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This work presents the design and performance evaluation of a novel magnetic refrigeration unit capable of controlling the temperature of a 31-bottle wine cooler cabinet. The main components of the system are: an active magnetic regenerator composed of eight porous beds of Gd/Gd-Y spheres, a two-pole magnetic circuit responsible for the magnetic field changes, a set of solenoid valves for flow control, and fan-supplied finned tube heat exchangers on the cold and hot sides of the wine cooler apparatus. Synchronization of the magnetic field variation and fluid flow processes was performed using real-time magnetic field measurements. The system was capable of reaching a mean temperature of 10.8 o C inside the retrofitted wine cooler cabinet by generating 27.9 W of cooling capacity for an ambient temperature of 25 o C. The coefficient of performance and second-law efficiency for this operating point were estimated as 0.21 and 1.0%, respectively. When operating at a cabinet temperature of 12.5 o C, the coefficient of performance and second-law efficiency achieved by the magnetic system were 0.38 and 1.6%.

Background Phosphoglucomutase-3 (PGM3) deficiency is a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) with hyperimmunoglobulin IgE, atopy, and a variable immunological phenotype; most reported patients display dysmorphic features. The aim of the study was to characterize the genotype and phenotype of individuals with newly identified compound heterozygous variants in the phosphate-binding domain of PGM3 in order to better understand phenotypic differences between these patients and published cases. Methods We analyzed PGM3 protein expression, PGM3 enzymatic activity, the presence of other gene variants within the N-glycosylation pathway, and the clinical and immunological manifestations of two affected siblings. Results Patients belonged to a non-consanguineous family, presenting with atopic dermatitis, elevated levels of IgE, and CD4+ lymphopenia (a more severe phenotype was observed in Patient 2), but lacked dysmorphic features or neurocognitive impairment. Compound heterozygous PGM3 variants were identified, located in the phosphate-binding domain of the enzyme. PGM3 expression was comparable to healthy donors, but L-PHA binding in naive-CD4+ cells was decreased. Examination of exome sequence identified the presence of one additional candidate variant of unknown significance (VUS) in the N-glycosylation pathway in Patient 2: a variant predicted to have moderate-to-high impact in ALG12. Conclusions Our analysis revealed that L-PHA binding is reduced in naive-CD4+ cells, which is consistent with decreased residual PGM3 enzymatic activity. Other gene variants in the N-glycosylation pathway may modify patient phenotypes in PGM3 deficiency. This study expands the clinical criteria for when PGM3 deficiency should be considered among individuals with hyper-IgE.

