test for a relationship between level of acculturation and the following variables: health literacy, internet access, information resources used, and ability to access information. Results: Participants’ median age at diagnosis was 47 years (range 20-79); 49% were low-acculturated, 25% had low health literacy, and 14% reported no internet access at home. Low-acculturated Hispanic women reported using information resources in both English and Spanish whereas high-acculturated women used resources in English only. Hispanic women were more likely to report the ability to access medical information about thyroid cancer all of the time if they preferred information in English compared to if they preferred it in Spanish (89% vs 37%, P

Neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex is a multicomponent nonviral vector that enables gene delivery via internalization of the neurotensin type 1 receptor (NTSR1) to dopaminergic neurons and cancer cells. An approach to improving its therapeutic safety is replacing the viral karyophilic component (peptide KPSV40; MAPTKRKGSCPGAAPNKPK), which performs the nuclear import activity, by a shorter synthetic peptide (KPRa; KMAPKKRK). We explored this issue and the mechanism of plasmid DNA translocation through the expression of the green fluorescent protein or red fluorescent protein fused with KPRa and internalization assays and whole-cell patch-clamp configuration experiments in a single cell together with importin α/β pathway blockers. We showed that KPRa electrostatically bound to plasmid DNA increased the transgene expression compared with KPSV40 and enabled nuclear translocation of KPRa-fused red fluorescent proteins and plasmid DNA. Such translocation was blocked with ivermectin or mifepristone, suggesting importin α/β pathway mediation. KPRa also enabled NTS-polyplex-mediated expression of reporter or physiological genes such as human mesencephalic-derived neurotrophic factor (hMANF) in dopaminergic neurons in vivo. KPRa is a synthetic monopartite peptide that showed nuclear import activity in NTS-polyplex vector-mediated gene delivery. KPRa could also improve the transfection of other nonviral vectors used in gene therapy.

En las últimas tres décadas, el estudio de las biopelículas bacterianas ha tomado gran relevancia gracias a su identificación como uno de los factores más importantes en el desarrollo de infecciones crónicas. Una de las patologías de mayor interés en el área de la salud, y de la cual se ha logrado profundizar en mayor medida, corresponde a las heridas crónicas, en donde se estima que las biopelículas bacterianas están presentes en el 60%, comparadas con las heridas agudas en donde se presentan solo en el 20%. Las heridas crónicas representan el 1-2% de todas las heridas a nivel mundial, pero la carga socioeconómica y emocional que generan, repercute notablemente debido a los costos en curaciones, tratamientos convencionales y en complicaciones tan graves como las amputaciones de extremidades. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es proporcionar información relevante sobre el concepto de las biopelículas bacterianas, su implicación en el desarrollo de heridas crónicas, el diagnóstico y los posibles tratamientos. In the last decades, the study of bacterial biofilms has become relevant due to its significance in the development of chronic infections. Chronic wounds constitute a disease that holds great interest for health care. It is estimated that bacterial biofilms are present in 60% of chronic wounds as opposed to acute wounds in which the presence of bacterial biofilms is 20%. Chronic wounds account for 1% to 2% of all injuries worldwide but socioeconomic and emotional burden plays a major role in healing costs; traditional treatments and severe complications such limb amputations. The aim of the present review article is to provide relevant information on the concept of bacterial biofilms, its implication in the development of chronic wounds, its diagnosis and prospective treatments.

Summary A lymph node sinus-on-a-chip adhesion microfluidic platform that recapitulates the hydrodynamic microenvironment of the lymph node subcapsular sinus was engineered. This device was used to interrogate the effects of lymph node remodeling on cellular adhesion in fluid flow relevant to lymphatic metastasis. Wall shear stress levels analytically estimated and modeled after quiescent and diseased/inflamed lymph nodes were experimentally recapitulated using a flow-based microfluidic perfusion system to assess the effects of physiological flow fields on human metastatic cancer cell adhesion. Results suggest that both altered fluid flow profiles and presentation of adhesive ligands, which are predicted to manifest within the lymph node subcapsular sinus as a result of inflammation-induced remodeling, and the presence of lymph-borne monocytic cells may synergistically contribute to the dynamic extent of cell adhesion in flow relevant to lymph node invasion by cancer and monocytic immune cells during lymphatic metastasis., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • A lymph node subcapsular sinus-on-a-chip was engineered to study lymphatic metastasis • Altered fluid flows and adhesive ligands regulate cell adhesion in subcapsular sinus • Monocytes increase cancer cell adhesion adhesion in a lymph node flow-dependent manner • Biophysical effects of lymph node remodeling regulates lymphatic metastasis mechanisms, Tissue Engineering; Cancer; Bioengineering

