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Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) mediate the actions of growth factors in metazoans. In decapod crustaceans, RTKs are implicated in various physiological processes, such molting and growth, limb regeneration, reproduction and sexual differentiation, and innate immunity. RTKs are organized into two main types: insulin receptors (InsRs) and growth factor receptors, which include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). The identities of crustacean RTK genes are incomplete. A phylogenetic analysis of the CrusTome transcriptome database, which included all major crustacean taxa, showed that RTK sequences segregated into receptor clades representing InsR (72 sequences), EGFR (228 sequences), FGFR (129 sequences), and PDGFR/VEGFR (PVR; 235 sequences). These four receptor families were distinguished by the domain organization of the extracellular N-terminal region and motif sequences in the protein kinase catalytic domain in the C-terminus or the ligand-binding domain in the N-terminus. EGFR1 formed a single monophyletic group, while the other RTK sequences were divided into subclades, designated InsR1-3, FGFR1-3, and PVR1-2. In decapods, isoforms within the RTK subclades were common. InsRs were characterized by leucine-rich repeat, furin-like cysteine-rich, and fibronectin type 3 domains in the N-terminus. EGFRs had leucine-rich repeat, furin-like cysteine-rich, and growth factor IV domains. N-terminal regions of FGFR1 had one to three immunoglobulin-like domains, whereas FGFR2 had a cadherin tandem repeat domain. PVRs had between two and five immunoglobulin-like domains. A classification nomenclature of the four RTK classes, based on phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignments, is proposed.

Abstract Background In view of the high burden of childhood overweight/obesity (OW/OB), it is important to identify targets for interventions that may have the greatest effects on preventing OW/OB in early life. Using methods of causal inference, we studied the effects of sustained behavioral interventions on the long-term risk of developing OW/OB based on a large European cohort. Methods Our sample comprised 10 877 children aged 2 to

Background/Objectives: The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of a patent-pending ointment containing plant extracts from Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, Hamamelis virginiana, Echinacea purpurea, and Zingiber officinale were evaluated. Methods: Plant extracts were chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. The antinociceptive activity of the ointment was assessed using the hot plate, tail flick, and formalin tests, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was measured using the acute and chronic TPA-induced ear edema tests. Mechanisms of action were evaluated using inhibitors from signaling pathways related to pain response and by using histological analysis and assessing the expression and activity of pro-inflammatory mediators. Results: The ointment showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects like those observed with diclofenac gel (1.16% v/v) and ketoprofen gel (2.5% v/v). The antinociceptive actions of the ointment are mediated by the possible participation of the opiodergic system and the nitric oxide pathway. The anti-inflammatory response was characterized by a decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and by a reduction in ear swelling and monocyte infiltration in the acute inflammation model. In the chronic model, the mechanism of action relied on a decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MPO. An in-silico study with myristic acid, one of the compounds identified in the ointment’s plant mixture, corroborated the in vivo results. Conclusions: The ointment showed antinociceptive activities mediated by the decrease in COX-2 and NO levels, and anti-inflammatory activity due to the reduction in IL-1β and TNFα levels, a reduction in MPO activity, and a decrease in NF-κB and COX-2 expression.

Ecdysteroid molting hormone synthesis is directed by a pair of molting glands or Y-organs (YOs), and this synthesis is inhibited by molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH). MIH is a member of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) neuropeptide superfamily, which includes CHH and insect ion transport peptide (ITP). It is hypothesized that the MIH receptor is a Class A (Rhodopsin-like) G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The YO of the blackback land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis, expresses 49 Class A GPCRs, three of which (Gl-CHHR-A9, -A10, and -A12) were provisionally assigned as CHH-like receptors. CrusTome, a transcriptome database assembled from 189 crustaceans and 12 ecdysozoan outgroups, was used to deorphanize candidate MIH/CHH GPCRs, relying on sequence homology to three functionally characterized ITP receptors (BNGR-A2, BNGR-A24, and BNGR-A34) in the silk moth, Bombyx mori. Phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignments across major taxonomic groups revealed extensive expansion and diversification of crustacean A2, A24, and A34 receptors, designated CHH Family Receptor Candidates (CFRCs). The A2 clade was divided into three subclades; A24 clade was divided into five subclades; and A34 was divided into six subclades. The subclades were distinguished by conserved motifs in extracellular loop (ECL) 2 and ECL3 in the ligand-binding region. Eleven of the 14 subclades occurred in decapod crustaceans. In G. lateralis, seven CFRC sequences, designated Gl-CFRC-A2α1, -A24α, -A24β1, -A24β2, -A34α2, -A34β1, and -A34β2, were identified; the three A34 sequences corresponded to Gl-GPCR-A12, -A9, and A10, respectively. ECL2 in all the CFRC sequences had a two-stranded β-sheet structure similar to human Class A GPCRs, whereas the ECL2 of decapod CFRC-A34β1/β2 had an additional two-stranded β-sheet. We hypothesize that this second β-sheet on ECL2 plays a role in MIH/CHH binding and activation, which will be investigated further with functional assays.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have improved power conversion efficiency (PCE); however, their stability remains challenging. This study evaluates the chemical stability and performance of non-fullerene acceptor-based OSCs (NFA-OSCs) using a blend of Poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl-3-fluoro)thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene))-alt-(5,5-(1’,3’-di-2-thienyl-5’,7’-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo[1’,2’-c:4’,5’-c’]dithiophene-4,8-dione)] (PM6) and 2,2’-((2Z,2’Z)-((12,13-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,9-diundecyl-12,13-dihydro-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-e]thieno[2’,3’‘:4’,5’]thieno[2’,3’:4,5]pyrrolo[3,2-g]thieno[2’,3’:4,5]thieno[3,2-b]indole-2,10-diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(5,6-dichloro-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diylidene))dimalononitrile (Y7). Inverted organic solar cells (iOSCs) were examined using indium tin oxide (ITO) as the cathode, N,N’-Bis(N,N-dimethylpropan-1-amine oxide)perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (PDINO) as the electron transport layer (ETL), PM6:Y7 as the active layer, molybdenum trioxide (MoO _3 ) as the hole transport layer (HTL), and silver (Ag) as the anode. Over 270 days, without voltage application, NFA-iOSCs were exposed to ambient conditions, room temperature (RT) of 19.4 ± 0.4 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 50 ± 5%, and monitored using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the active layer maintained stability with minimal degradation with or without protective layers (Ag and MoO _3 ). The TOF-SIMS and XPS analyses confirmed that oxygen did not diffuse into the layers where it was initially absent, thereby ensuring chemical stability. Raman spectroscopy results supported these findings, showing stable vibrational modes over time. This study highlights the degradation mechanisms of NFA-OSCs and the importance of protective layers in extending the device lifetime, contributing to the durability and commercial viability of OSCs, and advancing sustainable solar energy technologies.

