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Estuaries are highly productive habitats that support fisheries production. However, the importance of mangrove carbon to estuarine consumers can differ considerably among systems. In this study, we used stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) to investigate the importance of mangrove carbon as an energy source to estuarine consumers in the Atrato River Delta, Colombia, an area where fringing mangroves dominate the coastline and where other productive coastal habitats that may otherwise support the food web are absent. Basal resources and consumers were collected from mangrove and nearshore habitats during the rainy season. Results revealed a food web with a maximum length of 4.6 trophic positions. Bayesian mixing models indicated that most consumers used a mixture of basal sources, which suggests intertwined energetic pathways. However, mixing models also indicated that some species relied more heavily on some basal sources than others and revealed trophic pathways (food chains). Mangrove carbon directly supported herbivorous crabs (Sesarmidae) and indirectly supported planktivorous fish (Engraulidae) and piscivorous fish. Mangrove carbon also contributed significantly to the diet of 2 of the most common fish species in the local artisanal fishery:Centropomus undecimalis(mean: 46%; credibility interval [CI]: 1-80%) andC. pectinatus(mean: 33%; CI: 1-78%). Our findings highlight that mangrove carbon can be an important food source in areas without other productive coastal habitats and can play an important role in sustaining the production of fisheries.

An approximately 3-month-old crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) was found by environmental authorities in the State of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil and referred to a wildlife care center. The fox was presenting respiratory distress and it was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB) for ancillary testing. Abdominal and thoracic ultrasound and radiographies were performed. These imaging tests indicated the fox had a possible diaphragmatic hernia and ectopic kidney. The imageology results were confirmed on necropsy, which revealed a postero-lateral focal discontinuity of the dorsal aspect of the diaphragmatic muscle with protrusion of the gastrointestinal tract into the thoracic cavity. The stomach and intestinal loops were filled with gas and obliterated the visualization of the heart and lungs. Additionally, only the right kidney was found, and no vestigial left kidney was identified. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are not commonly observed in wildlife but should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for acute onset of respiratory distress in young carnivores.

Cape gooseberry fruits are increasingly recognized due to their excellent organoleptic and functional characteristics as a food. As the cultivation of this fruit expands, it is necessary to determine the quality characteristics and evolution of the new growing zones. This study sought to characterize the growth and development of cape gooseberry fruits, Ecotype Colombia, in the Ventaquemada region (Department of Boyacá in Colombia). For the experiments, 50 plants were taken completely at random from which 20 flowers of the middle third were selected and marked considering that 50% of the flowers were open. The selected cape gooseberry plants were 9 months old from the establishment. Samples were carried out every 5-7 days to evaluate changes in different physiological and physicochemical properties of the fruits such as equatorial diameter, weight, dry matter, respiration intensity (RI), total soluble solids (SST), titratable acidity (TA), and maturity ratio (SST/TA). Logistic and modified enzyme kinetics models were fitted to represent the change in these characteristics as a function of growth time and to establish a suitable maturity index. A rapid increase in the growth and a substantive change in the properties of the fruits were observed between 36 and 45 days after anthesis (DAA) and stabilization between 60 and 65 DAA, which constitutes the stage of physiological maturity. At this stage, fruits with a polar/equatorial diameter of 2.2-2.5 cm, 14.9% TSS, 2.2% TA, and 191.7 cm