Background The improvement of sow prolificacy by breeding has increased the number of piglets produced per sow per year. However, intrauterine crowding and/or intrauterine growth restriction typically observed in hyperprolific sows impairs foetal growth which has decreased the average individual birthweight, with a larger proportion of low birthweight (LBW) pigs born per litter with poor gut development and compromised postnatal growth performance. Phytogenic compounds (PC) are plant-derived natural bioactive substances that can be used in livestock production as feed additives to promote animal health and production efficiency. This research aims to study if a specific blend of PC (BPC) supplemented in gestating and lactating hyperprolific sow diets may promote pre- and postnatal maternal effects on performance and oxidative status of sows and their offspring, colostrum-milk features, and piglet gut health-related gene expression and morphology. Forty DanBred hybrid line Landrace x Yorkhire gilts and sows (parities 0–7) were randomly allocated by parity number and body weight into two dietary treatments including unsupplemented Control (n = 20) or Control diets supplemented with 1 g/kg feed of BPC (n = 20) throughout gestation and lactation.Results Several dietary PC from the supplemented BPC were transferred to the placental fluid and milk. The BPC supplementation during gestation enhanced the litter size, antioxidant status, and colostrum protein content of sows. Jejunal histomorphology of neonate piglets, and intestinal-function gene expression related to nutrient transport, antioxidant, innate immune response, and digestion were improved in the BPC group. For both, sows and piglets, plasma antioxidant activity of CAT and SOD enzymes were enhanced. For suckling piglets, jejunal expression of genes related to gut barrier function was improved and piglet weight gain from birth to weaning was enhanced in the BPC group.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of BPC in gestating and lactating diets for hyperprolific sows improves sow’s reproductive performance and colostrum composition, with a significant strength of the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. The prenatal and postnatal maternal transfer (placental fluid and milk) of BPC to the offspring would influence on the neonatal programming and postnatal of piglet’s gut health, with advantageous effects on piglet’s growth performance.

Emergent technologies that make use of novel materials and quantum properties of light states are at the forefront in the race for the physical implementation, encoding and transmission of information. Photonic crystals (PCs) enter this paradigm with optical materials that allow the control of light propagation and can be used for optical communication, and photonics and electronics integration, making use of materials ranging from semiconductors, to metals, metamaterials, and topological insulators, to mention but a few. Here, we show how designer superconductor materials integrated into PCs fabrication allow for an extraordinary reduction of electromagnetic waves damping, making possible their optimal propagation and tuning through the structure, below critical superconductor temperature. We experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, a successful integration of ferroelectric and superconductor materials into a one-dimensional (1D) PC composed of $$({\text {B}}{\text {T}}{\text {O}}/{\text {Y}}{\text {B}}{\text {C}} {\text {O}})_{{\text {N}}}/{\text {S}}{\text {T}}{\text {O}}$$(BTO/YBCO)N/STO bilayers that work in the whole visible spectrum, and below (and above) critical superconductor temperature $$T_C=80\, {\hbox {K}}$$TC=80K. Theoretical calculations support, for different number of bilayers N, the effectiveness of the produced 1D PCs and may pave the way for novel optoelectronics integration and information processing in the visible spectrum, while preserving their electric and optical properties.

This article reports the context specificity of habituation in earthworms (Lumbricidae family). Using earthworms as subjects-which are typically sensitive to odors-the present study sought to evaluate the context specificity of habituation by giving subjects repeated exposures to a bright light in one odorous context, after which they were presented again with the same stimulus in a different context. The recovery of responding in this second context was higher in the group where the odor of this context was different, in comparison with a control group for which the context was the same. To provide further support for these findings, a second experiment was run using a within-subject design where all subjects were trained in both of the conditions. In this case, in addition to the light, vibration was used as a second stimulus. The subjects again displayed a higher increase in responding in the condition where the context was different (in odor) in comparison with the case in which the context was the same, thus replicating the results obtained in the first experiment. We discuss the implications of these results in the light of current data and learning theories. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

This work is descriptive observational, with transversal design, was to analyze the time of motor commitment in Physical Education classes in three subsystems of Venezuelan education. The analysis unit consisted of a discretionary sample of 6 Physical Education classes between initial education, basic education and secondary education, at the rate of 2 classes for each subsystem. The number of students participating was 192. For the observation and registration, was used, the temporal variables were recorded, and in the second instance, the classes were recorded considering variables associated with: organization of groups, activities, disposition of materials, use and distribution of physical space. The results confirm the little use of the Physical Education class to favor the motor development; none of the observed classes managed to accumulate 50% of the time of motor commitment (a single one passed of 40%), thus confirming the trend of other investigations., Este trabajo es de carácter observacional descriptivo, con diseño transversal, y analiza el tiempo de compromiso motor en clases de Educación Física en tres subsistemas de la educación venezolana. La unidad de análisis estuvo constituida por una muestra discrecional de 6 clases de Educación Física entre educación inicial, educación básica y educación media, a razón de 2 clases por cada subsistema. La cantidad de estudiantes participantes fue de 192. Para la observación y registro se procedió al registro de variables temporales, y en segunda instancia, a la grabación de las clases considerando variables asociadas a: organización de grupos, actividades, disposición de materiales, uso y distribución del espacio físico. Los resultados confirman el poco aprovechamiento de las clases de Educación Física en cuestión para favorecer el desarrollo motor; ninguna de las clases observadas logró acumular un 50% del tiempo de compromiso motor (una sola pasó de 40%), confirmando así la tendencia de otras investigaciones.

