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BackgroundFetal smallness affects 10% of pregnancies. Small fetuses are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Their management using estimated fetal weight and feto-maternal Doppler has a high sensitivity for adverse outcomes; however, more than 60% of fetuses are electively delivered at 37 to 38 weeks. On the other hand, classification using angiogenic factors seems to have a lower false-positive rate. Here, we present a protocol for the Fetal Growth Restriction at Term Managed by Angiogenic Factors Versus Feto-Maternal Doppler (GRAFD) trial, which compares the use of angiogenic factors and Doppler to manage small fetuses at term. ObjectiveThe primary objective is to demonstrate that classification based on angiogenic factors is not inferior to estimated fetal weight and Doppler at detecting fetuses at risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. MethodsThis is a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial conducted in 20 hospitals across Spain. A total of 1030 singleton pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight ≤10th percentile at 36+0 to 37+6 weeks+days will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the control or the intervention group. In the control group, standard Doppler-based management will be used. In the intervention group, cases with a soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase to placental growth factor ratio ≥38 will be classified as having fetal growth restriction; otherwise, they will be classified as being small for gestational age. In both arms, the fetal growth restriction group will be delivered at ≥37 weeks and the small for gestational age group at ≥40 weeks. We will assess differences between the groups by calculating the relative risk, the absolute difference between incidences, and their 95% CIs. ResultsRecruitment for this study started on September 28, 2020. The study results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences in early 2023. ConclusionsThe angiogenic factor–based protocol may reduce the number of pregnancies classified as having fetal growth restriction without worsening perinatal outcomes. Moreover, reducing the number of unnecessary labor inductions would reduce costs and the risks derived from possible iatrogenic complications. Additionally, fewer inductions would lower the rate of early-term neonates, thus improving neonatal outcomes and potentially reducing long-term infant morbidities. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04502823; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04502823 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/37452

Background Methods We evaluated the impact of a high percentage of leukemia blast contamination in patient-derived starting material (SM) on CAR T-cell drug product (DP) manufacturing. In vitro as well as in vivo models were employed to identify characteristics of the construct associated with better profile of safety in case of inadvertent B-cell leukemia transduction during CAR T-cell manufacturing.Results The presence of large amounts of CD19+ cells in SM did not affect the transduction level of DPs, as well as the CAR T-cell rate of expansion at the end of standard production of 14 days. DPs were deeply characterized by flow cytometry and molecular biology for Ig-rearrangements, showing that the level of B-cell contamination in DPs did not correlate with the percentage of CD19+ cells in SM, in the studied patient cohort. Moreover, we investigated whether CAR design may affect the control of CAR+ leukemia cells. We provided evidences that CAR.CD19 short linker (SL) prevents complete epitope masking in CD19+CAR+ leukemia cells and we demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that CD19 +CAR(SL)+leukemic cells are killed by CAR.CD19 T-cells.Conclusions Taken together, these data suggest that a VL-VH SL may result in a safe CAR-T product, even when manufacturing starts from biological materials characterized by heavy contamination of leukemia blasts.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of the resource is to describe a small-group learning session to expose first-year medical students to social work perspectives in patient care and explore how social workers may be an asset in patient care. The goal is to start preparing students to participate in this interprofessional learning experience and future collaborative work in clinical and community settings. Methods Prior to the session, students complete a module introducing them to the field of social work and review a case provided. The case is based on a true case of a family of four residing in our local communities. Students will have the opportunity to work with similar families in their second- and third-year community home visits. Students prepare an individual response to the case study prior to the session with social work faculty. They then meet with the social group faculty in small groups (8-10 student each) during which time they prepare a plan incorporating social work perspectives. Students complete a pretest prior to completing the module and a posttest after completing the module. Students were then asked to apply their knowledge by reviewing with Social Work Faculty. They are evaluated by the faculty using the Small Group Evaluation Form provided in the Faculty Guide. Students turn in their final case as group work. It is reviewed by medicine faculty for accuracy and completeness, and feedback is provided. Results Students were asked to evaluate the session. Specifically, they were asked if “the Social Work session (moderated by Social Work faculty) was effective and contributed to my understanding of the material.” The mean score was 4.0 out of 5.0 with a Standard Deviation of 0.9. We also saw a 5.79% increase in the posttest after completing the module. Discussion The goal of this resource is to start preparing students to participate in this interprofessional learning experience and future collaborative work in clinical and community settings. The case has been used over the last 3 years with minor modifications in student preparation materials and assignment. Success greatly depends on the proper execution of logistics, space availability and faculty participation.

