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Abstract As a contribution to step 3 of the ESG6 blind prediction exercise, we present an application of two different, purely empirical approaches to estimate the strong ground motion at a soft site ("KUMA") from the observed ground motion at a reference rock site ("SEVO") for the two largest shocks of the Kumamoto 2016 sequence. The two methods estimate the non-linear transfer function between a reference rock and a sedimentary site by modifying the linear transfer function derived from weak motion recordings. The modification is based either on a machine learning tool based on a wide collection of Japanese weak and strong motion recordings and the associated site metadata (method 1), or on an estimate of a site-specific parameter related to an average non-linear site response (method 2). The acceleration time series are then derived at the sedimentary site of interest using an estimation of the time delay between wave arrivals at the rock and site stations, and a minimum phase assumption for the site transfer function. These predictions were made blindly, but after the ESG6 conference they could be compared both with the actual ground motion recorded at KUMA during the two shocks, and the average and range of all other predictions preformed for this benchmark. Both of these purely empirical methods provide an honorable prediction of usual engineering ground motion parameters of the two target events. The performance of these two purely empirical approaches is at least comparable to those of the numerical simulation methods for the foreshock—if not better—and slightly worse for the (largest) mainshock. As the methods required only recordings of weak motions at the target and a referent sites and very simple description of the soil profile. The use of moderate motions to constrain the frequency shift prediction for the second method and the consideration of an alternative phase modification are possible ways to improvement. Graphical Abstract

El principio de complementariedad preserva la soberanía y la primacía de la jurisdicción nacional, y garantiza la autodeterminación procesal de los Estados; su respeto reconoce el carácter cultural de los problemas penales, incluso de los más complejos, permitiendo a los distintos Estados encontrar los procedimientos más adecuados y con valor identitario. Las formas tradicionales de resolución de conflictos son una alternativa histórica. No obstante, deben alinearse con requisitos internacionales de protección de los derechos humanos por medio de procesos de hibridación jurídica; este estándar internacional de protección exige que los procedimientos garanticen la imparcialidad y la independencia.

Este artículo presenta nueva evidencia sobre la relación entre el desempleo y el bienestar subjetivo en México. A partir de datos de la Encuesta de Bienestar Autorreportado y utilizando una ecuación de felicidad, se analizan las diferencias en bienestar derivadas de la condición laboral y el contexto del mercado laboral local. Los resultados revelan un deterioro en la satisfacción con la vida asociado al desempleo, siendo esta reducción más del doble que la causada por la disminución de ingresos. Asimismo, el aumento de la tasa de desempleo reduce el bienestar, particularmente entre personas con educación básica. No obstante, en regiones de alta informalidad, el bienestar subjetivo no se ve afectado de manera significativa por el desempleo.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Understanding the risk factors for post-stroke mortality is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study analyzes and predicts post-stroke mortality using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), a functional neurological evaluation scale. Several Machine Learning models were developed and assessed using a dataset of 332 stroke patients from Hospital de Faro, Portugal, from 2016 to 2018. The Random Forest model outperformed others, achieving an accuracy of 98.5% and a recall of 91.3. Twenty-four risk factors were identified, with stroke severity as the most critical. These findings provide healthcare professionals with valuable tools for early identification and intervention for high-risk stroke patients, enabling informed decision-making and customized treatment plans. This research advances healthcare predictive analytics, offering a precise mortality prediction model and a comprehensive analysis of risk factors, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing mortality rates. Future applications could extend to patient monitoring and management across various medical conditions.

Existence of vesicovaginal fistula is known since ancient days and has been considered related to tedious labour. It continues to be a health care issue in those communities where obstetrician and midwifery care are scarce. Initial descriptions of surgical treatment started within the XV century, but the first detailed description of a curative technique was made in 1852. Urethral and perineal fistula are also known since ancient days related to the treatment of urethral stricture or bladder stones in males. The implementation of anaesthesia and antisepsis have been a great aid to the advancement of surgery and relief to urinary fistula patients all over the world.