Introduction: Despite the excellent prognosis of most thyroid cancer patients, cancer-related worry is common. Additionally, patients report that being told by physicians that they have a “good cancer” invalidates their fears of having cancer and creates mixed and confusing emotions. However, it is not known what proportion of physicians try to reassure patients with the description “good cancer”. Methods: Patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer in 2014–2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County were asked to identify endocrinologists and surgeons involved in managing their thyroid cancer. Physicians were surveyed using the modified Diliman method. They were asked to describe their thyroid cancer patients’ worry at time of diagnosis and what they tell them if worried. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify physician characteristics associated with reporting thyroid cancer as a “good cancer”. Results: Response rate was 69% (448/654). Overall, 40% were endocrinologists, 30% were general surgeons and 30% were otolaryngologists. A total of 8% of physicians reported that their patients are not worried or are a little worried at diagnosis, 27% that they are somewhat worried and 65% that they are quite or very worried. Ninety-one percent of physicians reported providing details on prognosis including information on death and recurrence to worried patients, 61% tell them their physicians are experienced in managing thyroid cancer, and 50% tell them that thyroid cancer is a “good cancer”. Factors associated with report of telling patients they have a “good cancer” included otolaryngology specialty [odds ratio (OR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–3.17, compared to endocrinology), private practice setting (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.42–4.75, compared to academic setting) and Los Angeles site (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46–3.45, compared to Georgia site). Physicians who perceived that their patients were quite or very worried at time of diagnosis were less likely to use this terminology (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.84) and more likely to encourage patients to seek help outside of the physician-patient relationship (OR1.82, 95% CI 0.35–0.84), compared to patients not to somewhat worried. Conclusion: Most physicians in our sample from two diverse geographic areas report perceiving patient worry as common at time of thyroid cancer diagnosis. They report addressing this worry with different strategies, including telling patients they have a “good cancer”. The benefit of such strategies on patient outcomes still needs further investigation.

DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) have been shown to be effective for the management of inpatient diabetes. We report pooled data from 3 prospective studies using DPP-4i in general medicine and surgery patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).We combined data from 3 randomized studies comparing DPP-4i alone or in combination with basal insulin or a basal-bolus insulin regimen. Medicine (n = 266) and surgery (n = 319) patients admitted with a blood glucose (BG) between 140 and 400 mg/dL, treated with diet, oral agents, or low-dose insulin therapy were included. Patients received DPP-4i alone (n = 144), DPP-4i plus basal insulin (n = 158) or basal-bolus regimen (n = 283). All groups received correctional doses with rapid-acting insulin for BG140 mg/dL. The primary endpoint was differences in mean daily BG between groups. Secondary endpoints included differences in hypoglycemia and hospital complications.There were no differences in mean hospital daily BG among patients treated with DPP-4i alone (170 ± 37 mg/dL), DPP-4i plus basal (172 ± 42 mg/dL), or basalbolus (172 ± 43 mg/dL), P = .94; or in the percentage of BG readings within target of 70 to 180 mg/dL (63 ± 32%, 60 ± 31%, and 64 ± 28%, respectively; P = .42). There were no differences in length of stay or complications, but hypoglycemia was less common with DPP-4i alone (2%) compared to DPP-4i plus basal (9%) and basal-bolus (10%); P = .004.Treatment with DPP-4i alone or in combination with basal insulin is effective and results in a lower incidence of hypoglycemia compared to a basal-bolus insulin regimen in general medicine and surgery patients with T2D.BG = blood glucose; BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; DPP-4i = dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; OR = odds ratio; T2D = type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Over the past four decades, there has been a substantial increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer with studies suggesting that greater use of thyroid ultrasound contributes to the rise in incidence. However, little is known about physician reported practice patterns on ultrasound use. Methods: Patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer in 2014–15 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries of Georgia and Los Angeles were surveyed and asked to identify the surgeon who performed their thyroid surgery, and the endocrinologist and other doctors most involved in their thyroid cancer treatment decision making. We surveyed all physicians identified by more than one patient, and a random sample of physicians identified by one surveyed patient (N=610; 65% response rate). Surveyed physicians were asked to identify the clinical scenarios in which they would schedule a thyroid or neck ultrasound. We generated descriptive statistics for all categorical variables and used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with thyroid ultrasound misuse. Results: The cohort consisted of primary care physicians (PCPs; N=162), endocrinologists (N=176), otolaryngologists (N=130), and general surgeons (N=134). In addition to physicians reporting ultrasound use for accepted reasons such as palpable nodule on exam (98%), large goiter (92%), and nodule seen on other imaging test (88%), a substantial number of physicians endorsed ultrasound use for clinically unsupported reasons: patient request (33%); abnormal thyroid function tests (28%); and positive thyroid antibodies (22%). In multivariable analysis, compared to PCPs, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists, and general surgeons were significantly more likely to schedule an ultrasound in response to patient request (odds ratio (OR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–5.11; OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.57–5.79; OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.17–3.97, respectively). Physicians in private practice were more likely to schedule an ultrasound for abnormal thyroid function tests (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.33–4.73) and positive thyroid antibodies (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.27–5.21) compared to those in academic medical centers. Physicians who managed ten patients or less, compared to more than 50 patients, with thyroid nodules in the past 12 months were less likely to schedule an ultrasound for positive thyroid antibodies (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.95). Conclusion: Physicians report scheduling thyroid ultrasound for reasons not supported by clinical guidelines and in conflict with the Choosing Wisely recommendations. Understanding why physicians use thyroid ultrasound and factors that correlate with clinically unsupported reasons is essential to creating targeted educational interventions to improve physician adherence to guidelines, reduce unnecessary imaging, and curb the overdiagnosis of low-risk thyroid cancer.