Some popular mechanisms for restricting the diffusion of waves include introducing disorder (to provoke Anderson localization) and engineering topologically non-trivial phases (to allow for topological edge states to form). However, other methods for inducing somewhat localized states in elementary lattice models have been historically much less studied. Here we show how edge states can emerge within a simple two-leg ladder of coupled harmonic oscillators, where it is important to include interactions beyond those at the nearest neighbor range. Remarkably, depending upon the interplay between the coupling strength along the rungs of the ladder and the next-nearest neighbor coupling strength along one side of the ladder, edge states can indeed appear at particular energies. In a wonderful manifestation of a type of bulk-edge correspondence, these edge state energies correspond to the quantum number for which additional stationary points appear in the continuum bandstructure of the equivalent problem studied with periodic boundary conditions. Our theoretical results are relevant to a swathe of classical or quantum lattice model simulators, such that the proposed edge states may be useful for applications including waveguiding in metamaterials and quantum transport.

Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is the best treatment option for end stage renal disease in terms of both patient and graft survival. However, figures on LDKT in Spain that had been continuously growing from 2005 to 2014, have experienced a continuous decrease in the last five years.One possible explanation for this decrease is that the significant increase in the number of deceased donors in Spain during the last years, both brain death and controlled circulatory death donors, might have generated the false idea that we have coped with the transplant needs. Moreover, a greater number of deceased donor kidney transplants have caused a heavy workload for the transplant teams.Furthermore, the transplant teams could have moved on to a more conservative approach to the information and assessment of patients and families considering the potential long-term risks for donors in recent papers. However, there is a significant variability in the LDKT rate among transplant centers and regions in Spain independent of their deceased donor rates. This fact and the fact that LDKT is usually a preemptive option for patients with advanced chronic renal failure, as time on dialysis is a negative independent factor for transplant outcomes, lead us to conclude that the decrease in LDKT depends on other factors.Thus, in the kidney transplant annual meeting held at ONT site in 2018, a working group was created to identify other causes for the decrease of LDKT in Spain and its relationship with the different steps of the process. The group was formed by transplant teams, a representative of the transplant group of the Spanish Society of Nephrology (SENTRA), a representative of the Spanish Society of Transplants (SET) and representatives of the Spanish National Transplant Organization (ONT).A self-evaluation survey that contains requests about the phases of the LDKT processes (information, donor work out, informed consent, surgeries, follow-up and human resources) were developed and sent to 33 LDKT teams. All the centers answered the questionnaire. The analysis of the answers has resulted in the creation of a national analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) of the LDKT program in Spain and the development of recommendations targeted to improve every step of the donation process. The work performed, the conclusions and recommendations provided, have been reflected in the following report: Spanish living donor kidney transplant program assessment: recommendations for optimization. This document has also been reviewed by a panel of experts, representatives of the scientific societies (Spanish Society of Urology (AEU), Spanish Society of Nephrology Nursery (SEDEN), Spanish Society of Immunology (SEI/GETH)) and the patient association ALCER. Finally, the report has been submitted to public consultation, reaching ample consensus. In addition, the transplant competent authorities of the different regions in Spainhave adopted the report at institutional level.The work done and the recommendations to optimize LDKT are summarized in the present manuscript, organized by the different phases of the donation process. Resumen: El trasplante renal de donante vivo (TRDV) es la opción terapéutica con las mejores expectativas de supervivencia para el injerto y para el paciente con insuficiencia renal terminal; sin embargo, este tipo de trasplantes ha experimentado un descenso progresivo en los últimos años en España.Entre las posibles explicaciones del descenso de actividad se encuentra la coincidencia en el tiempo con un aumento en el número de donantes renales fallecidos, tanto por muerte encefálica como por asistolia controlada, que podría haber generado una falsa impresión de ausencia de necesidad del TRDV. Además, la disponibilidad de un mayor número de riñones para trasplante habría supuesto un incremento en la carga de trabajo de los profesionales que pudiera enlentecer los procesos de donación en vida. Otro posible argumento radica en un posible cambio de actitud hacia posturas más conservadoras a la hora de informar a pacientes y a familiares acerca de esta opción terapéutica, a raíz de los artículos publicados respecto al riesgo de la donación a largo plazo. Sin embargo, existe una importantísima variabilidad en la actividad entre centros y comunidades autónomas, no explicada por el volumen de trasplante procedente de otros tipos de donante. Este dato, unido a que la indicación de donación renal en vida se realiza de manera mayoritaria en situación de enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) y que el tiempo en diálisis es un factor pronóstico negativo respecto a la supervivencia postrasplante, permite concluir que el descenso depende además de otros factores.Por este motivo, en la reunión anual de equipos de trasplante renal, celebrada en la sede de la Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT) en 2018, se constituyó un grupo de trabajo formado por equipos de trasplante renal, el grupo de trasplantes de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología (SEN) (SENTRA), la Sociedad Española de Trasplantes (SET) y la ONT, con el objetivo de identificar otras causas que condicionaron el descenso de la actividad de este tipo de trasplantes en España y su posible relación con la gestión del proceso de donación de vivo.El grupo de trabajo diseñó un cuestionario de autoevaluación, que fue cumplimentado por las 33 unidades de trasplante renal de donante vivo activas en España. El cuestionario contiene preguntas sobre las diferentes fases del proceso de donación de vivo: información inicial, estudio del donante vivo e información de los riesgos, consentimiento, recursos humanos (RRHH), nefrectomía, trasplante y seguimiento posterior.El análisis de las respuestas ha dado como resultado la creación de un análisis de debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades (DAFO) del programa a nivel nacional y ha permitido elaborar recomendaciones específicas dirigidas a mejorar cada una de las fases del proceso de donación en vida. El documento, denominado Análisis de situación del trasplante renal de donante vivo y hoja de ruta ha sido también revisado por un panel de expertos en TRDV, representantes de varias sociedades científicas implicadas (Asociación Espa˜nola de Urología [AEU], Sociedad Espa˜nola de Enfermería Nefrológica [SEDEN], Sociedad Espa˜nola de Inmunología [SEI/GETH]), el Grupo de Trabajo Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada (ACERCA), la Asociación de Pacientes para la Lucha Contra la Enfermedad Renal (ALCER) y sometido posteriormente a consulta pública. Tras incluir las mejoras sugeridas, el documento final ha sido adoptado institucionalmente en el Consejo Interterritorial de Trasplantes (CIT) del Sistema Nacional de Salud.El trabajo realizado y las recomendaciones para optimizar el TRVD se describen a lo largo del presente artículo, organizados por los diferentes apartados del proceso de donación.