Resumen: En este estudio se presentan actividades desarrolladas en cursos de ingeniería con el objetivo de que los estudiantes utilicen procesos de modelado matemático para la comprensión de fenómenos físicos utilizando sistemas reales. La metodología del modelado en el aula se hizo siguiendo la propuesta de Kai Velten para ingenieros Se planteó el análisis del drenado de tanques con sección transversal variable en dos cursos distintos: 1) un curso en ecuaciones diferenciales ordinarias donde se establece una ecuación diferencial que modelara el drenaje, modelo de caja blanca (mecanicistas) basados en principios físicos y 2) un curso en medición de variables físicas donde se utiliza un ajuste polinómico de segundo orden por mínimos cuadrados, o modelo de caja negra (empírico). Se concluye que debido a la necesidad actual de solucionar problemas reales de ingeniería, se deben incluir técnicas de modelado matemático en los cursos de pregrado para que los estudiantes se habitúen a analizar problemáticas desde ésta perspectiva. Abstract: This research study presents activities on mathematical modeling processes that were developed in engineering courses to improve student understanding of physical phenomena using real systems. The modeling methodology performed in the classroom followed the proposal by Kai Velten for engineers. The analysis of tank drainage with cross-section variables were presented in two different courses: 1) a differential equations course where students established a differential equation modeling drainage by using a white box model (mechanistic) based on physical principles, and 2) a physical variables measuring course in which students used a second order polynomial adjustment by least squares or a black box model (empirical). Given the current need in engineering for solving real problems, it is concluded that mathematical modeling techniques must be included in undergraduate courses, such that students start getting accustomed to analyzing problems from this perspective.

As microprocessor architectures continue to increase computing performance under low-energy consumption, the combination of signal integrity, electromagnetic interference, and power delivery (PD) is becoming crucial in the computer industry. In that context, PD engineers make use of complex and computationally expensive models that impose time-consuming industrial practices to reach an adequate PD design. In this article, we propose a general surrogate-based methodology for fast and reliable analysis and design optimization of PD networks (PDN). We first formulate a generic surrogate model methodology exploiting passive lumped models optimized by parameter extraction to fit PDN impedance profiles. This PDN modeling formulation is illustrated with industrial laboratory measurements of a fourth generation server CPU motherboard. We next propose a black box PDN surrogate modeling methodology for efficient and reliable PD design optimization. To build our black box PDN surrogate, we compare four metamodeling techniques: support vector machines, polynomial surrogate modeling, generalized regression neural networks, and Kriging. The resultant best metamodel is then used to enable fast and accurate optimization of the PDN performance. Two examples validate our surrogate-based optimization approach: a voltage regulator (VR) with dual power rail remote sensing intended for communications and storage applications, by finding optimal sensing resistors and loading conditions; and a multiphase VR from a fifth-generation Intel server motherboard, by finding optimal compensation settings to reduce the number of bulk capacitors without losing CPU performance.

The effectiveness of micro-aeration on lactate (LA) production by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli was evaluated in 1 L bioreactors containing mineral media and glucose (70 g/L). Volumetric oxygen transfer coefficients (kLa) between 12.6 and 28.7 h−1 increased the specific growth rate (µ) and volumetric productivity (QLA) by 300 and 400%, respectively, without a significant decrease in lactate yield (YLA), when compared with non-aerated fermentations. A kLa of 12.6 h−1 was successfully used as a criterion to scale-up the production of l and d-lactate from 1 to 11 and 130 L. Approximately constant QLA and YLA values were obtained throughout the fermentation scale-up process. Furthermore, a d-lactogenic fermentation was carried out in 1 L bioreactors using avocado seed hydrolysate as a culture medium under the same kLa value, displaying high QLA and YLA.

Triploid salmonids have been shown to underperform in suboptimal environments. It is thought this might be due to having larger cells to accommodate the increased number of chromosomes and therefore effects on aerobic metabolism from having smaller cellular surface area to volume ratios. The goal of this study was to examine the aerobic metabolism of diploid and triploid white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in ambient (18 °C) and elevated water temperatures (24 °C). Resting and maximum metabolic rates, recovery time from exhaustive exercise, and surface area to volume ratios of erythrocytes and their nuclei in diploid and triploid sturgeon were evaluated. Triploid sturgeon had a reduced aerobic scope and hematological response (hematocrit and hemoglobin) to exhaustive exercise. A reduced surface area to volume ratio of erythrocytes in triploid sturgeon provides evidence that cellular surface area could be one mechanism limiting aerobic metabolism in triploid fishes. A lower aerobic scope found in triploid sturgeon may impact reproductive and somatic growth, yet more research is needed to determine implications for management decisions on farms and hatcheries.

