Search

Dengue is the widest spread vector-borne viral disease around the world and is transmitted mainly by the urban mosquito, Aedes aegypti. At present, vector control is the most widely used strategy to decrease disease incidence. However, it has demonstrated limited success. A new control strategy, associated with the manipulation of vector competence (VC) using endosymbiotic microorganisms, may be more sustainable because these microorganisms can influence mosquito development, the vector immune response, and vectorial capacity for infection with dengue virus (DENV). Hence, we explored the diversity of culturable midgut microbiota from two field-derived Aedes aegypti strains that are either susceptible or refractory to DENV infection and evaluated how strain-level dissection of the gut microbiome modulates VC. Microbial identification was carried out by mass spectrometry using MALDI-TOF, Vitek-2, BD Phoenix, and 16 s rRNA sequencing. There were differences in the composition and density of midgut microbiota in both mosquito strains. The refractory strain showed the highest microbial diversity and density with the highest prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas, Serratia, Stenotrophomonas, and Escherichia genera. In the susceptible strain, only Gram-positive bacteria of the Bacillus genus and Candida yeast were observed in the midgut. To evaluate the effect of midgut microbiota on DENV-2 infectivity in both Aedes aegypti strains, mosquitoes were treated with sugar and an antibiotic/antimycotic cocktail or sugar alone (the control) and were subsequently challenged with a mixture of blood and DENV-2. DENV-2 infection in the mosquitos’ heads (salivary glands) and midguts was evaluated after an extrinsic period of fourteen days with indirect immunofluorescence. A significant increase in DENV-2 susceptibility was observed in the treated refractory strain from 51.22% to 86.64% (Chi-square = 9.747, p

8046 Background: As treatments advance in multiple myeloma (MM) and increasingly deeper and longer responses are achieved, the definition of what a cure is becomes increasingly relevant. While many physicians quote that patients may achieve a “functional cure”, understanding the patient perspective on the concept of cure has yet to be explored. Methods: HealthTree Cure Hub by the HealthTree Foundation represents an online portal for patients with plasma cell dyscrasias to help navigate their disease. It is the largest single database of patients with multiple myeloma with over 10,200 patients as of January 2022. Using this platform, we surveyed patients online from November 11th 2021 to Feb 7th 2022. Varying scenarios incorporating toxicity, disease status, and being on/off treatment were presented, and participants were asked to rate them from 1-5, with 5 being an ideal cure. Patient awareness of the term functional or operational cure was also. Results: A total of 1525 participants completed the survey. Table lists characteristics of the patients who completed this survey. The majority of the patients were female (55.5%), college educated (88.5%) and non-Hispanic White (70.7%). Most patients rated being off treatment permanently and having no evidence of disease as a cure (1116/1469, 75.5%), with a median score of 5 amongst respondents, indicating an ideal version of cure. Continuing to take the same pill or injection with significant toxicity and no evidence of disease had a median score of 1, a score lower than either “continuing to take same pill or injection without significant toxicity even in the evidence of disease” (median score 2) or “stopping treatment permanently even with some detectable disease” (median score 2). The majority of patients (76.3%) reported being unfamiliar with the term functional or operational cure. Conclusions: In the first study of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias in which patients were asked about their perceptions of what a cure is, our results highlight that drug toxicity and being on treatment profoundly impacts patient's perception of cure. Furthermore, most patients are not familiar with the term functional or operational cure. Future efforts should recruit more diverse patient populations and incorporate patient preferences in approaches to defining cure in myeloma, as well as explaining cure in easily comprehensible terms to patients. [Table: see text]

8058 Background: Previous studies have observed smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) patients with a biomarker criteria of > 20% bone marrow plasma cells, > 2 g/dL M protein spike, and > 20 free light chain ratio, also known as 20/2/20, are at a higher risk of progressing to multiple myeloma (MM) than others. These findings have ignited interest in pursuing early intervention for these high-risk patients. However, we asked if early intervention would be beneficial for all SMM patients regardless of the progression risk level. Methods: We utilized real-world data from HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma to first, determine whether 20/2/20 resulted in a higher risk of progression and second, analyze whether early intervention delayed progression from SMM to MM. A 2-sample t-test was used to compare 20/2/20 to non-20/2/20 patients, as well as in the comparison between SMM patients who received early intervention with treatment to without early intervention. Results: We found that patients who met at least two of the criteria of 20/2/20 had a tendency to progress to MM 35% faster than patients who did not meet the criteria (n = 36, p-value < 0.10). While not significant, it’s still worth noting that there is a difference in the mean time to progression for these patients. Next, we found SMM patients who do not receive early intervention with treatment develop MM two times faster than those who do receive early intervention with treatment, regardless of progression risk level (n = 129, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results revealed that at least two of the biomarker criteria could aid in the identification of patients with a higher risk of progression. However, a casual approach of “sit and wait” for patients to develop 20/2/20 is not warranted since our findings revealed that all SMM patients benefited from treatment intervention regardless of the progression risk level.

