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Resumen: Introducción: El objetivo del trabajo fue conocer el comportamiento de los biomarcadores ecográficos de densidad fascicular y fuerza muscular en pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA). Métodos: Estudio piloto, observacional y transversal sobre 14 pacientes con ELA (mujeres; 28,6%) y 14 controles. Se tomaron ecografías bilaterales transversales en el abductor corto del pulgar (ACP) y tibial anterior (TA) con registro del grosor muscular (GM) en reposo, en contracción y diferencia de engrosamiento. En los nervios mediano, ciático y peroneo común se analizaron el área de sección transversal (AST), el número de fascículos (NF) y la densidad fascicular (DF). Los análisis se realizaron anidados por lateralidad. Resultados: El acuerdo intra-interobservador en los recuentos de fascículos fue muy bueno con un error mínimo detectable

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the behaviour of ultrasound biomarkers of fascicle density and muscle strength in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional pilot study of 14 patients with ALS (28.6% women) and 14 controls. Bilateral cross-sectional ultrasound scans were performed in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, with recording of muscle thickness (MT) at rest and in contraction, and the difference in thickness. In the median, sciatic, and common peroneal nerves, we analysed the cross-sectional area (CSA), number of fascicles (NF) and fascicle density (FD). Analyses were nested by laterality. Results: Intra- and interrater agreement regarding NF was very good, with a minimum detectable error of

A novel approach to incorporating oxide formers into ferritic ODS production has been developed using the co-precipitation technique. This method enables the tailored design of complex nano-oxides, integrated during Mechanical Alloying (MA) and precipitated during Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) consolidation. Findings illustrate that co-precipitation effectively produces nano-powders with customised compositions, enriching Y, Ti, and Zr in the ferritic grade to condition subsequent oxide precipitation. While the addition of Y–Ti–Zr–O nano-oxides did not prevent the formation of Y–Al–O and Al-containing nano-oxides, these were refined thanks to the presence of well-dispersed Zr. Additionally, the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) parameters were optimised to tailor the bimodal grain size distribution of the ODS steels, aiming for favourable strength-to-ductility ratios. Comprehensive microstructural analyses were performed using SEM, EDS, EBSD, and TEM techniques, alongside mechanical assessments involving microtensile tests conducted at room temperature and small punch tests carried out at room temperature, 300 °C, and 500 °C. The outcomes yielded promising findings, showcasing similar or better performance with conventionally manufactured ODS steels. This reinforces the effectiveness and success of this innovative approach.

Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke that mainly affects young adults. Early, accurate diagnosis can reduce the rate and severity of complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics, management, and treatment of CVT in different centres in Spain. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, descriptive study of patients hospitalised due to CVT between 2008 and 2017 at 10 Spanish centres. Results: We included 256 patients, with a mean age (SD) of 49.8 (18.7) years; 51% of patients were women. The most frequent symptoms were headache (73%), focal deficits (50%), epileptic seizures (33%), and encephalopathy (21%). The most frequent localisations were the superior sagittal sinus (12.5%), the transverse sinus (10.9%), and 2 or more sinuses or veins (66.4%). Thrombophilia was the most frequent known aetiology (24%), and was most commonly associated with the prothrombin G20210A mutation (19%). Forty-six percent of patients were treated with antithrombotics for 3 to 6 months, 21% for one year, and 22.6% required indefinite anticoagulation. Endovascular therapy was performed in 5% of cases, and 33% required neurosurgery. Regarding outcomes, 75% of patients were independent at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤ 2), with papilloedema (P = .03), focal deficits (P = .001), and encephalopathy (P 3). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.3%, with a 3-month mortality rate of 6.3%. Conclusion: The diverse risk factors and variable presentation of CVT represent a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. To improve prognosis and reduce mortality, it is essential to establish management protocols for this entity. Resumen: Introducción: La trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC) es una causa poco común de ictus que afecta principalmente a adultos jóvenes. Un diagnóstico precoz y preciso puede reducir la tasa y gravedad de las complicaciones. Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas, manejo y tratamiento de la TVC en diferentes centros de nuestro país. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo multicéntrico de pacientes hospitalizados por TVC entre 2008 y 2017 en 10 centros sanitarios en nuestro país. Resultados: Se incluyeron 256 pacientes, edad media 49,8 ± 18,7 años y el 51% fueron mujeres. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: cefalea (73%), déficits focales (50%), crisis epilépticas (33%) y encefalopatía (21%). Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron: seno longitudinal superior (12,5%), transverso (10,9%) y afectación de dos o más senos o venas (66,4%). La etiología conocida más frecuente fue la trombofilia (24%), siendo la mutación de la protrombina G20210A la más común (19%). El 46% fue tratado con antitrombóticos durante 3-6 meses, el 21% durante 1 año y un 22,6% de los pacientes requirieron anticoagulación indefinida. En un 5% de los sujetos fue preciso terapia endovascular y un 33% requirió neurocirugía. En relación al pronóstico, el 75% fueron independientes a los 3 meses con una puntuación en la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) ≤ 2 y la presencia de papiledema (p = 0,03), déficit focal (p = 0,001) y encefalopatía (p 3). La tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 4,3% y el 6,3% de los pacientes fallecieron a los 3 meses. Conclusión: La diversidad de factores de riesgo y la presentación variable suponen un desafío en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la TVC. Para mejorar el pronóstico y reducir la mortalidad es fundamental la instauración de protocolos en el manejo de esta patología.