Abstract Up until now, no study has looked specifically at epigenomic landscapes throughout twin samples, discordant for Anorexia nervosa (AN). Our goal was to find evidence to confirm the hypothesis that epigenetic variations play a key role in the aetiology of AN. In this study, we quantified genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation using the Infinium Human DNA Methylation EPIC BeadChip array (“850 K”) in DNA samples isolated from whole blood collected from a group of 7 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for AN. Results were then validated performing a genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using DNA extracted from whole blood of a group of non-family-related AN patients and a group of healthy controls. Our first analysis using the twin sample revealed 9 CpGs associated to a gene. The validation analysis showed two statistically significant CpGs with the rank regression method related to two genes associated to metabolic traits, PPP2R2C and CHST1. When doing beta regression, 6 of them showed statistically significant differences, including 3 CpGs associated to genes JAM3, UBAP2L and SYNJ2. Finally, the overall pattern of results shows genetic links to phenotypes which the literature has constantly related to AN, including metabolic and psychological traits. The genes PPP2R2C and CHST1 have both been linked to the metabolic traits type 2 diabetes through GWAS studies. The genes UBAP2L and SYNJ2 have been related to other psychiatric comorbidity.

IntroductionVan der Woude syndrome (VWS) is an autosomal dominant disorder responsible for 2% of all syndromic orofacial clefts (OFCs), with IRF6 being the primary causal gene (70%). Cases may present with lip pits and either cleft lip, cleft lip with cleft palate, or cleft palate, with marked phenotypic discordance even among individuals carrying the same mutation. This suggests that genetic or epigenetic modifiers may play additional roles in the syndrome's etiology and variability in expression. We report the first DNA methylation profiling of two pairs of monozygotic twins with VWS. Our goal is to explore epigenetic contributions to VWS etiology and variable phenotypic expressivity by comparing DNAm profiles in both twin pairs. While the mutations that cause VWS in these twins are known, the additional mechanism behind their phenotypic risk and variability in expression remains unclear.MethodsWe generated whole genome DNAm data for both twin pairs. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were selected based on: (1) a coefficient of variation in DNAm levels in unaffected individuals 5% (Δβ > |0.05|). We then divided the DMPs into two subgroups for each twin pair for further analysis: (1) higher methylation levels in twin A (Twin A > Twin B); and (2) higher methylation levels in twin B (Twin B >Twin A).Results and DiscussionGene ontology analysis revealed a list of enriched genes that showed significant differential DNAm, including clef-associated genes. Among the cleft-associated genes, TP63 was the most significant hit (p = 7.82E-12). Both twin pairs presented differential DNAm levels in CpG sites in/near TP63 (Twin 1A > Twin 1B and Twin 2A < Twin 2B). The genes TP63 and IRF6 function in a biological regulatory loop to coordinate epithelial proliferation and differentiation in a process that is critical for palatal fusion. The effects of the causal mutations in IRF6 can be further impacted by epigenetic dysregulation of IRF6 itself or genes in its pathway. Our data show evidence that changes in DNAm are a plausible mechanism that can lead to markedly distinct phenotypes, even among individuals carrying the same mutation.