The spreading and accumulation of α-synuclein and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, two hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD), have been faithfully reproduced in rodent brains by chronic, oral administration of β-sitosterol β-D-glucoside (BSSG). We investigated whether a single injection of BSSG (6 μg BSSG/μL DMSO) in the left substantia nigra of Wistar rats causes the same effects. Mock DMSO injections and untreated rats formed control groups. We performed immunostainings against the pathological α-synuclein, the dopaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the neuroskeleton marker β-III tubulin, the neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTSR1) as non-dopaminergic phenotype marker and Fluro-Jade C (F-J C) label for neurodegeneration. Using β-galactosidase (β-Gal) assay and active caspase-3 immunostaining, we assessed cell death mechanisms. Golgi-Cox staining was used to measure the density and types of dendritic spines of striatal medium spiny neurons. Motor and non-motor alterations were also evaluated. The study period comprised 15 to 120 days after the lesion. In the injured substantia nigra, BSSG caused a progressive α-synuclein aggregation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration caused by senescence and apoptosis. The α-synuclein immunoreactivity was also present within microglia cells. Decreased density of dopaminergic fibers and dendritic spines also occurred in the striatum. Remarkably, all the histopathological changes also appeared on the contralateral nigrostriatal system, and α-synuclein aggregates were present in other brain regions. Motor and non-motor behavioral alterations were progressive. Our data show that the stereotaxic BSSG administration reproduces PD α-synucleinopathy phenotype in the rat. This approach will aid in identifying the spread mechanism of α-synuclein pathology and validate anti-synucleinopathy therapies.

PURPOSE: Understand physician management of thyroid cancer-related worry. METHODS: Endocrinologists, general surgeons, and otolaryngologists identified by Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) patients were surveyed 2018–2019 [response rate 69% (448/654)] and asked to rate in general their patients’ worry at diagnosis and action they take for worried patients. Multivariable weighted logistic regressions were conducted to determine physician characteristics associated with reporting thyroid cancer as “good cancer” and with encouraging patients to seek help managing worry outside the physician-patient relationship. RESULTS: Physicians reported their patients as quite/very worried (65%), somewhat worried (27%) and a little/not worried (8%) at diagnosis. Half the physicians tell patients thyroid cancer is a “good cancer”. Otolaryngology [odds ratio (OR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–3.21, versus endocrinology], private practice (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.32–4.68, versus academic setting) and Los Angeles (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.45–3.46, versus Georgia) were associated with using “good cancer”. If patients are worried, 97% of physicians make themselves available for discussion, 44% refer to educational websites, 18% encourage communication with family/friends, 13% refer to support groups and 7% to counselors. Physicians who perceived patients being quite/very worried were less likely to use “good cancer” (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35–0.84) and more likely to encourage patients to seek help outside the physician-patient relationship (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.17–2.82). CONCLUSION / IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Physicians perceive patient worry as common and address it with various approaches, with some approaches of unclear benefit. Efforts are needed to develop tailored interventions targeting survivors’ psychosocial needs.