Abstract Background Despite maternal flavivirus infections’ linkage to severe maternal and fetal outcomes, surveillance during pregnancy remains limited globally. Further complicating maternal screening for these potentially teratogenic pathogens is the overwhelming subclinical nature of acute infection. This study aimed to understand perinatal and neonatal risk for poor health outcomes associated with flaviviral infection during pregnancy in El Salvador. Methods Banked serologic samples and clinical results obtained from women presenting for labor and delivery at a national referent hospital in western El Salvador March to September 2022 were used for this study. 198 samples were screened for dengue and Zika virus IgM, and statistical analyses analyzed demographic and clinical outcome associations with IgM positivity. Results This serosurvey revealed a high rate of maternal flavivirus infection—24.2% of women presenting for labor and delivery were dengue or Zika virus IgM positive, suggesting potential infection within pregnancy. Specifically, 20.2% were Zika virus IgM positive, 1.5% were dengue virus IgM positive, and 2.5% were both dengue and Zika virus IgM positive. Women whose home had received mosquito abatement assistance within the last year by the ministry of health were 70% less likely to test IgM positive (aOR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.10, 0.83). Further, statistical geospatial clustering revealed transmission foci in six primary municipalities. Pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes were noted among the dengue and/or Zika virus maternal infection group, although these outcomes were not statistically different than the seronegative group. None of the resulting neonates born during this study were diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome. Conclusions The high rate of Zika virus detected among pregnant women and the lack of Zika-specific neonatal outcomes monitoring during a non-outbreak year highlights the need for continued surveillance in Central America and among immigrant mothers presenting for childbirth from these countries. As changing climatic conditions continue to expand the range of the disease vector, asymptomatic screening programs could be vital to early identification of outbreaks and clinical management of cases.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are widely used for temporary bone implants due to their favorable biodegradability, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and close mechanical properties to bone. However, rapid degradation and inadequate strength limit their applicability. To overcome this, the direct current magnetron sputtering technique is employed for surface coating in Mg-based alloys using various zirconium (Zr) content. This approach presents a promising strategy for simultaneously improving corrosion resistance, maintaining biocompatibility, and enhancing strength without compromising osseointegration. By leveraging Mg's inherent biodegradability, it has the potential to minimize the need for secondary surgeries, thereby reducing costs and resources.This paper is a systematic study aimed at understanding the corrosion mechanisms of Mg–Zr coatings, denoted Mg-xZr (x = 0–5 at.%). Zr-doped coatings exhibited columnar growth leading to denser and refined structures with increasing Zr content. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of the Mg (00.2) basal plane, shifting towards higher angles (1.15°) with 5 at.% Zr doping due to lattice parameter changes (i.e., decrease and increase of “c” and “a” lattice parameters, respectively). Mg–Zr coatings exhibited “liquidphilic” behavior, while Young's modulus retained a steady value around 80 GPa across all samples. However, the hardness has significantly improved across all samples’ coating, reaching the highest value of (2.2 ± 0.3) GPa for 5 at.% Zr. Electrochemical testing in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C revealed a significant enhancement in corrosion resistance for Mg–Zr coatings containing 1.0–3.4 at.% Zr. Compared with the 5 at.% Zr coating which exhibited a corrosion rate of 32 mm/year, these coatings displayed lower corrosion rates, ranging from 1 to 12 mm/year. This synergistic enhancement in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, achieved with 2.0–3.4 at.% Zr, suggests potential ability for reducing stress shielding and controlled degradation performance, and consequently, promising functional biodegradable materials for temporary bone implants.

Forestry in Sweden largely relies on planting genetically improved seedlings after clear-cutting, and high survival and early growth of planted seedlings is vital for stand establishment, economic viability, and carbon sequestration. Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) are the two most important tree species in Swedish forest stands and both are associated with a variety of ectomycorrhizal fungi. While seedlings are generally not fertilized at outplanting, previous results have shown that fertilization with arginine phosphate can increase root growth and seedling survival. However, it is not clear how this affects fungal community composition on the roots of growing seedlings. In a planting experiment sampled after one and two growing seasons, we found that planting position had the largest effects both on seedling performance and on fungal community composition and provide insight into the early stages of fungal community succession on planted Norway spruce and Scots pine seedlings. Fungal taxa present on seedlings before planting persisted on seedling roots, while some degree of novel colonization by site indigenous taxa was observed. Fertilization modified the relative abundance of some fungal taxa but did not lead to significant changes in overall community composition. In terms of seedling performance, ammonium nitrate led to increased mortality while arginine phosphate improved root growth.