e20003 Background: People that live in rural areas experience significant health disparities from higher incidences of disease and disability, increased mortality rates, and lower life expectancies. Rural risk factors for health disparities include geographic isolation, lower socioeconomic status, limited access to healthcare specialists and sub-specialists, and limited job opportunities. Interestingly, we often see other, non-white, races experience delays in care, are under-treated, and lack of access to MM specialists. We, therefore, investigated whether there was a relationship between race and where one lives geographically. Methods: Validated real-world (RW) MM patient data was collected through HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma (healthtree.org). We examined the patient’s race which was either Caucasian American (White) or any other race (Black American, Asian, American Indian, East Indian, Middle Eastern, or Native Hawaiian) which was categorized as “non-White” and where they lived geographically (Rural, Urbanized Cluster, or Urban Areas). The association between race and geographic classification was compared by using a chi-squared test. Results: In this retrospective analysis of 2,687 MM patients, we compared the geographical classification of Whites (n = 2403) and non-Whites (n = 284). Our analysis revealed a significant association between the two groups and where they lived with a chi-square value of 20.455 (2, n = 2,687, p < 0.001). We found that Whites are 1.9 times more likely to live in urbanized cluster areas and 2.7 times more likely to live in a rural area compared to non-Whites. Conclusions: The results of this RW analysis identified a disparity among races and where one lives geographically. While there is strong evidence of health disparities our findings revealed that where one lives geographically is not a probable reason why non-Whites experience delays in care, are under-treated, or lack access to MM specialists.

Los cambios requeridos para aumentar la calidad de las universidades ecuatorianas durante el gobierno de la Revolución Ciudadana –en los diez años de gestión de Rafael Correa- han dejado a las instituciones de educación superior frente al dilema de (a) intentar mejorar siguiendo de manera estricta los requerimientos del Consejo de Evaluación, Acreditación y Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (CEAACES) sin alterar la organización o (b) reestructurarse a través de la innovación, especialmente en la parte tecnológica, para construir un nuevo modelo de universidad de calidad que dé respuesta a esos requerimientos y a los que puedan surgir en el futuro. En el presente trabajo, se muestra como la Universidad Técnica de Ambato ha transformado su estructura tradicional napoleónica de facultades a una organización con cuatro dominios de conocimiento, adaptándose a las necesidades de la provincia de Tungurahua y de la región central del Ecuador, a través del sistema de triple hélice: gobierno, empresa y academia -a la que se le añade el aspa de los sectores sociales, convirtiéndola de manera innovadora en una tetra hélice- para liderar el desarrollo sostenible de su zona de influencia. El esquema seguido es una fórmula que contiene Docencia, Investigación y Desarrollo, Innovación y Emprendimiento [d+[I+D]+i+E] como elementos esenciales de la transformación.

e20022 Background: Patient-reported data play a critical role in assessing clinical benefit from therapeutic interventions and are increasingly used in clinical trials. Internet-based platforms such as HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma ( www.healthtree.org ) provide the opportunity to obtain such real-world patient-reported data, while also providing valuable insights into high-yield areas to focus on quality-improvement efforts. For example, proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based maintenance after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a consensus recommendation in many practice guidelines for high-risk multiple myeloma (MM) yet real-world adherence to this practice remains uncertain (PMID 23541011, 30932732). Methods: We examined post-ASCT maintenance therapy in patients with high-risk MM, as defined per mSMART criteria, using patient-reported treatment data from the HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma database. Patients who received an ASCT prior to 2014 were excluded. Results: Our analysis identified 110 MM patients with high-risk MM. Of those, only 48 (44%) received PI-based maintenance therapy. Additionally, 60 (55%) received IMiD (immunomodulatory imide drug) maintenance, 1 (< 1%) received ‘other’, and 1 (< 1%) did not report maintenance therapy. Conclusions: The benefits of PI-based maintenance in MM are well established for high-risk MM. However, analysis of patient-reported data using an online patient portal, HealthTree Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma, suggests a disparity between practice recommendations and real-world practice patterns. These findings, and others from online patient portals, can serve as a springboard in helping investigators to identify areas for quality-improvement initiatives.