The benefit of intrathecal therapy and systemic rituximab on the outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at risk of central nervous system disease is controversial. Furthermore, the effect of intrathecal treatment and rituximab in diffuse large B-cell and Burkitt lymphoma with occult leptomeningeal disease detected by flow cytometry at diagnosis is unknown. Untreated diffuse large B-cell (n=246) and Burkitt (n=80) lymphoma at clinical risk of central nervous system disease and having had pre-treatment cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed by flow cytometry and cytology. Spinal fluid involvement was detected by flow cytometry alone (occult) in 33 (13%) diffuse large B-cell and 9 (11%) Burkitt lymphoma patients, and detected by cytology in 11 (4.5%) and 5 (6%) patients, respectively. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with occult spinal fluid involvement had poorer survival (P=0.0001) and freedom from central nervous system relapse (P

Abstract Bridging therapy (BT) after leukapheresis is required in most relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Bendamustine‐containing regimens are a potential BT option. We aimed to assess if this agent had a negative impact on CAR‐T outcomes when it was administered as BT. We included R/R LBCL patients from six centers who received systemic BT after leukapheresis from February 2019 to September 2022; patients who only received steroids or had pre‐apheresis bendamustine exposure were excluded. Patients were divided into two BT groups, with and without bendamustine. Separate safety and efficacy analyses were carried out for axi‐cel and tisa‐cel. Of 243 patients who received BT, bendamustine (benda) was included in 62 (26%). There was a higher rate of BT progressors in the non‐benda group (62% vs. 45%, p = 0.02). Concerning CAR‐T efficacy, complete responses were comparable for benda versus non‐benda BT cohorts with axi‐cel (70% vs. 53%, p = 0.12) and tisa‐cel (44% vs. 36%, p = 0.70). Also, 12‐month progression‐free and overall survival were not significantly different between BT groups with axi‐cel (56% vs. 43% and 71% vs. 63%) and tisa‐cel (25% vs. 26% and 52% vs. 48%); there were no differences when BT response was considered. CAR T‐cell expansion for each construct was similar between BT groups. Regarding safety, CRS G ≥3 (6% vs. 6%, p = 0.79), ICANS G ≥3 (15% vs. 17%, p = 0.68), severe infections, and neutropenia post‐infusion were comparable among BT regimens. BT with bendamustine‐containing regimens is safe for patients requiring disease control during CAR T‐cell manufacturing.

En este trabajo se recaban opiniones de profesionales de la salud y otros agentes sobre el tratamiento periodístico dado a las autolesiones no suicidas en menores y jóvenes. Se recurre al método Delphi en dos rondas, en las que se pregunta a expertos de cuatro especialidades diferentes (psicólogos, psiquiatras, pediatras y trabajadores sociales) sobre el concepto, perfil y motivos de las autolesiones en menores y su opinión sobre el tratamiento informativo. Posteriormente se contrastan sus afirmaciones con los resultados de un análisis previo de noticias publicadas en la prensa española (2012-2022). Se recaban también opiniones de profesionales de salud sobre el tratamiento dado en redes y series de ficción. Las principales conclusiones destacan la necesidad de trabajar de forma más estrecha entre los medios y los profesionales de la salud. Además, se señala la necesidad de informar desde la prevención y buscar ayuda con un mensaje esperanzador evitando el sensacionalismo.

IntroductionWe have demonstrated that transposons derived from ctDNA can be transferred between cancer cells. The present research aimed to investigate the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of Multiple Myeloma-zip code (MM-ZC), a cell-specific zip code, in myeloma cell lines. We demonstrated that MM-ZC uptake by myeloma cells was concentration-, time- and cell-type-dependent.MethodsFlow cytometry and confocal microscopy methods were used to identify the level of internalization of the zip codes in MM cells. To screen for the mechanism of internalization, we used multiple inhibitors of endocytosis. These experiments were followed by biotin pulldown and confocal microscopy for validation. Single interference RNA (siRNA) targeting some of the proteins involved in endocytosis was used to validate the role of this pathway in ZC cell internalization.ResultsEndocytosis inhibitors identified that Monensin and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride significantly reduced MM-ZC internalization. These findings suggested that Clathrin-mediated endocytosis and endosomal maturation play a crucial role in the cellular uptake of MM-ZC. Biotin pulldown and confocal microscopic studies revealed the involvement of proteins such as Clathrin, Rab5a, Syntaxin-6, and RCAS1 in facilitating the internalization of MM-ZC. Knockdown of Rab5a and Clathrin proteins reduced cellular uptake of MM-ZC and conclusively demonstrated the involvement of Clathrin-Rab5a pathways in MM-ZC endocytosis. Furthermore, both Rab5a and Clathrin reciprocally affected their association with MM-ZC when we depleted their proteins by siRNAs. Additionally, the loss of Rab5a decreased the Syntaxin-6 association with MMZC but not vice versa. Conversely, MM-ZC treatment enhanced the association between Clathrin and Rab5a.ConclusionOverall, the current study provides valuable insights into the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of MM-ZC in myeloma cells. Identifying these mechanisms and molecular players involved in MM-ZC uptake contributes to a better understanding of the delivery and potential applications of cell-specific Zip-Codes in gene delivery and drug targeting in cancer research.

