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Body temperature must be monitored in patients receiving Hospital-at-Home (HaH) care for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Continuous temperature telemonitoring (CTT) detects fever and patient deterioration early, facilitating decision-making. We performed a validation clinical study assessing the safety, comfort, and impact on healthcare practice of Viture®, a CTT system, compared with a standard digital axillary thermometer in 208 patients with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases treated in HaH at the Navarra University Hospital (HUN). Overall, 3258 pairs of measurements showed a clinical bias of −0.02 °C with limits of agreement of −0.96/+0.92 °C, a 95% acceptance rate, and a mean absolute deviation of 0.36 (SD 0.30) °C. Viture® detected 3 times more febrile episodes and revealed fever in 50% more patients compared with spot measurements. Febrile episodes were detected 7.23 h (mean) earlier and modified the diagnostic and/or therapeutic approach in 43.2% of patients. Viture® was validated for use in a clinical setting and was more effective in detecting febrile episodes than conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the ‘Páramo del Almorzadero’ Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome‐C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host–parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case report of a 12-year-old girl with atypical Mowat-Wilson syndrome (aMOWS), a milder form of the rare developmental disorder characterized by distinct facial features, intellectual disability, and language impairment. The girl in the case had mild intellectual disability, dystonia, and choreoathetosis, which are movement disorders not typically associated with MOWS. The study emphasizes the need to consider aMOWS in patients with mild intellectual disability and movement disorders, challenging previous assumptions about the behavioral patterns of MOWS. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammation of nasal and ocular mucosa after environmental allergen exposure, mainly by house dust mites (HDM). AR affects more than one third of the population worldwide and it is associated with loss of quality of life (QoL). Aim: To analyse the improvement in the QoL in 50 patients with moderate-persistent AR due to house HDM before and after receiving 1 year of subcutaneous specific aeroallergen immunotherapy treatment (SAIT). Material and methods: A prospective observational study was performed based on clinical practice in 50 patients with moderate-severe persistent AR due to HDM and candidates to SAIT. Forty-one patients completed the study. Patients were evaluated with the ESPRINT short-version QoL questionnaire, a score of medication use and visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom score, prior to and 12 months after SAIT. Results: Forty-one patients (25 women, mean age 26.9 years). Mean ESPRINT values prior to the start SAIT was 3.06 (moderate-severe) and 1 year after starting subcutaneous SAIT the mean value dropped in all patients to 0.88 (mild). The VAS score symptom dropped from 8.26 to 3.68. 97.56% of patients used 3 or more drugs (oral antihistamine, ophthalmic/intranasal antihistamine, intranasal corticosteroid and/or oral antileukotrienes) prior to starting SAIT, and 1 year after it, 58.53% used one on-demand medication to control symptoms, oral antihistamine or nasal spray, and not daily use. Conclusions: Subcutaneous SAIT seems to be a valid treatment in our patients with moderate-persistent AR due to HDM, since it reduces the ESPRINT score, VAS score and the use of medication. An improvement in the quality of life and satisfaction was observed by the patients themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperparasitism is defined as the interaction where one parasite is infected by another parasite. In bat flies (Streblidae and Nycteribiidae), both hyperparasites and microparasites (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and arthropods such as mites) have been documented. Fungi belonging to the order Laboulbeniales are microscopic parasites of a wide diversity of arthropod hosts. Three genera exclusively target bat flies: Arthrorhynchus, which parasitizes species within Nycteribiidae in the Eastern Hemisphere, while genus Gloeandromyces and Nycteromyces parasitize Streblidae in the Western Hemisphere. Among the hyperparasitic arthropods, mites of family Neothrombidiidae, particularly the monospecific genus Monunguis, are known to parasitize bat flies. Here we present the first records of the hyperparasites Monunguis streblida and Gloeandromyces pageanus f. polymorphus parasitizing Streblidae bat flies in Colombia and a summary of these hyperparasitic interactions in the Neotropics. We detected fungi and mites parasitizing bat flies that were collected in the Magdalena River Basin, Colombia, in field expeditions in 2018, 2022, and 2023. We identified 17 bat flies and two species of hyperparasites, specifically M. streblida and the fungi Gloeandromyces. Our search for reports of these interactions in the Neotropics revealed that seven species of Trichobius (Streblidae) are parasitized by M. streblida, whereas Paratrichobius longicrus (Streblidae) is parasitized by Gloeandromyces pageanus f. polymorphus. These interactions have been reported in 11 countries, but our records are the first of M. streblida and Laboulbeniales fungi parasitizing bat flies in Colombia. So far, a total of 14 species of fungi and one species of mite have been associated with 19 species of bat flies, which in turn, are linked to 15 species of Neotropical bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: Twenty-four specimens of idiopathic ERM from 24 consecutive patients who underwent 23 G pars plana vitrectomy for ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling at the San Juan University Hospital in Alicante (Spain) in 2019 were analyzed. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular analysis by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at the time of diagnosis and 3 months after surgery. Specific glial fibrillar acid protein antibodies (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein β (S100β) immunostaining markers were used to identify the macroglial component of the ERM, Müller cells, and astrocytes. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 protein (Iba1) antibodies were used as specific markers for inflammatory cells, such as microglia and macrophages. Results: Mean preoperative BCVA measured with Snellen chart was 0.3 and 0.6 preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery, respectively. SD-OCT identified 15 patients (62.5%) with a disruption of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands. The immunohistochemical study showed the presence of Müller cells in almost all cases (91.6%), as well of abundant microglia and macrophages. Microglia and macrophages were more frequently present in earlier stages of ERM. Microglia were present in ERM independently of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands integrity as measured by SD-OCT. A greater presence of macrophages was found in those ERMs with no outer retinal hyperreflective band disruption. Conclusions: Müller cells seem to be the most frequent cell group in ERMs, with also presence of microglia cells and macrophages. Astrocytes were more frequently found in early stages of ERMs. Microglia and macrophages were most frequent in ERMs with early stage (1, 2, or 3) than in advanced stages (4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant postoperative complication associated with increased mortality and hospital costs. Hemodynamic strategies, such as goal-directed therapy, might reduce AKI risk. Predicting and proactively managing intraoperative hypotension may be helpful. This trial aims to investigate if a preemptive hemodynamic strategy guided by the hypotension prediction index (HPI) can decrease the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI within 30 days following major elective abdominal surgery. Methods: This is an open-label, controlled, multicenter, randomized clinical trial that involves daily patient follow-up until hospital discharge. Inclusion criteria are patients aged over 65 and/or categorized as ASA III or IV physical status, undergoing major elective abdominal surgery (general, urological, or gynecological procedures) via laparoscopic or open approach under general or combined anesthesia. Intervention: In the intervention group, hemodynamic management will be based on the HPI and the advanced functional hemodynamic variables provided by the Hemosphere platform and the AcumenIQ® sensor (Edwards Lifesciences). The primary outcome is the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI within 7 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. Discussion: This study explores the potential of HPI-guided hemodynamic management in reducing AKI after major elective abdominal surgery, with implications for postoperative outcomes and patient care. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05569265. Registered on October 6, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammal retina does not have the capacity to regenerate throughout life, although some stem and progenitor cells persist in the adult retina and might retain multipotentiality, as previously described in many tissues. In this work we demonstrate the presence of a small lineage− Sca-1+ cell population in the adult mouse retina which expresses functional TLR2 receptors as in vitro challenge with the pure TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4 increases cell number and upregulates TLR2. Therefore, this population could be of interest in neuroregeneration studies to elucidate its role in these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most disabling diseases in the world. MDD is traditionally diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Although the pathogenic mechanisms of MDD are unknown, several studies have identified mitochondrial dysfunction as a central factor in the onset and progression of MDD. In the context of MDD, alterations in mitochondrial metabolism can lead to imbalances in energy production and oxidative stress, contributing to the disorder´s underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Consequently, the identification of mitochondrial dysfunction as a key biomarker for early and accurate diagnosis of MDD represents a significant challenge. Faced with the limits of traditional treatments with antidepressants, new pharmacological therapeutic targets are being investigated such as ketamine/esketamine, psychedelics, or anti-inflammatories. All of these drugs show potential antidepressant effects due to their speed of action and ability to modulate neuroplasticity and/or motor processing. In parallel, non-pharmacological therapeutic targets are studied, like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), recognized for their ability to modulate neuronal activity and offer treatment alternatives. As cellular activity is directly related to mitochondrial respiration, the aim of this review is examining the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and MDD, assessing how mitochondrial biomarkers could provide a more objective and precise diagnostic tool, and exploring other treatments in addition to traditional antidepressants, with a specific focus on emerging therapeutic targets. Finally, a detailed analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of these approaches