Resumen: Introducción: La trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC) es una causa poco común de ictus que afecta principalmente a adultos jóvenes. Un diagnóstico precoz y preciso puede reducir la tasa y gravedad de las complicaciones. Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas, manejo y tratamiento de la TVC en diferentes centros de nuestro país. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo multicéntrico de pacientes hospitalizados por TVC entre 2008 y 2017 en 11 centros sanitarios en nuestro país. Resultados: Se incluyeron 256 pacientes, edad media 49,8 ± 18,7 años y el 51% fueron mujeres. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: cefalea (73%), déficits focales (50%), crisis epilépticas (33%) y encefalopatía (21%). Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron: seno longitudinal superior (12,5%), transverso (10,9%) y afectación de dos o más senos o venas (66,4%). La etiología conocida más frecuente fue la trombofilia (24%), siendo la mutación de la protrombina G20210A la más común (19%). El 46% fue tratado con antitrombóticos durante 3-6 meses, el 21% durante un año y un 22,6% de los pacientes requirieron anticoagulación indefinida. En un 5% de los sujetos fue preciso terapia endovascular y un 33% requirió neurocirugía. En relación al pronóstico, el 75% fueron independientes a los 3 meses con una puntuación en la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS) ≤ 2 y la presencia de papiledema (p = 0,03), déficit focal (p = 0,001) y encefalopatía (p 3). La tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 4,3% y el 6,3% de los pacientes fallecieron a los 3 meses. Conclusión: La diversidad de factores de riesgo y la presentación variable suponen un desafío en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la TVC. Para mejorar el pronóstico y reducir la mortalidad es fundamental la instauración de protocolos en el manejo de esta patología. Abstract: Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke that mainly affects young adults. Early, accurate diagnosis can reduce the rate and severity of complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics, management, and treatment of CVT in different centres in Spain. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, descriptive study of patients hospitalised due to CVT between 2008 and 2017 at 11 Spanish centres. Results: We included 256 patients, with a mean age (SD) of 49.8 (18.7) years; 51% of patients were women. The most frequent symptoms were headache (73%), focal deficits (50%), epileptic seizures (33%), and encephalopathy (21%). The most frequent localisations were the superior sagittal sinus (12.5%), the transverse sinus (10.9%), and 2 or more sinuses or veins (66.4%). Thrombophilia was the most frequent known aetiology (24%), and was most commonly associated with the prothrombin G20210A mutation (19%). Forty-six percent of patients were treated with antithrombotics for 3-6 months, 21% for one year, and 22.6% required indefinite anticoagulation. Endovascular therapy was performed in 5% of cases, and 33% required neurosurgery. Regarding outcomes, 75% of patients were independent at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤ 2), with papilloedema (P = .03), focal deficits (P = .001), and encephalopathy (P 3). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.3%, with a 3-month mortality rate of 6.3%. Conclusion: The diverse risk factors and variable presentation of CVT represent a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. To improve prognosis and reduce mortality, it is essential to establish management protocols for this entity.

Introduction: Time continues to be a fundamental variable in reperfusion treatments for acute ischaemic stroke. Despite the recommendations made in clinical guidelines, only around one-third of these patients receive fibrinolysis within 60 minutes. In this study, we describe our experience with the implementation of a specific protocol for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and evaluate its impact on door-to-needle times in our hospital. Methods: Measures were gradually implemented in late 2015 to shorten stroke management times and optimise the care provided to patients with acute ischaemic stroke; these measures included the creation of a specific on-call neurovascular care team. We compare stroke management times before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2019) the introduction of the protocol. Results: The study includes 182 patients attended before implementation of the protocol and 249 attended after. Once all measures were in effect, the overall median door-to-needle time was 45 minutes (vs 74 minutes before, a 39% reduction; P

Resumen: Introducción: El tiempo sigue siendo una variable determinante para los tratamientos de reperfusión del ictus isquémico agudo. A pesar de las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas, solo alrededor de la tercera parte de los pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo son fibrinolizados en ≤ 60 min. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir nuestra experiencia implementando un protocolo específico de atención del ictus isquémico agudo y evaluar su impacto en nuestros tiempos puerta-aguja. Métodos: A finales del 2015, se implantaron gradualmente unas medidas diseñadas para acortar los tiempos de actuación y optimizar la atención del ictus isquémico agudo incluyendo una guardia específica de Neurovascular. Se compararon los tiempos de actuación antes (2013-2015) y después (2017-2019) de la introducción de este protocolo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 182 pacientes antes y 249 después de la intervención. Cuando todas las medidas fueron introducidas, la mediana global de tiempo puerta-aguja fue de 45 min (previa 74 min, 39% menos, p

Sheep are very well adapted to changing environments and are able to produce and reproduce with low inputs in feed and water better than other domestic ruminants. Indeed, the ewe body condition score (BCS) and live weight (LW) play a significant role in productive and reproductive performance. This work conducts a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to detect genetic variants associated with growth traits in 225 adult ewes of the Rasa Aragonesa breed by using the genotypes from 50 k and HD Illumina Ovine BeadChip. These ewes were measured for LW, BCS and growth rate (GR) for 2 years, from January to September. Corrected phenotypes for BCS, LW and GR were estimated and used as input for the GWAS. Only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs425509273 in chromosome 9 (OAR9), associated with the GR, overcame the genome-wise significance level. One, three and nine SNPs were associated at the chromosome-wise level (FDR 10%) for traits BCS, LW and GR, respectively. The cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 (CYP7B1) candidate gene, located 83 kb upstream from SNP rs425509273 in OAR9, was partially isolated and Sanger-sequenced. Fifteen polymorphisms comprising 12 SNPs, two indels and one polyC, were detected in promoter, exon 1, 3, 5, and intron 1–3 region. The SNP association analysis of the polymorphisms located close to the transcription start site (TSS) showed that a 22 bp insertion located at −58 nucleotides from the TSS (indel (−58)), a polyC (−25), and two A/G SNPs (SNP3 (−114) and SNP5 (−63)) were associated with the GR trait, whereas only the indel (−58) was associated with the BCS trait. The haplotype analysis confirmed these results. The functional characterisation of the polymorphisms at CYP7B1 gene in liver by real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that the mutations in the promoter region affected CYP7B1 gene expression. Our results demonstrated the involvement of the CYP7B1 gene promoter on GR and BCS traits in Rasa Aragonesa. These findings suggest that variations in ovine CYP7B1 may serve as potential genetic markers to be used in breeding programmes to improve growth characteristics that could influence reproductive traits.

