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Aims and Objectives: To explore the process of change within the clinical practice of nurses in mental health inpatient units in the context of a participatory process to improve the nurse–patient therapeutic relationship. Design: Participatory Action Research. Methods: Ninety‐six nurses from 18 mental health units participated. Data were collected through focus groups and reflective diaries between March 2018 and January 2020. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The COREQ guidelines were used. Results: The research process was carried out through two cycles of four stages each in which the nurses were able to identify the facilitating and limiting elements of their practice in relation to the therapeutic relationship. They then proposed two consensual improvement strategies for all the units, which they called reserved therapeutic space and postincident analysis. Finally, they implemented and evaluated the two strategies for change. Conclusions: This study has shown that, despite the different cultural and structural realities of the participating units, it is possible to implement a collaborative process of change, provided the needs and expectations of both the participants and the organisations are similar. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The results obtained through Participatory Action Research were directly transferred to clinical practice, thus having an impact on individual nurses and patients, as well as on the collective dynamics of the teams and aspects related to the management of the units. No Patient or Public Contribution: Patient or public input is not directly applicable to this study. Patients were recipients of the changes that were occurring in the nurses as part of their daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel 1-N-α-d-glucopyranosyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole xanthines was synthesized from azido sugars (glucose, galactose, and lactose) and propargyl xanthines (theophylline and theobromine) using a typical copper (I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The corrosion inhibition activities of these new carbohydrate-xanthine compounds were evaluated by studying the corrosion of API 5 L X70 steel in a 1 M HCl medium. The results showed that, at 10 ppm, a 90% inhibition efficiency was reached by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The inhibitory efficiency of these molecules is explained by means of quantum chemical calculations of the protonated species with the solvent effect, which seems to better represent the actual situation of the experimental conditions. Some quantum chemical parameters were analyzed to characterize the inhibition performance of the tested molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore the therapeutic relationship through the reflective practice of nurses in acute mental health units. Background: In mental health units, the therapeutic relationship is especially relevant for increasing the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Reflective practice is considered an essential aspect for improving nursing care. Design: Action and observation stages of a participatory action research project. Methods: Data were collected through reflective diaries designed for the guided description and reflection of practice interactions related to the therapeutic relationship and content analysis was applied. A total of 152 nurses from 18 acute mental health units participated. The COREQ guidelines were used. Results: The results were classified into three categories as follows: (i) Nursing attitude as a core of the therapeutic relationship. For the nurses, the attitudinal component was key in the therapeutic relationship. (ii) Nursing practices that are essential to the therapeutic relationship. Nurses identified practices such as creating a conducive environment, using an appropriate verbal approach, offering help and working together with the patient as essential for establishing a therapeutic relationship in practice. (iii) Contextual factors affecting the therapeutic relationship. The nurses considered the patient's condition, the care dynamics of the unit and its regulations, as well as the structure and environment of the unit, as contextual factors involved the establishment of an adequate therapeutic relationship in daily clinical practice. Conclusions: This study has provided knowledge of the importance and role of the nurses' attitude in the context of the nurse–patient therapeutic relationship based on the reflections of nurses in mental health units regarding their own practice. Relevance to clinical practice: These findings help nurses to increase awareness and develop improvement strategies based on their own knowledge and day‐to‐day difficulties. Moreover, managers can evaluate strategies that promote motivation and facilitate the involvement of nurses to improve the therapeutic relationship with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to determine the association of health determinants, lifestyle and socioeconomic variables on healthcare use in people with diabetes in Europe. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the European Health Interview Survey wave 2 (ie, secondary analysis). Setting The sample included data from 25 European countries. Participants The sample included 16 270 patients with diabetes aged 15 years or older (49.1% men and 50.9% women). Results The survey data showed that 58.2% of respondents had seen their primary care physician in the past month and 22.6% had been admitted to the hospital in the past year. Use of primary care was associated with being retired (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.19) and having very poor self-perceived health (PR 1.80, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.15), long-standing health problems (PR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24), high blood pressure (PR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.10) and chronic back pain (PR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.11). Hospital admission was associated with very poor self-perceived health (PR 3.03, 95% CI 2.14 to 4.31), accidents at home (PR 1.54, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.69), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (PR 1.34, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.47), high blood pressure (PR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.17), chronic back pain (PR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.98), moderate difficulty walking (PR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.45) and severe difficulty walking (PR 1.67, 95% CI 1.51 to 1.85). Conclusions In the European diabetic population, the high cumulative incidences of primary care visits and hospital admissions are associated with labour status, alcohol consumption, self-perceived health, long-standing health problems, high blood pressure, chronic back pain, accidents at home, COPD and difficulty walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple individual and contextual factors influence the quality of the therapeutic relationship in mental health units. The objective was to describe the characteristics of structure, teamwork, ward rules and care dynamics that intervene in the establishment of the therapeutic relationship in mental health units in Catalonia. The study is part of a multi-centre project that includes 18 mental health units in Catalonia, and which aims to improve the therapeutic relationship through Participatory Action-Research. This work is the first stage in which an analysis of the study context was carried out. The data were collected through observational guides filled in by the coordinating nurses of each centre. The results were grouped into 3 themes: i) structure of the units and size of the teamworks, ii) rules and dynamics of the units and iii) indicators of quality of care. The main conclusion of the study is the great variability observed in the units in relation to their structure, ratios and rules. Due to these environmental factors, the care provided and, consequently, the therapeutic relationship, is considerably different depending on the area in which each patient resides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallothionein-3 has poorly characterized functions in neuroblastoma. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is a major regimen to treat neuroblastoma, but its clinical efficacy is limited by chemoresistance. We investigated the impact of human metallothionein-3 (hMT3) up-regulation in neuroblastoma cells and the mechanisms underlying the cisplatin-resistance. We confirmed the cisplatin-metallothionein complex formation using mass spectrometry. Overexpression of hMT3 decreased the sensitivity of neuroblastoma UKF-NB-4 cells to cisplatin. We report, for the first time, cisplatin-sensitive human UKF-NB-4 cells remodelled into cisplatin-resistant cells via high and constitutive hMT3 expression in an in vivo model using chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Comparative proteomic analysis demonstrated that several biological pathways related to apoptosis, transport, proteasome, and cellular stress were involved in cisplatin-resistance in hMT3 overexpressing UKF-NB-4 cells. Overall, our data confirmed that up-regulation of hMT3 positively correlated with increased cisplatin-chemoresistance in neuroblastoma, and a high level of hMT3 could be one of the causes of frequent tumour relapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Yagi-Uda antenna was created and published in the twenties, it has been a pillar of wireless communications and also one of the most popular antennas utilized due to its directivity and easy construction; although still commonly used today, one of the disadvantages is its laborious design process, especially when you have many directors. In recent decades, software has been developed to facilitate its design and simulation, both commercial and free to use software. This work describes the design of a Yagi-Uda antenna at 550 MHz using free MMana-Gal software. The results demonstrate that in instances where there is extreme precision or variability of materials is not required, free software can be an excellent option for design and simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing crop species diversity can enhance agricultural sustainability, but the scale dependency of the processes that shape diversity and of the effects of diversity on agroecosystems is insufficiently understood. We used 30 m spatial resolution crop classification data for the conterminous United States to analyze spatial and temporal crop species diversity and their relationship. We found that the US average temporal (crop rotation) diversity is 2.1 effective number of species and that a crop’s average temporal diversity is lowest for common crops. Spatial diversity monotonically increases with the size of the unit of observation, and it is most strongly associated with temporal diversity when measured for areas of 100 to 400 ha, which is the typical US farm size. The association between diversity in space and time weakens as data are aggregated over larger areas because of the increasing diversity among farms, but at intermediate aggregation levels (counties) it is possible to estimate temporal diversity and farm-scale spatial diversity from aggregated spatial crop diversity data if the effect of beta diversity is considered. For larger areas, the diversity among farms is usually much greater than the diversity within them, and this needs to be considered when analyzing large-area crop diversity data. US agriculture is dominated by a few major annual crops (maize, soybean, wheat) that are mostly grown on fields with a very low temporal diversity. To increase crop species diversity, currently minor crops would have to increase in area at the expense of these major crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actual investigation of the body of a patient by the clinician in search for the signs of the disease beginning with the primary vital signs and continues with the careful and attentive observation of the patient. This article reviews the key findings in the physical examination of patients with ischemic stroke that have the potential to indicate the etiology of the infarct and to help to choose the use of ancillary tests. Through a systematic search of articles published in English related to the physical examination of patients with stroke, we identified key findings in the vital signs and classic components of the physical exam (appearance of the patient, auscultation, and eye examination) that have shown clinical significance when determining ischemic stroke etiology. We further suggest that the prompt identification of such findings can translate into better use of diagnostic tools and selection of ancillary confirmatory tests, thus, reducing the time to etiology based treatment and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. in this manuscript, we aim to show that even though nowadays the clinical skills tend to be overlooked due to the overreliance on technology, the physical exam continues to be a valuable tool in the clinician armamentarium when facing the challenge of a patient with ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using a diode or CO2 laser was administered after extraction of the left first molar in rats. Effects on socket preservation (preservation of the alveolar bone and healing time after extraction) were evaluated histopathologically. Background: Irradiation using a diode or CO2 laser has been shown to hasten wound healing, but the effects remain controversial. Methods: Five-week-old male Wistar rats that underwent extraction of the left maxillary first molar were divided into three groups: diode laser irradiation (diode group), CO2 laser irradiation (CO2 group), and no laser irradiation (control group). HILT (27 J) was performed immediately after tooth extraction to enhance blood coagulation, followed by PBMT (0.7 J) 1 day later to enhance healing. Tissues, including the extraction socket, were removed en bloc 3, 5, 7, 10, and 21 days postextraction to determine the morphological characteristics of wound healing and the distribution of myofibroblasts involved in scar formation. Results: In the diode and CO2 groups, new bone formation and cancellous bone maturation were observed at an early stage of wound healing. The number of myofibroblasts was significantly lower in the laser treatment groups than the control (p < 0.001), and both treatment groups had a significantly higher alveolar crest height (p < 0.01), with almost no concavity in the mucosa of the extraction wound. Conclusions: Combined HILT and PBMT following tooth extraction hastened wound healing and preserved alveolar crest height, suggesting a role in socket preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria living in biofilms exhibit altered growth phenotypes, while the biofilm provides benefits, the foremost of which is a certain protection against both immune system and killing effect by antimicrobials. Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) have been proposed as alternative methods for cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, as an adjuvant to conventional chemo-mechanical preparation in order to improve debridement and disinfection. Nevertheless, the potential antibacterial effect of LAI using 0.5% of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has received little attention. Glass Pasteur pipettes were used to mimic single-tooth root canal and to build Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. Several irrigants and treatments were assayed for 60 s including (I) Saline, (II) NaOCl 0.5%, (III) NaOCl 5%, (IV) Er,Cr:YSGG, (V) Saline + LAI, (VI) NaOCl 0.5% + LAI, (VII) Saline + PUI, and (VIII) NaOCl 0.5% + PUI. Bacterial reduction was measured by counting the colony-forming units (CFUs). Additionally, AFM visualization and measurement of nano-roughness parameters were used to evaluate LAI effect on bacteria. NaOCl 5% unpowered and NaOCl 0.5% + LAI were capable of eliminating all bacteria, whereas non-activated saline solution and NaOCl 0.5% failed to eliminate E. faecalis. Lower efficiencies were achieved by PUI. Surface analysis by AFM revealed apparent alterations in NaOCl + LAI-treated cells. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation (LAI) increased the bactericidal efficiency of 0.5% NaOCl against E. faecalis biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cervical spine involvement is common in patients with RA, risk factors such as disease activity may be related to asymptomatic cervical instability. Objective: To determine the associated factors for asymptomatic cervical spine instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and methods: Case and control study from the external spine and rheumatology consultation of a level II trauma center to identify all patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asymptomatic cervical instability. With simple X-rays of the cervical spine, carrying out radiographic measurements, the diagnosis of cervical instability was performed, risk factors such as the presence of rheumatoid factor (FR), previous articular surgeries, elevations of the C-reactive protein (PCR) values were evaluated. The severity and activity of the disease measured in the activity index of 28 articulations (DAS 28) in addition to the index of activity of the simplified disease (SDAI). Results: We assessed 32 patients, nine patients (28.1%) met the criteria for instability of the anterior cervical spine atlantoaxial subluxation (SAAa) (100%), also one patient with SAAa presented vertical subluxation (SV), risk factors more relevant: DAS 28 with an OR = 3.54, SDA with an OR = 2.34 and finally the PCR > 1.0 its OR = 2.88. Conclusion: The risk factors associated opportunely in our population are the severity of the activity of the disease that we can see in the DAS and SDAI when applied in patients and PCR > 1.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the difficulties in applying the Therapeutic Relationship in the care of patients suffering from mental illness, admitted to a Prison Psychiatric Center. Method: Narrativity as an instrument to resize and reflect on nursing care practice, from the perspective of the relationship of help in the care of patients with mental illness. Results: The elaboration of this first-person account has contributed to show that the nursing professionals in Penitentiary Psychiatric Centers work to achieve visibility and avoid being institutionalized. Conclusions: Through the narrative the initial purpose of describing the different difficulties in the application of the Therapeutic Relationship in the care of patients suffering from mental illness, admitted to a Prison Psychiatric Center, has been reached. The narrative constitutes a pertinent instrument for the reflection on the practice of the nursing specialist in Mental Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug combination for the treatment of pain is common clinical practice. Co-crystal of Tramadol-Celecoxib (CTC) consists of two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), namely the atypical opioid tramadol and the preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib, at a 1:1 molecular ratio. In this study, a non-formulated ‘raw’ form of CTC administered in suspension (referred to as ctc susp ) was compared with both tramadol and celecoxib alone in a rat plantar incision postoperative pain model. For comparison, the strong opioids morphine and oxycodone, and a tramadol plus acetaminophen combination at a molecular ratio of 1:17 were also tested. Isobolographic analyses showed that ctc susp exerted synergistic mechanical antiallodynic (experimental ED 50 = 2.0 ± 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.; theoretical ED 50 = 3.8 ± 0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and thermal (experimental ED 50 = 2.3 ± 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.; theoretical ED 50 = 9.8 ± 0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) antihyperalgesic effects in the postoperative pain model. In contrast, the tramadol and acetaminophen combination showed antagonistic effects on both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. No synergies between tramadol and celecoxib on locomotor activity, motor coordination, ulceration potential and gastrointestinal transit were observed after the administration of ctc susp . Overall, rat efficacy and safety data revealed that ctc susp provided synergistic analgesic effects compared with each API alone, without enhancing adverse effects. Moreover, ctc susp showed similar efficacy but improved safety ratio (80, measured as gastrointestinal transit vs postoperative pain ED 50 ratios) compared with the strong opioids morphine (2.5) and oxycodone (5.8). The overall in vivo profile of ctc susp supports the further investigation of CTC in the clinical management of moderate-to-severe acute pain as an alternative to strong opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onychomycoses are fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails having a prevalence of 3% among adults and accounts for 50% of nail infections. It is caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi, and yeasts. Compressions and microtraumas significantly contribute to onychomycosis. Laser and photodynamic therapies are being proposed to treat onychomycosis. Laser light (1064 nm) was used to treat onychomycosis in 156 affected toenails. Patients were clinically followed up for 9 months after treatment. Microbiological detection of fungal presence in lesions was accomplished. A total of 116 samples allowed the isolation of at least a fungus. Most of nails were affected in more than two thirds surface (some of them in the full surface). In 85% of cases, after 18 months of the onset of treatment, culture turned negative. After 3 months months, only five patients were completely symptom-free with negative culture. In 25 patients, only after 6 months, the absence of symptoms was achieved and the cultures negativized; in 29 patients, 9 months were required. No noticeable adverse effects were reported. This study reinforces previous works suggesting the applicability of laser therapies to treat toenail onychomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Periodontitis and diabetes are highly prevalent conditions whose association has long been recognized. Objective: To evaluate the effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on serum HbA1c (haemoglobin A1c or glycated haemoglobin) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Research Design and Methods: This was a 6‐month, single‐masked, randomized clinical trial based on 90 patients (HbA1c: 7.7% (61 mmol/mol) ± 1.13%) who were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (oral hygiene instructions + scaling and root planing using ultrasound and Gracey curettes) or the control group (oral hygiene instructions + supragingival removal of plaque and calculus using ultrasound). Pocket depth, gingival index, and plaque index were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months together with determinations of fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and bacterial counts. Results: Treatment significantly improved the periodontal and metabolic parameters (p < .05), whereas in the control group no improvement was observed. These results were consistent with the bacteriological results in most but not all cases. Conclusion: Non‐surgical periodontal treatment resulted in a better glycaemic status of type 2 diabetes patients and demonstrated the importance of oral health in their general health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lime requirement models are useful to assess the potential benefits of liming. • Lime rate estimates largely depend on the target soil property of the model. • Stand-alone models that target soil pH have low accuracy. • A new model was mathematically derived from the concept of acidity saturation. • The new lime requirement model has better accuracy than all previous models. Acid tropical soils may become more productive when treated with agricultural lime, but optimal lime rates have yet to be determined in many tropical regions. In these regions, lime rates can be estimated with lime requirement models based on widely available soil data. We reviewed seven of these models and introduced a new model (LiTAS). We evaluated the models' ability to predict the amount of lime needed to reach a