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We propose a method for guiding the selection of the microcantilever excitation frequencies in low-quality-factor (liquid) bimodal amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy (AFM). Within the proposed method, the compositional contrast frequency is selected based on maximizing the derivative of the phase shift with respect to the drive frequency, observed during a tuning curve. This leads to different frequency choices and significant differences in the observables with respect to the customary practice of selecting the drive frequencies based on the amplitude peaks in the tuning curve. We illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of our approach by imaging an atomically flat calcite surface with single-eigenmode tapping-mode AFM in water, but driving a higher eigenmode instead of the fundamental eigenmode, and by imaging a polytetrafluoroethylene thin film with bimodal AFM, also in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change, studying changes in rainfall patterns is a crucial area of research, remarkably so in arid and semi-arid regions due to the susceptibility of human activities to extreme events such as droughts. Employing predictive models to calculate drought indices can be a useful method for the effective characterization of drought conditions. This study applies two type of machine learning methods—long short-term memory (LSTM) and Neural Hierarchical Interpolation for Time Series Forecasting (N-HiTS)—to develop and deploy artificial neural network models with the aim of predicting the regional standardized precipitation index (SPI) in four regions of Zacatecas, Mexico. The predictor variables were a set of climatological time series data spanning from 1964 to 2020. The results suggest that the N-HiTS model outperforms the LSTM model in the prediction and forecasting of SPI time series for all regions in terms of performance metrics: the Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, Coefficient of Determination and ξ correlation coefficient range from 0.0455 to 0.5472, from 0.1696 to 0.6661, from 0.9162 to 0.9684 and from 0.9222 to 0.9368, respectively, for the regions under study. Consequently, the outcomes revealed the successful performance of the N-HiTS models in accurately predicting the SPI across the four examined regions.

Studies evaluating the occurrence of enteropathogenic bacteria in urban rats (Rattus spp.) are scarce worldwide, specifically in the urban environments of tropical countries. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) and Salmonella spp. with zoonotic potential in urban slum environments. We trapped rats between April and June 2018 in Salvador, Brazil. We collected rectal swabs from Rattus spp., and cultured for E. coli and Salmonella spp., and screened E. coli isolates by polymerase chain reaction to identify pathotypes. E. coli were found in 70% of Rattus norvegicus and were found in four Rattus rattus. DEC were isolated in 31.3% of the 67 brown rats (R. norvegicus). The pathotypes detected more frequently were shiga toxin E. coli in 11.9%, followed by atypical enteropathogenic E. coli in 10.4% and enteroinvasive E. coli in 4.5%. From the five black rats (R. rattus), two presented DEC. Salmonella enterica was found in only one (1.4%) of 67 R. norvegicus. Our findings indicate that both R. norvegicus and R. rattus are host of DEC and, at lower prevalence, S. enterica, highlighting the importance of rodents as potential sources of pathogenic agents for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a condition of excessive skin growth and excessive laxity of the scalp, leading to deep furrows and folds that resemble the gyri and outer surface of the brain. Approaches for the treatment of CVG range from conservative to surgical, the last one being the predominant way of treating the condition, however, the surgery proposed in the recent literature may not be suitable for patients who desire a less invasive approach. Aim: To report the first case of autologous fat injection as a novel treatment option for primary essential CVG. Methods: A 51 -year-old Colombian man, with no medical records was treated with a scalp injection of autologous fat, with previous failed treatment with pressure therapy apply directly on skin is described. Results: A successful cosmetic improvement and a less invasive approach was reached after two sessions of autologous fat grafting. Conclusion: This method allowed excellent cosmetic outcomes while preserving the option of subsequent surgical repair in refractory cases.

The use of immersive technologies, especially Augmented Reality (AR), is presently one of the main technological trends in the field of education. Some studies carried out in recent years in this field highlight that traditional evaluation systems continue to be used and raise the possibility of using adapted evaluation systems. This research, based on primary sources of information, seeks empirical evidence regarding the need to use digital evaluation systems adapted to technological resources in Science subjects and in stages of Compulsory Secondary Education. The methodology used is quantitative research based on the design and statistical analysis of the responses given by students to a questionnaire created ad hoc, administered to assess an AR educational resource used in class to explain a key concept in connection with the subject. The results obtained through the exploratory factorial analysis of the students’ answers reveal, as a latent construct, a high level of acceptance of the digital evaluation system used. The analysis of the data obtained in this study allows us to establish the hypothesis that a digital evaluation system adapted to the use of an immersive AR technological resource can generate a positive impact on the students' learning process.