Este artículo tiene como propósito analizar el tratamiento de las autolesiones en menores en los diarios El País, El Mundo y ABC del 2012 al 2022. El universo muestral fueron 718 noticias de las cuales, 58 noticias se referían a autolesiones y menores. Se realizó un análisis de contenido para conocer la frecuencia en torno a este tema y enfoque, identificar las emociones que se asocian con las autolesiones e identificar si hay sesgos de género. Los resultados arrojaron que el tratamiento de las autolesiones es muy escaso, solo hay una relativa presencia durante el año 2022 y, en la mayoría de los casos, se vincula con el suicidio. La mayor parte de las noticias aluden a ambos sexos, pero, los testimonios autobiográficos suelen ser del género femenino frente al masculino. También llama la atención que las emociones que priman son las secundarias vinculadas con el factor social.

The hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and its population has declined by over 80% in the last century. The Eastern Pacific population is one of the most threatened hawksbill populations globally. Western Mexico is the northern distribution limit for hawksbill sea turtles in the Eastern Pacific and recent research indicates that the Mexican Pacific portion of the population is a separate management unit because of the restricted movements of these turtles. Here we use the most complete database of sighting records in the north-west Pacific of Mexico to identify sites where hawksbill turtles are present. We also develop a conservation index to determine the conservation status of hawksbill turtle sites. Our results demonstrate the importance of this region for juveniles and the relevance of rocky reefs and mangrove estuaries as habitats for hawksbill turtles. We identified 52 sites with records of hawksbill turtles. Most of these sites (71%) are not protected; however, sites with high conservation value included islands and coastal sites along the Baja California peninsula that are established as marine protected areas. Reefs and mangrove estuaries relevant for hawksbill turtles are probably also significant fish nursery areas that are important for local fishing communities, creating opportunities for conservation strategies that combine science, local engagement and policy to benefit both local fishing communities and hawksbill sea turtle conservation.

Summary: Background: While a low CD4/CD8 ratio during HIV treatment correlates with immunosenescence, its value in identifying patients at an increased risk for clinical events remains unclear. Methods: We analyzed data from the CoRIS cohort to determine whether CD4 count, CD8 count, and CD4/CD8 ratio at year two of antiretroviral therapy (ART) could predict the risk of serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) during the next five years. These included major adverse cardiovascular events, non-AIDS-defining malignancies, and non-accidental deaths. We used pooled logistic regression with inverse probability weighting to estimate the survival curves and cumulative risk of clinical events. Findings: The study included 4625 participants, 83% male, of whom 200 (4.3%) experienced an SNAE during the follow-up period. A CD4/CD8 ratio

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sobre el fenómeno de la Industria 4.0 o Cuarta Revolución Industrial para presentar una reflexión sobre si, en el contexto cubano actual, es oportuno dar seguimiento a las transformaciones tecnológicas que implica. Métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica e investigación documental para establecer el estado del arte sobre el tema. Principales resultados: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura para caracterizar el suceso de la Industria 4.0. Se reconocen las acciones contenidas en la estrategia nacional de desarrollo económico y social de Cuba que promueven el avance hacia la Industria 4.0. Conclusiones: La Industria 4.0 o Cuarta Revolución Industrial está asociada a un nivel de desarrollo superior de la tecnología. La estrategia de desarrollo de Cuba no puede estar apartada de las transformaciones tecnológicas que implica este fenómeno. Aunque en el plan de desarrollo económico y social del país se toman acciones para orientar el cambio tecnológico, la preparación de los directivos empresariales es necesaria para que puedan conducir la hoja de ruta de sus organizaciones.

IntroductionMazes are linguistic disfluencies such as filled pauses, repetitions, or revisions of grammatical, phonological, or lexical aspects of words that do not contribute to the meaning of a sentence. Bilingual children are believed to increase the numbers of mazes in their native or heritage language, the minority language, as they become more proficient in the second language, the societal language. Mazes may increase over time in bilingual Spanish-speaking children as they become more proficient in English, the societal language in the United States. However, current studies have not been conducted longitudinally. Higher rates of mazes in the heritage language over time may be due to changes in language proficiency and differences in processing demands in the children as they use more complex language. Moreover, children with developmental language disorder (DLD) can also present higher rates of mazes than children with typical language. Heritage speakers, therefore, are at risk of being misdiagnosed with DLD due to high rates of mazes. Currently, we do not understand what the typical rates of mazes are as heritage speakers get older and become more proficient in the societal language. The current study examined the type and frequency of Spanish mazes longitudinally in a group of 22 Spanish heritage speakers with and without DLD and determined the changes over time.MethodsA total of 11 children with typical language development (TLD) and 11 with DLD participated in this 5-year longitudinal study. Using a wordless picture book, children completed a retelling task in Spanish during the spring of each academic year (PK to 3rd grade) as part of a 5-h testing battery. Narratives were transcribed and coded for types of mazes (filled pauses, repetitions, grammatical revisions, phonological revisions, and lexical revisions).Results and conclusionThe results of the study indicate that TLD children increased their overall percentage of mazed words and utterances. The opposite pattern was observed in the DLD group, which decreased their percentage of mazed words and utterances. In contrast, both groups demonstrated a decrease in repetitions in first grade and an increase in third grade. Additionally, the TLD and DLD children decreased in the percentage of fillers in first grade and then increased in the third grade. Results suggest that maze use is quite variable in heritage speakers and does not necessarily differentiate groups. Clinicians should not rely solely on mazes to determine ability status. In fact, high use of mazes can reflect typical language development.