Introduction The nature of the relationship between inflammation, cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and atherosclerosis in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) remains largely unknown and sex differences in this regard are yet to be assessed.Methods Study including 611 men and 302 women from the Spanish multicentre AtheSpAin cohort to assess CV disease in axSpA. Data on CV disease risk factors were collected both at disease diagnosis and at enrolment, and data on disease activity, functional indices and carotid ultrasonography only at enrolment.Results After a median disease duration of 9 years, patients of both sexes who at disease diagnosis had elevated acute phase reactants (APRs), more frequently had hypertension and obesity. The same occurred with dyslipidaemia in men and with diabetes mellitus in women. At enrolment, CV risk factors were independently associated with APR and with activity and functional indices, with various sex differences. C reactive protein (CRP) values were inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol in men (β coefficient: −1.2 (95% CI: −0.3 to −0.07) mg/dL, p=0.001), while erythrocyte sedimentation rate values were positively associated with triglycerides in women (β coefficient: 0.6 (95% CI: 0.04 to 1) mg/dL, p=0.035). Furthermore, only women showed an independent relationship between insulin resistance parameters and APR or disease activity. Both men and women with high–very high CV risk according to the Systematic Assessment of Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 and CRP levels higher than 3 mg/L at diagnosis of the disease presented carotid plaques significantly more frequently than those with normal CRP levels at disease diagnosis.Conclusion Inflammation is associated with atherosclerosis and CV disease in axSpA. A gender-driven effect is observed in this relationship.

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la condición de pobreza laboral en hogares con jefatura femenina, evolución y presencia de feminización de la pobreza en México. La fuente de información es la Encuesta Nacional de Ocupación y Empleo (ENOE) 2005-2017. Los resultados indican que, durante el periodo de análisis, la condición de pobreza en los hogares con jefatura femenina se incrementó, pero no se puede hablar de feminización de la pobreza. Las variables que aumentan la probabilidad de pobreza son el número de dependientes y la condición civil unida; mientras que un mayor nivel educativo disminuye su probabilidad.

On 6 February 2023, two large earthquakes with magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 rocked south‐central Türkiye and northwestern Syria. At the time of writing, the death toll exceeded 50,000 in Türkiye and 7200 in Syria. The epicenter of the first mainshock was located ∼15 km east of the east Anatolian fault (EAF), the second large earthquake (9 hr later) initiated ∼90 km to the north on the east–west‐trending Sürgü fault. Aftershocks delineate fault lengths of ∼350 and ∼170 km, respectively. Using satellite and seismic data for first‐order analyses of surface‐fault offsets, space–time rupture evolution, and recorded ground motions, our study sheds light on the reasons for the extensive destruction. The first event ruptured the EAF bilaterally, lasted for ∼80 s, and created surface fault offsets of over 6 m. The second event also ruptured bilaterally with a duration of ∼35 s and more than 7 m surface offsets. Horizontal ground accelerations reached locally up to 2g in the first mainshock; severe and widespread shaking occurred in the Hatay‐Antakia area with values near 0.5g. Both earthquakes are characterized by directivity effects and abrupt rupture cessation generating stopping phases that contributed to strong seismic radiation. Shaking was further aggravated locally by site‐amplification effects.

This research establishes a set of usability heuristics for designers and developers of interactive software systems that are used in the context of resilient cities, and thus contributes to the specification of a tool for the evaluation and design of solutions for this context. The article describes the research process carried out to identify a set of 15 usability heuristics, which are grouped into five families: (1) design and aesthetics, (2) flexibility and navigation, (3) errors and help, (4) information use and display, and (5) community. The heuristics were validated through various mechanisms, such as the application of the heuristics, expert judgment, and evaluation, to ensure their clarity and effectiveness. The implementation of these heuristics is expected to contribute to the ease of use of interactive software systems in resilient city contexts, so that citizens can enjoy a user experience that is satisfactory to stakeholders.

En 1573, Cristóbal de las Casas a publié une traduction de Solino intitulée De las cosas maravillosas del mundo. Il s’agit de la seule version espagnole complète de l’œuvre de cet auteur jusqu’à celle de Francisco Javier Fernández Nieto, publiée en 2001. Deux aspects de cette œuvre méritent une attention particulière : son degré d’originalité et le type de lecteur auquel elle s’adresse. Ce travail montre que le traducteur a d’abord repris la version italienne de Solino de Vincenzo Belprato. Cependant, De las Casas tient toujours compte du texte latin, ce qui explique qu’il néglige parfois la traduction italienne. Quant au public cible de la traduction, il est composé non seulement d’érudits, mais aussi de lecteurs généraux. Cette version est fortement liée au genre hispanique contemporain des miscellanées, qui a connu un grand succès à l’époque, et à son public.

Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) is an illness associated with the consumption of fish contaminated with potent natural toxins found in the marine environment, commonly known as ciguatoxins (CTXs). The risk characterization of CP has become a worldwide concern due to the widespread expansion of these natural toxins. The identification of CTXs is hindered by the lack of commercially available reference materials. This limitation impedes progress in developing analytical tools and conducting toxicological studies essential for establishing regulatory levels for control. This study focuses on characterizing the CTX profile of an amberjack responsible for a recent CP case in the Canary Islands (Spain), located on the east Atlantic coast. The exceptional sensitivity offered by Capillary Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (cLC-HRMS) enabled the detection, for the first time in fish contaminated in the Canary Islands, of traces of an algal ciguatoxin recently identified in G. silvae and G. caribeaus from the Caribbean Sea. This algal toxin was structurally characterized by cLC-HRMS being initially identified as C-CTX5. The total toxin concentration of CTXs was eight times higher than the guidance level proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (0.1 ng C-CTX1/g fish tissue), with C-CTX1 and 17-hydroxy-C-CTX1 as major CTXs.

El objetivo de este trabajo es hacer un análisis de la violencia laboral como factor de abandono de las mujeres en el mercado de trabajo en México. Nuestra hipótesis se basa en que la violencia laboral de género es un factor que inhibe la participación de las mujeres en el mercado de trabajo. Para la comprobación empírica se estima un modelo probit y se realiza el cálculo de los efectos marginales. Los datos utilizados son de la Encuesta Nacional sobre la Dinámica de las Relaciones de los Hogares (ENDIREH) 2016. La violencia se clasifica en: económica, sexual, psicológica y física. Los resultados indican la presencia de violencia sobre las mujeres en el ámbito laboral, la cual inhibe su participación laboral. Sin embargo, la magnitud de los efectos es diferente por tipo de violencia, siendo la económica la de mayor magnitud. Las variables de escolaridad y edad presentan una relación negativa frente al abandono laboral, comportamiento vinculado con los costos de oportunidad crecientes; mientras que los indicadores relacionados con el grado de compromiso o necesidad de las mujeres (jefa de familia, casada o tener hijos) reduce la probabilidad de deserción del mercado laboral.

The purpose of the article is to explore how the dimension of interculturality has been addressed in educational policies, spanning from 1980 to 2022. The aim was to understand how educational policies about interculturality have been discursively objectified. The research has a qualitative approach, a bibliographic method, and discourse analysis. These were identified as "chapter points", term used by Lacan (2009) to explain how language, which is in constant displacement, needs these points to momentarily stabilize the meaning of the discourse. Three approximate periods were located, ranging from before 1980, from 1982 to 2018 and from 2018 to 2022, and are characterized by their historical circumstances that determined the purposes of intercultural education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in both idiopathic and neurogenic pelvic floor disorders in patients treated at a referral center. Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed the records of 106 patients tested at our department from December 1999 to January 2017. The efficacy variables evaluated were the Global Response Assessment (range, 0%–100%) and, according to the clinical indication, other specific variables such International Consultation on Incontinence QuestionnaireShort Form, number of catheterizations or pads/day, and the numerical pain scale. The safety variables analyzed were complications (pain, migration, infection), reinterventions and explants. Patients’ quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with the procedure were evaluated through telephone interviews. Results The clinical indications were overactive bladder (OAB) (n=36), urinary retention (UR) (n=37), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) (n=19), fecal incontinence (FI) (n=8), and double incontinence (DI) (n=6). The implant rates according to the clinical indication were as follows: OAB, 55.6%; UR, 56.8%; BPS/IC, 63.15%; FI, 87.5%; and DI, 66.7%. Clinical and/or statistically significant improvements in all efficacy variables were observed. Loss of therapeutic effect at 75 months of follow-up was observed in 34% of patients. Device-related pain appeared in 25 patients (39%); in 20 patients, it was resolved by reprogramming and 5 patients required device removal. An overall improvement in QoL and high levels of satisfaction with the procedure were observed. More than 90% of patients would recommend SNS to a friend or relative. Conclusions SNS is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a real alternative to patients with refractory pelvic floor dysfunction. Its safety profile is very favorable and it provides a long-lasting improvement in symptoms and QoL.