Surgical site infection (SSI) following hip or knee arthroplasty poses a serious health and economic burden.To evaluate SSI management strategies and outcomes to help address this problem.A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of adults undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty who were identified to have a complex SSI by infection prevention and control surveillance audit. Audits identified SSI within 90 days of arthroplasty. Patients at two tertiary referral centres in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada from 2012 to 2019 were included, and SSI cases were followed for 2 years.In total, 240 SSIs were identified. Of these, 202 (84%) cases were managed with debridement with antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR), of which 71% achieved cure. The use of any topical intra-operative antibiotic in DAIR was not associated with improved outcome (odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 0.91-3.10; P=0.097). DAIR performed 31-90 days after arthroplasty had a lower chance of cure compared with DAIR performed within 30 days of arthroplasty; however, this difference was not significant (60 vs 73%; P=0.123). Initial treatment failures requiring additional surgery had a 51% cure rate. The majority (78%) of treatment failures initially managed with DAIR ultimately required two-stage revision.This study provides insight from a population-based perspective into the surgical management of SSI after primary total hip or knee arthroplasty in a large cohort. Additionally, SSIs that had initial management failure were followed. These data can inform future studies, such as the economic burden associated with these infections, and may be used to plan interventions to optimize SSI management.

Background: The combination of an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, Dara, to the main induction protocols (VRd, VTd,VCd) significantly improved the response rate of TE NDMM before transplantation. However, there is a concern regardingthe possible interference in the SC collection and bone marrow engraftment, since SC, to some degree, express CD38on their surface. In the MAX Dara study, Dara-CTd protocol was used sequentially close to the pre- and post-autologousstem cell transplantation-(ASCT) (D-30 and D + 30), in order to take advantage of the molecule's action as an in vivopurge. Aims: In this analysis, we examine the impact of the number of Dara doses administered pre-mobilization on CD34 cellcount, SC apheresis yield, and post-ASCT engraftment. Methods: This is a phase II, open-label single-center clinical trial. The original protocol was Dara-CTd for up to four 28-day induction cycles and Dara-Td for up to four 28 days consolidation cycles. C-1500 mg oral (PO) per cycle, duringcycles 1 to 4, T at 100-200 mg PO on days 1 to 28, during cycles 1-8, (d) at 160 mg PO per cycle, during cycles 1 - 8 andDara at 16 mg/kg/dose intravenous (IV) on days 1,8,15 and 22 during cycles 1 - 2 and every other week in cycles 3 – 8. Because of the Covid pandemic we had to adapted the protocol and moving 5-6 consolidation cycles to be used asinduction, increasing the total dose of Dara from 12 to 16 and the number of cycles from 4 to 6 before ASCT. Granulocytecolony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered alone for SC mobilization and plerixafor added based on day 4 preharvestperipheral blood CD34 counts. The target of SC collection was to enable the performance of one ASCT (>2,5 x 106/kg). PMN and platelet engraftment post-ASCT was defined as the first day with sustained PMN count >1000 x 106/L andindependence from platelet transfusion in the preceding 7 days with a count >20 x 109/L, respectively Results: From a total of 21 pts that were included, 19 pts completed mobilization. 12 pts received 12and 7 pts received 16 induction Dara doses, respectively. The median number (range) of daysbetween the last dose of Dara infusion and SC harvest was 23 (16-63) days. A total of five (26%) ptsreceived plerixafor during mobilization. More pts from Dara 16 doses needed plerixafor comparingwith Dara 12 doses (42% vs 16%), but without difference between the groups. Pts underwent amedian (range) of 1 (1-2) days of apheresis. The median number of CD34+ cells collected in the totalgroup was 3.94×106/kg, and no difference was found between Dara 12 vs 16 doses (3.61×106/kg vs4.01x106/kg), p = 0.27. There was no difference in the number of SC collected considering theresponse rate after induction > or < VGPR, and the last day of Dara use > or < 30 days, before SCharvesting. Hematopoietic reconstitution rates were similar for Dara 12 vs 16 doses, a median(range) of 11.0 (9-13) vs 11.0 (11-14) days was required to achieve sustained ANC > 1000 cells/mm3, and a median (range) of 12.0 (9-14) vs 11.0 (8-16) days was required to achieve sustained platelets> 20,000 cells/mm3 without transfusion, respectively. Summary/Conclusion: SC mobilization was feasible with Dara-CTd induction. Despite the more doses of Dara usebefore mobilization increases the need of plerixafor use, the SC number difference was not significant comparing Dara 12vs 16 doses (p = 0.3). The infusion of Dara close to harvest did not interfere with SC collection. Adding DARA to CTdallowed successful transplantation in pts with TE NDMM.