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sobre el fenómeno de la Industria 4.0 o Cuarta Revolución Industrial para presentar una reflexión sobre si, en el contexto cubano actual, es oportuno dar seguimiento a las transformaciones tecnológicas que implica. Métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica e investigación documental para establecer el estado del arte sobre el tema. Principales resultados: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura para caracterizar el suceso de la Industria 4.0. Se reconocen las acciones contenidas en la estrategia nacional de desarrollo económico y social de Cuba que promueven el avance hacia la Industria 4.0. Conclusiones: La Industria 4.0 o Cuarta Rev olución Industrial está asociada a un nivel de desarrollo superior de la tecnología. La estrategia de desarrollo de Cuba no puede estar apartada de las transformaciones tecnológicas que implica este fenómeno. Aunque en el plan de desarrollo económico y social del país se toman acciones para orientar el cambio tecnológico, la preparación de los directivos empresariales es necesaria para que puedan conducir la hoja de ruta de sus organizaciones.

Chitosan coatings have been investigated for improving food shelf-life. The addition of an olive leaf extract could enhance its beneficial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an olive leaf extract added to a chitosan coating in delaying deterioration in refrigerated pork burgers without additives packaged under a 40% oxygen and 60% carbon dioxide modified atmosphere. Some general parameters (microbial counts, instrumental color and texture, and lipid and protein oxidation) were measured over the storage of pork burgers without coating (Control), with a chitosan-based coating (Chitosan) and with a chitosan-based coating enriched with an olive leaf extract (Chitoex). The coating impacted the effect of the storage time on most parameters. Both coatings were especially effective at limiting the changes that occur over time in the headspace gases, some texture parameters (hardness, gumminess, and chewiness) and lipid oxidation, although the effect on the microbial counts was weak. Chitoex was more effective than Chitosan at preventing changes in the headspace gases on day 11 and in lipid oxidation on all the sampling days. In conclusion, the Chitoex coating could be useful for prolonging the storage of pork burgers by preventing changes in texture and reducing lipid oxidation.

Introduction Stroke survivors usually experience long-lasting functional, emotional and social consequences that might contribute to sedentary behaviour and participation restrictions, which are important targets to address during rehabilitation. However, the trajectory and inter-relationship between these factors are unknown.Methods and analysis Part&Sed is a research project based on an observational study design with 6 and 12 months of follow-ups in stroke survivors. In addition, a qualitative analysis of the impact of the stroke on the stroke survivor, validation of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupation-Occupational Balance assessment tool and analysis of the reliability of the Fitbit Inspire 2 activity tracker wristband will be carried out. Participants will be chronic stroke survivors with independent walking capacity. Sociodemographic and clinical data, physical activity, ambulation, sleep, quality of life, anxiety and depression, community participation, and occupational satisfaction and balance, as well as data provided by the activity tracker wristband, will be collected. In addition, if the participant has a primary caregiver, the caregiver will also be monitored. A minimum of 130 participants will be recruited to conduct a random-effects multiple regression model. Mixed models for repeated measures will assess the variation over time of the different variables associated with participation and sedentary behaviour. Psychometric properties (eg, internal consistency, construct validity, test–retest reliability) of the Satisfaction with Daily Occupation-Occupational Balance will be determined. Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficients and minimum detectable change will be calculated to assess intrasubject reliability of physical activity and sleep parameters recorded by the Fitbit Inspire 2. The qualitative analysis process will be carried out using the analysis proposed by Giorgi.Ethics and dissemination The study received ethical approval from the Spanish Regional Ethics Committee ‘Comité de Ética de la Investigación de la Comunidad de Aragón’ (PI21/333). The results will be made available via peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and official channels.