The AquaCrop model allows evaluating and designing irrigation strategies that improve the use of irrigation water. The objective of this research was to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model for maize to the climatic conditions of southern Uruguay, with different irrigation water management. This model was calibrated and validated for corn using experimental data from irrigation trials with different deficit levels in three seasons, 2015-16 and 2016-17 (calibration) and 2014-15 (validation). Three maximum irrigation depths were evaluated: 3, 6 and 9 mm day-1, and rainfed (rainfall only). The crop was parameterized for local conditions and water stress coefficients were adjusted. The calibration simulated the yield, biomass and soil moisture in the irrigated treatments with good performance. All the statistic indexes used to evaluate the adjustment between the observed and simulated data model indicated a good model performance, with the exception of the efficiency coefficient of the Nash-Sutcliffe (EF) model. The model underestimated the yield in the rainfed treatment (EF of -0.52) when root depth was limited to 0.7 m. However, the test soil allowed for greater radical exploration than the initially used. At 0.90 m root depth, the model was good at simulating the yields in the rainfed treatment, mainly in dry years (EF of 0.79). The model predicts the yield with good adjustment in different irrigation and rainfall situations if the stress coefficients are adjusted and the crop is properly parameterized, mainly the root depth.

Fruit discards due to physiological disorders and mechanical damage can exceed 50% of apple production in neotropical climate zones such as Uruguay. These damages become generally visible during ripening and storage, but they depend on factors that occur in the field. Sunburn is a major quality defect in fruit, known to be related to high radiation and temperatures, and, more recently, it has also been related to the water status of tissues in fruit and trees. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fruit damage and fruit tissue water status in “Brasil Gala”, “Cripps Pink” and “Granny Smith”, as well as the effect of treatments to avoid sun damage (50% black net, 20% translucent white net and kaolinite application) on stemwater potential in “Granny Smith”. Fruit water potential decreased throughout the growth cycle. The exposed sides of fruits located outside the tree crown showed lower water potential than the non-exposed sides. Only the 50% black net of the sunburn avoidance treatments modified the water potential.

Introducción: Los ácidos aristolóquicos contienen un grupo nitrofenantreno carboxílico, pudiendo encontrarlos en hierbas medicinales del género Aristolochia. La nefrotoxicidad del Ácido Aristolóquico ha sido confirmada en zonas geográficas endémicas como en los Balcanes de Europa y la zona de centroamérica. Los hallazgos clínicos consisten en una nefropatía tubulo intersticial y generalmente pasa desapercibida hasta estadíos avanzados de la enfermedad renal crónica. Objetivo de la revisión: El objetivo de la revisión es describir los principales aspectos fisiopatológicos y establecer un los criterios diagnósticos y de tratamiento en pacientes con Nefropatía por Ácido aristolóquico. Puntos importantes de la revisión: Se han descubierto alrededor de 180 tipos de ácidos aristolóquicos (AAs), los tipos más importantes AAΙ, AAΙΙ, AAΙΙΙa (AA C) y AAΙVa (AA D), que se diferencian según la posición de su radical hidroxilo (OH), hidrógeno (H) y metoxilo (OCH3). La nefropatía inducida por AA se da por lo menos por cinco vías que asocian el agotamiento del glutatión intracelular, daño celular por inducción de apoptosis celular, daño directo del retículo endoplásmico y daño mitocondrial. Esto produce lesión tubular atrófica y fibrosis intersticial, adicionalmente el metabolito tiene efecto neoplásico vesical. Conclusión: La incidencia de la nefropatía por ácido aristoloquico probablemente sea mucha más alta de lo que se pensaba inicialmente y debe plantearse su existencia en pacientes que debutan con enfermedad renal crónica con un patrón clínico túbulo-intersticial.