e20026 Background: Whether tandem autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is superior to single ASCT for new diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients remains a subject of discussion in the era of novel agents. This project analyzed patient-reported outcomes to single ASCT and tandem ASCT utilizing an online patient-centered platform. Methods: We analyzed patient-reported treatment outcomes pertaining to tandem ASCT and single ASCT from HealthTree Cure Hub ( www.healthtree.org ). In this study, we examined whether patients reported a reduction or no reduction in their myeloma after their tandem or single ASCT. The association between stem cell transplant and myeloma outcome was compared by chi-squared test. Results: In this retrospective analysis of 945 MM patients, we compared two groups, those that reported receiving a tandem ASCT (n = 75) and those that reported receiving a single ASCT (n = 870). Our analysis revealed an association between patients who reported receiving a tandem ASCT and a reduction of their myeloma (chi-square (1) = 3.87, p = .04), compared to patients who reported receiving a single ASCT. Conclusions: Tandem ASCT was perceived by patients to be superior over single ASCT in regard to myeloma reduction for the HealthTree patient population. A more in-depth analysis of the patient-provided health data from HealthTree could aid in determining factors related to survival as well as help to quickly answer lingering questions related to tandem ASCT, such as timing, genetic factors, progression free survival, and more.[Table: see text]

e20025 Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are uniquely susceptible to viral and bacterial illnesses. In addition, MM and its treatments lead to immune deficiency, putting patients at a high risk for infection, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The emotional impact of COVID-19 on high-risk groups, such as MM patients, remains unclear. The purpose of this project was to understand psychosocial distress and unmet needs among patients with active MM during the acute and chronic phase of COVID-19 and its impact in the United States. Methods: We utilized the HealthTree Cure Hub (healthtree.org) and invited patients with active MM cancer or precursor conditions to participate in an online CancerSupportSource distress screening questionnaire by the Cancer Support Community. Participants were asked to rate their level of concern (Not at All to Very Seriously) on 12 items assessing physical, psychosocial, and practical needs during the acute and chronic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. De-identified responses were aggregated and reviewed. Results: 1,079 MM patients analyzed during the acute phase of the pandemic (April 15, 2020, to June 8, 2020) and 246 were analyzed during the chronic phase (January 8, 2021, to February 12, 2021). The percent of patients responding moderately to very seriously concerned are reported here. While eating and nutrition increased 3% from acute (71%) to chronic (74%) phases, physical needs overall decreased 2%. Psychosocial needs (worrying about the future, family concerns, feeling irritable, sad, nervous, or lonely, and relationship concerns) decreased 4% between the two phases, despite the 2% increase in problems with your spouse/partner. Additionally, practical needs (health insurance or money worries) decreased 4% between the acute and chronic phases of the pandemic. Conclusions: Respondents to our survey maintain a concern for eating and nutrition during the acute and chronic phases of the pandemic. Between the three types of needs examined in this survey, physical needs had the smallest change over time. This information can inform patients and medical professionals of the type of distress experienced by patients and help investigators assess the needs of the patient community to enhance patient outcomes.[Table: see text]

Current knowledge of the presence of microplastics (MP) in marine species in tropical areas is still limited. The presence of MP was examined in the gastrointestinal content of 30 filter feeders of the herring Opisthonema complex (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) from the Central Pacific of Costa Rica. MP were detected in 100% of the individuals with an average of 36.7 pieces per fish, of which 79.5% were fibers and 20.5% particles. No direct association between biometric variables or sex and the amount of microplastic was found. Different physicochemical analyses were carried out to determine the composition and characteristics of the microplastics. Most of the fibers were classified as polypropylene. Remarkably, some plastic particles turned out to be composed exclusively of minerals. This study demonstrates the high presence of MP in planktivorous fishes of the Pacific coast of Central America. Also, we propose the Opisthonema complex as a model for biomonitoring microplastic pollution in the Tropical Eastern Pacific due to its wide distribution, biometric homogeneity of the schools, non-selective feeding type, and its crucial position in the marine food webs. Universidad de Costa Rica/[808-B8-297]/UCR/Costa Rica UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biología UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR)