La historia editorial de la Agricultura de jardines, única obra de Gregorio de los Ríos, no se había reconstruido hasta ahora y ha deparado algunas sorpresas, como el hallazgo de la primera edición de la segunda parte, que ha resultado ser más temprana de lo que se pensaba. Asimismo, destacan las continuas confusiones acerca de las ediciones disponibles, puesto que se repetían datos sobre ediciones que parecen ser inexistentes, mientras que se ignoraban otras que no era difícil encontrar. En el presente trabajo se ha estudiado cada edición y los problemas bibliográficos que suscita.

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de apneas-hipopneas del sueño (SAHS) y la obesidad infantil son dos entidades con alta prevalencia que constituyen un problema de salud pública. Objetivo: Analizar la interacción entre ambas, comparando grupos de niños que presentaban o no ambas condiciones. Pacientes y metodología: Estudio prospectivo en niños (3-14 años), remitidos a la «Unidad Multidisciplinar de Sueño» por sospecha de SAHS, entre el 1/11/2015 y el 1/08/2017. Se evaluaron los siguientes parámetros: antropometría, síntomas, tensión arterial, exploración otorrinolaringológica, polisomnografía (PSG nocturna) y estudio analítico. Resultados: Se valoraron 67 niños, 64% no obesos y 36% obesos.Se observó que los obesos tenían más edad (p

Introduction: Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) and childhood obesity are two high prevalence conditions that represent a public health challenge. Objective: To analyse the association between both and comparing child groups that had or did not have both conditions. Patients and methods: A prospective study in children (3–14 years), referred to the “Multidisciplinary Sleep Unit” due to suspected SAHS, between 1 November 2015 and 1 August 2017. The following parameters were evaluated: anthropometry, symptoms, blood pressure, ear, nose, and throat examination, polysomnography (nocturnal PSG) and laboratory tests. Results: A total of 67 children were evaluated (64% non-obese (NOb) and 36% obese (Ob). It was observed that the Ob were older (P

Abstract Unsustainable wildlife trade is a major driver of biodiversity loss and an important public health threat. Yet, effective wildlife trade regulation is currently at odds with food security and economic incentives provided by this global, multibillion‐dollar industry. Given such limitations, public health and conservation resources can be aligned to target species for which trade both increases risk of extinction and threatens public health. Here, we developed a simple conservation and health trade risk (CHT) index (range: 2–50) using a case study of traded mammals based on species' extinction and zoonotic risks, weighed by the extent of their trade. We applied this index to 1161 International Union for the Conservation of Nature‐listed terrestrial mammals involved in the wildlife trade to identify 284 high‐priority species that scored high in the CHT index (CHT ≥ 18). Species ranking high for conservation, public health, and trade risks include those belonging to the orders Primates, Cetartiodactyla (even‐toed ungulates), Rodentia (rodents), Chiroptera (bats), and Carnivora (carnivores). Of the high‐priority species, 33% (n = 95) are country‐endemics and may be good candidates for trade regulations and enforcement at national scales. Our study provides a preliminary step in prioritizing species, taxonomic groups, and countries for focused wildlife trade regulation to meet both conservation and public health goals.

This paper describes a sclerobiont association from the Paso Hondo Formation (Roadian, middle Permian), Chiapas, Mexico. Different marine invertebrates such as hederelloids, microconchids, bryozoans, and crinoids (represented by holdfasts) encrusted brachiopod shells belonging to Athyridida and Rhynchonellida. This association is similar to those recorded in different Devonian localities, especially by the co-occurrence of microconchids, hederelloids, and bryozoans. Paleoecological analysis revealed that bryozoans were the most abundant sclerobionts, whereas crinoid holdfasts were uncommon. Likewise, hederelloids and microconchids often settled on hosts previously colonized by bryozoans. Most microconchids encrusted rhynchonellid shells. A positive correlation between the size of the hosts and abundance/diversity of sclerobionts was recorded. The distribution analysis suggests that sclerobiont colonization could have been influenced either by inhalant currents of brachiopods, time of exposure, position of hosts, or by combination of all these factors. Moreover, most of commissures and foramens of brachiopods were not covered by epibionts, suggesting that there was a live interaction. Thus, studied brachiopods were likely encrusted syn vivo, and the interaction between sclerobionts and their brachiopod hosts was likely commensal since there is no damage to the brachiopod valves in the form of malformations or borings. On the contrary, the epibiont cover might have served as a natural shield against predators and parasites. The Roadian age of the association is based on the stratigraphic distribution of host brachiopods. The studied association inhabited open waters on a homoclinal carbonate ramp in the Chicomuselo region. Although encrusted brachiopods belong to the biotic Grandian Province, similar sclerobiont communities have not been previously recorded from the Permian of North America or beyond. The described community represents the youngest record of co-occurring microconchids, hederelloids, and bryozoans, as all previously known similar communities originate from the Late Devonian.