Resumen La divulgación científica es imprescindible para consolidar el diálogo académico y el desarrollo científico-técnico. Ahora, mucha de la investigación que se hace y se divulga no produce el impacto esperado dado que las vías de divulgación no son las más adecuadas en algunos casos. Este trabajo tiene como objeto la revisión propositiva de criterios de selección de revistas científicas con el fin de la postulación de artículos para su publicación por autores nóveles. Así, plantea una guía para la escogencia de una revista científica que reúna las mejores condiciones en el ámbito de la visibilidad, acceso, impacto y calidad de la información. Abstract The popularization of science is essential to consolidate academic dialogue and scientific-technical development. Now, much of the research that is done and disseminated does not produce the expected impact since the means of dissemination are not the most appropriate in some cases. The purpose of this work is to review the selection criteria for scientific journals in order to submit articles for publication. Thus, it proposes a series of indicators that guide the selection of a journal that meets the best conditions in the field of visibility, access, impact and quality of information. Resumo A divulgação científica é essencial para consolidar o diálogo acadêmico e o desenvolvimento técnico-científico. Agora, grande parte da pesquisa realizada e disseminada não produz o impacto esperado, uma vez que as rotas de divulgação não são as mais adequadas em alguns casos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo propor uma revisão dos critérios de seleção de revistas científicas, a fim de solicitar artigos para publicação. Assim, gera uma série de indicadores que orientam a escolha de uma revista que atenda às melhores condições no campo da visibilidade, acesso, impacto e qualidade das informações.

Since practical activities are important at formative level, is fundamental that pre-service teacher gain adequate pedagogical content knowledge and achieve to enhance the skills and learning that derived from laboratories to serve as good guides for their future students. In that sense, the perceptions of academic staff in charge of carrying out the laboratories is that students do not prepare properly for the experimental work. However, this has not been systematically explores even though it is recognized as an old problem. This work aims to study the effect and the role of motivation on the preparation of laboratories. In accordance with Motivated Learning Model, a convenient way to study the role of motivation during learning is through thoughts and beliefs. Here we used the Theory of Planned Behavior to conduct an elicitation study to identify transversal beliefs of pre-service chemistry teacher from four universities about motivated learning of laboratories. A set of accessible beliefs transversal to all the universities was obtained in the field of attitudinal beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs. The analysis suggest that students of pedagogy in chemistry, transversally, do not perceive that preparing the laboratories would have apparent disadvantages. Comparing normative and attitudinal beliefs with control beliefs, a major range of beliefs elicited; four obstacles and two factors that could facilitate performing the behavior. Time management, academic and nonacademic activities are perceived as factors that could inhibit the preparation of laboratory sessions. In addition, student’s beliefs that to prepare laboratory improves the performance of laboratory, thus they feel more confident before staring the laboratory sessions. The insights gained from this study may be of assistance to improve chemistry laboratory preparation, either to improve concepts, procedures and attitudes of students toward chemistry laboratory

Background Controversy exists over whether there has been a true increase in the occurrence of thyroid cancer or overdiagnosis secondary to imaging practices. Because cancer overdiagnosis is associated with detection of indolent disease, overdiagnosis can be associated with perceived improvement in survival. Materials and Methods Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database was used to determine the relationship between type of imaging leading to thyroid cancer diagnosis and survival. Disease-specific and overall survival were evaluated in 11,945 patients aged ≥66 years with differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2001, and September 30, 2015, who prior to their cancer diagnosis initially underwent thyroid ultrasound versus other imaging capturing the neck. Analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model with propensity score. Results Patients who underwent thyroid ultrasound as compared with other imaging had improved disease-specific and overall survival (p < .001, p < .001). However, those who underwent thyroid ultrasound were less likely to have comorbidities (p < .001) and more likely to be younger (p < .001), be female (p < .001), have localized cancer (p < .001), and have tumor size ≤1 cm (p < .001). After using propensity score analysis and adjusting for tumor characteristics, type of initial imaging still correlated with better overall survival but no longer correlated with better disease-specific survival. Conclusion There is improved disease-specific survival in patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer after thyroid ultrasound as compared with after other imaging. However, better disease-specific survival is related to these patients being younger and healthier and having lower-risk cancer, suggesting that thyroid ultrasound screening contributes to cancer overdiagnosis. Implications for Practice The findings from this study have implications for patients, physicians, and policy makers. Patients who have thyroid ultrasound as their initial imaging are fundamentally different from those who are diagnosed after other imaging. Because patients undergoing ultrasound are younger and healthier and are diagnosed with lower-risk thyroid cancer, they are less likely to die of their thyroid cancer. However, being diagnosed with thyroid cancer can lead to cancer-related worry and create risks for harm from treatments. Thus, efforts are needed to reduce inappropriate use of ultrasound, abide by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, and apply nodule risk stratification tools when appropriate.