The experimental observation of plasmon-polaritons in charge-neutral bilayer graphene sparked interest for plasmonic and superconducting devices. Here, simulations predict that plasmon-polaritons possessing either transverse magnetic or electric polarization arise under an applied magnetic field in charge-neutral monolayer graphene.

Abstract Background Obesity in children is one of the most severe public health challenges of the current century and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) frequency is also escalating. More so, the importance of process evaluation (PE) in complex interventions is increasingly recognized. The present review, aims to identify the effectiveness in terms of body composition parameters in a generation of articles to prevent obesity and T2DM in children. We hypothesise that those studies reporting PE applying the latest implementation guidelines suggested by the researchers would potentially show positive changes in body composition compared to those not reporting it. Additionally, we will evaluate the implementation degree of PE in those articles considering it and describe the PE subcomponents. Lastly, we aim to assess the intervention target used and its results. Methods A literature review was performed in parallel by 2 independent reviewers. A final number of 41 studies were selected for inclusion criteria. Results Meta-analysis of BMI and zBMI found non-significant effects of the proposed interventions. Sub-group analysis revealed only a significant effect in studies which performed PE. Moreover, PE was reported in 42% effective studies and 57% non-effective studies. Fidelity and satisfaction were the most implemented PE subcomponents, although there was a generally low grade of PE use (7/41). The highest proportion of effectiveness (83%) was shown in interventions of physical activity alone while the intervention most used was 3-arm target (diet, PA and BS). Conclusions Overall, obesity and T2DM prevention studies included in this review are not effective in terms of BMI and zBMI. Those studies performing PE reported to be effective in terms of BMI, while studies not reporting PE did not have positive results in terms of BMI and zBMI. In addition, none of the intervention studies included all PE indicators and most studies, which included PE in their interventions, did not provide full report of the PE components, according to the guidelines used for the present review. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018093667.

Este trabajo presenta el modelado y control completo del sistema Drive-by-Wire de un vehículo urbano eléctrico. Dicho sistema comprende el mecanismo de dirección, la aceleración y el freno del vehículo. El modelado se ha realizado empleando funciones de transferencia de bajo orden haciendo uso de modelos de “caja negra”. En lo referente al control, todos los controladores desarrollados son del tipo PID en sus distintas configuraciones. Los actuadores de corriente continua acoplados a la dirección y freno se controlan mediante un sistema de control en cascada mientras que la aceleración está controlada por un sistema de planificación de ganancias. El código del proyecto se encuentra disponible en la plataforma Github. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la validez de los modelos obtenidos, así como la eficacia de los controladores desarrollados.

Abstract Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial diseases in ornamental aquarium fish and appears to be directly related to stressful husbandry practices. Furthermore, it also represents zoonotic potential. Here we present the isolation and characterization of non-tuberculous mycobacteria from diseased freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) in São Paulo, Brazil. Nine discarded breeding females with signs of disease were evaluated. The fish exhibited lethargy, loss of appetite, cachexia, skin ulcers, and exophthalmia. At necropsy, four fishes presented macroscopic granulomas in the spleen. Mycobacterium chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare and M. peregrinum were isolated and identified by hsp65 PCR restriction analysis. Histopathological analysis revealed microscopic lesions compatible with mycobacteriosis, and Mycobacterium bacillus were observed by Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Notably, all Mycobacterium species identified in this study have already been reported in human patients; therefore, diseased animals may be a source of infection for people who handle fish and aquariums.

Regulatory T cells are an important component of an immune response shaping the overall behavior to potential antigens including alloantigens. Multiple mechanisms have been shown to contribute towards developing and sustaining a immunological regulatory response. One of the described contact dependent suppressive mechanisms regulatory cells have been shown to utilize is through the production of adenosine from extracellular ATP mediated by CD39 and CD73. In this study we demonstrate that the adenosinergic pathway plays a major role in the suppressive/regulatory effects antigen specific regulatory T cell enriched lines (ASTRLs) that have been of expanded ex vivo from stable kidney transplant patients. We have previously shown that these ASTRL cells are capable of suppressing alloimmune responses in vitro and significantly prolonging allograft survival in an animal model of kidney transplantation. For this study nineteen ASTRLs were expanded from 17 kidney transplant patients by repeated stimulation of recipient peripheral blood mononuclear cells with donor specific HLA-DR peptides. All 19 ASTRLs showed upregulation of numerous markers associated with regulatory cells and were able to inhibit donor antigen specific T cell proliferation in a dose dependent fashion. ASTRLs suppressed indirect and direct alloimmune responses compatible with our previous animal study findings. Upregulation of both CD39 and CD73 was observed post expansion and ASTRLs demonstrated extracellular hydrolysis of ATP, indicating functionality of the upregulated proteins. We also showed that inhibition of the adenosinergic pathway using inhibitors of CD39 resulted in abrogation of suppression and increased antigen specific T cell proliferation. This demonstrates that the main mechanism of action of the suppressive activity donor peptide driven ASTRLs generated from kidney transplant patients is the adenosinergic pathway. Furthermore this suggests the possibility that combining infusion of Tregs with other treatments, such as adenosine receptor agonists or increasing CD39 expression in the grafts may further enhance a regulatory response to the allograft and possibly achieve transplantation tolerance.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have aroused great interest for applications as fungicides in agriculture. This study reports the synthesis of AgNPs by green chemistry using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as the precursor agent and a coriander leaf extract as the reducing agent and surfactant. The evaluation of their antifungal properties was carried out when placed in contact with Fusarium solani and Rhizopus stolonifer phytopathogens. The extract and AgNP characterizations were performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The evaluation of antifungal properties was carried out by exposing the phytopathogens to different concentrations of AgNPs in PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar). It was found that it was possible to identify the presence of flavones and flavonoids in the extract, compounds that were also involved in the synthesis process of AgNPs. In addition, the UV–Vis analysis of the obtained AgNPs by green chemistry showed resonance peaks at around 428 nm. Furthermore, a high distribution of AgNP sizes, with high concentrations of below 100 nm, was identified, according to DLS measurements. Using SEM images, the information provided by DLS was confirmed, and a crystallite size of 29.24 nm was determined with the help of XRD measurements. Finally, when exposing the phytopathogens to the action of AgNPs, it was concluded that, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL AgNPs, their growth was totally inhibited.