In this paper, a dual circularly-polarized multilayer reflective surface (MRS) based on loaded ring-slots for reflectarray applications is presented. The MRS comprises a wideband multilayer circular polarizer cascaded with a multilayer reflective screen with independent phase shifting properties for the two orthogonal linearly polarized components. The first polarization conversion is accomplished by a four-layer polarizer based on periodic arrays of bisected split rings that converts two incident circularly-polarized waves, one left-handed (LHCPW) and other right-handed (RHCPW), into two linearly polarized waves with orthogonal polarization planes. These two waves can be phase-shifted independently by a periodic two-layer array of specially designed reflective elements. Each element consists of a ring-slot resonator loaded with two pairs of reactances orthogonally located that can be varied to obtain two linear reflection phase tapers along the array. These reflected waves are then transformed back by the polarizer into two circularly polarized waves traveling into the desired directions. To validate the proposed approach, a six-layer prototype operating at 32 GHz that provides reflection elevation and azimuthal angles for the RHCPW at 22° and 180°, respectively, and reflection elevation and azimuthal angles for the LHCPW at 18° and 0°, respectively, has been designed, fabricated, and experimentally verified.

This paper presents a polarization insensitive frequency selective surface (FSS) based on concentric ring slots with five closely spaced passbands. The proposed FSS unit cell contains five ring slots coupled with a supplementary innermost ring slot. The close band response within the first five transmission bands is achieved by the influence of the modified geometry obtained with the inclusion of the sixth ring slot. This added ring slot causes the appearance of a stopband, due to the conductive ring between the fifth and the sixth ring apertures, and a passband produced inherently by the sixth ring aperture. The effect of the additional stopband and passband in the FSS response has been investigated in the paper. Full-wave simulations reveal that a modified geometry with proper sizes effectively enables the close band response of the pentaband FSS. To validate the proposed approach, a 729-element penta-bandpass FSS prototype operating at millimeter-wave frequencies has been designed, fabricated, and tested. Experimental results in a free-space measurement setup indicate resonances at $f_{1} =26.7$ , $f_{2} =29.8$ , $f_{3} =33.6$ , $f_{4} =38.1$ , and $f_{5} =44.2$ GHz, with resonant frequency ratios of $f_{2} / f_{1} =1.12$ , $f_{3} / f_{2} =1.13$ , $f_{4} / f_{3} =1.13$ , and $f_{5} / f_{4} =1.16$ . This FSS demonstrates an extremely low ratio of the highest and the lowest resonant frequencies ( $f_{5} / f_{1} =1.66$ ) for a penta-band operation. This polarization insensitive FSS demonstrates good performance at oblique angular incidence for elevation angles up to 45°.

In this paper, a tunable triband frequency selective surface unit cell based on varactor-loaded split ring slots is presented. By using the third resonant mode, a considerable mutual coupling reduction between adjacent ring slots is obtained ensuring both close band response as well as independent band tuning. Simulated results show the tunable properties of the proposed approach by shifting the three passbands resonant frequencies from 8.368, 10.276, and 12.010 GHz (for the unloaded split ring slots), to 7.732, 9.202, and 10.900 GHz, respectively, when each split ring slot is loaded with a capacitance of 140 fF. Furthermore, the metal shorts that split the ring slots as well as the metal rings located in between the slots are used to build the conducting paths to bias each varactor with minimum disruption in the RF response. A demonstrator based on an X-band diaphragm was designed, fabricated, and experimentally tested. Measured results using a varactor with capacitance range of 30–65 fF show resonant frequencies for the unbiased varactors at 8.53, 9.70 and 11.47 GHz with insertion loss of 1.1, 2.3 and 2.4 dB, respectively, while biasing the diodes at maximum reverse voltages (24 V) provides resonant frequencies at 8.74, 10.03 and 11.77 GHz with insertion loss of 0.8, 1.4 and 1.7 dB, respectively. Frequency shifts of 210, 330 and 300 MHz for the first, second and third resonant frequencies were obtained, respectively. The −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidths were 495 MHz for the first band, 436 MHz for the second band and 418 MHz for the third band. Close band response is verified obtaining frequency band ratios of 1.18 and 1.14 for the third to the second resonance, and for the second to the first resonance, respectively.

Las especies de Typha sp son utilizadas en tratamientos de fitorremediación de manera exitosa. CEMIT - DGICT - UNA ha propuesto como alternativa a la problemática del lago Ypacarai, el uso de esta planta para su recuperación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue utilizar especies de Bacillus sp para estimular la germinación de las semillas, aumentar el vigor y crecimiento de las plántulas de Thypa dominguensis. Para ello, se aislaron Bacillus sp de semillas de Thypa dominguensis y se seleccionaron dos aislados que fueron utilizados para el tratamiento de las mismas mediante la inoculación con suspensiones bacterianas; las semillas fueron sembradas y acondicionadas en casa de vegetación por 30 días, al cabo de los cuales se procedió con las evaluaciones y se observó que las plantas tratadas con las bacterias presentaron mejor porcentual de germinación, mayor longitud y biomasa con relación al testigo, demostrando que el tratamiento fue eficiente en la estimulación del crecimiento y aumento de la biomasa.