Summary Background Catheter-based renal denervation has significantly reduced blood pressure in previous studies. Following a positive pilot trial, the SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED (SPYRAL Pivotal) trial was designed to assess the efficacy of renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications. Methods In this international, prospective, single-blinded, sham-controlled trial, done at 44 study sites in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, the UK, and the USA, hypertensive patients with office systolic blood pressure of 150 mm Hg to less than 180 mm Hg were randomly assigned 1:1 to either a renal denervation or sham procedure. The primary efficacy endpoint was baseline-adjusted change in 24-h systolic blood pressure and the secondary efficacy endpoint was baseline-adjusted change in office systolic blood pressure from baseline to 3 months after the procedure. We used a Bayesian design with an informative prior, so the primary analysis combines evidence from the pilot and Pivotal trials. The primary efficacy and safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02439749 . Findings From June 25, 2015, to Oct 15, 2019, 331 patients were randomly assigned to either renal denervation (n=166) or a sham procedure (n=165). The primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were met, with posterior probability of superiority more than 0·999 for both. The treatment difference between the two groups for 24-h systolic blood pressure was −3·9 mm Hg (Bayesian 95% credible interval −6·2 to −1·6) and for office systolic blood pressure the difference was −6·5 mm Hg (−9·6 to −3·5). No major device-related or procedural-related safety events occurred up to 3 months. Interpretation SPYRAL Pivotal showed the superiority of catheter-based renal denervation compared with a sham procedure to safely lower blood pressure in the absence of antihypertensive medications. Funding Medtronic.

Background and Aims: The genus Phanerophlebia was considered as enigmatic among pteridologists. Previous reviews have delimited a total of eight species, only two of which have been reported for Honduras. The objective of this study was to review the species of Phanerophlebia in Honduras and to examine their ecology, habitat, and distribution. Methods: Between March 2018 and February 2019, we reviewed herbarium specimens of Phanerophlebia and made trips and new collections in previously reported locations, in order to better understand the ecology, habitat, and distribution of the Honduran species. Key results: We document the first record for Honduras of Phanerophlebia macrosora and the rare hybrid P. juglandifolia × P. macrosora. A dichoto-mous key was prepared for the species reported for the country. Conclusions: Molecular and cytological studies of difficult to delimit taxa are needed, as well as the effective conservation of the areas where they can be found. Revisions of pteridophyte groups and additional surveys are still necessary to better understand the current diversity of Honduras.

Phytogenic actives (PA) are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that may promote livestock health and well-being, as well as improve growth performance and production efficiency. The current study aims to evaluate their effects on sows and their offspring. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows (up to parity 7) were assigned to 3 experimental treatments. Control sows were offered a nonsupplemented diet during gestation and lactation, and treated sows were fed the control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of a blend of PA (BPA) in lactation (L) or during gestation and lactation (GL). An evaluation was made of placental and milk maternal transfer of these BPA and colostrum–milk features, sows and piglets antioxidant status, reproductive performance (litter size), body weight (BW) changes, weaning-estrus interval, and litter performance. Finally, piglet´s jejunum gene expression was measured. The BPA supplementation during gestation (GL) increased the number of piglets born alive (P = 0.020) and reduced (P 0.05). Dietary phytogenic volatile compounds reached GL placental fluid, and milk of L and GL sows (P

The lack of geo-information related to important types of natural hazards such us landslides, leads to use quick and inexpensive methodologies in models that indicate the reality, this with the purpose of the acquisition of information for planning and development of the territory. The main objective of this study has been to determine landslides hazard zones along the Mira river basin in northern Ecuador. The delimitation of these zones has been performed through geographic information systems (GIS), which supported to collect, process and interrelate the information of conditional factors (land cover, lithology and slope) with triggering factors (seismic and precipitation records). These factors have been weighted with a heuristic model for their subsequent combination through the use of double-entry matrices. The result of the model application delivered five hazard categories of landslides being high, medium, low, none and not applicable category (water bodies and units without geomorphological characterization). Therefore, if the slope of a surface increased and it had soils that have poor vegetation or has been related with non-consolidated or fractured lithologic material, during the occurrence of strong precipitations (the principal triggering factor), all of it creates favorable scenarios for the generation of landslides. Therefore, for the territorial development in the Mira River basin, there is the need of the implementation of correct practices in places with adequate slopes, as this appeared to be the most important conditioning factor.