This paper presents a prominent e-learning tool that is part of deliverable packages of Hy2Green Project (Ref. 2017-1-ES01-KA203-038302). The aim of the project is to develop an online training course that can help to improve new professional profiles in hydrogen technologies, in line with the energy transition model in Europe. As part of this training course and as result of a team collaboration, a remote laboratory based on hydrogen technology has been designed and implemented. Through the online platform, students from every part of the world can access remotely and in real-time, to a real laboratory built from a scaled green-hydrogen production plant. The green-hydrogen production plant has, in addition to hydrogen production and storage subsystems, a fuel cell, through which electricity is generated with the stored hydrogen. The developed remote laboratory offers technological and educational improvements. From the technological point of view, it allows handling a real installation, throughout the entire energy conversion process, being able to carry out laboratory tests, to characterize the different components. This remote laboratory is proposed as a multidisciplinary tool, where students develop their skills in automatic control, system modelling and renewable energy management. On the other side, from the educational point of view, this proposal contributes to democratization of education. That is nowadays equipment related to hydrogen technology is not cheap, so this implies that not all educational centres cannot afford to have a hydrogen laboratory. The remote laboratory presented in this work offers the possibility to carry out laboratory practices to whatever the student and the university are.

An optimization methodology to determine the best values of the compensation elements of a buck voltage regulator (VR) as well as the optimal number of decoupling capacitors in a power delivery network (PDN) application is proposed. A state average equivalent circuit model of the buck converter is employed. The proposed optimization methodology gradually finds the best compensation parameter values of a buck converter VR to meet some stability criteria in a PDN application. Additionally, the number of parallel decoupling capacitors in the PDN is minimized to simultaneously meet a frequency-domain impedance profile specification and a time-domain voltage droop requirement.