Resumen Introducción. En el cultivo de pimentón se han recomendado las podas para mejorar la intercepción de luz, aumentar el cuajado y la calidad de los frutos. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de las podas sobre los componentes de rendimiento de dos híbridos de pimentón establecidos en dos ambientes: campo abierto y campo protegido bajo techo plástico con ventilación natural. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron dos ensayos en el Centro Investigación La Selva de la Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. Se evaluaron dos híbridos de pimentón tipo bloque en dos ambientes: campo abierto (en el ciclo 2013-2014) y campo protegido bajo techo plástico (en los ciclos 2013-2014, 2014-2015) y tres sistemas de podas de formación: dos tallos, tres tallos y sin podar. Para el primer ensayo se empleó un diseño de bloques completos al azar con seis tratamientos (dos híbridos y tres sistemas de poda) y cinco repeticiones. Para el segundo se establecieron los mismos tratamientos solo bajo el ambiente protegido, en un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Resultados. Hubo diferencias estadísticas para rendimiento total en el sistema sin podar en ambos ensayos. En el ambiente protegido–2013 los híbridos alcanzaron una producción media de 36,7 t ha-1, el sistema sin podas fue el más rendidor (promedio 49,7 t ha-1). A campo abierto el rendimiento fue de 23,6 t ha-1. Los rendimientos totales obtenidos bajo el ambiente protegido-2014 (36,2 t ha-1), igualaron al obtenido en 2013 y superaron estadísticamente los de campo abierto. Conclusión. Las plantas sin podar mostraron los mejores rendimientos en ambos ensayos. En algunas variables se presentaron diferencias entre los ambientes, los híbridos de pimentón y su interacción. Se deben realizar estudios adicionales para determinar si el ambiente protegido es adecuado para el desarrollo de los híbridos. Abstract Introduction. Pruning the stems of bell pepper has been recommended to improve light interception, increase fruit set, and the quality of fruits. Objective. To evaluate the effect of pruning on yield components of two pepper hybrids established in two environments: open field and protected field under roof with plastic and natural ventilation. Materials and methods. Two trials were conducted at the La Selva Research Center of the Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. Two pepper hybrids of block type were evaluated in two environments: open field (in the 2013-2014 cycle) and protected field under plastic cover (in the 2013-2014, 2014-2015 cycles), and three formation pruning treatments: two stems, three stems, and no pruning. For the first experiment, a randomized complete block design with six treatments (two hybrids and three pruning systems) and five replicates was used. For the second, the same treatments were established only under the protected environment, in a randomized complete block design. Results. Statistical differences were found for total yield in the unpruned system in both trials. In the protected field–2013 the hybrids achieved an average yield of 36.7 t ha-1, the unpruned system was the highest yielding (49.7 t ha-1). In the open field the yield was 23.6 t ha-1. The total yields obtained under the protected field-2014 (36.2 t ha-1), equaled that obtained in 2013, and statistically exceeded those of the open field. Conclusion. Unpruned plants showed the best yields in both trials. Differences between environments, hybrids, and their interaction were present in some variables. Further studies should be carried out to determine if the protected environment is suitable for the development of the hybrids.

Introduction Severe asthma is a rare disease in children, for which three biologicals, anti-immunoglobulin E, anti-interleukin-5 and anti-IL4RA antibodies, are available in European countries. While global guidelines exist on who should receive biologicals, knowledge is lacking on how those guidelines are implemented in real life and which unmet needs exist in the field. In this survey, we aimed to investigate the status quo and identify open questions in biological therapy of childhood asthma across Europe. Methods Structured interviews regarding experience with biologicals, regulations on access to the different treatment options, drug selection, therapy success and discontinuation of therapy were performed. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Results We interviewed 37 experts from 25 European countries and Turkey and found a considerable range in the number of children treated with biologicals per centre. All participating countries provide public access to at least one biological. Most countries allow different medical disciplines to prescribe biologicals to children with asthma, and only a few restrict therapy to specialised centres. We observed significant variation in the time point at which treatment success is assessed, in therapy duration and in the success rate of discontinuation. Most participating centres intend to apply a personalised medicine approach in the future to match patients a priori to available biologicals. Conclusion Substantial differences exist in the management of childhood severe asthma across Europe, and the need for further studies on biomarkers supporting selection of biologicals, on criteria to assess therapy response and on how/when to end therapy in stable patients is evident., This study reveals enormous differences in therapy with biologicals for childhood severe asthma across Europe, and demonstrates the urgent need for harmonisation in medication choice, definition of therapy success and how/when to discontinue treatment https://bit.ly/3tnJMTY

Una gran variedad de sectores, como telecomunicaciones, finanzas y distribución de energía requieren de una sincronización precisa. Cuando se trata de sincronización de alta precisión entre puntos lejanos (>1000 km) se emplean habitualmente técnicas de transferencia de tiempo mediante satélites de geonavegación. Dentro de estas técnicas, la empleada mayoritariamente se conoce como Common View y consiste en el empleo de receptores especializados y relojes atómicos de elevado coste. En esta investigación se ha desarrollado un sistema embebido con capacidad para realizar common view empleando un oscilador de coste medio y una alta frecuencia de correcciones. Esto reduce en dos órdenes de magnitud el coste de la sincronización, aumentando así el número de posibles usuarios y abriendo un abanico de aplicaciones., Este trabajo ha sido financiado gracias al Programa de Garantía Juvenil y al proyecto Amiga-7.