Introducción: El fósforo blanco es comúnmente utilizado en productos de pirotecnia. Cuando es ingerido puede producir alteraciones gastrointestinales, hepáticas, renales, colapso circulatorio y neurotoxicidad. No existe un antídoto y una opción de tratamiento puede ser el uso de hemoperfusión, por lo que se presenta el manejo del presente caso. Caso clínico: Hombre de 26 años, que acude con ingesta de 100 mg fósforo blanco en forma de 5 pastillas pirotécnicas (1.41 mg/kg) 5 horas previas. El examen físico con hiperetensión arterial 158/92 mm Hg, el resto del examen normal. Hemoglobina 17.8 g/dl, Colinesterasa 13216 U/L, cetonuria 150 mg/dl, toxicológico negativo para anfetaminas, barbitúricos, benzodiacepinas, cocaína, marihuana, metadona, metanfetaminas, opiáceos y antidepresivos. Manejo: Se realizó un lavado gástrico con bicarbonato de sodio al 10% (20 ampollas) más 1000 ml de Cloruro de Sodio al 0.9%. Se hidrató con Solución Salina 0.9% 100 ml/hora, Omeprazol 40 mg intravenoso y Acetilcisteína en infusión continua. Se colocó acceso vascular y fue sometido a 4 sesiones de Hemoperfusión (Jafron HA230 de carbón artivado), cada 12 horas con duración de 3 horas. Evolución: Al tercer hubo un incremento de TGP de 1002 U/l , el INR fue de 4.56. Se diagnosticó hepatitis aguda grave, sin encefalopatía, sin insuficiencia hepática aguda. Se realizó 4 sesiones adicionales de Hemoperfusión, simultáneamente recibe Vitamina K y Acetilcisteína. En el 6to día disminuyó el valor de TGP 128 U/L, y se normalizo el INR. Se dio el alta en buenas condiciones. Conclusión: La hemoperfusion en 8 sesiones en este caso de intoxicación grave por fósforo blanco, evitó la insuficiencia hepática y la mortalidad.

En este artículo tendremos en cuenta algunas fórmulas típicas de inicio de turno o constituyentes exclusivas de turno en la historia de la literatura española. Estudiaremos la continuidad de la fórmula desde el latín y la variación diacrónica en función de preferencias discursivas (por ejemplo, en lo que respecta a la función de tópico/foco) y sistemáticas (sustitución de esquemas gramaticales, preferencias sintácticas, obsolescencia léxica, etc.). El análisis permitirá comprender la importancia de ciertas tradiciones literarias para la habitualización de determinadas fórmulas, sin olvidar que el diálogo, como categoría (macro-) genérica, es transversal a diferentes subgéneros. Por otro lado, se insistirá en la relevancia del siglo XIX como período clave en la evolución de la oralidad elaborada gracias a la proliferación de la comedia, incluidas las traducciones de los comediógrafos latinos. Concluiremos que las fórmulas dialógicas son manifestación de una tradicionalidad supraidiomática que, en numerosos casos, ha resultado invisible al investigador.

Antecedentes: La estenosis aórtica (EA) es actualmente la enfermedad valvular más frecuente, con una prevalencia estimada de más del 4 % en octogenarios. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de estenosis aórtica (EA) moderada-grave en pacientes con amiloidosis por transtiretina wild type (ATTRwt). Además, describir las características clínicas, ecocardiográficas y la evolución en este grupo de pacientes. Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de ATTRwt, pertenecientes al Registro Institucional de Amiloidosis del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, en el periodo del 30/11/2007 al 31/05/2021. El seguimiento de los pacientes se realizó a través de la historia clínica electrónica de la institución. Se estimó la prevalencia de EA moderada-grave, que se presenta como porcentaje con su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Se compararon las características por grupos según tuvieran o no EA moderada-grave. Resultados: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes con diagnóstico de ATTRwt. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 476 días [rango intercuartílico: 192-749]. La prevalencia de EA moderada-grave al momento del diagnóstico de ATTRwt fue del 10.5% (n = 11; IC95%: 5-18%). La mediana de edad de los pacientes con EA fue de 86 años [78-91] y predominó el sexo masculino (81.8%). La mayoría de los pacientes tenían el antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca (n = 8) y fibrilación auricular (n = 8). Predominaron los pacientes con EA grave de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente (n = 7). Cuatro pacientes fueron sometidos a alguna intervención en la válvula aórtica. Durante el seguimiento, 5 pacientes (46%) tuvieron internaciones por insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada y 4 (36%) fallecieron. Conclusiones: En nuestra cohorte, la coexistencia de ambas patologías tuvo una prevalencia similar a la reportada en la literatura internacional. Se trató de una población añosa con alto porcentaje de fibrilación auricular y antecedente de insuficiencia cardiaca. La mayoría presentaron EA grave de bajo flujo y bajo gradiente.