Contextualization: Colombia has experienced multiple land-cover changes derived from socio-economic policies that have reduced the high biodiversity of the country. Knowledge gap: In the Orinoquía region, the pressure to expand the agricultural frontier is increasing, without considering the importance of its natural resources. Purpose: This paper aimed to analyze the land-cover variations associated with agricultural practices, in the department of Vichada, with a special interest in vulnerable ecosystems, such as the Bita’s river basin, using Geographic Information System [GIS] analysis of historical images taken by a remote sensor from the United States Geological Service [USGS] Earth Explorer portal. Methodology: Documental review and an analysis of satellite images from 1985 to 2017. Results and conclusions: The results showed that in Vichada, during a 32-year period, there was a transition from forest to cropland and pastures, in which 60% of the forest cover got lost. Moreover, areas of natural savannas were also replaced with pastures for livestock production. These land-cover changes were associated with government policies that fomented illegal occupation of land, monocultures, and non-native plantation forests. Bita’s river basin also lost a significant part of forest cover because of agribusiness development in the municipality of Puerto Carreño (Vichada). These land-cover changes have an impact on the ecological integrity of significant ecosystems and in their functionality in the region, that is why, conservation measures must be implemented.

Las termitas son plagas de importancia económica en sistemas agroforestales y agrícolas. La investigación se realizó en el Centro de Referencia Fidel Castro Ruz del Instituto Tecnológico Agropecuario del municipio de Posoltega en convenio con la UNAN-LEON. El objetivo fue determinar la incidencia e identificar la especie de termitas presente en la plantación Moringa oleífera y evaluar la patogenicidad de hongos entomopatógenos en condiciones de campo. La investigación es de tipo cuasi experimental, se evaluaron 3 tratamientos Beuveria bassiana con una concentración de 3.6 x 107 conidias/ml, Metarhizium anisopliae con una concentración de 2.28 x 106 conidias/ml y tratamiento químico (Cipermetrina), dosis de 6cc/ litro de agua. En una población de 16 plantas con colmenas de termitas por tratamientos para un total de 48 unidades experimentales. La aplicación de los tratamientos se realizó mediante la perforación de cada colmena, en sus cuatro puntos cardinales (norte, sur, este y oeste) asperjando con una bomba de mochila manual. La eficacia se determinó mediante la fórmula de la efectividad biológica. El 39% de población de marango Moringa oleífera se encontró infectada por termitas. La especie de termitas presente en las plantaciones Moringa oleífera fue Nasutitermes corníger. La efectividad de los tratamientos presentó sig. Estadística (P= 0.000) siendo Cipermetrina que presento los mejores porcentaje de efectividad con valores promedios de 96% seguido por M. anisopliae con efectividad de 24 % y B. bassiana con 7%. Los porcentajes de esporulación presentaron sig. Estadística. (P= 0.0033) B. Bassiana con un 31% y M. anisopliae presento 69%.

Background: Diabetes educators are an important element in the multidisciplinary treatment team of diabetes. Diabetes education interventions are recommended throughout the course of the disease since they have a favorable impact in glucose control. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the baseline status and at follow-up of patients participating in diabetes education sessions. Methods: Retrospective cohort study based on the review of clinical records of patients from a National Health Institute in Mexico. A total of 153 subjects that attended individual sessions were included in the study. Changes were assessed in 48 participants that had a second evaluation. The outcomes included clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters, along with variables related to diabetes education. Results: The knowledge about tools for diabetes self-management was poor. Significant changes were found in different components that promote self-management of diabetes including knowing glycemic targets, performing an adequate insulin injection, and practicing self-monitoring of blood glucose. Conclusions: The knowledge of patients with diabetes about their disease is inadequate. Interventions related to diabetes education could promote better adherence to self-care behaviors in patients with diabetes.

Abstract Colletotrichum is the causal agent of anthracnose in passion fruit crops, generating economic yield losses. Antagonistic microorganisms represent highly efficient alternatives for chemical compounds in controlling the anthracnose disease. In this research, 8 yeast strains (M1-M8) were isolated, characterized and their antagonistic activities against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. were evaluated in vitro. The physiological assessments showed that potential antagonistic morphotypes (M2, M5 and M7) had optimal growth with distinct conditions: 3-5 pH, 30°C, 1-5% NaCl; and assimilated several carbon sources. These morphotypes exhibited low enzymatic activity on plant polymers. According to the physiological and inhibition tests, M2 appears to be a promising biocontrol agent against C. gloeosporioides. M2 was identified as the species Meyerozyma caribbica Kurtzman & M. Suzuki.