We aim at developing hexavalent chromium-free coatings for frequently touched decorative parts. Cr(N,O) and multilayered CrN/CrO coatings were deposited by means of reactive magnetron sputtering. All samples presented good adhesion to the substrates enhanced by an epoxy layer designed to enhance PVD coating adhesion. Similar substrates are found in the automotive industry and can be used in appliances where a metallic finish is desired by the consumer. Corrosion behavior was induced, using artificial sweat to simulate long exposure to human touch for 96 h. In potentiodynamic polarization tests, the coatings were revealed to be nobler than the substrate alone. Cr displayed a non-existent passivation region, while gCrN exhibited a quick passivation of the surface and its respective breakdown and several current fluctuations, indicating the occurrence of pitting, which was confirmed by SEM micrography after the corrosion. Regarding EIS results, all films depicted a diminution of impedance modulus (|Z|) after 96 h, which indicates a diminution of corrosion resistance against artificial sweat. Nitride films exhibited the worst anticorrosive features. On the other hand, Cr and CrO exhibited the highest |Z| values. These results are corroborated by low the corrosion rates of both coatings. The equivalent electrical circuit allows us to confirm oxide formation in the outermost layer of the films due to electrolyte/surface interaction, indicating a self-protecting mechanism. Nitride films showed the lowest values and less corrosion resistance, confirming the results obtained in polarization potentiodynamic tests. The coatings developed in this work, namely Cr and CrO, showed a promising corrosion resistance behavior that could endure a lifetime of frequent human touch in various decorative applications either automotive or general appliances.

Abstract In a subset analysis of data from a 6-month, multicenter, non-interventional study, we compared change in symptoms and quality of life (QoL), and treatment tolerability, in men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) receiving tamsulosin (TAM, 0.4 mg/day) or the hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (HESr, 320 mg/day) as monotherapy. Symptoms and QoL were assessed using the IPSS and BII questionnaires, respectively. Patients in the treatment groups were matched using two statistical approaches (iterative and propensity score matching). Within the iterative matching approach, data was available from a total of 737 patients (353 TAM, 384 HESr). After 6 months, IPSS scores improved by a mean (SD) of 5.0 (4.3) points in the TAM group and 4.5 (4.7) points in the HESr group (p = 0.117, not significant). Improvements in QoL were equivalent in the two groups. TAM patients reported significantly more adverse effects than HESr patients (14.7% vs 2.1%; p

Introducción: Las cardiopatías congénitas están relacionadas con defectos cardíacos que se desarrollan durante el embarazo y están presentes al nacer. El éxito de las intervenciones depende en gran medida de la educación de los padres/cuidadores sobre los signos y síntomas de alerta. Los cuidadores necesitan tener herramientas para hacer frente a las barreras del sistema de salud. Objetivo: crear un sistema como herramienta de seguimiento para los bebés con cardiopatías congénitas complejas que ayude a los padres/cuidadores y a los profesionales médicos a observar las variables fisiológicas del paciente y a brindar una retroalimentación oportuna y profesional a los padres/cuidadores desde la atención domiciliaria. Materiales y métodos:se presenta un sistema que proporciona apoyo a los pacientes que necesitan seguimiento de cardiopatías congénitas complejas mediante un programa de monitoreo en casa. El sistema consiste en una aplicación móvil que permite a los padres/cuidadores controlar las variables fisiológicas del paciente (peso, ingesta de alimento y oximetría). La información registrada en la aplicación se envía para ser evaluada en tiempo real por el equipo médico. Resultados: la aplicación proporciona un medio eficaz para enviar datos y comunicarse con el centro de control médico, además de ofrecer material educativo e informativo. De este modo, los padres/cuidadores reciben constantemente ayuda e información acerca del estado de su bebé. Conclusiones: la aplicación móvil podría ayudar a minimizar los costos de la atención médica y superar las limitaciones del seguimiento domiciliario, dando a los médicos la posibilidad de ver la evolución del paciente y dar recomendaciones oportunas. Como citar este artículo: Castro David, Pérez-Rivero Paula, Quintero-Lesmes Doris Cristina, Castro Javier. Design of a mobile application for home monitoring of babies with complex congenital heart disease. Revista Cuidarte. 2022;13(3):e2335. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.2335

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir, a partir do cinema hollywoodiano, as visões distópicas sobre o futuro, tomando como base o imaginário sobre o fim do mundo a partir da perspectiva de crise ambiental oriunda na segunda metade do século XX. A crise ambiental demonstra que os efeitos da ação humana, sob a égide do sistema capitalista, não apenas promoverão o esgotamento dos recursos naturais, como a transformação radical do clima, especialmente o aquecimento global, tornando o planeta inabitável para todas as espécies. Diversos filmes do gênero ficção científica trouxeram direta ou indiretamente em seus enredos a discussão da degradação ambiental e suas consequências para a humanidade. Nossa discussão se dará a partir de três filmes: 2012 (2009), Elysium (2013) e Interstellar (2014), obras cinematográficas representativas do argumento defendido, ou seja, a relação entre ficção científica, cinema e meio ambiente.