Resumen: Objetivos: Describir las características basales y procedimentales asociadas al desarrollo de infarto estriatocapsular aislado (IECa) tras la trombectomía mecánica en los pacientes con oclusión de gran vaso de la circulación anterior, así como su pronóstico. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal en el que se identificaron los pacientes tratados con trombectomía mecánica en nuestro centro entre 2015 y 2017 y se dividieron en 2 grupos en función de la existencia o no de un IECa (grupo IECa y grupo nIECa) en la TC de control a las 24 h. Resultados: De los 83 pacientes tratados con trombectomía mecánica, un 22,9% desarrollaron un IECa. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a las características basales ni en cuanto a los tiempos de reperfusión. Los pacientes con IECa tuvieron mejor colateralidad y mejores tasas de reperfusión en el análisis bivariante. No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad al alta ni a los 3 meses, ni en el pronóstico funcional a los 3 meses. Conclusiones: Aunque se consiga una reperfusión exitosa, el IECa es una secuela frecuente e independiente del tiempo de reperfusión, especialmente en aquellos pacientes con buena colateralidad. Abstract: Objectives: To describe baseline and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of isolated striatocapsular infarct (iSCI) after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation andits clinical outcome. Methods: We performed a longitudinal study including all patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our centre between 2015 and 2017; patients were divided into 2 groups (iSCI and non-iSCI) according to whether they presented iSCI in a control CT scan at 24 h. Results: Of the 83 patients identified, 22.9% developed an iSCI. There were no statically significant differences in baseline characteristics or in reperfusion times. Patients presenting iSCI showed better collateral circulation and better reperfusion rates in the bivariate analysis. No significant difference was observed for mortality at discharge or at 3 months, or for functional prognosis at 3 months. Conclusions: Even if successful reperfusion is achieved, iSCI is a common sequela, independently of reperfusion time, especially in patients with good collateral circulation.

Objective: To describe baseline and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of isolated striatocapsular infarct (iSCI) after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation and its clinical outcome. Methods: We performed a longitudinal study including all patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our centre between 2015 and 2017; patients were divided into 2 groups (iSCI and non-iSCI) according to whether they presented iSCI in a control CT scan at 24 hours. Results: Of the 83 patients identified, 22.9% developed an iSCI. There were no statically significant differences in baseline characteristics or in reperfusion times. Patients presenting iSCI showed better collateral circulation and better reperfusion rates in the bivariate analysis. No significant difference was observed for mortality at discharge or at 3 months, or for functional prognosis at 3 months. Conclusions: Even if successful reperfusion is achieved, iSCI is a common sequela, independently of reperfusion time, especially in patients with good collateral circulation. Resumen: Objetivos: Describir las características basales y procedimentales asociadas al desarrollo de infarto estriatocapsular aislado (IECa) tras la trombectomía mecánica (TM) en los pacientes con oclusión de gran vaso de la circulación anterior, así como su pronóstico. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal en el que se identificaron los pacientes tratados con TM en nuestro centro entre 2015 y 2017 y se dividieron en dos grupos en función de la existencia o no de un IECa (grupo IECa y grupo nIECa) en la TC de control a las 24 h. Resultados: De los 83 pacientes tratados con TM, un 22,9% desarrollaron un IECa. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a las características basales ni en cuanto a los tiempos de reperfusión. Los pacientes con IECa tuvieron mejor colateralidad y mejores tasas de reperfusión en el análisis bivariante. No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad al alta ni a los 3 meses, ni en el pronóstico funcional a los 3 meses. Conclusiones: Aunque se consiga una reperfusión exitosa, el IECa es una secuela frecuente e independiente del tiempo de reperfusión, especialmente en aquellos pacientes con buena colateralidad.

The high-energy milling is one of the most extended techniques to produce Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) powder steels for nuclear applications. The consequences of the high energy mill process on the final powders can be measured by means of deformation level, size, morphology and alloying degree. In this work, an ODS ferritic steel, Fe–14Cr–5Al–3W-0.4Ti-0.25Y2O3-0.6Zr, was fabricated using two different mechanical alloying (MA) conditions (Mstd and Mact) and subsequently consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Milling conditions were set to evidence the effectivity of milling by changing the revolutions per minute (rpm) and dwell milling time. Differences on the particle size distribution as well as on the stored plastic deformation were observed, determining the consolidation ability of the material and the achieved microstructure. Since recrystallization depends on the plastic deformation degree, the composition of each particle and the promoted oxide dispersion, a dual grain size distribution was attained after SPS consolidation. Mact showed the highest areas of ultrafine regions when the material is consolidated at 1100 °C. Microhardness and small punch tests were used to evaluate the material under room temperature and up to 500 °C. The produced materials have attained remarkable mechanical properties under high temperature conditions.

Introduction While it is well known that there is an interaction between sleep disorders and substance abuse, it is certainly more complex than was previously thought. The effects on sleep depend on the substance used, but it has been shown that both during use and in withdrawal periods consumers have various sleep problems, and basically more fragmented sleep. We know that sleep problems must be taken into account to prevent addiction relapses. Objectives To explain the different sleep disorders caused by substances such as alcohol and cannabis Methods As an example of this, two cases are introduced: the first one, a 17-year-old boy, who is diagnosed with ADHD with daily cannabis use since the age of 14. As a result of reducing consumption, he presents an episode of sleep paralysis that he had not previously had. The second one is a 50-year-old man diagnosed with a personality disorder and with dependence on cannabis and alcohol for years. He currently has abstinence from alcohol for months and maintains daily cannabis use. However, he has long-standing sleep pattern disturbances and frequent depersonalization phenomena at night. Results Alcohol at low doses has no clear effects on sleep architecture. At higher doses it decreases sleep latency, as well as awakenings. In chronic alcoholic patients, a decrease in deep slow sleep, and more fragmented sleep have been found. Cannabis withdrawal reduces sleep quality, increases latency, and produces strange dreams. Conclusions There is a positive relationship both between having a substance use disorder and suffering from a sleep disorder. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Aging is associated with increased frailty and disrupted energy homeostasis. Here, the authors show that SIRT6 overexpression extends the lifespan of male and female mice and demonstrate that SIRT6 optimizes energy homeostasis in old age, which delays frailty and preserves healthy aging.