Crop improvement efforts have exploited new methods for modeling spatial trends using the arrangement of the experimental units in the field. These methods have shown improvement in predicting the genetic potential of evaluated genotypes. However, the use of these tools may be limited by the exposure and accessibility to these products. In addition, these new methodologies often require plant scientists to be familiar with the programming environment used to implement them; constraints that limit data analysis efficiency for decision-making. These challenges have led to the development of Mr.Bean, an accessible and user-friendly tool with a comprehensive graphical visualization interface. The application integrates descriptive analysis, measures of dispersion and centralization, linear mixed model fitting, multi-environment trial analysis, factor analytic models, and genomic analysis. All these capabilities are designed to help plant breeders and scientist working with agricultural field trials make informed decisions more quickly. Mr.Bean is available for download at https://github.com/AparicioJohan/MrBeanApp.

The Norway rat is a globally distributed pest, known for its resilience to eradication and control programs. Efficient population control, especially in urban settings, is dependent on knowledge of rat demography and population ecology. We analyzed the relationship between four demographic outcomes, estimated by live-trapping data, and fine-scale environmental features measured at the capture site. Wounds, a proxy for agonistic interactions, were associated with mature individuals. Areas with environmental features favorable to rats, such as open sewers and unpaved earth, were associated with more mature individuals with a better body condition index. The control measures (environmental stressors) are likely to be disrupting the social structure of rat colonies, increasing the frequency and distribution of agonistic interactions, which were common in both sexes and maturity states. The relationship between the favorable environmental conditions and the demographic markers analyzed indicate possible targets for infestation control through environmental manipulation, and could be incorporated into current pest management programs to achieve long-term success. Our study indicate that urban interventions focused on removal of potential resources for rats could be potential long-term solutions by reducing the carrying capacity of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New adjuvant strategies are needed to improve protein-based subunit vaccine immunogenicity. We examined the potential to use nanostructure of 6-O-ascorbyl palmitate to formulate ovalbumin (OVA) protein and an oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) (OCC). In mice immunized with a single dose, OCC elicited an OVA-specific immune response superior to OVA/CpG-ODN solution (OC). Rheological studies demonstrated OCC's self-assembling viscoelastic properties. Biodistribution studies indicated that OCC prolonged OVA and CpG-ODN retention at injection site and lymph nodes, reducing systemic spread. Flow-cytometry assays demonstrated that OCC promoted OVA and CpG-ODN co-uptake by Ly6ChiCD11bhiCD11c+ monocytes. OCC and OC induced early IFN-γ in lymph nodes, but OCC led to higher concentration. Conversely, mice immunized with OC showed higher serum IFN-γ concentration compared to those immunized with OCC. In mice immunized with OCC, NK1.1+ cells were the IFN-γ major producers, and IFN-γ was essential for OVA-specific IgG2c switching. These findings illustrate how this nanostructure improves vaccine's response. In a murine model, we explored a novel strategy for formulating vaccine components. The OVA antigen and the CpG-ODN immunostimulant were nanoformulated with a nanostructure formed by self-assembly of ascorbyl palmitate. In parallel, other mice were vaccinated with OVA and CpG-ODN formulated in an aqueous solution. The nanoformulation improved the biodistribution of the vaccine components, favoring their accumulation in the draining lymph node of the injection site over systemic circulation. This profoundly influenced on the overall immune response. Notably, mice vaccinated with the nanoformulation exhibited markedly superior antigen-specific immune responses when compared to those vaccinated with the soluble formulation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]