Abstract Background Vaspin is a novel anti-inflammatory adipokine associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease and inflammation in chronic inflammatory conditions different from axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Given the high incidence of CV disease (mainly due to accelerated atherosclerosis) exhibited by axSpA patients, we wondered if vaspin could also be a key molecule in this process. However, data on the role of vaspin regarding atherosclerotic disease in the context of axSpA is scarce. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate the implication of vaspin, at the genetic and serological level, in subclinical atherosclerosis and CV risk in axSpA. Methods This study included 510 patients diagnosed with axSpA. Carotid ultrasound (US) was performed to evaluate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Three vaspin gene variants (rs2236242, rs7159023, and rs35262691) were genotyped by TaqMan probes. Serum vaspin levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA® v.11.1. Results Serum vaspin levels were significantly higher in female patients than in males and also in obese patients when compared to those with normal weight (p

IntroductionPatients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) have a high disease burden mainly due to the rheumatic disease itself, and also exhibit accelerated atherosclerosis, that leads to a higher incidence of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Accordingly, the identification of biomarkers of CV risk and inflammation in axSpA patients is clinically relevant. In this sense, given the beneficial functions exerted by the adipomyokine irisin in processes related to CV disease and inflammation, our aim was to assess, for the first time, the role of irisin as a genetic and serological biomarker of subclinical atherosclerosis, CV risk and disease severity in axSpA patients.MethodsA large cohort of 725 Spanish patients with axSpA was included. Subclinical atherosclerosis (presence of plaques and abnormal carotid intima-media thickness values) was evaluated by carotid ultrasound. Four irisin polymorphisms (rs16835198 G/T, rs3480 A/G, rs726344 G/A, and rs1570569 G/T) were genotyped by TaqMan probes. Additionally, serum irisin levels were determined by ELISA.ResultsLow irisin levels were linked to the presence of plaques (p=0.002) and atherogenic index values ≥4 (p=0.01). Serum irisin were positively correlated with C-peptide levels (p2.1 (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.48 [0.28-0.83] and OR: 0.73 [0.57-0.92], respectively, p=0.01 in both cases). Additionally, the frequency of rs1570569 T allele was higher in these patients (OR: 1.46 [1.08-1.97], p=0.01). Furthermore, the GGGT haplotype was more frequent in patients with ASDAS values >2.1 (OR: 1.73 [1.13-2.66], p=0.01).ConclusionsOur results indicate that low serum irisin levels could be indicators of the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, high CV risk and more severe disease in axSpA patients. In addition, irisin may also constitute a genetic biomarker of disease activity in axSpA.

AbstractHere, we report the discovery of a novel Sediminibacterium

El objetivo del documento es analizar el comportamiento de la brecha salarial por género, desagregando trabajadores formales e informales, y contrastar la existencia de convergencia regional, para el periodo 2005-2017 en México. Aplicando la metodología Oaxaca-Blinder, se obtienen mediciones de brecha salarial ajustada a los efectos composición y se analiza la existencia de σ y β convergencia entre los estados mexicanos. Los resultados aportan evidencia de convergencia σ, β y β-condicionada. Se identifica que el componente explicado juega un papel más relevante en los trabajadores formales, mientras que la parte no explicada lo hace en trabajadores informales.

The present study focuses on the approach of the concept of light by primary school students. The study explores how a teaching procedure founded on using the metaphor that light travels as a wave reflects on the concept of light as a distinct natural entity. The experimental method was used for the research. One hundred and fifty-two children aged between 7 to 8 years old (average age 7.59) from 9 different primary school classes in Colorado, USA, participated in the research. An experimental and control group was delineated. Following a socio-cognitive perspective, the experimental group took part in a teaching procedure based on using the metaphor that light travels as a wave. Following an empiricist perspective, the control group took part in a teaching procedure based on a description of the phenomenon without using a metaphor. Data had been collected through pre and post-test, which results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. The quantitative analysis showed an essential difference between the two groups. The experimental group pupils achieve higher learning outcomes as they better understand light as a distinct entity. It is argued that using a metaphor allows children to make connections with their everyday life, wonder about, and conceptualize light in a more efficient and meaningful way. The study informs everyday educational practice by providing a quality improvement element for learning and teaching about the primary classroom light