BACKGROUND: Various studies have assessed omalizumab outcomes in the clinical practice setting but follow-up and/or number of patients included were limited. We aim to describe the long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with severe persistent allergic asthma receiving omalizumab in the largest real-life cohort reported to date. METHODS: ANCHORS was a multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study conducted in 25 Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology units in Spain. We collected data of patients

The objective of the study was to determine the state of anxiety, depression, and stress present in the society during the development of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.Mixed methods study; a three-section questionnaire was developed which included sociodemographic, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors related to the 2019 coronavirus pandemic, and two emotional assessment psychometric tests. The proportions and confidence intervals of the variables were calculated and compared using the Chi-square test.More than 40% of the subjects presented some degree of anxiety and 41.3% depression; the proportion of stress was30%. Of the subjects who experienced anxiety, 18.6% also had moderate-to-very severe depression or stress.There are emotional indicators derived from the 2019 coronavirus pandemic in almost half of the study population. The identification and timely treatment of these states could lessen the psychological impact due to 2019 coronavirus.Determinar el estado de ansiedad, depresión y estrés en la sociedad durante el desarrollo de la pandemia de COVID-19.Estudio de métodos mixtos. Se desarrolló un cuestionario de tres secciones que incluía aspectos sociodemográficos, percepciones, emociones y comportamientos relacionados con la pandemia de COVID-19, y dos pruebas psicométricas de evaluación emocional. Las proporciones y los intervalos de confianza de las variables se calcularon y compararon mediante la prueba de ji al cuadrado.Más del 40% de los sujetos presentaron algún grado de ansiedad y el 41,3% de depresión; la proporción de estrés fue inferior al 30%. De los sujetos que experimentaron ansiedad, el 18.6% también tenía depresión o estrés moderado a muy intenso.Existen indicadores emocionales derivados de la pandemia de COVID-19 en casi la mitad de la población del estudio. La identificación y el tratamiento oportuno de estos estados podrían disminuir el impacto psicológico debido al COVID-19.

The present study analyzes the time-dependent thermal behavior of a retrofitted wine refrigerator cabinet operated by a caloric system emulator. The presence of a full load of wine bottles enabled the assessment of the thermal stratification inside the cabinet. Further experimental tests have been performed to quantify the overall thermal conductance of the cabinet walls and the thermal conductance of the glass door. A detailed mathematical model was developed to predict the temperature pull down in the refrigerated compartment, considering the interaction between the cabinet air and the wine bottles. In addition to the air and bottle temperatures, a good agreement (lower than 15% relative error) was observed for the cooling capacity. The numerical simulations revealed that the cabinet door was responsible for approximately 60% of the thermal load (even though it corresponded to approximately 20% of the cabinet external area).

Magnetic cooling is an alternative to vapor compression that does not rely on the use of hazardous substances. The refrigerant is a solid material which reacts to oscillations in magnetic field by changing its temperature (the magnetocaloric effect). In active magnetic regenerators, the magnetocaloric material arranged as a porous medium is subjected to an oscillating fluid flow to allow heat transfer from a cold source to a hot sink in a thermodynamic cooling cycle. Although the literature is abundant with studies on the influence of the fluid flow waveform on magnetic refrigeration devices, the influence of the magnetic field waveform has been much less investigated. In this work, we make use of an active magnetic regenerator numerical model with different mathematically defined waveforms to determine which operating parameters yield the highest values of cooling capacity and coefficient of performance for a specific set of operating conditions. The results show that the best performance is achieved when the magnetic field is kept constant for the same time duration of the fluid flow through the magnetized material, and the transition times between the high and low levels of the magnetic field should be as short as possible.