Background Newly drugs access for MM treatment still a challenge in some countries. One of the most availableinductions for TE NDMM patients (pts) worldwide is cyclophosphamide (C), thalidomide (T) and dexamethasone (d)-(CTd). Dara the first anti- CD38, had been combined with VCd, VTd and VRd and markedly increased the depth andduration of the response. We hypothesized that the combination of Dara and CTd could be safe and allow deeper activityas an alternative protocol. Aims The primary endpoint was to evaluate the VGPR after two consolidation cycles post-autologousstem cell transplantation (ASCT). Secondary endpoints were the overall response rate during alltreatment phases and minimal residual disease (MRD), based on the International Myeloma WorkingGroup (IMWG) criteria that includes the next-generation flow (NGF) by the EuroFlow®and PET-CTand the safety profile. Methods This is a phase II, open-label single-center clinical trial. The main inclusion criteria were: TENDMM, creatinine clearance > 30 mL/min, normal cardiac, renal and liver function and the EasterCooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status = 0 - 2. The protocol was Dara-CTd for upto four 28-day induction cycles: C-500 mg oral (PO) on days 1,8 and 15, T at 100-200 mg PO on days1 to 28, (d) at 40 mg PO on days 1,8,15 and 22 and Dara at 16 mg/kg/dose intravenous (IV) on days1,8,15 and 22 during cycles 1 - 2 and every other week in cycles 3 – 4, followed by ASCT. All ptsreceived up to four 28-day consolidation cycles that was started at D+30 after ASCT: Dara at 16 mg/kg and (d) at 40 mg every other week, associated with T at 100 mg PO on days 1 - 28. Dara at 16 mg/kg was used monthly as maintenance until progression or limiting toxicity. G-CSF was used forstem cell (SC) mobilization and plerixafor had been allowed whenever the pts need. All pts receivedantiviral, anti-pneumocystis and anti-thrombotic prophylaxis. Results The first pts was enrolled in November 2018. A total of 21 pts were included, the median age being 56 (range 37– 67 years), 19 (90%) were non-white, 3 (14%) had an R-ISS = 1, 12 (57%) had an R-ISS = 2 and 3 (14%), an R-ISS = 3. Five (24%) pts had high-risk chromosomal abnormalities [del17p, t(4;14) or t(14;16)]. To date, all pts have completedinduction, 19 have received transplant and 17 have completed D+90 post-transplant assessment. No SC mobilizationfailure was observed, and five (26%) pts needed plerixafor use. In an intention to treatment analysis, after the end ofinduction (cycle 4), 19 (90%) of the pts obtained > PR and 8 (38%) obtained >VGPR, including three MRD negativity byNGF. 17 pts have completed two consolidation cycles after transplant and 94% obtained > VGPR as best response, 12(70%) obtained MRD negativity by NGF and nine (53%) had negative PET-CT. Seven (41%) pts had both flow and PETCTnegativity. Three pts died from infection, one before transplant because of Covid infection, on post-transplant, considered not related to the investigational agent, and another after consolidation, related to the investigational agent. The most common nonhematological adverse events (AEs) grades 3 and 4 before ASCT were neuropathy (n = 6), infusion reaction (n = 7), infection (n = 2), hypertension (n = 1) and rash (n = 1). Summary/Conclusion This is the first study that combined Dara with CTd as induction for TE NDMM pts. This presentdata has shown that the association of Dara-CTd achieved the primary end point once > 90% of the pts achieved VGPRafter two consolidations cycles, and safety profile was acceptable. Clinical trial information NCT03792620.

Classically the results of any joint replacement surgery are evaluated at a minimum of 5 years. This period could be considered excessive to evaluate the functional results of this procedure. The objective of this study is to compare functional and quality of life results to 1 and five years of follow-up following a total knee replacement (TKR).Prospective observational study. All patients visited one year after the implantation of TKR were included. All of these filled out the SF-36 questionnaire and the KSS valuation scale. Both were administered again at age five after surgery.689 patients were initially included in the study (163 men [23.7%] and 526 women [76.3%]) with an average age of 72.2 years. At age 5,585 (84.9%) of these patients were re-analyzed. While the knee section of the KSS scale remained similar in these two periods, the function section of the KSS titration scale showed a slight worsening over time (p = 0.008). With respect to SF-36, the physical summation worsened at five years (p = 0.00) and the mental summation remained stable (n.s.) between the year and five years after surgery.Five years after a TKR, the physical exam does not vary from the year of surgery. However, the subjective evaluation measured by the function-KSS section and the physical SF-36, worsen slightly during this period. This could be due to aging patients.Clásicamente los resultados de cualquier cirugía de reemplazo articular se evalúan en un mínimo de cinco años. Este período podría considerarse excesivo para evaluar los resultados funcionales de este procedimiento. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida a uno y cinco años de seguimiento tras una artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR).Estudio prospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron todos aquellos pacientes visitados un año después de la implantación de una ATR. Todos ellos rellenaron el cuestionario SF-36 y la escala de valoración KSS. Ambos fueron administrados nuevamente al cabo de cinco años de la cirugía.689 pacientes fueron incluidos inicialmente en el estudio (163 hombres [23.7%] y 526 mujeres [76.3%]) con una edad media de 72.2 años. A los cinco años, 585 (84.9%) de estos pacientes fueron analizados de nuevo. Mientras que la sección rodilla de la escala KSS se mantenía similar en estos dos períodos, la sección función de la escala de valoración KSS mostraba un leve empeoramiento con el tiempo (p = 0.008). Con respecto al SF-36, el sumatorio físico empeoraba a los cinco años (p = 0.00) y el sumatorio mental se mantenía estable (n.s.) entre un año y cinco años tras la cirugía.Después de cinco años de una ATR, el examen físico no varía con respecto al año de la cirugía. Sin embargo, la evaluación subjetiva medida mediante la sección función-KSS y el SF-36 físico empeoran ligeramente durante este período. Esto podría ser debido al envejecimiento de los pacientes.