was carried out, highlighting the key challenges that must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: The study of sublingual microcirculation offers valuable insights into vascular changes and overcomes some limitations of peripheral microcirculation assessment. Videomicroscopy and pulse oximetry have been used to assess microcirculation, providing insights into organ perfusion beyond macrohemodynamics parameters. However, both techniques have important limitations that preclude their use in clinical practice. Aim: To address this, we propose a non-invasive approach using photoplethysmography (PPG) to assess microcirculation. Approach: Two experiments were performed on different samples of 31 subjects. First, multi-wavelength, finger PPG signals were compared before and while applying pressure on the sensor to determine if PPG signals could detect changes in peripheral microcirculation. For the second experiment, PPG signals were acquired from the ventral region of the tongue, aiming to assess the microcirculation through features calculated from the PPG signal and its first derivative. Results: In experiment 1, 13 out of 15 features extracted from green PPG signals showed significant differences (p < 0.05) before and while pressure was applied to the sensor, suggesting that green light could detect flow distortion in superficial capillaries. In experiment 2, 15 features showed potential application of PPG signal for sublingual microcirculation assessment. Conclusions: The PPG signal and its first derivative have the potential to effectively assess microcirculation when measured from the fingertip and the tongue. The assessment of sublingual microcirculation was done through the extraction of 15 features from the green PPG signal and its first derivative. Future studies are needed to standardize and gain a deeper understanding of the evaluated features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of psychometrically validated tools to evaluate the extent to which people with intellectual disability (ID) truly exercise their rights in all areas of their lives. The aim of this article is to provide evidence about the usefulness and reliability of the pilot version of the #Rights4MeToo Scale, an instrument based on the Quality of Life Supports Model. The scale can be self-reported by people with ID or hetero-reported by family members or professionals. First, through a qualitative study with self-advocates with ID, we provide evidence about the need and usefulness of this tool to understand and monitor compliance with the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Next, we present preliminary data on the internal consistency of the items that make up the pilot version, analyzing the responses of 1,200 people with ID, family members, and professionals. The #Rights4MeToo Scale will make it possible to conduct national studies on compliance with the CRPD, not to mention international comparative studies when the scale is adapted to the legal and cultural context of other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis has been used for decades as a palliative therapy in the treatment of cancer. This is because of its beneficial effects on the pain and nausea that patients can experience as a result of chemo/radiotherapy. Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the main compounds present in Cannabis sativa, and both exert their actions through a receptor-mediated mechanism and through a non-receptor-mediated mechanism, which modulates the formation of reactive oxygen species. These oxidative stress conditions might trigger lipidic changes, which would compromise cell membrane stability and viability. In this sense, numerous pieces of evidence describe a potential antitumor effect of cannabinoid compounds in different types of cancer, although controversial results limit their implementation. In order to further investigate the possible mechanism involved in the antitumoral effects of cannabinoids, three extracts isolated from Cannabis sativa strains with high cannabidiol content were analyzed. Cell mortality, cytochrome c oxidase activity and the lipid composition of SH-SY5Y cells were determined in the absence and presence of specific cannabinoid ligands, with and without antioxidant pre-treatment. The cell mortality induced by the extracts in this study appeared to be related to the inhibition of the cytochrome c oxidase activity and to the THC concentration. This effect on cell viability was similar to that observed with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2. The effect was partially blocked by the selective CB1 antagonist AM281, and the antioxidant α-tocopherol. Moreover, certain membrane lipids were affected by the extracts, which demonstrated the importance of oxidative stress in the potential antitumoral effects of cannabinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of growing global daily mobility, fragmented visions of knowledge predominate when assisting policies for advancing the sustainability of this phenomenon. Such visions have mostly focused on material aspects. In this paper, from an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective, a hybridization of theoretical perspectives around the notions of daily mobility and sustainability is proposed. For that, we review the existing literature to provide theoretical approaches and key concepts for the construction of a Sustainable Daily Mobility Index - IMCS. That index comprises a set of indicators around four dimensions: ecology, well-being, governance and culture; the latter seen from prevailing social representations and as a way forward to establish nexuses with the material dimension of daily mobility. Based on preliminary findings for the case of Barrio Antiguo in the city of