Conventional and not-in-kind refrigerators require heat exchangers for their operation. Yet, most magnetic cooling studies do not take full account of those components despite their importance in defining the cooling capacity and temperature span. To investigate the influence of heat exchanger design parameters on the performance of magnetic refrigerators, a model was developed to integrate the heat exchangers, regenerators and thermal reservoirs. The results were compared with data generated in an apparatus that emulates the conditions of the thermal fluid supplied by the regenerators to a cold heat exchanger positioned inside the cabinet of a retrofitted 130-liter wine cooler. Six tube-fin heat exchangers were evaluated to identify the most suitable geometry (number of tube rows and fin density) for the compact magnetic refrigerator. Numerical simulations described the influence of the heat exchanger on the regenerator performance in terms of the liquid stream effectiveness. For a temperature span of 20°C between the external environment and the refrigerated compartment, the best heat exchanger/fan assembly resulted in a cooling capacity reduction of 37\% and a temperature span increase of 32\%, in comparison with an idealized system. The expected system coefficient of performance (COP) and second-law efficiency were 1.8\% and 13\%, respectively.

A rotary multi-bed active magnetic regenerator (AMR) device was modified to allow testing different fluid flow waveforms, with different blow fractions (i.e., the fraction of the AMR cycle when there is fluid flow in the regenerators). The different values of blow fraction were generated using different cam rings that actuate the poppet valves at the inlet and outlet of the regenerators, controlling how long the valves stay open and the number of valves open at the same time. Results showed that smaller blow fractions yield higher values of temperature span for fixed flow rate and cooling capacity, but lower values of coefficient of performance for the same conditions. An analysis of the shaft and pumping powers showed that shorter blow fractions cause higher pressure drop and higher torque oscillations and mechanical vibrations. The highest value of second-law efficiency of 19.1% was obtained for the largest blow fraction tested (80%). Designs for magnetic refrigerators where the fluid flow waveform can change during operation are also discussed in this paper.

Void (dead) volumes represent a penalty to the thermal performance of Active Magnetic Regenerators (AMR). While much effort has been put in designing AMRs with small void volumes, in most designs, penalties associated with inlet flow maldistribution and pressure loss may increase with the reduction of the void volumes. In this work, an experimental evaluation of the combined effect of void volume and inlet flow maldistribution is carried out. The analysis is performed based on the regenerator thermal effectiveness determined experimentally in a passive regenerator test apparatus. The results show that the negative impact of inlet flow maldistribution on the regenerator effectiveness is more significant than that of the void volume.

Some unappropriated techniques are found in bell pepper agricultural management. Those are: non-balancing nutritional profile among soil contribution, crop requirements and fertilizer efficiency, excessive use of composite sources and the lack of availability of studies on recommendations in different environments where this crop is grown. In order to mitigate the inadequate techniques in the agronomic management of bell pepper, an evaluation of four fertilization treatments under open field and protected conditions with plastic cover was conducted. Nathalie cultivar was grown during 2014-B and 2015-A at “Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria”, – CORPOICA research center, located in Llanogrande, township of Rionegro (Antioquia, Colombia). The treatments (T) evaluated were: T1: 250, 75, 180 and 90; T2: 170, 50, 120 and 60; T3, 100, 40, 80 and 40 and T4: 60, 25, 50 and 25 kg.ha-1 of N, P2O5, K2O and MgO, respectively. T2 and T4 correspond to crop requirements established by previous research. In addition, simple sources were used as follows: Urea, DAP, Potassium chloride and Magnesium sulphate, which were arranged in a split-plot design. For the relative crop growth rate (TCR) and yield variables, differences were shown under two evaluated conditions. In open field condition, the highest production and stem diameter were recorded; there were not differences among treatments. T3 is recommended because it showed similar yield to the other three ones. This Treatment allowed reestablishing and maintaining soil fertility levels, with a rational, efficient and low use of fertilizers, without generating contamination and salinity problems. Buscando mitigar la implementación de técnicas inadecuadas para el manejo agronómico del pimentón como el no balanceo nutricional entre lo aportado por el suelo, los requerimientos del cultivo y la eficiencia de los fertilizantes, el uso excesivo de fuentes compuestas y la no disponibilidad de estudios sobre recomendaciones en los diferentes ambientes donde se desarrolla. Se realizó la evaluación de cuatro tratamientos de fertilización bajo condiciones de campo abierto y protegido bajo cubierta plástica, con el cultivar Nathalie, durante el 2014-B y 2015-A, en el Centro de Investigación La Selva de CORPOICA, Rionegro – Antioquia, Colombia. Los tratamientos (T) evaluados fueron: T1: 250, 75, 180 y 90; T2: 170, 50, 120 y 60; T3: 100, 40, 80 y 40 y T4: 60, 25, 50 y 25 kg.ha-1 de N, P2O5, K2O y MgO, respectivamente. T2 y T4 corresponden a requerimientos del cultivo establecidos por investigaciones anteriores. Se emplearon como fuentes simples: Urea, DAP, Cloruro de potasio y Sulfato de magnesio; en un diseño de parcelas divididas. Para las variables tasa de crecimiento relativo del cultivo (TCR) y rendimiento, se presentaron diferencias bajo las dos condiciones evaluadas. En Campo Abierto, se registró la mayor producción y diámetro de tallos; no se presentaron diferencias entre los tratamientos evaluados. Se recomienda el T3 que mostró rendimientos similares a los otros tres, permitió reestablecer y mantener los niveles de fertilidad del suelo, con un uso racional, eficiente y bajo de los fertilizantes, sin generar problemas de contaminación y salinidad.