Abstract Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the main cause of mortality in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). CV risk is enhanced by dysregulation of adipokines. Low omentin levels were associated with metabolic dysfunction and CV disease in conditions different from axSpA. Accordingly, we evaluated the genetic and functional implication of omentin in CV risk and subclinical atherosclerosis in a cohort of 385 axSpA patients. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid ultrasound. Omentin rs12409609, in linkage disequilibrium with a polymorphism associated with CV risk, was genotyped in 385 patients and 84 controls. Serum omentin levels were also determined. omentin mRNA expression was assessed in a subgroup of individuals. Serum and mRNA omentin levels were lower in axSpA compared to controls. Low serum omentin levels were related to male sex, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and high atherogenic index. rs12409609 minor allele was associated with low omentin mRNA expression in axSpA. No association was observed with subclinical atherosclerosis at the genetic or functional level. In conclusion, in our study low omentin serum levels were associated with CV risk factors in axSpA. Furthermore, rs12409609 minor allele may be downregulating the expression of omentin. These data support a role of omentin as a CV risk biomarker in axSpA.

El cultivo de la caña de azúcar como materia prima para la producción de azúcar constituye el eslabón primario de una gran cadena alimenticia. En el presente trabajo se desarrolló una propuesta de algoritmo para la teledetección de cultivos estresados de caña de azúcar utilizando técnicas del procesamiento digital de imágenes. Las imágenes utilizadas fueron capturadas en los campos de la zona central de Cuba utilizando una cámara multiespectral, montada en un Vehículo Aéreo no Tripulado (VANT). Estas fueron luego procesadas en computadora, utilizando algoritmos sobre la base del paquete de procesamiento digital de imágenes de Matlab. La técnica propuesta usó operaciones matriciales entre las bandas, el método de Otsu y operaciones morfológicas y lógicas. Esta técnica contribuyó a diferenciar campos de caña de azúcar afectados por el estrés de los cultivos sanos.

Purpose We tested the hypothesis that the urethral pressure profile, in combination with electromyography of the urethral sphincter, may be useful as a predictor of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this study was to assess whether the combination of these tests resulted in an improved tool for the prediction of post-RP urinary incontinence. Methods Patients with indications for RP were included. The urethral pressure profile, including prostatic and sphincter components for maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional urethral length, was recorded in combination with needle electromyography of the urethral sphincter. The mean and maximum amplitude of waves were measured twice: 1 month before RP and 6 months after the procedure. The 1-hour pad test was conducted in parallel with other tests. Patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The relationship of the results of the tests with post-RP urinary incontinence was studied. Age, urodynamic parameters, pathologic stage, and surgical technique were recorded for analysis as potential confounding factors. Results Nineteen patients were included within the 1-year study period. Their mean age was 63 years. According to the 1-hour pad test and ICIQ-SF, 42.1% of the sample had urinary incontinence after RP. Prostate MUCP with the mean and during-stress amplitude of waves predicted post-RP urinary incontinence with a sensitivity of 87.5% (P=0.002) in our model. Age, urodynamic parameters, pathological stage, and surgical technique were not related to incontinence after surgery. Conclusions The combination of the urethral pressure profile (prostatic MUCP) and electromyography of the urethral sphincter might be a useful prognostic predictor of post-RP urinary incontinence.

A concepção da tradução como campo individualizado dentro dos estudos das linguagens é bastante recente e cada vez mais se atentam para as dificuldades intrínsecas ao processo pouco percebidas pelo leitor comum. Em se tratando da tradução literária, as peculiaridades que surgem são de tal forma acentuadas, que levaram pensadores a questionar através dos anos se a tradução de textos literários seria sequer possível. Considerando um referencial teórico acerca da literatura como expressão de subjetividade e a mensagem inserida no texto literário, este trabalho visa discutir em que medida a literatura, de fato, pode ser traduzida ou o que significa traduzir a literatura. Ao final do artigo concluímos que o texto literário em toda sua pluralidade, enquanto comunicação e enquanto arte, precisa ser visto como sendo composto de diferentes dimensões que surgem pelo diálogo entre a subjetividade do autor e do leitor. Em cada texto algumas dessas dimensões são mais facilmente traduzidas que outras e, em alguns casos, de fato parecem ser intraduzíveis, onde entraria exatamente a tarefa criativa do tradutor.