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome that is associated with anemia. Here, the authors examine the role of Nemo-like kinase (NLK) in erythroid cells in the pathogenesis of DBA and as a potential target for therapy.

The M4F project brings together the fusion and fission materials communities working on the prediction of radiation damage production and evolution and their effects on the mechanical behaviour of irradiated ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels. It is a multidisciplinary project in which several different experimental and computational materials science tools are integrated to understand and model the complex phenomena associated with the formation and evolution of irradiation induced defects and their effects on the macroscopic behaviour of the target materials. In particular the project focuses on two specific aspects: (1) To develop physical understanding and predictive models of the origin and consequences of localised deformation under irradiation in F/M steels; (2) To develop good practices and possibly advance towards the definition of protocols for the use of ion irradiation as a tool to evaluate radiation effects on materials. Nineteen modelling codes across different scales are being used and developed and an experimental validation programme based on the examination of materials irradiated with neutrons and ions is being carried out. The project enters now its 4th year and is close to delivering high-quality results. This paper overviews the work performed so far within the project, highlighting its impact for fission and fusion materials science.

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Expert Group on Innovative Structural Materials (EGISM) was established in 2008 under the guidance of the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC). Its objectives are to conduct joint and comparative studies to support the development, selection and characterisation of innovative structural materials that can be implemented in advanced nuclear fuel cycles, under long service lifetime and extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high dose/dose rate and corrosive chemical environments.In this context of growing interest and initiatives, the EGISM initiated at the beginning of 2018 an activity among its members to: • Identify, in a non-exhaustive way, the currently existing programs on innovative materials and fabrication processes in NEA member countries and China; • Establish a first cartography of the activities that are underway on these topics and identify common subjects and thematic; • Propose a Technology Readiness Level scale to estimate the maturity of both innovative materials and fabrication processes; • Carry out a reflection on what the enablers are to quickly climb this TRL scale, as well as the obstacles, in order to identify solutions to overcome them.This paper first gives definitions shared between the EGISM members on what are considered as advanced structural materials solutions. Next, some international initiatives for the accelerated development of high performance materials are presented both in non-nuclear and nuclear fields. Then, the methodology adopted for technology readiness assessment is explained. A non-exhaustive synthesis of the projects identified among the EGISM members on innovative structural materials and advanced manufacturing solutions such as additive manufacturing is presented. The TRL level of these projects is evaluated. A focus is also made on some of these projects to illustrate and explain the TRLs chosen as well as highlighting enablers or obstacles identified to climbing up the TRL scale.

Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is a polymeric ester widely used as emulsifier in the food industry. In this work, PGPR biocatalytic synthesis was carried out in a onestep solvent-free enzymatic process using lipase CALB immobilized in Lewatit® Monoplus MP 64 by adsorption. The optimal immobilization conditions were determined: initial enzyme concentration of 13 mg of Lowry protein per mL phosphate buffer pH 7, and ricinoleic acid as a support activator. An immobilized derivative with 35.93 ± 4.90 mg of Lowry protein per g of dry support was obtained. It was used as a catalyst for PGPR production in open air and vacuum batch reactors, and the results obtained showed that only when the reaction equilibrium was shifted towards ester production by means of water removal, the PGPR produced fulfilled the European legislation (acid value ≤ 6 mg of KOH per g of product).

Sperm quality traits routinely collected by artificial insemination (AI) center for rams progeny test are related with the capacity to produce sperm doses for AI and, in more or less grade, with males' fertility. Low-quality ejaculates are unuseful to perform AI sperm doses, which suppose high economic loses for the AI center. Moreover, sperm quality traits have low heritability values which make traditional genetic selection little efficient to its improvement. In this work, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted by using sperm quality traits data and 50 K Affymetrix custom chip genotypes of 429 rams of Assaf breed from OVIGEN AI centre. Furthermore, 47 of these rams were also genotyped with the Illumina HD Ovine BeadChip, and therefore HD genotypes were imputed for all rams with phenotype data. Previous to the GWAS, a linear regression model was fitted including sperm traits as dependent variables; the flock of origin, date of sperm collection, and jump number as fixed effects; rams age at collection in months as covariate; and ram permanent effect as random. Pseudo-phenotypes obtained from this model were used as input for GWAS. Associations at the chromosome-wise level (FDR 10%) of 76 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4 chromosomes for ejaculate concentration (CON), 20 SNPs in 3 chromosomes for ejaculate volume (VOL), 32 SNPs in 1 chromosome for ejaculate number of spermatozoa (SPZ), and 23 SNPs for spermatozoa mass motility (MOT) in 17 chromosomes were found. Only SNPs associated with MOT overcame the genome-wide significance level. Some candidate genes for sperm traits variability were SLC9C1 (OAR1), TSN (OAR2), and FUT10 (OAR26) for MOT;. DOCK2, CPLANE1, SPEF2, and RAI14 (OAR16) for CON; SCAPER and PSMA4 (OAR18) for VOL; and PARM1 and LOC101110593 (OAR6) for SPZ. SNPs associated with sperm traits were not found to be correlated with milk production genetic variation; however, the high frequencies of some SNPs with negative effect over sperm traits found in animals at the top milk yield estimated breeding values (EBVs) ranking would allow to exert some selective presure to improve rams sperm performances. Effects and frequencies of some of the SNPs detected over sperm quality traits make these variants good candidates to be used in marker-assisted selection to improve sperm characteristics of Assaf rams and AI center efficiency to produce sperm doses.