target change in soil chemical properties with data from four soil incubation studies covering 31 soil types. Two foundational models, one targeting acidity saturation and the other targeting base saturation, were more accurate than the five models that were derived from them, while the LiTAS model was the most accurate. The models were used to estimate lime requirements for 303 African soil samples. We found large differences in the estimated lime rates depending on the target soil chemical property of the model. Therefore, an important first step in formulating liming recommendations is to clearly identify the soil property of interest and the target value that needs to be reached. While the LiTAS model can be useful for strategic research, more information on acidity-related problems other than aluminum toxicity is needed to comprehensively assess the benefits of liming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Export of goods and services is one of the most common ways of internationalization performed by companies. This activity associates various obstacles, internal factors that depend of the firm’s performance, and external environment factors in which firm is involved. Based on the perspective of flower firms located in Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador, this article prioritizes the barriers they face for positioning themselves in the global market. Governmental factors are the obstacle perceived greater interference in external forces, while in the internal forces are the operational factors, although there are considerable differences in the assigned weights in each country. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are malignant tumors originating from the upper aerodigestive tract. The environmental pollution, high alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with this type of cancer, as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is often involved in the carcinogenesis and significantly correlates with the cancer prognosis. In recent decades, the number of techniques based on diagnostic of HPV using nanotechnologies including nanoparticles and their surface modification has been developed. Herein, we describe specific biosensing system for detection of HPV. The biosensor employs gold-coated nanoparticles-coated superparamagnetic nanomaghemite (AuMNPs) covered with thiolated oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to DNA sequence of E6 HPV-16 oncogene. Successful binding of viral ssDNA was recognized by anti-dsDNA antibodies labeled with HWRGWVC peptide-modified-CdTe quantum dots. The recognition and detection parts were characterized and the specificity was tested using HIV, influenza and HBV-specific oligonucleotides. As a proof-of-concept, system was employed for a detection of HPV-16 E6 presence in DNA obtained by eight subjects with histologically confirmed HNSCC. The obtained results were successfully verified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The developed system offers a cheap alternative to conventional PCR with a comparable sensitivity and versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The translation of metallothioneins (MTs) is one of the defense strategies by which organisms protect themselves from metal-induced toxicity. MTs belong to a family of proteins comprising MT-1, MT-2, MT-3, and MT-4 classes, with multiple isoforms within each class. The main aim of this study was to determine the behavior of MT in dependence on various externally modelled environments, using electrochemistry. In our study, the mass distribution of MTs was characterized using MALDI-TOF. After that, adsorptive transfer stripping technique with differential pulse voltammetry was selected for optimization of electrochemical detection of MTs with regard to accumulation time and pH effects. Our results show that utilization of 0.5 M NaCl, pH 6.4, as the supporting electrolyte provides a highly complicated fingerprint, showing a number of non-resolved voltammograms. Hence, we further resolved the voltammograms exhibiting the broad and overlapping signals using curve fitting. The separated signals were assigned to the electrochemical responses of several MT complexes with zinc(II), cadmium(II), and copper(II), respectively. Our results show that electrochemistry could serve as a great tool for metalloproteomic applications to determine the ratio of metal ion bonds within the target protein structure, however, it provides highly complicated signals, which require further resolution using a proper statistical method, such as curve fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacokinetics of cisplatin administered by the pulmonary route were established in mice using dry powders inhaler (DPI) formulations showing immediate (F1) and controlled release (CR, solid lipid microparticles) in vitro, without (F2) or with PEGylated excipients (F3, F4). Formulation administration was realized using dry powder blends (correspondingly named thereafter F1 B to F4 B ) able to reproducibly deliver particles in vivo using a DP-4M Dry Powder Insufflator™. Their platinum pharmacokinetics were established over 48 h in lungs, total blood and non-target organs vs. IV and endotracheal nebulization (EN). EN and F1 B were rapidly distributed from the lungs ( t 1/2 i 2.6 and 5.0 min). F2 B was eliminated in ∼1 h ( t 1/2 i 9.0 min). F3 B lung retention was sustained for ∼7 h ( t 1/2 i 59.9 min), increasing lung AUC 11-, 4- and 3-fold vs. IV, F1 B and F2 B . Total blood t max were higher and AUC and C max lower using the pulmonary route vs. IV. Kidney C max was reduced 6-, 2- and 3-fold for F1 B , F2 B and F3 B . AUC in kidneys were 2- to 3-fold lower for F1 B and F2 B vs. IV but comparable for IV vs. F3 B , probably because of kidney saturation. PEGylated solid lipid microparticles provided cisplatin particles with interesting lung retention and CR properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to find out the factors that drive adult learners to drop out some Training Center for Industrial Work in Mexico (CECATI). To achieve this, a survey was conducted with deserter students so as to know the factors that prompted them to leave school and with active students for to know what are the factors that would boost them to scholar dropout. To analyze the results the frequency distribution method, median and mode to detect and describe the most important factor drop in both samples were used, it was also made a correlation analysis and multiple linear regression with the variables of study for students that drop out school. It was found that the lack of time to attend the campus is the biggest factor for the school dropouts, and for the active students was the lack of financing for course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallothioneins (MTs) are involved in heavy metal detoxification in a wide range of living organisms. Currently, it is well known that MTs play substantial role in many pathophysiological processes, including carcinogenesis, and they can serve as diagnostic biomarkers. In order to increase the applicability of MT in cancer diagnostics, an easy-to-use and rapid method for its detection is required. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop a fully automated and high-throughput assay for the estimation of MT levels. Here, we report the optimal conditions for the isolation of MTs from rabbit liver and their characterization using MALDI-TOF MS. In addition, we described a two-step assay, which started with an isolation of the protein using functionalized paramagnetic particles and finished with their electrochemical analysis. The designed easy-to-use, cost-effective, error-free and fully automated procedure for the isolation of MT coupled with a simple analytical detection method can provide a prototype for the construction of a diagnostic instrument, which would be appropriate for the monitoring of carcinogenesis or MT-related chemoresistance of tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhiza can increase plant tolerance to heavy metals. The effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza on plant metal tolerance vary depending on the fungal and plant species involved. Here, we report the effect of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis on the physiological and biochemical responses to Cu of two maize genotypes differing in Cu tolerance, the Cu-sensitive cv. Orense and the Cu-tolerant cv. Oropesa. Development of the symbiosis confers an increased Cu tolerance to cv. Orense. Root and shoot Cu concentrations were lower in mycorrhizal than in non-mycorrhizal plants of both cultivars. Shoot lipid peroxidation increased with soil Cu content only in non-mycorrhizal plants of the Cu-sensitive cultivar. Root lipid peroxidation increased with soil Cu content, except in mycorrhizal plants grown at 250 mg Cu kg −1 soil. In shoots of mycorrhizal plants of both cultivars, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities were not affected by soil Cu content. In Cu-supplemented soils, total phytochelatin content increased in shoots of mycorrhizal cv. Orense but decreased in cv. Oropesa. Overall, these data suggest that the increased Cu tolerance of mycorrhizal plants of cv. Orense could be due to an increased induction of shoot phytochelatin biosynthesis by the symbiosis in this cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sarcosine on the processes driving prostate cancer (PCa) development remain still unclear. Herein, we show that a supplementation of metastatic PCa cells (androgen independent PC-3 and androgen dependent LNCaP) with sarcosine stimulates cells proliferation in vitro. Similar stimulatory effects were observed also in PCa murine xenografts, in which sarcosine treatment induced a tumor growth and significantly reduced weight of treated mice (p < 0.05). Determination of sarcosine metabolism-related amino acids and enzymes within tumor mass revealed significantly increased glycine, serine and sarcosine concentrations after treatment accompanied with the increased amount of sarcosine dehydrogenase. In both tumor types, dimethylglycine and glycine-N-methyltransferase were affected slightly, only. To identify the effects of sarcosine treatment on the expression of genes involved in any aspect of cancer development, we further investigated expression profiles of excised tumors using cDNA electrochemical microarray followed by validation using the semi-quantitative PCR. We found 25 differentially expressed genes in PC-3, 32 in LNCaP tumors and 18 overlapping genes. Bioinformatical processing revealed strong sarcosine-related induction of genes involved particularly in a cell cycle progression. Our exploratory study demonstrates that sarcosine stimulates PCa metastatic cells irrespectively of androgen dependence. Overall, the obtained data provides valuable information towards understanding the role of sarcosine in PCa progression and adds another piece of puzzle into a picture of sarcosine oncometabolic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of a plethora nanoparticles with major biota such as plants and animals/humans has been the subject of various multidisciplinary studies with special emphasis on toxicity aspects. However, reports are meager on the transport phenomena of nanoparticles in the plant-animal/human system. Since plants and animals/humans are closely linked via food chain, discussion is imperative on the main processes and mechanisms underlying the transport phenomena of nanoparticles in the plant-animal/human system, which is the main objective of this paper. Based on the literature appraised herein, it is recommended to perform an exhaustive exploration of so far least explored aspects such as reproducibility, predictability, and compliance risks of nanoparticles, and insights into underlying mechanisms in context with their transport phenomenon in the plant-animal/human system. The outcomes of the suggested studies can provide important clues for fetching significant benefits of rapidly expanding nanotechnology to the plant-animal/human health-improvements and protection as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Favorable climate and soils for rainfed crop production, together with a relatively low population density, results in 70–90% of Argentina grain production being exported. No assessment to date has tried to estimate the potential for extra grain production for soybean, wheat and maize, which account for 78% of total harvested area, by yield gap closure on existing cropland area and its impact at a global scale. The objectives of this paper are (i) to estimate how much additional grain could be produced without expanding crop area by closing yield gaps in Argentina, (ii) to investigate how this production and yield gaps varies across regions and years, and (iii) to analyze how these inter-annual variations are related to El Niño—Southern Oscillation phenomenon (ENSO). Production increase on existing crop area was assessed for soybean, wheat and maize by quantifying the yield gap (Yg), that is, the difference between water-limited yield potential (Yw) and actual yield (Ya). A bottom-up approach was followed to estimate Yw and Yg, in which these parameters were first estimated for specific locations in major crop producing areas and subsequently up-scaled to country level based on spatial distribution of crop area and climate zones. Locally-calibrated crop simulation models were used to estimate Yw at each selected location based on long-term weather data and dominant soil types and management practices. For the analyzed period, the national level Yg represented 41% of Yw for both wheat and maize and 32% of the Yw for soybean. If farmers had closed Yg from these levels to 20% of Yw, Argentina could have increased soybean, wheat and maize production by a respective 7.4, 5.2, and 9.2 Mt, without expanding cropland area. This additional production would have represented an increase of 9%, 4%, and 9% of soybean, wheat, and maize global exports. This potential grain surplus was, however, highly variable because of the ENSO phenomenon: attainable soybean production was 12 Mt higher in favorable “El Niño” years compared with unfavorable “La Niña” years. Interestingly, Yg tended to be higher in wet years, suggesting that farmers do not take full advantage of years with favorable conditions for rainfed crop production. Regional variation in Yg was found in Argentina highlighting the usefulness of this work as a framework to target research and, ultimately, reduce gaps in areas where current yields are well below their potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorioangioma is a benign, non-trophoblastic placental tumor associated with lethal complications for the fetus. A 20-year-old primiparous woman with a gestational age of 28.5 weeks went to the Hospital General «Dr. Miguel Silva» in Morelia, Michoacán, with threatened preterm labor secondary to polyhydramnios. An obstetric ultrasound showed a hypoechoic image in the placenta measuring 6 x 4 x 7 cm, and abundant internal vascularity was visible with color Doppler. Tocolytic measures were successfully implemented and pharmacological treatment was administered for the polyhydramnios. A cesarean section was performed at week 35 of gestation because of severe oligohydramnios. A male singleton infant weighing 2,130 g was delivered; Apgar score 8/9. The placenta had a discoid shape and measured 22 x 16 x 4 cm. The fetal side was smooth and congestive. Dissection revealed a tumor measuring 7 x 6 x 4 cm. It had a nodular appearance with areas of extensive hemorrhaging. Microscopically, the tumor mass consisted of capillaries presenting areas of infarction and dystrophic calcification. Ultrasound is the main tool for early diagnosis. Doppler ultrasound is essential for the differential diagnosis of this pathology with other solid intraparenchymal placental tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Up-to-date summary of MALDI-TOF MS employment in cancer diagnostics. [•] Highlighting of mass spectrometric cancer-related profiling. [•] Future perspectives in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of tumor samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses are mutualistic associations between soil fungi and most vascular plants. Modulation of the hormonal and transcriptional profiles, including changes related to defense signalling, has been reported in many host plants during