This paper focuses on demonstrating the design and build stages, and effort done by Systems Engineering students team (DustyTRON NASA Robotics) to develop a mining robot that was used in the 2016 National Aeronautics & Space Ad-ministration (NASA) Robotics Mining Competition (RMC). The objective of the NASA RMC challenge is to encourage engineering students to design and build a robot that will excavate, collect, and deposit a simulated Martian regolith. Mining water/ice, and regolith is very essential task for space missions and resource utilization, they contain many elements such as metals, minerals, and other compounds. The Mining will allow extracting pro-pellants from the regolith such as Oxygen and Hydrogen that can be used as an energy source for in-space transportation. In addition, the space mining system can be used in tasks that are important for human and robotics scientific investigations. The DustyTRON team consists of Systems Engineering students, who are divided into 1) hardware design, 2) electrical circuitry and 3) software development sub-teams. Each team works in harmony to overcome the challenges had previously experienced, such as heavy weight, circuitry layout design, autonomous and user control modes, and better software interface. They designed and built a remote controlled excavator robot, that can collect and deposit a minimum of ten (10) kilograms of regolith simulant within 15 minutes. The developed robot with its innovative mining mechanisms and control system and software will assist NASA in enhancing the current methodologies used for space/planet exploration and resources’ mining especially the Moon and Mars. NASA’s going-on project aims to send exploration robots that collect resources for analysis before sending astronauts. In 2016, only 56 United State (US) teams were invited to participate, and DustyTRON was one of three university teams from the state of Texas, the team placed the 16th in overall performance. This paper will address the full engineering life-cycle process including research, concept design and development, constructing the robot and system closeout by delivering the team’s robot for the competition in Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue la obtención de zonas físicas óptimas para los cultivos de arroz (Oriza sativa L.), maíz (Zea mays L.) y caña de azúcar (Saccharum oficinarum L.). Se determinaron los requerimientos edáficos y climáticos de dichos cultivos. Se superpusieron mapas geopedológicos y climáticos de 14 cantones que conforman la cuenca baja del río Guayas, a través de un Sistema de información Geográfica (SIG), obteniéndose como resultado el mapa agroecológico, y que mediante la aplicación de un lenguaje estructurado de consulta, a los atributos del mapa, y teniendo de base los requerimientos edafo-climáticos de los cultivos, se obtuvieron las zonas con condiciones aptas para cada uno de los mismos: 50 682 ha (7,3 % del área de estudio) para el cultivo de arroz, 103 992 ha (15 %) para el cultivo de maíz y 24 188 ha (3,5 %) para el cultivo de caña de azúcar. Se concluyó que la zonificación es una herramienta que permite gestionar el territorio, mediante el correcto manejo de los recursos, combinando los requerimientos climáticos y edáficos de los cultivos con los estudios de suelos, definiendo zonas homogéneas que reúnen características óptimas que permitan aumentar la producción por unidad de superficie, en tierras con verdadera vocación agrícola.

In recent years, software diversification has become a viable security assurance measure to prevent the proliferation of reusable exploits. Lacking, however, are tools that focus on comparative analysis of diversification techniques on memory usage and CPU usage, as well as energy consumption, along with metrics associated with the persistence of return oriented programming ROP gadgets across diversified binaries. In this paper, we present an open source tool-set system to streamline binary diversification. In addition, we use our system to diversify several Linux binaries, and present an analysis of the impacts of several diversification algorithms on CPU clock cycles and on the total number of ROP gadgets between variants.

Objective Cancer recurrence is a primary concern for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer; however, population-level data on recurrent or persistent disease do not currently exist. The objective of this study was to determine treated recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer by using a population-based registry, identify correlates of poor treatment-free survival, and define prognostic groups for treatment-free survival. Methods In this population-based study, we evaluated treatment-free survival in 9273 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program–Medicare with a diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer between 1998 and 2012. Treated recurrence was defined by treatment of recurrent or persistent differentiated thyroid cancer with surgery, radioactive iodine, or radiation therapy at ≥1 year after diagnosis. Multivariable analysis was performed with Cox proportional hazards regression, survival trees, and random survival forests. Results In this cohort the median patient age at time of diagnosis was 69 years, and 75% of the patients were female. Using survival tree analyses, we identified five distinct prognostic groups (P < 0.001), with a prediction accuracy of 88.7%. The 5-year treatment-free survival rates of these prognostic groups were 96%, 91%, 85%, 72%, and 52%, respectively, and the 10-year treatment-free survival rates were 94%, 87%, 80%, 64%, and 39%. Based on survival forest analysis, the most important factors for predicting treatment-free survival were stage, tumor size, and receipt of radioactive iodine. Conclusion In this population-based cohort, five prognostic groups for treatment-free survival were identified. Understanding treatment-free survival has implications for the care and long-term surveillance of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Antecedentes y Objetivos: En 1996 las pteridofitas en Honduras estaban representadas por 109 géneros y 651 especies. Sin embargo, aunque no hay un catálogo reciente que refleje la diversidad actual de este grupo, han sido descubiertas en territorio hondureño nuevos registros y especies. Con el objetivo de aumentar el conocimiento del grupo, se presenta el primer registro de Draconopteris draconoptera para la flora de Honduras.Métodos: Como parte de inventarios florísticos en sitios arqueológicos dentro del núcleo de la Reserva del Hombre y Biosfera del Río Plátano (RHBRP), se colectaron diversos especímenes de plantas, entre ellos una especie no reportada previamente, identificada por el especialista R. C. Moran y confirmada posteriormente, usando claves taxonómicas.Resultados clave: El helecho encontrado en la RHBRP, Draconopteris draconoptera, representa un nuevo registro de un género monoespecífico para la flora de Honduras, expandiendo su distribución conocida más hacia el norte.Conclusiones: Se observa la necesidad de continuar investigando y actualizar el catálogo de pteridofitas de Honduras, con base en cambios taxonómicos recientes y el descubrimiento de nuevas especies y registros en el territorio hondureño desde su última actualización.