Background:Infectious diseases are increased in patients with rheumatic disorders; vaccination improves morbidity and mortalityObjectives:The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of vaccination in patients with rheumatic disorders and to compare the results with those obtained in 2009 and 2013 in a similar population. We also identified factors leading to lack of vaccination and patients beliefs on vaccines.Methods:Multicentric cross sectional study in patients with autoinmune diseases from external rheumatology offices. Evaluation of vaccination status and patients´ knowledge about vaccines were studied. A comparative analysis was carried out with the series registered in 2009 and 2013 in a similar population.Results:179 patients (158 female, 88.3% and 21 male, 11.7%) were evaluated. Median age was 52 years. Main pathologies were: Rheumatoid Arthritis 65.9% (n:118), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 11.7% (n:21), Systemic Sclerosis 3.9% (7), Sjogren Syndrome n = 3.4% (n:6), other diseases 15% (n: 27). Median disease duration: 8.87 years. Ninety three percent of patients (n:167) were taking inmunomodulators and 36.8% (n: 66) were using oral corticosteroids (20mg/day or less); 26,8% patients (n: 48) were receiving biological therapies. Vaccination frequency in the population was: Influenza 82% (147); 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal 69.3% (124), 23-valent pneumococcal 64.2% (115) and hepatitis B 62% (111). Comparative with 2009 and 2013 series there was an increase in the rate of vaccinated patients: influenza (82% vs. 39,1% and 74,2% respectively), antineumococcal (64% vs. 17% and 29%) and hepatitis B (62% vs. 6,7% and 26,7%).Reasons for non-vaccination were absence of medical indication (41% of patients for hepatitis B; 32% for 23-valent pneumococcal; 38% for 13-valent pneumococcal and 34% for influenza).139 patients (77, 7%) knew the benefits of vaccines, 164 (91, 6%) thought vaccines are useful; 134 (74,9%) reported that vaccines may decrease dying probability, 155 (86,5%) thought that vaccines are effective to prevent diseases and 149 patients (83,2%) believed that they prevent serious infections. 71 patients (39%) believed that vaccines can lead to serious consequences and 99 (55,3%) that they are more likely to acquire infections than the rest of the population.Conclusion:Frequency of vaccination has increased since 2009 but there is still misinformation regarding vaccines risks and benefits. Promotion and information is essential to improve adherence.References:[1]2019 update of EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Furer V, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:39–52[2] Vaccines and Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: Practical Implications for the Rheumatologist. Friedman MA et al. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2017 Feb; 43 (1):1-13.[3] Recommendations and barriers to vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus. Garg M et al. Autoimmun Rev. 2018 Oct; 17 (10):990-1001.[4] Comparison of national clinical practice guidelines and recommendations on vaccination of adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Papadopoulou D. et al. Rheumatol Int. 2014 Feb;34 (2):151-63.[5] Guías de recomendaciones de prevención de infecciones en pacientes que reciben modificadores de la respuesta biológica. Jordán R. Et al. Rev Arg Reumatol. 2014; 25 (2): 08-26.Disclosure of Interests:Malena Viola: None declared, Alejandro Benitez: None declared, Cecilia Garbarino: None declared, Gonzalo Rodriguez: None declared, Federico Benavidez: None declared, Claudia Peon: None declared, Eliana Soledad Blanco: None declared, Hernan Molina: None declared, Gimena Gómez: None declared, griselda redondo: None declared, Maria DeLaVega: None declared, Dario Mata: None declared, Augusto Riopedre: None declared, Osvaldo Messina Speakers bureau: Amgen; Americas Health Foundation; Pfizer

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 0.4-1.3% of general population (1). It can affect lungs in different ways, with interstitial lung disease (ILD) as the most severe. Clinically evident ILD has been reported in 10-42% of patients, with a great impact in prognosis (2).Objectives:Toidentify the prevalence of lung involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis patients (ERA) without previous known lung disease and describe the association between high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), lung functional tests (LFT) and clinical findings.Methods:Cross sectional multicentric study. We included ERA patients (1 year or less since diagnose) consecutively. Patients with previous RA related lung disease or biologic/targeted synthetic Dmard treatment were excluded. HRCT, immunological tests (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA), LFT and clinical evaluation were performed.Results:We included 74 patients, 63 (85,1%) woman, mean (SD) of 47 (17,7) years. Thirty-seven patients (50%) were current or former smokers. Abnormal findings in HRCT were found in 62 patients (88,6%): ILD in 6 (8,6%), airway involvement in 40 (70%) and emphysema in 7 (10%). Ten patients (13,5%) had abnormal auscultation (2 sibilances, 2 roncus, and 6 crackles). Six patients (8,1%) had digital clubbing. Regarding immunological tests, 54/61 (88,5%) patients were positive for Anti CCP, and 53/61 (86,9%) were positive for FR. We compared features of patients with findings related to RA in HRCT (interstitial and/or airway) with those without them. We found no differences in the mean (SD) of DAS-28 [4,74 (1,38) vs 4,32 (1,39); p= 0,27]. The prevalence of anti- CCP was not higher in patients with abnormal HRCT [38/44 (86,3%) vs 16/17 (94,1%); p=0,39]. Patients with abnormal HRCT were older [median (IQR) 50,5 years (44,5-59,5) vs 43 years (32-51); p=0,008) and showed higher VSG values [mean (SD) 39,09 (24,03) vs 27,38 (17,6); p= 0,043]. Abnormal physical examination or dyspnea (class 2 mMRC or higher) was significantly associated with HRCT abnormalities [26 (50%) vs 3 (13,6%); p=0.003) and the presence of ILD on HRCT was significantly associated with crackles on the auscultation [4/68(6,25%) vs 2/6 (33,33%); p 0,023].Conclusion:This study shows a high prevalence of lung involvement in ERA patients of less 1 year from diagnosis. Also, we showed a significant association between HRCT and physical examination findings. This data highlights the importance of the clinical examination in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. More studies with bigger samples and longitudinal follow up are needed to confirm and complete our results.References:[1]Rooney BK, Silman AJ. Epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases. Curr Opin Rheumatol [Internet]. 1999 Mar [cited 2016 Jul 19];11(2):91–7. Available from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10319210.[2]Antin-Ozerkis D, Evans J, Rubinowitz A, Homer RJ, Matthay RA. Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clin Chest Med [Internet]. 2010;31(3):451–78. Available from:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ccm.2010.04.003.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The synthesis, in vitro ligand binding study and in vivo Elevated Plus Maze test (EPM) of a series of pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-ones (PQs) are reported. Multistep synthesis of PQs started from anilines and diethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)malonate to give the quinolin-4-one nucleus, via the Gould-Jacobs reaction. These quinolinones were transformed to 4-chloroquinolines, which react with aryl-hydrazines affording the final compounds. PQs exhibited different potency in displacing specific [