Human falls are considered as an important health problem worldwide. Fall detection systems can alert when a fall occurs reducing the time in which a person obtains medical attention. In this regard, there are different approaches to design fall detection systems, such as wearable sensors, ambient sensors, vision devices, and more recently multimodal approaches. However, these systems depend on the types of devices selected for data acquisition, the location in which these devices are placed, and how fall detection is done. Previously, we have created a multimodal dataset namely UP-Fall Detection and we developed a fall detection system. But the latter cannot be applied on realistic conditions due to a lack of proper selection of minimal sensors. In this work, we propose a methodological analysis to determine the minimal number of sensors required for developing an accurate fall detection system, using the UP-Fall Detection dataset. Specifically, we analyze five wearable sensors and two camera viewpoints separately. After that, we combine them in a feature level to evaluate and select the most suitable single or combined sources of information. From this analysis we found that a wearable sensor at the waist and a lateral viewpoint from a camera exhibits 98.72% of accuracy (intra-subject). At the end, we present a case study on the usage of the analysis results to deploy a minimal-sensor based fall detection system which finally reports 87.56% of accuracy (inter-subject).

Although deep frying is widely used, little is known about the effect of frying different meats on the frying oil. The aims of this study were to investigate whether the pork type influences the characteristics of the frying oil, to compare any effects with those of French fries, and to research whether the use of thermally damaged oil differentially affects those products. French fries and pork from pigs reared outdoors on acorns and grass (outdoor) or indoors on a concentrated feed (indoor) were deep-fried in either raw or previously heated olive oil. The type of product affected most color parameters, K268 and the α-tocopherol content of the oil. The frying of outdoor pork hardly affected the α-tocopherol content, whereas the frying of indoor pork and especially French fries caused a significant decrease. This suggests that the meat type should be considered when setting the frying lifespan of olive oil. Regarding the fried products, L*, moisture (only French fries) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (only indoor pork) were the only parameters affected by the previous oil damage. The outdoor pork was less susceptible to oxidation than the indoor pork when the oil was severely damaged. Therefore, pig outdoor-based systems based on antioxidant-rich diets might be convenient to maintain oxidation at the lowest level after frying.

BackgroundThere is still an HIV epidemic in the United States, which is a substantial issue for populations bearing a disproportionate burden of HIV infections. Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven to be safe and effective in reducing HIV acquisition risk. However, studies document that PrEP awareness/usage is low. There is also limited understanding of social media platforms, such as Instagram, as PrEP information sources. ObjectiveGiven the paucity of research on PrEP-related Instagram posts and popularity of this social media platform, the purpose of this research is to describe the source characteristics, image types, and textual contents of PrEP-related posts on Instagram. MethodsUsing Crowdtangle Search, a public insights tool owned/operated by Facebook, we retrieved publicly accessible and English-language-only Instagram posts for the 12-month period preceding April 22, 2020, using the following terms: Truvada or “pre-exposure prophylaxis” or #truvada or #truvadaprep or #truvadawhore or #truvadaforprep. We employed a qualitative coding methodology to manually extract information from posts. Using a pretested codebook, we performed content analysis on 250 posts, examining message and source characteristics (ie, organization type [eg, government, news] and individual type [eg, physician]), including information about PrEP (eg, how it works, cost), and indicated users. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables. A Chi-square test was conducted to determine differences between source types on a variety of message characteristics. ResultsThree-quarters of the posts (193/250, 77.2%) were posted by organizations. Of the 250 posts reviewed, approximately two-thirds (174/250, 69.6%) included a photograph, more than half (142/250, 56.8%) included an infographic, and approximately one-tenth (30/250, 12%) included a video. More than half defined PrEP (137/250, 54.8%), but fewer posts promoted PrEP use, explained how PrEP works, and included information on the effectiveness of PrEP or who can use it. The most commonly hashtagged populations among posts were men who have sex with men (MSM), but not necessarily bisexual men. Few posts contained race-/ethnicity-related hashtags (11/250, 4.4%). Fewer posts contained transgender-associated tags (eg, #transgirl; 5/250, 2%). No posts contained tags related to heterosexuals or injection drug users. We found statistical differences between source types (ie, individual versus organization). Specifically, posts from organizations more frequently contained information about who can use PrEP, whereas posts from individuals more frequently contained information describing adverse effects. ConclusionsThis study is among the first to review Instagram for PrEP-related content, and it answers the National AIDS Strategy’s call for a clearer articulation of the science surrounding HIV risk/prevention through better understanding of the current public information environment. This study offers a snapshot of how PrEP is being discussed (and by whom) on one of the most popular social media platforms and provides a foundation for developing and implementing PrEP promotion interventions on Instagram.