Monterrey, Mexico, we conclude with a reflection on the IMCS usefulness in a Latin American context where socioeconomic, cultural and spatial characteristics turn social representations into a key explanatory factor of many mobility dynamics, challenges, and potential solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are usually recommended as a safe alternative in patients with multiple hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions have been described, and the possibility of cross-reactivity with sulphonamides. Case report: A 66-year-old patient who, after taking a celecoxib tablet, presented with latency of several hours a skin reaction. Previously, he had presented a minor reaction during treatment with etoricoxib without establishing the correlation at that time. The patient underwent an allergological study by means of skin tests with negative results and an oral challenged test with etoricoxib with positive results. Tolerance to sulfonamides was proven. Conclusion: We present a singular case of a cross-reactivity skin reaction to etoricoxib and celecoxib, suggesting the need to perform challenge tests to confirm the tolerance or not of each drug before allowing their use. On the contrary, trimethropim/sulfamethoxazole could be safely used in our patients, if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive industry plays a key economic and political role in developed countries due to its contribution to exports, employment and revenues. Fragmentation of production and offshoring have distributed manufacturing stages among EU national automotive industries. An energy metabolic perspective allows us to explain differences in performance determined by the expression of different functions and the weight within the national economy. This paper analyses the Motor vehicles industry (MVI) and its sub-sectors in 8 EU countries in 2018 visualizing data in end-use matrixes, a Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) tool. We study the relation over energy carriers (electricity, and thermal energy), GHG emissions, working time, and value added at three different scales: the whole national economy, the MVI sector, and the subsectors within MVI. Through this multi-scale and multi-dimensional characterisation, we cluster the countries according to their functional specialization in (i) manufacturing intermediate parts and modules, (ii) final assembly of vehicles, and (iii) management and engineering design. This representation provides an integrated overview of this industry in relation to its core-periphery dynamics in the spatial division of labour. Additionaly, we provide new insights to labor productivity, efficiency, decoupling and structural changes for sustainability. • We analyze the metabolism of the Motor vehicles industry in 8 EU countries. • We use a MuSIASEM tool, the end-use matrix. • We include working hours, value added, electricity, thermal energy, and GHG emissions. • The functions performed by countries are reflected in their metabolic patterns. • Automobile industry growth can cause local decoupling and global emissions increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suburban sprawl emerged during the 20th century alongside the widespread ownership of cars. This type of low-density housing generates enduring car dependency due to the long lifetimes of buildings. A more sustainable mobility system would require a deep transformation to densify urban forms and thus foster proximity of homes, work, and services. Here we explore the evolution of long-lived residential building stocks and the potential for breaking of this lock-in by selective demolishing of detached houses to densify urban forms. We assess impacts on land use, material demand and stocks, and greenhouse gas emissions. We use a novel dynamic, Material Flow Analysis (MFA) model applied to a Swedish case study that accounts for the co-relations of building stock and car fleets through residential density. The model includes different municipality types and we explore three different speeds for the change in urban form. An accelerated densification requires more bulk materials in construction but fewer scarcer materials in cars. However, the up-front emissions of accelerated densification construction are only compensated by mobility savings in the long-term, by 2100. Emissions trends for the three scenarios are far from the urgent decarbonisation necessary. However, the denser final built environments may have social benefits and can free up significant land. • We explore the relationship between urban form, car use and production. • We analyze trade-offs of GHG emissions, material requirements and land use. • Integrated material flow analysis of residential buildings and cars. • Residential urban density changes gradually through construction and demolition. • Similar cumulative GHG emissions arise despite different scenarios and different final states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In production systems there is a close relationship between producers and nature. This situation has been studied within human ecology, so the objective of this paper was to describe the perception of cocoa producers in the municipalities of Caucasia and Necoclí (Antioquia, Colombia), about the link between human beings and nature. 