Culture of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) as part of active surveillance is one of the most useful strategies for successful infection control programmes. Our objective was to compare the recently introduced CHROMagar mSuperCARBA agar for CPE detection in surveillance cultures from perineal swabs with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention method. Our results showed that this agar is a useful and affordable alternative (sensitivity 93.05%, specificity 96.21%, diagnostic accuracy 95.2%) to detect CPE in hospital settings. Keywords: Carbapenemases, chromogenic agar, Enterobacteriaceae, performance, surveillance cultures

Although teaching would seem to be exclusively coupled to each country's economic and technological development, it can also be associated with social transformation, provided that it promotes social innovation: in other words, new ways of conceiving society. This leads us to ask how music teachers are being trained in terms of innovation, a concept that plays a decisive role in our current knowledge-based society and economy. This article seeks to obtain an overview of the goals and structures associated with the concept of innovation as featured in the Master's Degree for secondary-school music teaching in Spain. We analyzed the Spanish legislation and the Master's Degree programs of 26 Spanish universities. Our results evidence a lack of consensus regarding which objectives should be pursued and which innovative practices should be prioritized. We nevertheless note a tendency to view innovation merely as an exercise designed to help teachers and students adapt to existing school reality by proposing activities and projects in the area of digital technology, along with examples of "good practices". We conclude that educational innovation needs to make fundamental progress, not only in terms of its presuppositions, but also in its actions, which should lead to the development of critical, creative attitudes that can foster true social transformation.

Resumen: Introducción: La Estrategia del Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud (EISNS) fue un documento de consenso entre las distintas administraciones y sociedades científicas que se desarrolló con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad del proceso asistencial y garantizar la equidad territorial. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los recursos asistenciales existentes y si se había cumplido el objetivo de la EISNS. Material y métodos: La encuesta sobre los recursos disponibles se realizó por un comité de neurólogos de cada una de las comunidades autónomas (CC.AA), los cuales también realizaron la encuesta de 2008. Los ítems incluidos fueron el número de Unidades de Ictus (UI), su dotación (monitorización, neurólogo 24 h/7 días, ratio enfermería, protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, recursos diagnósticos (ecografía cardíaca y arterial cerebral, neuroimagen avanzada), realización de trombolisis intravenosa, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV), cirugía del infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media (ACM) y disponibilidad de la telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 136 hospitales. Existen 45 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI por habitantes y comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/74.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo solo Cantabria y Navarra. Se realizaron por neurólogos 3.237 trombolisis intravenosas en 83 hospitales, con un porcentaje respecto del total de ictus isquémico entre el 0,3 y el 33,7%. Los hospitales sin UI tenían una disponibilidad variable de recursos. Se realiza INV en todas las CC.AA salvo La Rioja, la disponibilidad del INV 24 h/7 días solo existe en 17 ciudades. Hay 46 centros con cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM y 5 con telemedicina. Conclusión: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en cuanto al incremento de hospitales participantes, la mayor aplicación de trombolisis intravenosa y procedimientos endovasculares, también en la cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM, pero con insuficiente implantación de UI y de la telemedicina. La disponibilidad de recursos diagnósticos es buena en la mayoría de las UI, e irregular en el resto de hospitales. Las distintas CC.AA deben avanzar para garantizar el mejor tratamiento y equidad territorial, y así conseguir el objetivo de la EISNS. Abstract: Introduction: The Spanish Health System's stroke care strategy (EISNS) is a consensus statement that was drawn up by various government bodies and scientific societies with the aim of improving quality throughout the care process and ensuring equality among regions. Our objective is to analyse existing healthcare resources and establish whether they have met EISNS targets. Material and methods: The survey on available resources was conducted by a committee of neurologists representing each of Spain's regions; the same committee also conducted the survey of 2008. The items included were the number of stroke units (SU), their resources (monitoring, neurologists on call 24 h/7d, nurse ratio, protocols), SU bed ratio/100 000 inhabitants, diagnostic resources (cardiac and cerebral arterial ultrasound, advanced neuroimaging), performing iv thrombolysis, neurovascular interventional radiology (neuro VIR), surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and telemedicine availability. Results: We included data from 136 hospitals and found 45 Stroke Units distributed unequally among regions. The ratio of SU beds to residents ranged from 1/74,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; only the regions of Cantabria and Navarre met the target. Neurologists performed 3,237 intravenous thrombolysis procedures in 83 hospitals; thrombolysis procedures compared to the total of ischaemic strokes yielded percentages ranging from 0.3 to 33.7%. Hospitals without SUs showed varying levels of available resources. Neuro VIR is performed in every region except La Rioja, and VIR is only available on a 24 h/7 d basis in 17 cities. Surgery for malignant MCA infarction is performed in 46 hospitals, and 5 have telemedicine. Conclusion: Stroke care has improved in terms of numbers of participating hospitals, the increased use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular procedures, and surgery for malignant MCA infarction. Implementation of SUs and telemedicine remain insufficient. The availability of diagnostic resources is good in most SUs and irregular in other hospitals. Regional governments should strive to ensure better care and territorial equality, which would achieve the EISNS objectives. Palabras clave: Unidad de ictus, Tratamiento ictus, Encuesta recursos, Trombolisis, Keywords: Stroke unit, Stroke treatment, Stroke facilities survey, Thrombolysis