The way universities should be evaluated is a key element in recent times in order to seek the improvement of university quality. Knowing what kind of variables should be taken into account in the collection of information, as well as knowledge and analysis of the data. In this paper we propose a way to obtain a mechanism to evaluate the way on how universities work which is known as metaevaluation with research, academy and outreach. Results show that there are no changes in variables, although there are basic and principal attributes, which will allow gathering universities in groups with similar attributes.

The generation of knowledge enables the development of adaptive capacities required by organizations that aspire to survive in competitive context; academic institutions are not oblivious to this. In fact, the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge are ingrained within the DNA of university institutions, assuming knowledge creation as primary function to breed scientific publications. In this sense, the organizational study of social network structures turns to be a robust tool for the analysis and comprehension of formal or informal collaborative relationships engaged in the core of any social entity. Through the co-authorship analysis in scientific publications and the utilization of social network analysis (SNA) approach, the present paper examines the structure of influences that reigns in a particular university, identifying those authors who have been capable to generate, foster, and boost a relational network and the entirely intellectual capital of the institution. The conclusions unveil the prevalence of a non-cohesive, uncompleted, and inequitable social network, in which the academic category or status neither determines nor assures a key position within the network.

In recent years, academic programs have increasingly documented student learning. For many, this practice of measuring and analyzing student learning outcomes continues as an elusive endeavor fraught with resentment and misgiving. This article describes the development of a student learning assessment plan for the University of Wyoming’s Chicano Studies Program. An initial program assessment facilitated the development of a faculty agreed-upon mission, goals, and learning outcomes. A summative course embedded assessment strategy provides direct evidence for determining student learning achievement. Student exit interviews provide additional evidence suggesting that Chicana/o Studies curricula help in cultivating a critical cultural thinking framework oriented toward social justice and activism. Current anti-immigrant and anti-Latina/o sentiments provide the context for a discussion of the study’s implications.