Momentum mismatch prevents efficient coupling between free space photons and hyperbolic phonon polaritons. The authors show, using far-field infrared spectroscopy, infrared nanoimaging and numerical simulations, that resonant metallic antennas can efficiently launch hyperbolic phonon polaritons in thin h-BN slabs.

En la investigación se reactivaron los aislados bacterianos en medio líquido JMV para evaluar la virulencia de Burkholderia glumae frente a semillas de arroz certificadas por Fedearroz variedades F67, F68 y F2000; se procedieron a desinfectar las semillas, consecutivamente se dejaron en agua destilada estéril por 2 días; luego se secaron y se ajustó el DO del inóculo de Burkholderia glumae (aislados Bg007, Bg010 y Bg011), realizando diluciones para evaluar concentraciones desde 108 hasta 103 células por mililitro; se procedió a agitar las semillas con el inóculo, llevadas posteriormente vacío durante 10 minutos por cada dilución llevándose a cajas de Petri con papel filtro humedecido con agua destilada estéril durante 7 días; crecidas las plántulas se procedieron a medir parámetros y nivel de severidad. Se procedió a hacer el análisis estadístico mediante Software es IBM SPSS Statistics, el cual permitió obtener Gráficas De Dispersión, Diagramas De Barras De Error; Comparaciones Multivariante, la Prueba de Muestras Relacionadas se realizó a partir Comparación de las Medias. Se hizo conteo de frecuencias, junto con sus Diagramas de Frecuencias, se dividió las medidas en quintiles para realizar una escala cuantitativa de severidad. El análisis estadístico permitió evidenciar que la cepa más virulenta fue el aislado Bg007 y la menos virulenta el aislado Bg011, la variedad de arroz más afectada fue la F2000 y la menos afectada fue la F68.

Abstract Microbiological studies of the sanitary and health status of psittacine birds that will be reintroduced is important in evaluating whether these animals act as carriers of pathogenic agents to other animals and humans. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a faster and more accurate method to identify bacteria than conventional microbiology methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of psittacines housed in captivity, by assessment of Gram-negative bacteria from fecal microbiota through MALDI- TOF MS identification. The results indicate high frequency of Gram-negative bacteria in feces (96.5%), especially from the Enterobacteriaceae family (88.7%). The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli (39.0%), Proteus vulgaris (12.2%), Klebsiella spp. (12.1%) and Raoultella ornithinolytica (8.7%). Proteus hauseri, Citrobacter spp., Morganella morgannii, Providencia rettgeri, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia hermannii were isolated with lower frequency. . All these agents are potentially pathogenic for parrots and can cause systemic infections in other animals and humans. These findings reinforce that MALDI- TOF MS proved to be a rapid and accurate method of identification of the microorganism and evaluation of the health status of psittacines, providing relevant data to assist decision-making regarding the sanitary protocols in wildlife centers, and possible future reintroduction of wild birds.

Objetivo : Evaluar la resiliencia de sistemas de producción expuestos al huracán Irma en territorios de Cuba. Materiales y Métodos: Se determinó el índice general de resiliencia a ciclones tropicales (IGRct), que se contrastó con el coeficiente de diseño y manejo agroecológico (CdmA). Ambos se complementaron con la valoración de la sensibilidad de las especies productivas y la vulnerabilidad de los sistemas de cultivo y ganadería. Resultados: Los sistemas de producción se agruparon en tres conglomerados, con mayor contribución para estos agrupamientos por su capacidad de resistencia durante el evento y su transformabilidad permanente, así como por el diseño y manejo de la matriz del sistema de producción y la estructura de la agrobiodiversidad. La sensibilidad de las especies cultivadas mostró ciertas diferencias para los tipos de plantas en el siguiente orden: cultivos agrícolas anuales y temporales > cultivos agrícolas semipermanentes > frutales arbóreos > plantas herbáceas permanentes. La vulnerabilidad de los sistemas de cultivo y ganadería en cada sistema de producción estudiado resultó menor para los sistemas del conglomerado III, en los que se mantuvo 62,5 % de los cultivos. Esto contrasta con el conglomerado I, en el cual 38,5 % de la producción se rescató durante el proceso, mientras que en los sistemas del conglomerado II se logró mantener 2,7 %. Conclusión: Los sistemas de producción que adoptaron la agroecología expresaron diferentes capacidades de resiliencia, lo que se relaciona con los caracteres que aportan el diseño y manejo de los sistemas de cultivo y ganadería existentes, así como el resto del sistema de producción.

Baked foams made with plantain flour (PF) and sugarcane fiber (SF) were characterized by calorimetric, mechanical, physicochemical and structural techniques in order to assess the results induced by different sugarcane concentrations and fiber size on the structure of baked foams. The addition of SF to the baked samples increased their hydrophobic properties. Thermal conductivity (TC) decreased when the concentration of SF was 10 g and 7.5 g in the baked foams. The density of the biodegradable baked foams (BBFs) decreased with decreasing concentrations of SF, observing an inverse behavior in water vapor permeability (WVP) and solubility properties. The mechanical properties of the baked foams were more influenced by the concentration of SF than by the size of SF, obtained from different sieves. The scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images of the BBFs showed that the size of SF affected the size and number of the internal cells in the BBFs.