Sinorhizobium meliloti contains the negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin as well as the zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) as major membrane phospholipids. In previous studies we had isolated S. meliloti mutants that lack PE or PC. Although mutants deficient in PE are able to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on alfalfa host plants, mutants lacking PC cannot sustain development of any nodules on host roots. Transcript profiles of mutants unable to form PE or PC are distinct; they differ from each other and they are different from the wild type profile. For example, a PC-deficient mutant of S. meliloti shows an increase of transcripts that encode enzymes required for succinoglycan biosynthesis and a decrease of transcripts required for flagellum formation. Indeed, a PC-deficient mutant is unable to swim and overproduces succinoglycan. Some suppressor mutants, that regain swimming and form normal levels of succinoglycan, are altered in the ExoS sensor. Our findings suggest that the lack of PC in the sinorhizobial membrane activates the ExoS/ChvI two-component regulatory system. ExoS/ChvI constitute a molecular switch in S. meliloti for changing from a free-living to a symbiotic life style. The periplasmic repressor protein ExoR controls ExoS/ChvI function and it is thought that proteolytic ExoR degradation would relieve repression of ExoS/ChvI thereby switching on this system. However, as ExoR levels are similar in wild type, PC-deficient mutant and suppressor mutants, we propose that lack of PC in the bacterial membrane provokes directly a conformational change of the ExoS sensor and thereby activation of the ExoS/ChvI two-component system.

Understanding movement patterns and habitat preferences of endangered species during their most vulnerable life stages is a key step to developing effective conservation strategies that prevent extinctions. Hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) are among the most-imperiled sea turtles and are generally thought to associate with very specific coral and rocky reef habitats. However, in the Eastern Pacific, hawksbills have also been found to have a strong association with mangrove estuaries. Eastern Pacific hawksbills constitute one of the most endangered sea turtle populations globally, and the Gulf of California, Mexico, was recently identified as a potentially important foraging region. Here we analyzed movement patterns of 12 individuals equipped with Argos-linked GPS transmitters. We calculated home ranges using kernel density estimations and found that hawksbills were highly restricted in their movements, spending months to years in areas ranging from 0.05 to 17 km2. Mean sizes of 50% and 95% kernel utilization distributions were 0.72 km2 and 3.8 km2, respectively. Also, 85.6% of hawksbill locations were associated within, or in close proximity to, mangrove estuaries, further highlighting the importance of these fragile ecosystems for hawksbill conservation. The fine-scale resident behavior of hawksbill turtles in foraging grounds presents a unique conservation opportunity while also underscoring the need to identify these sites and work with local communities to protect them.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) approaches have been successfully used to infer the long-term impacts of climate change, domestication, and human exploitation in a range of terrestrial species. Nonetheless, studies investigating such impacts using aDNA in marine species are rare. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), is an economically important species that has experienced dramatic census population declines during the last century. Here, we investigated 48 ancient mitogenomes from historical specimens obtained from a range of archeological excavations in northern Europe dated up to 6,500 BCE. We compare these mitogenomes to those of 496 modern conspecifics sampled across the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Our results confirm earlier observations of high levels of mitogenomic variation and a lack of mutation-drift equilibrium—suggestive of population expansion. Furthermore, our temporal comparison yields no evidence of measurable mitogenomic changes through time. Instead, our results indicate that mitogenomic variation in Atlantic cod reflects past demographic processes driven by major historical events (such as oscillations in sea level) and subsequent gene flow rather than contemporary fluctuations in stock abundance. Our results indicate that historical and contemporaneous anthropogenic pressures such as commercial fisheries have had little impact on mitogenomic diversity in a wide-spread marine species with high gene flow such as Atlantic cod. These observations do not contradict evidence that overfishing has had negative consequences for the abundance of Atlantic cod and the importance of genetic variation in implementing conservation strategies. Instead, these observations imply that any measures toward the demographic recovery of Atlantic cod in the eastern Atlantic, will not be constrained by recent loss of historical mitogenomic variation.

Zika is a disease transmitted by the mosquito from Aedes gender, identified for the first time in Uganda. Among the most common symptoms there are: fever, artralgias, heat rash, non-purulent conjunctivitis, migraine, myalgias and ocular pain. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out during 2017, of the 204 houses of the block 1204 from 30 de noviembre Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, with the objective of identifying the social determinants of the population health state during the zika outbreak transmission. The technique used for the gathering data was observation and as variable the determinant of the health state of the population were analyzed. It was observed that the new zika outbreak in the studied block, emerged under the influence of these determinants. It is concluded that the human biology, lifestyle, environment and the organization of the health services, influenced directly in the emergence of this disease.

Inspiration in nature has been widely explored, from the macro to micro-scale [...]