espanolEl objetivo fue evaluar tres metodos de polinizacion artificial en cacao clonal CCN-51 de siete anos de edad, en la Hacienda San Antonio, ubicada en el km 16 de la via Quevedo-El Empalme. Fueron evaluadas las variables numero de flores fecundadas, numero frutos sanos cosechados, peso total de fruto (g), numero de semillas y rendimiento estimado kg ha-1. Los tratamientos fueron: T0 = Control polinizacion natural, T1 = Polinizacion manual, T2 = Presion de aire con neblinadora sobre las flores del tronco del cacao, T3 = Presion de aire con neblinadora sobre el suelo, el diseno fue completamente al azar con cuatro replicas. Los datos se analizaron mediante analisis de varianza con la prueba de Tukey (p ≥ 0,05) de probabilidad. La variable numero de flores polinizadas el T1 polinizacion manual registro 28 flores, diferente estadisticamente del T0 (Testigo) con 15 flores. Para los frutos sanos cosechados el mejor tratamiento fue el T3 con 6,5 no se encontro significancia estadistica. Para el peso total de fruto el polinizacion natural (testigo) 857,16 g registro el menor valor, diferentes estadisticamente del T2 la presion de aire al tronco y T3 presion de aire al suelo con 938,09 y 937,36 g, respectivamente. Para la variable numero de semillas el mejor tratamiento fue le T3 con 43.91 almendras para lo cual no se encontro diferencia estadistica segun Tukey (p ≥ 0,05) y el rendimiento (kg ha-1) el mejor tratamiento fue el T3 con 1.243,64 kg no se encontro significancia estadistica. Se concluyo que los mejores metodos para polinizar cacao clonal CCN-51 es aplicando la presion de aire al suelo y tronco. EnglishThe objective was to evaluate three methods of artificial pollination in clonal cacao CCN-51 seven-year-old at the Hacienda San Antonio, located at km 16 of the way Quevedo - El Empalme. The evaluated variable were number of fertilized flowers; fruits harvested healthy number, total weight of fruit (g), seed number and estimated yield kg ha-1. The treatments were: T0 = natural pollination (control), T1 = manual Pollination, T2 = air pressure with neblinadora about flowers trunk cocoa, T3 = air pressure with neblinadora on the floor, the design was completely randomized with four replicates. Data were analyzed by analysis of vari-ance with Tukey test (p ≥ 0.05). The variable number of flowers pollinated T1 recorded 28 hand pollination flowers, statistically different from T0 (control) with 15 flowers. For healthy fruits harvested the best treatment was 6.5 T3 statistical significance were no found. For total fruit weight natural pollination (control) had the lowest 857.16 g value T2 statistically different air pressure to the trunk and T3 air pressure to 938.09 and 937.36 soil g, respectively. For the variable number of seeds the best treatment was T3 with 43.91 almonds for which no statistical difference according to Tukey (p ≥ 0.05) and yield (kg ha-1) was the best treatment with T3 1243.64 kg not found statistical significance. It was concluded that the best methods for pollinate clonal cacao CCN-51 is by applying air pressure to the floor and trunk.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the partial homogenization of milk and the use of an adjunct lactic culture on the processing, quality and yield of low-fat Chanco cheese. Treatments were: T1 normal-fat control and T2 low-fat control. The low-fat treatments were: T3 using homogenized milk, T4 with adjunct lactic culture and T5 both variables. It was concluded that the homogenization slightly increased the time of rest after cutting of the curd, and the addition of adjunct lactic culture increased the acidity of whey during a second agitation. Nevertheless, the total time and pH at the end of the process were normal and without significant statistical difference (P > 0.05) between treatments. When using homogenized milk the losses of fat in whey decreased by 50% with respect to the low-fat control and nearly 80% in relation to the full fat control. Consequently, the yield was increased. The physical and chemical characteristics of the Chanco cheese were not affected by the studied variables. With respect to the sensory evaluation, significant differences in colour and aroma did not appear, but there were statistically significant differences (P

The heating of the Upper atmospheres and the formation of the ionospheres on Venus and Mars are mainly controlled by the solar X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation (λ = 0.1 − 102.7 nm and can be characterized by the 10.7 cm solar radio flux). Previous estimations of the average Martian dayside exospheric temperature inferred from topside plasma scale heights, UV airglow and Lyman-a dayglow observations of up to ∼500 K imply a stronger dependence on solar activity than that found on Venus by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) and Magellan spacecraft. However, this dependence appears to be inconsistent with exospheric temperatures (

The protein composition and the milk yield (morning milking) were studied in 10 Chilean Holstein–Friesian first lactation dairy cows during the spring season. In addition, the genetic variants A and B of κ-casein (κ-CN) and β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) were also identified. The results showed that the casein content is significantly affected by the presence of B variant of κ-CN. Moreover, positive interactions between the B variant of κ-CN with AB of β-Lg and the combination of A κ-CN with AA of β-Lg for the total protein content, were found.

The genetic variants of κ-casein (κ-CN) A and B were analysed in milk from Holstein–Friesian (HF) and Jersey cows by means of isoelectric focusing (IEF) electrophoresis. Milk samples were obtained in triplicate from pure-breed HF and Jersey cows (three of each) to estimate the protein content, casein and purify κ-CN. The protein and casein contents in the milk from both breeds were statistically different (P

Today there is consensus in that the use of ICTs brings major opportunities as well as threats to the development of poorer countries and communities. This consensus is underpinning the emergence of many initiatives aimed at tackling the challenge of the digital divide. This paper examines the nature and magnitude of the digital divide and stresses the importance of the formation of a global movement focused on the e-inclusion. It describes the experiences of one project from Chile aimed at bringing hope to people excluded by disability and poverty. The paper ends with a number of ideas to help stimulate the formation of the global movement. A brief Postscript is added to inform of the practical steps that have followed the writing of the original paper (Molina, A., "The Digital Divide and The Stockholm and Rome Challenge', paper presented at the Third Global Forum: "Fostering Democracy and Development through E-Government', 15-17 March 2001, Naples, Italy) and to invite everybody to join it starting by v...