An assessment on the amount and spatial distribution of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) for the forests in Colombia was generated using in-situ national forest inventory data (IDEAM, 2018), in combination with multispectral optical data and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery. ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 gamma-0 backscatter annual mosaics (2015–2017) provided by JAXA were normalised and corrected using previous ALOS PALSAR annual mosaics (2007–2010) as reference. A multi-temporal Landsat 7 & 8 composite over the whole of Colombia was used for the year 2016 ± 1. The national forest inventory in-situ plots used to train our model consisted of 5-subplots each and were collected during the period 2015–2017 in the main biomes of the country. A sample of permanent 1ha plots (PPMs) were also measured. Nationally developed allometries (Alvarez et al., 2012) were used to estimate AGB. A non-parametric random forests (RF) algorithm was used within a k-fold framework to retrieve AGB at 30 m spatial resolution for the whole of Colombia. The algorithm was trained using forest inventory plots and validated at plot (0.35 ha) and PPM level (1 ha). The accuracy assessment found coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.68 and 0.61, and relative root mean square errors (Rel. RMSE) of 49% and 34% at plot and at PPM level, respectively. The results showed that the average AGB for the country was 118.1 t ha−1 (45.6 t ha−1 for Caribe, 75.4 t ha−1 Andes, 122.5 t ha−1 Pacifico, 32.7 t ha−1 Orinoquia, and 200.5 t ha−1 for the Amazonia, regionally), and that the total carbon stocks for the country were 6.7 Pg C for the period 2015–2017.

Photonic crystals can steer, shape, and sculpture the flow of photons. Here, the author fabricate a deep-subwavelength photonic crystal slab that supports ultra-confined phonon polaritons, by patterning a nanoscale hole array in h-BN.

8-Hydroxyquinolin-5-sulfonic acid (8HQSA) was combined with 3-pyridineboronic acid (3PBA) or 4-pyridineboronic acid (4PBA) to give two zwitterionic monoboron complexes in crystalline form. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, and IR, 1H NMR, UV-Visible, and luminescence spectroscopy. The analyses revealed compounds with boron atoms adopting tetrahedral geometry. In the solid state, the molecular components are linked by charge-assisted (B)(O−H⋯−O(S) and N+−H⋯O(S) hydrogen bonds aside from C−H⋯O contacts and π⋯π interactions, as shown by Hirshfeld surface analyses and 2D fingerprint plots. The luminescence properties were characterized in terms of the emission behavior in solution and the solid state, showing emission in the bluish-green region in solution and large positive solvatofluorochromism, caused by intramolecular charge transfer. According to TD-DFT calculations at the M06-2X/6-31G(d) level of theory simulating an ethanol solvent environment, the emission properties are originated from π-π * and n-π * HOMO-LUMO transitions.

n-GaN/ AlN heterostructures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si(111) substrates.The GaN films were n-type doped with silicon and the effect of doping concentration on the structural and optical properties was studied. Si doping promotes a reduction of dislocation density as revealed by x-ray data analysis and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Furthermore, a decrease in the yellow band measured by Photoluminescence Spectroscopy was observed when silicon doping concentration was increased up to 1.7 × 10 ^19 atoms cm ^−3 . A particular mosaic structure was induced by the Si-doping as inferred from Rutherford Backscattering measurements. The crystal quality shows a small degradation for very heavily doped samples (1.3 × 10 ^20 atoms cm ^−3 ).

Abstract Background The underlying mechanisms and processes that prompt the colonisation of extreme environments, such as caves, constitute major research themes of evolutionary biology and biospeleology. The special adaptations required to survive in subterranean environments (low food availability, hypoxic waters, permanent darkness), and the geographical isolation of caves, nominate cave biodiversity as ideal subjects to answer long-standing questions concerning the interplay amongst adaptation, biogeography, and evolution. The present project aims to examine the phylogeographic patterns exhibited by two sympatric species of surface and cave-dwelling peracarid crustaceans (Asellus aquaticus and Niphargus hrabei), and in doing so elucidate the possible roles of isolation and exaptation in the colonisation and successful adaptation to the cave environment. Results Specimens of both species were sampled from freshwater hypogean (cave) and epigean (surface) habitats in Hungary, and additional data from neighbouring countries were sourced from Genbank. Sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear loci revealed, through haplotype network reconstruction (TCS) and phylogenetic inference, the genetic structure, phylogeographic patterns, and divergence-time estimates of A. aquaticus and N. hrabei surface and cave populations. Contrasting phylogeographic patterns were found between species, with A. aquaticus showing strong genetic differentiation between cave and surface populations and N. hrabei lacking any evidence of genetic structure mediated by the cave environment. Furthermore, N. hrabei populations show very low levels of genetic differentiation throughout their range, which suggests the possibility of recent expansion events over the last few thousand years. Conclusions Isolation by cave environment, rather than distance, is likely to drive the genetic structuring observed between immediately adjacent cave and surface populations of A. aquaticus, a predominantly surface species with only moderate exaptations to subterranean life. For N. hrabei, in which populations exhibit a fully ‘cave-adapted’ (troglomorphic) phenotype, the lack of genetic structure suggests that subterranean environments do not pose a dispersal barrier for this surface-cave species.