Soil mapping is an important technique to apply site-specific management in fruit fields. Therefore, aims of this study were to evaluate soil sampling methods and the use of interpolator techniques in the quality of soil texture maps in a mango field; and to evaluate the efficiency of the use of independent data set in the validation of maps process. The experiment was in a 3.3 ha mango commercial orchard in the semiarid region of Brazil. The samples were collected following a regular grid containing 119 georeferenced spaced 14 x 20 m points, in addition to five micro-grids each containing six spaced 7 x 10 m points. To obtain an independent dataset for the maps validation, 40 random samples were performed. Soil texture was determined. Geostatistic and deterministic interpolation techniques were performed. Cross-validation method with internal and independent dataset was performed to validate the maps. All variables showed a strong spatial dependence. Kriging was slightly better than the deterministic interpolation techniques, showing root mean square errors of 2,40%; 2,84%; and 2,59% for clay, sand, and silt content, respectively. The use of micro-grid did not reduce the errors of the maps. The independent dataset showed efficient to validate soil texture maps since its values represent the real accuracy.

This report presents the outcome of the joint work of PhD students and senior researchers working with DNA-based biodiversity assessment approaches with the goal to facilitate others the access to definitions and explanations about novel DNA-based methods. The work was performed during a PhD course (SLU PNS0169) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. The course was co-organized by the EU COST research network DNAqua-Net and the SLU Research Schools Focus on Soils and Water (FoSW) and Ecology - basics and applications. DNAqua-Net (COST Action CA15219, 2016-2020) is a network connecting researchers, water managers, politicians and other stakeholders with the aim to develop new genetic tools for bioassessment of aquatic ecosystems in Europe and beyond. The PhD course offered a comprehensive overview of the paradigm shift from traditional morphology-based species identification to novel identification approaches based on molecular markers. We covered the use of molecular tools in both basic research and applied use with a focus on aquatic ecosystem assessment, from species collection to the use of diversity in environmental legislation. The focus of the course was on DNA (meta)barcoding and aquatic organisms. The knowledge gained was shared with the general public by creating Wikipedia pages and through this collaborative Open Access publication, co-authored by all course participants.

Prosopis chilensis and Prosopis tamarugo, two woody legumes adapted to the arid regions of Chile, have a declining distribution due to the lack of new seedling establishment. This study investigated the potential of both species to establish in soil collected from four locations in Chile, within and outside the species distribution, and to assess the role of the root-colonizing microbiome in seedling establishment and growth. Seedling survival, height, and water potential were measured to assess establishment success and growth. 16S and ITS2 amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the composition of microbial communities from the different soils and to assess the ability of both Prosopis species to recruit bacteria and fungi from the different soils. Both species were established on three of the four soils. P. tamarugo seedlings showed significantly higher survival in foreign soils and maintained significantly higher water potential in Mediterranean soils. Amplicon sequencing showed that the four soils harbored distinct microbial communities. Root-associated microbial composition indicated that P. chilensis preferentially recruited mycorrhizal fungal partners while P. tamarugo recruited abundant bacteria with known salt-protective functions. Our results suggest that a combination of edaphic properties and microbial soil legacy are potential factors mediating the Prosopis establishment success in different soils.

Diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease (NDD) is complex, therefore simpler, less invasive, more accurate biomarkers are needed. small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) dysregulates in NDDs and sncRNA signatures have been explored for the diagnosis of NDDs, however, the performance of previous biomarkers is still better. Astrocyte dysfunction promotes neurodegeneration and thus derived scnRNA signatures could provide a more precise way to identify of changes related to NDD course and pathogenesis, and it could be useful for the dissection of mechanistic insights operating in NDD. Often sncRNA are transported outside the cell by the action of secreted particles such as extracellular vesicles (EV), which protect sncRNA from degradation. Furthermore, EV associated sncRNA can cross the BBB to be found in easier to obtain peripheral samples, EVs also inherit cell-specific surface markers that can be used for the identification of Astrocyte Derived Extracellular Vesicles (ADEVs) in a peripheral sample. By the study of the sncRNA transported in ADEVs it is possible to identify astrocyte specific sncRNA signatures that could show astrocyte dysfunction in a more simpler manner than previous methods. However, sncRNA signatures in ADEV are not a copy of intracellular transcriptome and methodological aspects such as the yield of sncRNA produced in ADEV or the variable amount of ADEV captured after separation protocols must be considered. Here we review the role as signaling molecules of ADEV derived sncRNA dysregulated in conditions associated with risk of neurodegeneration, providing an explanation of why to choose ADEV for the identification of astrocyte-specific transcriptome. Finally, we discuss possible limitations of this approach and the need to improve the detection limits of sncRNA for the use of ADEV derived sncRNA signatures.