The treatment of proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD) has always been a challenge for the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. Multiple conservative and surgical approaches have been recommended with frequently unsatisfactory results. We reviewed the medical records of 22 patients seen between 1981 and 1990, and evaluated the results and complications of 3 different treatments administered according to the extent of leg length discrepancy. Of the 22 patients, 5 with the greatest leg length discrepancy were treated with hip stabilization (group A), 14 patients had leg lengthening (group B) and 3 patients had conservative treatment and orthosis (group C). The average follow-up period was16.8 years (range, 10–22 years). Mean age of the patients at treatment was 5.8 years (range, 1–12 years) in group A, 8.4 years (range, 4–16 years) in group B and 3.3 years (range, 1-6 years) in group C. Roentgenograms showed stable hips (Fixsen and Lloyd-Robert's type I) in only 2 of 5 patients from group A and 7 of 14 patients of group B. The remaining were unstable hips (Fixsen and Lloyd-Robert's types II and III). In group B the Wagner apparatus was used in 12 cases, Orthofix in 1 case and Lazo-Canadell in 1 case. 6 patients in group B underwent more that one lengthening. The mean residual shortenings in groups A, B and C were, respectively, 12.2 cm (range, 2–27), 11.5 cm (range, 1–20) and 18.1 cm (range, 4–27). The patients were evaluated in reference to gait, range of motion at knee and hip levels, stability of the hip and knee and residual shortening on an original scoring scale. Group A showed 60.0% of good results (3 of 5 cases), group B 64.3% (9 of 14 cases) and group C 66.6% (2 of 3 cases). Among patients who sustained to femoral lengthening (group B), complications were osteitis (6 cases), angular deformity (3 cases), pseudoarthrosis (1 case), and fracture (1 case); group A presented 2 cases of pseudoarthrosis while group C had no complications. This experience confirms that the treatment of the patient must be individualized with reference to age, presence or absence of stable hip and other anomalies of the limb. The contribution we make for further evaluations is a proposed new scoring system.

This study was performed to obtain an adequate tool for predicting the yield of Chilean Gouda cheese. The theoretical yields were calculated by applying equations derived from technical references to industrial cheese production and were compared with their own actual yields, thus selecting those equations showing the best correlation with the actual yield. The manufacturing and ripening of the cheese were controlled through the chemical composition of milk, whey and cheese, and the weight of the product before and after ripening was recorded. The actual and theoretical yield values derived from each formula were compared using the mean yield graphs. Furthermore, the global concordance coefficient (W) ofKendall and Smith was also applied, showing the lack of significant discrepancy between actual and theoretical yield values [P > 0.01 (W = 27; W ≥ 18.48)] for either 3- or 30-day cheeses. Out of the 11 formulae used to measure the yield of cheese, six showing a good correlation between the yields were selected through the comparison of error sums and Pearson correlation analysis. However, two formulae showed the best yield results for practical use. Le gouda, fromage originaire de Hollande, est maintenant produit dans 18 pays differents du monde dont le Chili. Cette etude a pour but d'obtenir un outil adequate pour predire le rendement du gouda chilien. Les rendements theoriques sont calcules en appliquant des equations derivees des references techniques pour la production industrielle de fromage et sont compares avec leurs propres rendements actuels, et ainsi les equations montrant la meilleure correlation avec le rendement actuel sont selectionnees. La fabrication et l'affinage des fromages sont controles par la composition chimique du lait, du lactoserum et du fromage, et le poids du produit avant et apres affinage est enregistre.

The paper discusses the constituency-building story of the emergence and development of Rome Municipality's Eurolaboratorio and telematics strategy-making process. The analysis uses Molina's diamond of sociotechnical alignment to assess the initial conditions and map the evolution of the main aspects of the story. It includes a description of the rationale and operation of Eurolaboratorio, its success in taking the Municipality into many European collaborative research and technology projects, the approach implemented for the telematics strategy-making in Rome, the advances of the process and the political-human aspects influencing its development. A final section provides some theoretical reflections on the relations between ‘micro’ constituency-building processes and ‘macro contextual’ features.

The addition of non-milk fat of animal or plant origin to dairy products such as fluid milk, milk powder, cheese or butter is considered to be an adulteration. The purpose of this research was is to propose a methodology using linear discriminating analyses for the detection of adulteration of milk fat with non-milk fat (animal origin) at levels below 10%, with at least 95% of the analysis correctly classified. The derived functions are applicable to pure milk fat samples of the VIIIth, IXth and Xth regions. Similarly partial discriminating functions applicable to pure milk fat of the said regions were also proposed. The percentage composition of triacylglycerides (C26 to C54) in 72 samples of pure milk fat of milk stored in tanks of six dairy plants was determined. The pure milk fat samples were adulterated with non-milk fat according to a theoretical model at 0 %, 5 %, 10% and 15% within 4 groups (n groups = 72). The best discriminant function F1 found for the southern zone was: F1 = 2.4633C34 – 2.69418C36 + 0.895685C38 – 2.09497C40+1.773789C42-1.57736C44 where C34, C36, C38, C40, C42 and C44 are the weight percentages of the weight of triacylglycerides with carbon numbers 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44. This equation allowed the correct classification of 97.2 or 79.1% of the samples adulterated with 10 or 5% of non-milk fat of animal origin, respectively.