This work presents a parametric analysis of the performance of nested permanent magnet Halbach cylinders intended for applications in magnetic refrigeration and heat pumping. An analytical model for the magnetic field generated by the cylinders is used to systematically investigate the influence of their geometric parameters. The proposed configuration generates two poles in the air gap between the cylinders, where active magnetic regenerators are positioned for conversion of magnetic work into cooling capacity or heat power. A sample geometry based on previous designs of magnetic refrigerators is investigated, and the results show that the magnetic field in the air gap oscillates between 0 to approximately 1 T, forming a rectified cosine profile along the circumference of the gap. Calculations of the energy density of the magnets indicate the need to operate at a low energy (particular the inner cylinder) in order to generate a magnetic profile suitable for a magnetic cooler. In practice, these low-energy regions of the magnet can be potentially replaced by soft ferromagnetic material. A parametric analysis of the air gap height has been performed, showing that there are optimal values which maximize the magnet efficiency parameter Λ cool . Some combinations of cylinder radii resulted in magnetic field changes that were too small for practical purposes. No demagnetization of the cylinders has been found for the range of parameters considered.

ResumenObjetivoValorar las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide de conjuntiva en el Fundación Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz, I.A.P.MétodosSe analizaron los expedientes de pacientes diagnosticados con carcinoma epidermoide de conjuntiva entre enero del 2006 y diciembre del 2013, para obtener las características demográficas, clínicas e histopatológicas.ResultadosSe encontró que 129 pacientes fueron diagnosticados con carcinoma epidermoide de conjuntiva y un total de 130 ojos. El 67.44% de los pacientes eran del sexo masculino y el 32.55% del sexo femenino. La edad media del diagnóstico fue de 64.67 años. El principal cuadro clínico referido fue la presencia de una neoformación, seguida de sensación de cuerpo extraño y ojo rojo. El 60.46% presentaron localización en ojo izquierdo y el 40.31% en ojo derecho. La principal localización por cuadrantes fue en el cuadrante nasal, con un 59.68%, seguida del cuadrante temporal, con un 35.65%. El tiempo de evolución promedio fue de 52.94 meses. En el 86.82% el diagnóstico fue confirmado mediante biopsia escisional, en el 10.85% mediante citología y en 3 pacientes se realizó vaciamiento orbitario. En el 75.19% de los casos no se reportaron bordes quirúrgicos por enfermedad, en el 13.95% se reportó con tumor en los bordes de la muestra, en el 9.30% se reportaron bordes libres de tumor.ConclusionesEs importante conocer las características sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas y clínicas de los pacientes para realizar un adecuado diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma at Fundación Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Luz, I.A.P.MethodsRecords of patients diagnosed with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma between January 2006 and December 2013 were analized to obtain demographic, clinical and histopathological characteristics.ResultsConjunctival squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 130 eyes of 129 patients. Male gender was affected in 67.44% and females in 32.55%. Mean age of diagnosis was 64.67 years. Conjunctival neoformation, foreign body sensation and red eye were the most common clinical manifestation. Left eye was affected in 60.46% and right eye in 40.31%. The nasal localization was affected in 59.68%, followed by the temporal quadrant with 35.65%. Average time progression was 52.94 months. In 86.82% of patients diagnosis was made by excisional biopsy, citology in 10.85% of the cases, and 3 patients through exenteration. Histopathologic study did not report borders in 75.19% of patients, in 13.95% cases were reported with tumor affected borders, and tumor free borders in 9.30% of cases.ConclusionIt is important to know the patients demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics to make proper diagnosis and on time treatments.