La incorporación de energías renovables como herramienta para aliviar la situación de privación energética de los sectores vulnerables se ha tornado una alternativa de política e intervenciones de menor escala. En el presente trabajo se exponen los primeros resultados encontrados en el marco de una prueba piloto de incorporación de colectores solares para agua caliente sanitaria en un barrio vulnerable de la ciudad de Bahía Blanca, Argentina. Bajo una concepción de incorporación de los actores sociales en el proceso de construcción y adaptación de las tecnologías, se realizaron talleres para la construcción e instalación de los colectores, como también sobre su mantenimiento. A partir de entrevistas en profundidad a los diversos actores claves del proyecto, se concluye que la adopción de los colectores solares ha sido satisfactoria y éstos cumplen un rol importante en la higiene del hogar y de sus habitantes. Sin embargo, en los diversos relatos se recupera una limitación en la capacidad de reproducir la fabricación de los artefactos, el desconocimiento sobre su reparación y mantenimiento, como también una dificultad en la transferencia de saberes sobre tecnologías renovables y la difusión de la tecnología sin la intervención del grupo investigador.

Infant feeding practices are a focus of early obesity prevention. We tested whether infant growth velocity increased after breastfeeding termination and complementary food introduction.Our secondary analysis included a sample of 547 mother-infant dyads from a longitudinal randomized controlled trial conducted in Michigan and Colorado. Infant anthropometrics at birth, baseline, and 6- and 12-month follow-up were standardized to BMI-for-age z-score (ZBMI) according to World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. We used growth curve models with time-varying predictors to quantify effects of breastfeeding termination and timing of complementary food introduction on growth velocity.Median breastfeeding duration was 2.0 months [confidence interval (CI) = 2.0-2.5]; median introduction of complementary foods occurred at 3.0 months (CI = 2.8-3.2). Breastfed infants not yet introduced to complementary foods had an average ZBMI growth velocity of 0.050 (CI = -0.013 to 0.113) z-score units per month [zpm], not significantly faster than WHO growth trajectory (p = 0.118) defined as 0 zpm. Breastfeeding termination had negligible effect on ZBMI growth velocity (γAverage postcomplementary food introduction growth velocity was significantly higher than WHO growth trajectory, but did not differ from the sample's initial average trajectory. Growth curve models can accurately estimate effects of feeding practices on infant growth to direct obesity prevention efforts.

Entre las fuentes de energías renovables, la energía solar es la más importante, debido a su abundancia, sostenibilidad y completamente libre de costo. Además utilizando un colector solar con seguimiento, la energía total recibida en un día claro puede ser del orden de un 30-45% mayor que para el mismo colector solar estático. Se diseñó y construyó un sistema de seguimiento autónomo y capaz de seguir el movimiento de sol, el cual se acoplo a un panel fotovoltaico para mejorar la ef iciencia en la captura de energía. Se evaluó el funcionamiento del dispositivo en términos energéticos, se realizaron tres pruebas de evaluación programándolo para que se oriente al sol a cada 60, 30 y 5 min, y se compararon los resultados con el rendimiento energético de un panel fotovoltaico f ijo. El software desarrollado fue funcional para la totalidad del territorio de la República Mexicana y durante todo el año. El mejor rendimiento energético se obtuvo cuando el seguidor solar se orientó al sol cada 60 min, la energía generada fue de 27.98% más respecto al panel fijo, con un gasto energético para su funcionamiento de 1.3% de la ganancia final de energía. Comparando la producción de energía del sistema con la radiación solar global (ISR, por sus siglas en ingles), éste aprovecho 13.27% de la energía disponible, y 2.93% más respecto al panel fijo.