Introduction: The Spanish Health System's stroke care strategy (EISNS) is a consensus statement that was drawn up by various government bodies and scientific societies with the aim of improving quality throughout the care process and ensuring equality among regions. Our objective is to analyse existing healthcare resources and establish whether they have met EISNS targets. Material and methods: The survey on available resources was conducted by a committee of neurologists representing each of Spain's regions; the same committee also conducted the survey of 2008. The items included were the number of stroke units (SU), their resources (monitoring, neurologists on call 24 hours/7 days, nurse ratio, protocols), SU bed ratio/100 000 inhabitants, diagnostic resources (cardiac and cerebral arterial ultrasound, advanced neuroimaging), performing intravenous thrombolysis, neurovascular interventional radiology (neuro VIR), surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and telemedicine availability. Results: We included data from 136 hospitals and found 45 Stroke Units distributed unequally among regions. The ratio of SU beds to residents ranged from 1/74 000 to 1/1 037 000 inhabitants; only the regions of Cantabria and Navarre met the target. Neurologists performed 3237 intravenous thrombolysis procedures in 83 hospitals; thrombolysis procedures compared to the total of ischaemic strokes yielded percentages ranging from 0.3% to 33.7%. Hospitals without SUs showed varying levels of available resources. Neuro VIR is performed in every region except La Rioja, and VIR is only available on a 24 hours/7 days basis in 17 cities. Surgery for malignant MCA infarction is performed in 46 hospitals, and 5 have telemedicine. Conclusion: Stroke care has improved in terms of numbers of participating hospitals, the increased use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular procedures, and surgery for malignant MCA infarction. Implementation of SUs and telemedicine remain insufficient. The availability of diagnostic resources is good in most SUs and irregular in other hospitals. Regional governments should strive to ensure better care and territorial equality, which would achieve the EISNS objectives. Resumen: Introducción: La Estrategia del Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud (EISNS) fue un documento de consenso entre las distintas administraciones y sociedades científicas que se desarrolló con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad del proceso asistencial y garantizar la equidad territorial. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los recursos asistenciales existentes y si se había cumplido el objetivo de la EISNS. Material y métodos: La encuesta sobre los recursos disponibles se realizó por un comité de neurólogos de cada una de las comunidades autónomas (CC.AA), los cuales también realizaron la encuesta de 2008. Los ítems incluidos fueron el número de Unidades de Ictus (UI), su dotación (monitorización, neurólogo 24 h/7 días, ratio enfermería, protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, recursos diagnósticos (ecografía cardíaca y arterial cerebral, neuroimagen avanzada), realización de trombolisis intravenosa, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV), cirugía del infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media (ACM) y disponibilidad de la telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 136 hospitales. Existen 45 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI por habitantes y comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/74.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo solo Cantabria y Navarra. Se realizaron por neurólogos 3.237 trombolisis intravenosas en 83 hospitales, con un porcentaje respecto del total de ictus isquémico entre el 0,3 y el 33,7%. Los hospitales sin UI tenían una disponibilidad variable de recursos. Se realiza INV en todas las CC.AA salvo La Rioja, la disponibilidad del INV 24 h/7 días solo existe en 17 ciudades. Hay 46 centros con cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM y 5 con telemedicina. Conclusión: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en cuanto al incremento de hospitales participantes, la mayor aplicación de trombolisis intravenosa y procedimientos endovasculares, también en la cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM, pero con insuficiente implantación de UI y de la telemedicina. La disponibilidad de recursos diagnósticos es buena en la mayoría de las UI, e irregular en el resto de hospitales. Las distintas CC.AA deben avanzar para garantizar el mejor tratamiento y equidad territorial, y así conseguir el objetivo de la EISNS. Keywords: Stroke unit, Stroke treatment, Stroke facilities survey, Thrombolysis, Palabras clave: Unidad de ictus, Tratamiento ictus, Encuesta recursos, Trombolisis

En este documento se reflejan los primeros resultados referentes a la caracterización de dos coladas de un acero 9 Cr ferrítico/martensítico de activación reducida (RAFM) producido en España, denominadas AF1B y AF2A. Los resultados obtenidos en dicha caracterización se compararán con su homólogo europeo, el EUROFER97-2, el cual se eligió como material de referencia. Todas las actividades detalladas se realizaron en la Unidad de Materiales Estructurales del CIEMAT, dentro del proyecto TECNO-FUS CONSOLIDER INGENIO. Ambas coladas, producidas en una planta piloto de la Fundación ITMA, presentan el mismo proceso de producción y tratamiento térmico final. Asimismo presentan un comportamiento a tracción similar al del EUROFER97-2. Por el contrario, las propiedades a impacto son menores a las del homólogo europeo. En la microestructura de la colada AF1B se han detectado inclusiones bifásicas de gran tamaño que afectan a sus propiedades mecánicas, sobre todo a las de impacto. Estas inclusiones no se detectaron en la AF2A.

Las tecnologías y medios para desarrollar plantas de biomasa con alta eficiencia en la conversión de energía son esenciales para asentar la biomasa como una fuente de energía renovable. Los sistemas de turbinas de gas de ciclo combinado (CCGT) permiten elevar la eficiencia de las plantas de biomasa del 35 % actual al 45 %. Sin embargo, para conseguir estos niveles de eficiencia en la conversión de energía, el intercambiador de calor de la caldera debe trabajar en condiciones extremas de temperatura (por encima de 1100 °C) y presión (en torno a 15-30 bar). Los aceros ODS ferríticos son la clase de material avanzado específicamente diseñado para trabajar en ambientes altamente corrosivos y a temperaturas elevadas. Pero para mejorar la resistencia a la fluencia a altas temperaturas en dirección circunferencial, la microestructura generada en el proceso de recristalización ha de ser diferente a la microestructura axi-simétrica altamente anisótropa que tiene este tipo de aceros por defecto. En este sentido, este trabajo detalla los resultados obtenidos en la aleación reforzada por dispersión de óxidos PM 2000 que ha sido fabricada por técnicas pulvimetalúrgicas, consolidada por extrusión y conformada por laminación en caliente y en frio. De los resultados obtenidos puede concluirse que una microestructura heterogénea estimula su recristalización, de forma que grandes gradientes de deformación generan microestructuras más finas e isótropas. La comparación de estos resultados con simulaciones por elementos finitos ha permitido dilucidar el papel que tienen las tensiones residuales subyacentes en la microestructura en la generación de la microestructura recristalizada.