The design process of power delivery networks (PDN) in modern computer platforms is becoming more relevant and complex due to its relationship with high-frequency effects on signal integrity. When circuits start operating, the changing current flowing through the PDN produces fluctuations creating voltage noise. Unsuccessful noise control can compromise data integrity. A suitable PDN design approach is the use of decoupling capacitors to lower the impedance profile and mitigate current surges, ensuring a small variation in the power supply voltage under significant transient current loads. An optimization approach to determine the number of decoupling capacitors in a PDN is presented in this paper, aiming at decreasing the amount of decoupling capacitors without violating the PDN design specifications, looking at both the impedance profile in the frequency domain and the resulting voltage droop in the transient time-domain.

The inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) can induce neurogenesis, and the associated activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling via GSK-3 inhibition may represent a means to promote motor function recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) via increased astrocyte migration, reduced astrocyte apoptosis, and enhanced axonal growth. Herein, we assessed the effects of GSK-3 inhibitionin vitroon the neurogenesis of ependymal stem/progenitor cells (epSPCs) resident in the mouse spinal cord and of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors (hESC-NPs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors (hiPSC-NPs) andin vivoon spinal cord tissue regeneration and motor activity after SCI. We report that the treatment of epSPCs and human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors (hPSC-NPs) with the GSK-3 inhibitor Ro3303544 activates beta-catenin signaling and increases the expression of the bIII-tubulin neuronal marker; furthermore, the differentiation of Ro3303544-treated cells prompted an increase in the number of terminally differentiated neurons. Administration of a water-soluble, bioavailable form of this GSK-3 inhibitor (Ro3303544-Cl) in a severe SCI mouse model revealed the increased expression of bIII-tubulin in the injury epicenter. Treatment with Ro3303544-Cl increased survival of mature neuron types from the propriospinal tract (vGlut1, Parv) and raphe tract (5-HT), protein kinase C gamma-positive neurons, and GABAergic interneurons (GAD65/67) above the injury epicenter. Moreover, we observed higher numbers of newly born BrdU/DCX-positive neurons in Ro3303544-Cl-treated animal tissues, a reduced area delimited by astrocyte scar borders, and improved motor function. Based on this study, we believe that treating animals with epSPCs or hPSC-NPs in combination with Ro3303544-Cl deserves further investigation towards the development of a possible therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can identify the underlying substrate in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and normal echocardiography. Myocardial strain has emerged as a superior index of systolic performance compared to ejection fraction (EF), with an incremental prognostic value in many cardiac diseases. Purpose To assess myocardial deformation using 2-D feature-tracking CMR strain imaging (CMR-FT) in patients with frequent VAs (≥500 ventricular premature contractions (VPC)/24 hours; and/or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia), and structurally normal hearts on echocardiography without evidence of coronary artery disease. Methods Sixty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 46 ± 16 years; 54% female) and 72 healthy controls matched for age and body surface area were included in the study. CMR imaging was performed on a 1.5T Magnetom Avanto (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) scanner using a standard cardiac protocol. Results CMR showed normal findings in 30 patients (44%), while 16 (24%) had previous myocarditis, 6 (9%) had a diagnosis of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), 15 (22%) were diagnosed with VPC-related cardiomyopathy, and 1 patient had subendocardial infarction [excluded from strain analysis]. Mean left ventricular EF (LVEF) in patients was 62% ± 6% and right ventricular EF 64% ± 6% (vs. 65% ± 3% and 66% ± 4% in controls, respectively). Compared to control subjects, patients with VAs had impaired peak LV global radial strain (GRS) (28.88% [IQR: 25.87% to 33.97%] vs. 36.65% [IQR:33.19% to 40.2%], p Conclusion Peak LV GRS and GCS are impaired in patients with frequent idiopathic VAs and can detect myocardial contractile dysfunction in patients with different underlying substrates. Our findings suggest that LV strain indices on CMR-FT constitute independent markers of myocardial dysfunction on top and independently of EF. Abstract Figure.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias provides significant diagnostic and prognostic information but is challenging due to artefacts. In patients with occasional ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), arrhythmia rejection algorithms can be used to acquire good quality cine images at the expense of longer breath-hold times. However, arrhythmia sorting in not practical in cases of frequent VPCs; other options include triggered data acquisition which compromises image quality or use of low temporal and spatial resolution ‘real-time’ imaging. Purpose The aim of our study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of the class Ia antiarrhythmic medication procainamide for suppressing ventricular ectopy and acquiring high quality CMR images. Methods 50 consecutive patients (mean age 48 ± 16 years; 52% female) with a high burden of VPCs during CMR scanning were included in the study. Procainamide was administered on the scanner table prior to CMR scanning at intermittent intravenous bolus doses of 50 mg every minute, until suppression of VPCs was achieved or a maximum dose of 10 mg/kg was reached. Blood pressure was measured every minute and there was continuous monitoring of heart rate and ECG trace. CMR studies were performed on a 1,5T Magnetom Avanto scanner using a standard cardiac protocol. Results The average dose of procainamide administered was 567 ± 197 mg (range 200-1000 mg). Procainamide successfully suppressed VPCs in 82% of patients (20 patients with complete suppression and 21 with significant reduction); 7 patients had minimal suppression of VPCs, while there was no effect of procainamide in only 2 patients. Baseline blood pressure (BP) was mildly reduced (mean change systolic BP -12 ± 9 mmHg; diastolic BP -4 ± 9 mmHg) but none of the patients developed symptomatic hypotension. Baseline heart rate (HR) was relatively unchanged (baseline 75 ± 11 beats per minute (bpm) – peak procainamide HR 74 ± 12 bpm (mean HR change -1 ± 6 bpm). None of the patients developed pathological ECG changes. CMR scan had normal findings in 42% of the patients, 26% had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, in 16% the most likely diagnosis was VPC-related cardiomyopathy, 14% had previous myocarditis, and 1 patient had dual pathology (dilated cardiomyopathy with previous myocardial infarction). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 55% ± 9%. Conclusion We propose the bolus intravenous administration of procainamide prior to CMR scanning as a safe and effective alternative approach for suppressing VPCs and acquiring high quality images in patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias and normal or only mildly impaired left ventricular function. Further studies are needed to assess its safety and effectiveness in larger patient cohorts, including also patients with ventricular systolic impairment.