AM symbioses. These changes have been often related to the improved stress tolerance common in mycorrhizal plants. However, results on the alterations in phytohormones content and their role on the symbiosis are controversial. Here, an integrative analysis of the response of phylogenetically diverse plants (i.e., tomato, soybean, and maize) to two mycorrhizal fungi - Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis- was performed. The analysis of the defense-related hormones salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and jasmonates, and the expression of marker genes of the pathways they regulate, revealed significant changes in the roots of mycorrhizal plants. These changes depended on both the plant and the AM fungus (AMF) involved. However, general trends can be identified: roots associated with the most effective colonizer R. irregularis showed fewer changes in these defense-related traits, while the colonization by F. mosseae led to significant modifications in all plants tested. The up-regulation of the jasmonate pathway by F. mosseae was found to be highly conserved among the different plant species, suggesting an important role of jasmonates during this AM interaction. Our study evidences a strong influence of the AMF genotype on the modulation of host defense signalling, and offers hints on the role of these changes in the symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen receptors [ERs (subtypes α and β)], classified as a nuclear receptor super family, are intracellular proteins with an important biological role as the transcription factors for estrogen target genes. For ER-induced transcription, an interaction must exist between ligand and coregulators. Coregulators may stimulate (coactivators) or inhibit (corepressors) transcription, following binding with a specific region of the gene, called the estrogen response element. Misbalanced activity of coregulators or higher ligand concentrations may cause increased cell proliferation, resulting in specific types of cancer. These are exhibited as overexpression of ER proteins. Breast cancer currently ranks first in the incidence and second in the mortality of cancer in females worldwide. In addition, 70% of breast tumors are ERα positive and the importance of these proteins for diagnostic use is indisputable. Early diagnosis of the tumor and its classification has a large influence on the selection of appropriate therapy, as ER-positive tumors demonstrate a positive response to hormonal therapy. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of light mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) has been hypothesized to have great potential, as it offers reliable, robust and efficient analysis methods for biomarker monitoring and identification. The present review discusses ER protein analysis by MALDI TOF MS, including the crucial step of protein separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas the series of genetic events leading to colorectal cancer (CRC) have been well established, the precise functions that these alterations play in tumor progression and how they disrupt intestinal homeostasis remain poorly characterized. Activation of the Wnt/Wg signaling pathway by a mutation in the gene APC is the most common trigger for CRC, inducing benign lesions that progress to carcinomas due to the accumulation of other genetic alterations. Among those, Ras mutations drive tumour progression in CRC, as well as in most epithelial cancers. As mammalian and Drosophila's intestines share many similarities, we decided to explore the alterations induced in the Drosophila midgut by the combined activation of the Wnt signaling pathway with gain of function of Ras signaling in the intestinal stem cells. Here we show that compound Apc-Ras clones, but not clones bearing the individual mutations, expand as aggressive intestinal tumor-like outgrowths. These lesions reproduce many of the human CRC hallmarks such as increased proliferation, blockade of cell differentiation and cell polarity and disrupted organ architecture. This process is followed by expression of tumoral markers present in human lesions. Finally, a metabolic behavioral assay shows that these flies suffer a progressive deterioration in intestinal homeostasis, providing a simple readout that could be used in screens for tumor modifiers or therapeutic compounds. Taken together, our results illustrate the conservation of the mechanisms of CRC tumorigenesis in Drosophila, providing an excellent model system to unravel the events that, upon mutation in Apc and Ras, lead to CRC initiation and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper sets out schematically the tax rules on bonds to guarantee mortgage loans under our legal system, distinguishing a variety of scenarios and stressing one particularly controversial case: the taxation on a bond established on the occasion of the novation or subrogation of a mortgage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three Itraconazole (ITZ) dry powders for inhalation (DPI) were prepared by spray-drying a mannitol solution in which the ITZ was in suspension (F1) or was in solution without (F2) or with phospholipid (PL) (F3). These powders were endotracheally insufflated in vivo at a single dose of 0.5mg/kg for pharmacokinetic profile (lung and plasma concentration) determination in ICR CD-1 mice. ITZ was crystalline in F1 and assumed to be amorphous in the F2 and F3 formulations. F2 and F3 formulations allowed the in vitro formation of an ITZ supersaturated solution with a maximum solubility of 450±124ng/ml (F2) and 498±44ng/ml (F3), in contrast to formulation F1 (<10ng/ml). As a result of these higher solubilities, absorption into the systemic compartment after endotracheal administration was faster for formulations F2 and F3 (shorter t max) and in larger quantities compared to the F1 formulation (plasmatic AUC0–24h of 182ngh/ml, 491.5ngh/ml and 376.8ngh/ml, and t max of 60min, 30min and 5min for F1, F2 and F3, respectively). PL increased the systemic bioavailability of ITZ (determined by the AUCplasma to AUClung ratio) as a consequence of their wetting and absorption enhancement effect. ITZ lung concentrations after pulmonary administration remained higher than the targeted dose, based on the minimal inhibitory concentrations for Aspergillus fumigatus (2μg/glung), 24h post-administration for both F1 and F2 formulations. However, this was not the case for formulation F3, which exhibited a faster elimination rate from the lung, with an elimination half-life of 4.1h vs. 6.5h and 14.7h for F1 and F2, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Prognostic implications of echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in non-selected patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between echocardiography-derived PH in AHF and 1-year all-cause mortality. Methods: We prospectively included 1210 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Patients with significant heart valve disease were excluded. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) was estimated using transthoracic echocardiography during hospitalization (mean time after admission 96±24h). Patients were categorized as follows: non-measurable, normal PASP (PASP≤35mmHg), mild (PASP 36-45mmHg), moderate (PASP 46-60mmHg) and severe PH (PASP >60mmHg). The independent association between PASP and 1-year mortality was assessed with Cox regression analysis. Results: At 1-year follow-up, 232 (19.2%) deaths were registered. PASP was measured in 502 (41.6%) patients with a median of 46 [38–55] mmHg. The distribution of population was: 708 (58.5%), 76 (6.3%), 147 (12.1%), 190 (15.7%) and 89 (7.4%) for non-measurable, normal PASP, mild, moderate and severe PH, respectively. One-year mortality was lower for patients with normal PASP (1.32 per 10 person-years), intermediate for patients with non-measurable, mild and moderate PH (2.48, 2.46 and 2.62 per 10 persons-year, respectively) and higher for those with severe PH (4.89 per 10 person-years). After multivariate adjustment, only patients with PASP >60mmHg displayed significant adjusted increase in the risk of 1-year all-cause mortality, compared to patients with normal PASP (HR=2.56; CI 95%: 1.05–6.22, p=0.038). Conclusions: In AHF, severe pulmonary hypertension derived by echocardiography is an independent predictor of 1-year-mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: : Visceral pain is an important and prevalent clinical condition whose treatment is challenging. Sigma-1 (1) receptors modulate somatic pain, but their involvement in pure visceral pain is unexplored. METHODS: : The authors evaluated the role of 1 receptors in intracolonic capsaicin-induced visceral pain (pain-related behaviors and referred mechanical hyperalgesia to the abdominal wall) using wild-type (WT) (n = 12 per group) and 1 receptor knockout (1-KO) (n = 10 per group) mice, selective 1 receptor antagonists (BD-1063, S1RA, and NE-100), and control drugs (morphine and ketoprofen). RESULTS: : The intracolonic administration of capsaicin (0.01-1%) induced concentration-dependent visceral pain-related behaviors and referred hyperalgesia in both WT and 1-KO mice. However, the maximum number of pain-related behaviors induced by 1% capsaicin in 1-KO mice (mean ± SEM, 22 ± 2.9) was 48% of that observed in WT animals (46 ± 4.2). Subcutaneous administration of the 1 receptor antagonists BD-1063 (16-64 mg/kg), S1RA (32-128 mg/kg), and NE-100 (8-64 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the number of behavioral responses (by 53, 62, and 58%, respectively) and reversed the referred hyperalgesia to mechanical control threshold (0.53 ± 0.05 g) in WT mice. In contrast, these drugs produced no change in 1-KO mice. Thus, the effects of these drugs are specifically mediated by 1 receptors. Morphine produced an inhibition of capsaicin-induced visceral pain in WT and 1-KO mice, whereas ketoprofen had no effect in either mouse type. CONCLUSION: : These results suggest that 1 receptors play a role in the mechanisms underlying capsaicin-induced visceral pain and raise novel perspectives for their potential therapeutic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify and synthesize evidence on the use of action research methods in mental health nursing care. Design: Systematic review. Data Sources: CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched in January 2021. Review Methods: Data were selected using the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis framework. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, and quality appraisal using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, data extraction and data analysis procedures. Results: Sixteen studies, half of which used participatory action research, were included in this review. Nurses, along with other stakeholders, were an active part of the action research process. The main topics of interest addressed were categorized as improving the adoption of a person‐centred approach to care and improving decision‐making procedures. The use of action research helped the participants to identify the meaning they attached to the topic of interest to be improved. Moreover, this method helped to identify needs and strategies for improving care. The studies concurred that the use of action research enabled participants to gain awareness, improve attitudes and acquire knowledge. In addition, it enabled participants to gain confidence and security in the group context, as key aspects of their empowerment. Conclusion: This review shows the usefulness of action research in any mental health nursing context, contributing to the improvement of care at both the individual and collective levels. Impact This paper demonstrates the use of the action research method in the field of mental health nursing. Its use has improved the clinical practice of nurses as well as that of teams in both community and hospital settings, addressing issues of the person‐centred approach to care and decision‐making procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the present paper was to study the electrochemical behavior of copper(II) induced complexes in extracts obtained from mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal maize (Zea mays L.) plants grown at two concentrations of copper(II): physiological (31.7ng/mL) and toxic (317μg/mL). Protein content was determined in the plant extracts and, after dilution to proper concentration, various concentrations of copper(II) ions (0, 100, 200 and 400μg/mL) were added and incubated for 1h at 37°C. Further, the extracts were analyzed using flow injection analysis with electrochemical detection. The hydrodynamic voltammogram (HDV), which was obtained for each sample, indicated the complex creation. Steepness of measured dependencies was as follows: control 317μg/mL of copper

Abstract: Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small proteins with glutathione-dependent disulfide oxidoreductase activity involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress. This work reports the identification and characterization of the first glomeromycotan dithiol glutaredoxin gene from the fungus Glomus intraradices. The corresponding gene, named GintGRX1, shares high sequence similarity with previously described fungal GRXs. GintGRX1 contains the characteristic dithiol active site CPYC. By using a yeast expression system, we found that GintGRX1 encodes a multifunctional protein with oxidoreductase, peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase activity. GintGRX1 partially reverted sensitivity to superoxide radicals of the Δgrx1Δgrx2 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. GintGRX1 was transcriptionally regulated by paraquat but not by hydrogen peroxide. Copper induced an accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the extraradical mycelium of G. intraradices and up-regulation of GintGRX1 transcript levels. These data suggest a role for GintGRX1 in protecting the fungus against the oxidative damage induced directly by the superoxide anion or indirectly by copper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

By means of the GLM procedure of the SAS statistical package, the effects of the genetic groups (GG) Boer x local (BL), Nubian x local (NL) and local x local (LL) kids, sex of kid (SK), type of birth (TB), age of dam (AD), season (SB) and year (YB) of birth, as well as genotype x environment interactions on birth weight (BW), adjusted weaning weight (AWW) and adjusted yearling weight (AYW) were evaluated. Likewise, the effect of GG on slaughter weight (SW), chilled carcass weight (CW) and dressing percentage (DP) was evaluated in a sample of kids of each genotype. Overall least-squares means for BW, AWW, AYW, SW, CW and DP were 3.3 ± 0.5 kg, 14.4 ± 1.8 kg, 26.6 ± 2.5 kg, 26.1 ± 4.6 kg, 11.1 ± 2.1 kg, and 42.3 ± 3.3%, respectively. Generally, the effects of GG, SK, TB, SB, YB, as well as some genotype x environment interactions influenced (P < 0.05) the variation of BW, AWW and AYW. Regarding the carcasses, an effect of GG on SW and CW was found (P < 0.05). In general, the BL kids had the highest averages for all of the traits analyzed, followed by the NL kids, and finally by the LL kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediante el procedimiento GLM del paquete estadístico SAS, se evaluaron en cabritos los efectos de los grupos genéticos (GG) Boer x local (BL), Nubia x local (NL) y local x local (LL), sexo de la cría (SC), tipo de nacimiento de la cría (TN), edad de la madre (EM), época (EN) y año (AN) de nacimiento de la cría, así como interacciones genotipo x ambiente en el peso al nacimiento (PN), peso al destete ajustado (PDA) y peso al año ajustado (PAA). Asimismo, en una muestra de cabritos de cada genotipo se evaluó el efecto del grupo genético en el peso al sacrificio (PS), peso de la canal fría (PC) y el rendimiento de la canal (RC). Las medias generales de cuadrados mínimos de PN, PDA, PAA, PS, PC y RC fueron 3.3 ± 0.5 kg, 14.4 ± 1.8 kg, 26.6 ± 2.5 kg, 26.1 ± 4.6 kg, 11.1 ± 2.1 kg, y 42.3 ± 3.3%. De manera general, los efectos de GG, SC, TN, EN, AN, así como algunas interacciones genotipo x ambiente, influyeron (P < 0.05) en la variación de PN, PDA y PAA. En cuanto a las canales, se encontró un efecto (P < 0.05) de grupo genético en PS y PC. En general, los cabritos BL tuvieron los promedios más grandes en todas las variables analizadas, seguidos por los cabritos