Introducción: Se conoce el beneficio de la dieta mediterránea sobre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y sobre el metabolismo hidrocarbonado. No está claro sin embargo, el papel particular del aceite de oliva sobre la incidencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto específico del consumo de aceite de oliva sobre el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en la cohorte española Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra. Métodos: Un total de 10.491 participantes seguidos durante una media de 5,7 años fueron incluidos en el análisis. La valoración dietética inicial se realizó mediante un cuestionario previamente validado y con un total de 136 ítems. El evento de interés fueron los nuevos casos de diabetes incidente diagnosticados a los participantes durante el seguimiento mediante evaluaciones repetidas cada dos años. Se estimaron los riesgos relativos (odds ratios) de diabetes asociados a cada nivel de consumo de aceite de oliva (quintiles) mediante modelos de regresión logística para ajustar por posibles factores de confusión. Resultados: La edad media fue de 38,9 + 11,4 años, con un índice de masa corporal de 23,8 + 3,4 kg/m². Se detectaron durante el seguimiento 42 nuevos casos de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. No hubo relación estadísticamente significativa entre el consumo de aceite de oliva y el riesgo de diabetes. La odds ratio ajustada para el quintil superior (vs.el inferior) fue de 1,11 (IC 95% 0,45-2,78) (p de tendencia = 0,32). Conclusiones: No hemos encontrado asociación entre el consumo de aceite de oliva y la incidencia de diabetes tipo 2 en esta cohorte. La ausencia de asociación encontrada se podría atribuir a los pocos casos incidentes en una población sana y con pocos factores de riesgo. Probablemente sea necesario un seguimiento más prolongado de una cohorte Mediterránea con mayor riesgo basal para poder evaluar esta asociación.Introduction: The beneficial effects of the overall Mediterranean dietary pattern on cardiovascular risk factors and on carbohydrate metabolism are well known; however, it is unclear whether the consumption of olive oil in particular is able to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the specific effect of olive oil consumption on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a large Spanish cohort (the SUN Project). Methods: We followed up 10,491 participants for a median of 5,7 years. Habitual diet was assessed at baseline with a semi-quantitative 136-item food-frequency questionnaire previously validated in Spain. The outcome of interest was incident type 2 diabetes diagnosed by a physician and confirmed by review of a medical report. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for incident type 2 diabetes for each of the 4 upper quintiles of olive oil consumption using the lowest quintile as the reference were assessed using logistic regression models. Results: At baseline mean age was 38,9 + 11,38 year with a BMI of 23,8 + 3,41 kg/m². Forty two new cases of diabetes mellitus were diagnosed during follow-up. The adjusted odds ratio for the highest vs. the lowest quintile of consumption of olive oil was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.45-2.78; p for trend = 0.32). Conclusions: We found no association between olive oil consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The lack of association could be attributed to the small number of observed incident cases of diabetes. Further studies in Mediterranean countries with a longer follow-up and a higher baseline risk are needed to evaluate this association.

A área mineira de Neves Corvo inclui a Mina de Neves Corvo (MNC) cuja exploração teve início em 1988 para Cu e Sn e outras seis minas de Mn e Cu já abandonadas. Na região ocorrem formações geológicas do Complexo Vulcano-Sedimentar (CVS) hospedeiras dos sulfuretos maciços portadores das mineralizações e formações do grupo do Flysch compostas de xistos e grauvaques. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a distribuição do estanho nos solos e a sua capacidade de absorção e translocação pelas plantas (Cistus ladanifer L.) na área mineira de Neves Corvo. As amostras foram colhidas em duas campanhas, entre 1971-72, cerca de 27 anos antes da laboração na MNC, e numa 2ª campanha (1998), 10 anos após o inicio da laboração desta mina, onde nos mesmos locais foram colhidos solos e plantas. As amostras de solos (horizonte superficial), de ambas as campanhas, e de plantas da 2ª campanha foram sujeitas a digestão com quatro ácidos para análise total dos elementos por ICP-AES. Os solos das duas campanhas, desenvolvidos no Flysch, apresentam as mesmas concentrações médias de Sn (2,9 mg kg -1), contrariamente ao que acontece nos solos que cobrem as formações do CVS cujas concentrações na 2º campanha são cerca do dobro das da primeira (4,5 e 10,4 mg kg-1 , respectivamente na 1ª e 2ª campanhas), notando-se assim a influência da actividade mineira nestas formações que são hospedeiras da mineralização de estanho. No entanto, em ambos os casos, os solos apresentam concentrações médias de Sn consideradas de fundo geoquímico. Em geral, as plantas apresentam concentrações de Sn mais elevadas nas raízes do que na parte aérea. Os solos apresentam teores de Sn inferiores aos das plantas indicando que estas têm capacidade para acumular aquele elemento. Este facto, pode estar relacionado com a presença de estanho nos solos quase neutros, sob a forma de estanite, também observada nas mineralizações. Nas plantas próximas da exploração da MNC, onde o pH do solo é mais ácido, os teores de Sn podem ser devidos à deposição de material particulado rico em Sn que será adsorvido via estomas. O pH e as fases sólidas nas quais o estanho se encontra nos solos são determinantes para a sua disponibilidade no solo e capacidade para ser absorvido e translocado pelas plantas.The Neves Corvo mining area includes the Mina de Neves Corvo (MNC) that started exploitation in 1988 for Cu and Sn and six abandoned Mn and Cu mines. The Volcano Sedimentary Complex (VSC) which hosts the massive sulphide deposits and the Flysch formations of schist and greywacke dominates the regional geology. The aim of this study was to evaluate tin distribution in soils as well as the capacity to absorb and translocate this element for plants (Cistus ladanifer L.) growing in the MNC area. Samples were collected in two campaigns: the first, for soils, in 1971-72 before MNC existence; and the second campaign (1998), 10 years after mining exploitation began in MNC, for soils and plants in the same places sampled in the first campaign. Soil and plant samples were digested with four acids for total elements extraction and analysed by ICP-AES. The soils developed from Flysch formations have the same average Sn concentrations in both campaigns (2.9 mg kg -1). In contrast, the Sn concentration in soils developed on VSC in the second campaign were twice those (10.4 mg kg-1) from soils of the first campaign (4.5 mg kg-1), reflecting mining. However, tin content in soils developed on both lithologies was considered as a background concentration. Generally, plant roots have higher Sn concentrations than leaves. C. ladanifer plants presented highest Sn concentration than soils suggesting tin accumulation by these plants. The soil pH and solid phases where tin was present were determinant factors for tin uptake and translocation from roots to shoots in C. ladanifer plants.