Background Previous studies have shown that prematurity leads to altered right ventricular (RV) geometry and performance with persistent impairments in RV systolic function in young adulthood. It is unknown to what extent pulmonary physiology impacts these findings. Purpose To better quantify known alterations in RV morphology and function in preterm-born young adults and to determine to what extent these changes are influenced by the pulmonary circulation. Methods A total of 101 normotensive preterm-born (n=47, mean gestational age 32.8±3.2 weeks) and term-born (n=54) young adults were recruited. Echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were performed to characterise RV morphology, RV function, pulmonary hemodynamics and RV-pulmonary arterial vascular (PA) coupling. CMR cine images were used to create a 3D computational atlas of the RV geometry and principal component analysis was undertaken to identify the key modes of shape variation. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function. Results RV CMR revealed a higher absolute and indexed RV mass (P Conclusions Multimodality cardiac imaging demonstrated that moderately preterm-born young adults exhibit structural and functional RV alterations, independent of lung physiology. Their RV remains hemodynamically coupled to its pulmonary circulation despite higher RV afterload, lower RV function and altered morphology. Figure 1. Statistical shape model of the RV Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation

The effectiveness of micro-aeration on lactate (LA) production by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli was evaluated in 1 L bioreactors containing mineral media and glucose (70 g/L). Volumetric oxygen transfer coefficients (k