NL y finalmente por los cabritos LL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, the ephrins, play key roles in the regulation of migration and cell adhesion during development, thereby influencing cell fate, morphogenesis and organogenesis. Recent findings suggest that Eph signalling also controls the architecture and physiology of different tissues in the adult body under normal and pathological conditions such as cancer. A prime example is the intestinal epithelium where EphB–ephrinB interactions regulate both cell positioning and tumor progression. Here, we will review recent advances on the role of Eph–ephrin signalling in the intestine and other organs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Restricted feeding schedules (RFS) are a potent Zeitgeber that uncouples daily metabolic and clock gene oscillations in peripheral tissues from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which remains entrained to the light–dark cycle. Under RFS, animals develop food anticipatory activity (FAA), characterized by arousal and increased locomotion. Food availability in nature is not precise, which suggests that animals need to adjust their food-associated activity on a daily basis. This study explored the capacity of rats to adjust to variable and unpredictable feeding schedules. Rats were exposed either to RFS with fixed daily meal (RF) or to a variable meal time (VAR) during the light phase. RF and VAR rats exhibited daily metabolic oscillations driven by the last meal event; however, VAR rats were not able to show a robust adjustment in the anticipating corticosterone peak. VAR rats were unable to exhibit FAA but exhibited a daily activation pattern in phase with the previous meal. In both groups the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus, involved in energy balance, exhibited increased c-Fos expression 24 h after the last meal, while only RF rats exhibited low c-Fos expression in the SCN. Data show that metabolic and behavioural food-entrained rhythms can be reset on a daily basis; the two conditions elicit a similar hypothalamic response, while only the SCN is inhibited in rats exhibiting anticipatory activity. The variable feeding strategy uncovered a rapid (24-h basis) resetting mechanism for metabolism and general behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports on the concept, design, fabrication and experimental results of a new passive wireless sensor for pH measurements. The sensor is based on a LC resonator formed by an inductor and an electrolyte–insulator–silicon (EIS) capacitor working as a pH-to-capacitance transductor. A reference electrode is used to obtain a stable dc potential at the electrolyte. An additional comb-like electrode located on the surface of the insulator is also provided to obtain a low ac impedance. Using this double-electrode scheme a Q larger than 15 is achieved for a wide range of conductivities. Wireless measurements of the LC sensor yields a sensitivity of 1.0% frequency change per pH unit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An “electronic tongue” based on a monolithically integrated array of chemical sensors is presented. The device is composed by six independent ion selective field effect transistors (ISFETs), an interdigitated platinum electrode (IDS) and a silicon diode used as a temperature sensor. K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Cl− ISFET based sensors were obtained by depositing different photocurable membranes onto their gates. IDS was used to measure conductivity and redox potential. The multi-sensor was used to classify 13 different brands of mineral water. Several pattern recognition methods such as hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the multi-sensor output data sets. They showed the possibility of this electronic tongue to distinguish well between different classes (HCA) as well as different brands (PCA) of waters. Eventually, soft independent modelling class analogy (SIMCA) algorithm was used to construct the classification model based on experimental data sets. The model applied to the test data provided a 100% correct prediction of the water brand, giving possibility to perform fast and cheap classification or quality analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A limit equilibrium method to compute both dynamic bearing capacity and earthquake-induced settlements of foundations on soils using a log spiral potential failure surface is presented in this paper. The method is limited to soil materials that conform to the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. Time-varying inertia forces can be applied directly to the building. The procedure is capable of estimating vertical displacements and foundation tilting by integrating the differential equation developed from equilibrium of acting and resisting moments. The reliability of the method is assessed by comparing calculated and observed permanent movements of foundations for the September 1985 Earthquake in the soft ground area of Mexico City. The position of the failure surface is obtained by a minimization process at every time increment during the shaking. Results show that when an earthquake occurs the potential failure surface, obtained from static load, moves upwards and its length shortens as the seismic accelerations increase, reducing the bearing capacity and thus increasing its seismic risk. In this paper, the influence of earthquake acceleration on the time-varying positions of the potential failure is shown graphically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Food anticipatory activity (FAA) is the expression of a food entrained oscillator, which manifests under restricted feeding schedules (RFS). Food restriction to 2?h daily represents a metabolic challenge and requires behavioral and physiological adaptations in order to allow animals to ingest sufficient food for a 24?h cycle in a short 2?h interval. In order to characterize the behavioral and physiological adaptations during restricted feeding, rats were maintained for 3 weeks under a fixed RFS, an unpredictable RFS and ad libitum (AL) feeding conditions. Feeding behavior was recorded for 2?h during meal access for RFS groups and during the first 2?h of the dark period in AL controls. Body and stomach weight were also measured for the three feeding groups. There was a significant difference between restricted groups and AL controls in the latency and duration of feeding during the 2?h of food access. Restricted rats which could predict mealtime showed the shortest latency. In both RFS groups the stomach attained a large distension in contrast to AL controls, and total time spent in food ingestion was 3?–?4 fold higher than the AL. However, and despite these behavioral and physiological adaptations, restricted rats did not achieve a body weight gain at the end of the experiment, unlike the AL group. Present data indicate that during RFS rats develop behavioral and physiological adaptations to ingest increased amounts of food in a short interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was impelled by the strategic policy of the Ministry of the Sugar Industry as to the diversification of the Cuban sugar industry, aimed at the searching of strategies allowing the obtaining of positive increases in this kind of industry. This applies mainly to the increase of the energetic production, even with the shortcoming of reduction of sugar production. A preliminary statistical study is made in order to determine the influence that the undesirable substances exert upon some process variables. Besides, a theoretical economic evaluation of the possibilities and disadvantages that the milling of integral cane could provoke was made. The most considerable results resided in the statistical analysis of correlation. It was demonstrated that the variations of undesirable substances are not always accompanied by increases of losses, because other operational variables can diminish the negative effects. It was also demonstrated the possible feasibility of milling integral cane, due to the fact that the advantages of savings and energetic production are bigger than the estimated sugar losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]