Summary: Dengue continues to be the most important viral vector-borne disease in the world, particularly in Asia and Latin America, and is significantly affected by climate variability. The influence of climate in an endemic region of Colombia, from 2010 to 2011, was assessed. Epidemiological surveillance data (weekly cases) were collected, and incidence rates were calculated. Poisson regression models were used to assess the influence of the macroclimatic variable ONI (Oscillation Niño Index) and the microclimatic variable pluviometry (mm of rain for Risaralda) on the dengue incidence rate, adjusting by year and week. During the study period, 13,650 cases were reported. In 2010, the rates ranged from 8.6 cases/100,000 pop. up to a peak of 75.3 cases/100,000 pop. for a cumulative rate of 456.2 cases/100,000 pop. in that week. The climate variability in 2010 was higher (ONI 1.6, El Niño to −1.5, La Niña) than in 2011 (ONI −1.4, La Niña to −0.2, Neutral). The mean pluviometry was 248.45 mm (min 135.9–max 432.84). During El Niño, cases were significantly higher (mean 433.81) than during the climate neutral period (142.48) and during the La Niña (52.80) phases (ANOVA F = 66.59; p

This paper assesses the current state of development among the Internet-based providers of tourism services. The study focuses on leading intermediary businesses and enabling groups: travel agents; specialist service providers; reservation technology providers; and public agencies. In studying some 50 leading web sites, spanning a range of differing groups of intermediaries, we examined how travel agent sites seek to differentiate themselves, how public tourist information bodies are harnessing the Internet, and the role of computer reservation technology providers. We also examined factors shaping the future of the Internet: institutional tensions; competition for end users and investors; and end user expectations. The conclusions highlight a number of implications for the further development of tourism services provision within Europe, where the Internet plays a significant role. For example, the extent and pace of social and economic change that Internet derived information is facilitating.

The relationship between fat and protein content was studied in milk of farmers of Milk Collecting Centers (CAL) in the city of Valdivia, Chile, during autumn- winter and spring- summer 2000 and 2001. The objective of this research was to study the relationship between these parameters. The milk samples were obtained from 10 farmers associated to Milk Collecting Centers and sample of milk tank. Milk fat was determined by the Gerber method and protein contents by the Kjeldhal method. The data obtained from this study were statistically analysed through the software Statgraphic Plus 2.0. Statistically significant differences of milk fat (p, Se estudió la relación entre materia grasa y proteínas de la leche de productores de Centros de Acopio Lechero (CAL), en Valdivia, en otoño- invierno y primavera- verano del 2000 e inicios de 2001. El objetivo fue estimar la relación entre materia grasa y proteínas de la leche en Centros de Acopio Lechero, a fin de disponer de una ecuación que permita calcular proteínas apartir de materia grasa. Se obtuvieron muestras de leche de 10 productores de Centros de Acopio Lecheros y de la leche mezcla de estanque. La materia grasa se determinó por el método Gerber y las proteínas por el método de Kjeldhal. Los resultados fueron analizados estadísticamente mediante el programa Statgraphic Plus 2.0 Se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al 95 % de confianza, en el contenido de materia grasa entre predios y entre muestreos para las dos épocas analizadas otoño- invierno y primavera- verano. En relación al contenido de proteínas no se detectaron diferencias entre predios ni entre CAL, en la época de otoño- invierno, pero sí en la época primavera- verano. Al considerar el promedio de materia grasa y proteínas por estación, no se detectaron diferencias significativas. Se aplicaron modelos de regresión lineal y polinomial de segundo orden a los resultados de materia grasa y proteínas. El modelo aplicado que mejor se ajustó a la realidad de los CAL fue el de regresión polinomial de segundo orden, se propone una ecuación general para la época otoño- invierno y una particular para cada CAL en estudio, en la época de primavera- verano. &nbsp

Research was carried out to study the feasibility of making maribo cheese using milk fortified by the addition of skim milk powder. A control (T-C) with 82 g l -1 solids-non-fat (SNF) and 32 g l -1 milk fat was included, along with three treatments with 11.7 (T-1), 14.6 (T-2) and 16.6 g l -1 SNF (T-3) and standardization of the milk fat. Some chemical characteristics of the cheese milks and of the endproducts were studied and, in addition, cheese yield and the progress of maturation were monitored It was observed that, as maturation proceeded in all treatments, there was a steady increase in the ripening index (soluble nitrogen/total nitrogen %), which indicates a progressive advance of proteolysis. Nevertheless, there were significant differences (p

In September 1996, NewsPad—one of the first serious prototypes ever of the portable tablet computer went on show during Edinburgh's iTV96 Conference. The paper recounts and analyses the NewsPad experience and, simultaneously, tells a story of the explicit implementation of the sociotechnical constituencies theoretical approach to guide and inform the innovation process in highly uncertain conditions. The discussion is structured in short sections from the visions and realities of the portable tablet computer to the successful demonstration of the working NewsPad in Edinburgh.