Learning styles and environments cannot remain the same. Universities are working in designing and implementing strategies for taking advantage of young people’s customs, as a way to encourage them to acquire all the knowledge and skills required to achieve necessary experience to develop in the professional field. Although traditional classrooms have offered many advantages for years, for some aspects, they have ceased to be functional; hence the need to incorporate methodologies that will allow to reach different types of students. This document describes the use of a methodology based on knowledge networks, which will guide the student while studying. This methodology has allowed students to review their courses, self-assess to know if they have acquired the competences or to detect which topic they should reinforce. The professor has the opportunity to put his knowledge and explanations available to the student, as well to monitor the progress of his students in specific parts of their particular knowledge. For the implementation of this methodology, a technological platform was built so that students have the support at the time they need it. The methodology implemented in the platform provides a safe environment that strengthens the student’s initiative to continue learning.

Resumen El presente artículo está extraído del Trabajo de Final de Grado de Derecho en la UNED, realizado por el investigador, sobre la línea de la Historia del Derecho y de las Instituciones. En la primera parte se trató la evolución de la figura del Preboste General (actualmente denominado Provost Marshall) desde las primeras referencias a la institución, como representativa de la autoridad del Rey en las Villas del norte de España y Francia, en la Alta Edad Media, hasta su incorporación a la campaña ya en el siglo XVI. En esta segunda parte, se analizarán las competencias y funciones del Preboste General en la edad moderna, a partir del siglo XIX, de la mano del Cuerpo de la Guardia Civil, como Policía Militar actual española. Abstract In this article we will analize the Provost Marshall's competences and functions in the modern age, since the nineteenth century, when the Guardia Civil asumed the rol, as the current Spanish Military Police. This article is the second part of another one where was treated the evolution of the figure of the "Preboste General" (known nowadays as Provost Marshall) from first references about the institution, as representative of the authority of the King in the towns of France and northern Spain, in the High Middle Ages, until its incorporation into the campaign in the sixteenth century.

Resumen El objetivo del artículo es desarrollar y validar un modelo matemático para determinar la posición y orientación del centro de masa de un robot móvil (Kit LEGO NXT 2.0) en función de las tensiones aplicadas a los servomotores de las ruedas, utilizando modelos cinemáticos y dinámicos del robot con enfoque desde la mecánica Lagrangiana. Los resultados obtenidos en el experimento fueron procesados utilizando el software Tracker, y se compararon estadísticamente mediante una prueba t-student con los resultados obtenidos al realizar la simulación del modelo en el Simulink de Matlab. Al comparar los valores se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios, razón por la cual se puede concluir que el modelo establecido da cuenta adecuada del comportamiento del centro de masa del robot.

Resumen Introduccion La endometriosis de pared abdominal es una patologia infrecuente, que generalmente se desarrolla en una cicatriz quirurgica posterior a un procedimiento ginecologico y/o ginecoobstetrico. Caso clinico Mujer de 29 anos, G3C2A1V2, antecedentes de esterilizacion quirurgica, quien un ano despues a su ultima cesarea presenta cuadro de dolor pelvico cronico asociado a ciclo menstrual, que se acompanaba de sangrado menstrual abundante y sensacion de masa en hipogastrio. Con diagnostico de endometriosis en pared abdominal, razon por la cual realizan reseccion. Sin embargo, tras un ano posterior al procedimiento recidiva de endometriosis en pared abdominal, en esta ocasion, con requerimiento de reseccion amplia de fascia, colocacion de malla y cierre por planos. Conclusiones La endometriosis de pared abdominal es de dificil diagnostico, ya que comparativamente es una entidad infrecuente, que no ha recibido una adecuada atencion. Es importante sospecharla en mujeres con dolor abdominal ciclico y presencia de masa en la pared abdominal, adicionalmente con la utilizacion de imagenes diagnosticas. La reseccion quirurgica es el tratamiento ideal, sin embargo, es importante recalcar la importancia de una reseccion amplia de margenes para evitar recidivas. Adicionalmente el cierre por planos que evite defectos en la pared abdominal.