Several alterations of growth physiology and bulb formation in garlic (Allium sativum L.) crops, such as "rough" and "burst" bulbs, have been related by different authors with low temperatures during bulbs storage and crop development. These physiopathies affect both the yield and the quality of garlic crops. Incidence of such diseases in Spanish garlic (variety "purple of Las Pedroñeras") were studied during two consecutive years. Experimental design was factorial taking the bulb storage temperature (5°, 10°, 15° and 20°C) as variable factor. Growth indexes during crop development and final quantity of defective bulbs were evaluated. Experimental results show significant differences between treatments, with the higher incidence of both physiopathies in those bulbs stored at 5°C. The 15°C and 20°C storage temperatures clearly reduce the risk of these abiotic diseases and tend to increase the yield and the final quality of the crop.

Uno de los componentes críticos de una central nuclear es la vasija del reactor, debido a su función de contención del núcleo. Dicha vasija está sometida a irradiación neutrónica, lo que provoca cambios microestructurales en el material y pérdida de propiedades mecánicas. Debido a estos efectos, es necesario monitorizar su integridad estructural a lo largo de su vida de operación. Para ello se establecen los llamados programas de vigilancia. El objetivo final de estos ensayos es el de determinar la tenacidad de fractura del material. Actualmente, esto se consigue indirectamente mediante técnicas de predicción establecidas en diferentes normativas. El objetivo de este trabajo es el de determinar la tenacidad de fractura del material de la vasija directamente a través del ensayo Charpy V instrumentado. Para ello se ha desarrollado en el CIEMAT una metodología de ensayos y análisis de resultados.

During the last decade, biodiesel has emerged as a promising alternative to diesel. However, the sedimentation of some insoluble material in pure biodiesel has become a concern for its producers. This material easily drops out of solution, settles on the bottom of biodiesel storage tanks and forms deposits on vehicle fuel filters. In this work, the insoluble material that forms in Colombian palm oil biodiesel was characterized for the first time. Non-expensive and easy to use Thin Layer Chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used as analytical techniques. The insoluble material was found not to be composed by free steryl glucosides exclusively. Acylated steryl glucosides appeared to be part of the insoluble material as well. This finding should lead to rethink the strategies that have been developed to prevent the formation of haze in biodiesel so far, as they have been mainly focused on the removal of free steryl glucosides from biodiesel.

Objective. To evaluate the association between diabetes mellitus and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) controlled for several sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, in a representative sample of the Spanish population. Methods. A population-based, cross-sectional, and cluster sampling study, with the entire Spanish population as the target population. Five thousand and forty-seven participants (2162/2885 men/women) answered the HRQOL short form 12-questionnaire (SF-12). The physical (PCS-12) and the mental component summary (MCS-12) scores were assessed. Subjects were divided into four groups according to carbohydrate metabolism status: normal, prediabetes, unknown diabetes (UNKDM), and known diabetes (KDM). Logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results. Mean PCS-12/MCS-12 values were 50.9±8.5/ 47.6±10.2, respectively. Men had higher scores than women in both PCS-12 (51.8±7.2 versus 50.3±9.2; P

Between 2.5% and 28% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 suffer long COVID or persistence of symptoms for months after acute illness. Many symptoms are neurological, but the brain changes underlying the neuropsychological impairments remain unclear. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the cognitive profile, the pattern of brain alterations in long COVID and the potential association between them. To address these objectives, 83 patients with persistent neurological symptoms after COVID-19 were recruited, and 22 now healthy control subjects chosen because they had suffered COVID-19 but did not experience persistent neurological symptoms. Patients and controls were matched for age, sex and educational level. All participants were assessed by clinical interview, comprehensive standardized neuropsychological tests and structural MRI. The mean global cognitive function of patients with long COVID assessed by Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III screening test [overall cognitive level (OCLz) = −0.39 ± 0.12] was significantly below the infection recovered-controls (OCLz = +0.32 ± 0.16, P < 0.01). We observed that 48% of patients with long COVID had episodic memory deficit, with 27% also with impaired overall cognitive function, especially attention, working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency. The MRI examination included grey matter morphometry and whole brain structural connectivity analysis. Compared to infection recovered controls, patients had thinner cortex in a specific cluster centred on the left posterior superior temporal gyrus. In addition, lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity were observed in widespread areas of the patients' cerebral white matter relative to these controls. Correlations between cognitive status and brain abnormalities revealed a relationship between altered connectivity of white matter regions and impairments of episodic memory, overall cognitive function, attention and verbal fluency. This study shows that patients with neurological long COVID suffer brain changes, especially in several white matter areas, and these are associated with impairments of specific cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The botanical exploration of Bolivia during the last two centuries did not leave a botanical legacy in the country. Only towards the end of the 20th century Bolivia saw the start of the biology careers at its universities and the development of its own herbaria. Nowadays there are important herbaria in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Sucre with collections ranging between 40,000 and 350,000 specimens. In 2014 a catalogue of the vascular flora of Bolivia was published under the auspices of the Missouri Botanical Garden, recording 15,345 species, of which 12,165 are native and 2,343 are endemic, while 694 are cultivated, 267 adventitious and 221 are naturalized. Endemic species of vascular plants add up to 2,343 species. The 286 families listed follow the APG III classification system. There are about 150 botanists in Bolivia interested in studying the country's rich flora. During a workshop organized in 2013 to promote a Flora of Bolivia, the participants established jointly a preliminary format for the taxonomic treatments. The Flora of Bolivia is planned to be an electronic, open access publication with international participation. The World Flora represents a challenge that must be tackled by circumscribing, verifying and recording all species known within our territory, and it is expected that it will have positive repercussions from and towards the ongoing Flora of Bolivia, in a similar way as the long running series of the Flora Neotropica has provided a wider picture that can be adapted and modified to fit our particular country.