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de Ohtahara (SO, OMIM#308350, ORPHA1934) es una encefalopatía epiléptica de inicio precoz (EEIP) caracterizada por espasmos, crisis epilépticas intratables, un trazado electroencefalográfico de brote-supresión y retraso psicomotor grave. En la mayoría de los pacientes con SO se han identificado mutaciones en el gen STXBP1, que codifica para la proteína de unión a sintaxina 1 y que está implicado en el mecanismo de exocitosis de las vesículas sinápticas. Paciente y resultados: Se presenta el caso clínico de un varón de 19 meses de edad diagnosticado de SO en el que se ha identificado una mutación no descrita (c.1249 + 2T > C, G417AfsX7) en el gen STXBP1. La mutación está localizada en uno de los sitios donadores implicados en el procesamiento del ARNm del gen, lo que produce la pérdida del exón 14 y el posterior truncamiento de la proteína que codifica. Conclusiones: Esta nueva mutación en el gen STXBP1, identificada en un paciente sin lesión cerebral estructural subyacente, amplía el espectro mutacional asociado a este devastador síndrome epiléptico. Abstract: Introduction: Ohtahara syndrome (OS, OMIM#308350, ORPHA1934) is an early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) characterised by spasms, intractable seizures, suppression-burst pattern on the electroencephalogram, and severe psychomotor retardation. Mutations in STXBP1 —a gene that codes for syntaxin binding protein 1 and is involved in synaptic vesicle exocytosis— has been identified in most patients with OS. Patient and results: We report the case of a 19-month-old child with OS who displays a previously unreported mutation in STXBP1 (c.1249 + 2T > C, G417AfsX7). This mutation is located in a donor splice site and eliminates exon 14, resulting in a truncated protein. Conclusion: This previously unreported STXBP1 mutation in a subject with Ohtahara syndrome and non-lesional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) broadens the mutational spectrum associated with this devastating epileptic syndrome. Palabras clave: Genética clínica, Encefalopatía epiléptica de inicio precoz, Epilepsia, Síndrome de Ohtahara, STXBP1, Keywords: Clinical genetics, Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, Epilepsy, Ohtahara syndrome, STXBP1

Introduction: Ohtahara syndrome (OS, OMIM #308350, ORPHA1934) is an early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) characterised by spasms, intractable seizures, suppression-burst pattern on the electroencephalogram, and severe psychomotor retardation. Mutations in STXBP1 – a gene that codes for syntaxin binding protein 1 and is involved in synaptic vesicle exocytosis – has been identified in most patients with OS. Patient and results: We report the case of a 19-month-old child with OS who displays a previously unreported mutation in STXBP1 (c.1249+2T>C, G417AfsX7). This mutation is located in a donor splice site and eliminates exon 14, resulting in a truncated protein. Conclusion: This previously unreported STXBP1 mutation in a subject with Ohtahara syndrome and non-lesional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) broadens the mutational spectrum associated with this devastating epileptic syndrome. Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de Ohtahara (SO, OMIM #308350, ORPHA1934) es una encefalopatía epiléptica de inicio precoz (EEIP) caracterizada por espasmos, crisis epilépticas intratables, un trazado electroencefalográfico de brote-supresión y retraso psicomotor grave. En la mayoría de los pacientes con SO se han identificado mutaciones en el gen STXBP1, que codifica para la proteína de unión a sintaxina 1 y que está implicado en el mecanismo de exocitosis de las vesículas sinápticas. Paciente y resultados: Se presenta el caso clínico de un varón de 19 meses de edad diagnosticado de SO en el que se ha identificado una mutación no descrita (c.1249+2T>C, G417AfsX7) en el gen STXBP1. La mutación está localizada en uno de los sitios donadores implicados en el procesamiento del ARNm del gen, lo que produce la pérdida del exón 14 y el posterior truncamiento de la proteína que codifica. Conclusiones: Esta nueva mutación en el gen STXBP1, identificada en un paciente sin lesión cerebral estructural subyacente, amplía el espectro mutacional asociado a este devastador síndrome epiléptico. Keywords: Clinical genetics, Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, Epilepsy, Ohtahara syndrome, STXBP1, Palabras clave: Genética clínica, Encefalopatía epiléptica de inicio precoz, Epilepsia, Síndrome de Ohtahara, STXBP1

Anchialine caves contain haline bodies of water with underground connections to the ocean and limited exposure to open air. Despite being found on islands and peninsular coastlines around the world, the isolation of anchialine systems has facilitated the evolution of high levels of endemism among their inhabitants. The unique characteristics of anchialine caves and of their predominantly crustacean biodiversity nominate them as particularly interesting study subjects for evolutionary biology. However, there is presently a distinct scarcity of modern molecular methods being employed in the study of anchialine cave ecosystems. The use of current and emerging molecular techniques, e.g., next-generation sequencing (NGS), bestows an exceptional opportunity to answer a variety of long-standing questions pertaining to the realms of speciation, biogeography, population genetics, and evolution, as well as the emergence of extraordinary morphological and physiological adaptations to these unique environments. The integration of NGS methodologies with traditional taxonomic and ecological methods will help elucidate the unique characteristics and evolutionary history of anchialine cave fauna, and thus the significance of their conservation in face of current and future anthropogenic threats. Here we review previous contributions to our understanding of anchialine biodiversity and evolution, and discuss the potential of “speleogenomic” methods for future research in these threatened systems.

This paper presents an alternative calculation procedure to calculate the mortality rate, exploiting the data available in the Eurostat demography database for Spain. This methodology has been devised based on two of the most widely known and widespread models to establish the mortality rate: The Gompertz-Makeham (GM) and Lee-Carter (LC) models. Our main goal is to obtain a model yielding a similar accuracy than LC or GM, but able to capture the variation of their parameters over time and ages. The method proposed herewith works by applying simple or double fitting, with non-linear functions, to the values of the parameters considered by each one of such models. One of the main advantages of our approach is that we considerably reduce the amount of data that is required to establish the mortality rate, with respect to what would be needed if the traditional models were used. On the other hand, it also allows analyzing the evolution of the mortality rate, even if no real data was available for a particular year. The results evince that, besides fulfilling the two aforementioned goals, the proposed scheme yields an estimation error that is comparable with that offered by the traditional approach.