Objective To evaluate the impact of different types of nasal septum deformity (NSD) on nasal obstruction, rhinitis severity and response to medical treatment among pediatric persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) patients. Methods In a prospective, real-life study, 150 children and adolescents (mean age 13 ± 2.8 years, females 32.6%) diagnosed with PER according to ARIA guidelines were assessed by nasal endoscopy for NSD according to Mladina's classification, their response to medical treatment (intranasal steroids and antihistamines or antileucotriens), the presence of comorbidities, rhinitis severity (modified-ARIA criterion) and nasal obstruction visual analog scale score (VAS). Results Most patients (87%) had 1 of the 7 types of septal deformities. There was a high prevalence of bilateral (types 4 and 6; 46%) and anterior unilateral (types 1 and 2; 25%) NSD in patients not responding to medical treatment. Type 4 (OR = 6.4; p = 0.005) or type 6 (OR = 4.4; p = 0.03) NSD increased the risk of lack of improvement with medical treatment. Coexistence of anterior unilateral or bilateral NSD with severe turbinate enlargement increased >20-fold the risk of lack of improvement. Patients with bilateral NSD presented greater rhinitis severity. Non-responder adolescents displayed higher prevalence of bilateral NSD than children (53% vs. 23%; p = 0.02). Nasal obstruction VAS was higher for patients with anterior than posterior NSD, and greater for patients with bilateral NSD than any other type of septal morphology. Conclusion Nasal endoscopy shows that bilateral and unilateral anterior nasal septum deformities are strongly associated with a poor response to medical treatment, greater rhinitis severity and higher nasal obstruction VAS. Consequently, nasal endoscopy is necessary in the PER patients to understand the disease severity as well as to plan a specific surgical treatment in order to improve nasal obstruction, disease severity, and patient's quality of life.

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic disease among children. To characterize the disease, a modified classification of severity (m-ARIA) has recently been validated in AR children. When medical treatment fails, surgery for nasal obstructive disorders (NOD) may be a therapeutic option. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of NOD and their influence in medical treatment response among children with persistent AR (PER). Methods In a prospective, real-life study, 130 pediatric PER patients (13.1±2.8 years, females 31.5%, severe rhinitis 49%) referred from Allergy to ENT department were assessed for their response (R, responders; NR, non-responders) to medical treatment (intranasal steroids and antihistamines or antileucotriens) by direct questioning and nasal symptoms VAS, the presence of NOD (septal deformity, turbinate enlargement and adenoidal hyperplasia), comorbidities, nasal symptoms, rhinitis severity (modified-ARIA criterion) and asthma control (International Consensus On Pediatric Asthma criterion). Results After two months of treatment, the NR group presented a higher prevalence of obstructive septal deformity and severe inferior turbinate enlargement when compared with the R group. Higher septal deformity and turbinate enlargement scores were strongly associated with treatment refractoriness. The prevalence of severe PER was also higher for the NR group. Higher asthma control scores were associated with the probability of treatment-induced improvement. Conclusions In pediatric PER patients, medical therapy refractoriness was associated with NOD, mainly septal deformity and turbinate enlargement. In those patients, ENT examination will facilitate an early NOD diagnosis in order to indicate potential corrective surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.