74 diagnostic visits to producers were made and the information was analyzed using structural equations models, considering the latent variables: attitude, subjective norm, perception of control, intention, behavior, and satisfaction of lower and higher needs. The results indicated that the producers consider the care of nature important, that there is an influence of the natural environment to carry out this practice, and that to a lesser extent they are influenced by the family and the community. They also considered having the skills and knowledge but not the tools to do so, they stated that they intended to develop actions, but to a lesser extent they expressed that these actions were effectively implemented. They also found that most needs are easily met by living in natural environments. Two structural equations models were obtained: a) for the planned behavior, where it was found that the attitude influences the intention and this one in the behavior, and b) for the needs, where the satisfaction of lower needs facilitates the satisfaction of higher needs. In conclusion, caring for nature is important for participating producers and the natural environment facilitates the satisfaction of needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) are susceptible to the infection by diverse pathogens that cause devastating diseases such as vascular wilt, which causes great losses at the production level. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is one of the etiologic agents of this disease and its control lies in the use of synthetic chemicals which generate a negative impact in both health and the environment; thus, it is necessary to implement biological control as a healthier and more efficient alternative. The fungus Trichoderma spp. is a favorable option to be employed as a biocontroller against this pathogen thanks to its antagonist mechanisms, determined by metabolic and genetic characteristics. On the one hand, for Fol it is indispensable the activation of signaling routes such as MAPK Fmk1, MAPK Mpk1 y HOG, while Trichoderma spp. uses effectors involved in the interaction with the plant such as proteins, enzymes and secondary metabolites that also strengthen its immune response against infection, determined by both Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMP) and effectors. Therefore, this article makes a review about the mentioned characteristics and suggests a greater application of tools and molecular markers for the management of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of the 1-cm geoid experiment in Colorado (USA) is to compare the numerous geoid computation methods used by different groups around the world. This is intended to lay the foundations for tuning computation methods to achieve the sought after 1-cm accuracy, and also evaluate how this accuracy may be robustly assessed. In this experiment, (quasi)geoid models were computed using the same input data provided by the US National Geodetic Survey (NGS), but using different methodologies. The rugged mountainous study area (730 km × 560 km) in Colorado was chosen so as to accentuate any differences between the methodologies, and to take advantage of newly collected GPS/leveling data of the Geoid Slope Validation Survey 2017 (GSVS17) which are now available to be used as an accurate and independent test dataset. Fourteen groups from fourteen countries submitted a gravimetric geoid and a quasigeoid model in a 1′ × 1′ grid for the study area, as well as geoid heights, height anomalies, and geopotential values at the 223 GSVS17 marks. This paper concentrates on the quasigeoid model comparison and evaluation, while the geopotential value investigations are presented as a separate paper (Sánchez et al. in J Geodesy 95(3):1. , 2021). Three comparisons are performed: the area comparison to show the model precision, the comparison with the GSVS17 data to estimate the relative accuracy of the models, and the differential quasigeoid (slope) comparison with GSVS17 to assess the relative accuracy of the height anomalies at different baseline lengths. The results show that the precision of the 1′ × 1′ models over the complete area is about 2 cm, while the accuracy estimates along the GSVS17 profile range from 1.2 cm to 3.4 cm. Considering that the GSVS17 does not pass the roughest terrain, we estimate that the quasigeoid can be computed with an accuracy of ~ 2 cm in Colorado. The slope comparisons show that RMS values of the differences vary from 2 to 8 cm in all baseline lengths. Although the 2-cm precision and 2-cm relative accuracy have been estimated in such a rugged region, the experiment has not reached the 1-cm accuracy goal. At this point, the different accuracy estimates are not a proof of the superiority of one methodology over another because the model precision and accuracy of the GSVS17-derived height anomalies are at a similar level. It appears that the differences are not primarily caused by differences in theory, but that they originate mostly from numerical computations and/or data processing techniques. Consequently, recommendations to improve the model precision toward the 1-cm accuracy are also given in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing social inclusion of people with intellectual disability in society has led to greater visibility and greater exposure to risky behaviors such as substance use. A systematic review of alcohol consumption in the population with intellectual disability is presented from a systematic review in the main databases and an analysis following the PRISMA method in which 24 articles were included. There are high rates of alcohol consumption in individuals with intellectual disability and especially in youth, men and those who have committed a crime. The age of onset, risk factors and reasons for alcohol consumption are similar to the non intellectual disability population. Effective evidence-based prevention and intervention programs for substance use need to be accessible to individuals with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective. The age and comorbidity of patients admitted to Plastic Surgery are increasing, leading to increased consultations/ referrals to Internal Medicine which do not reach the required effectiveness. An alternative is comanagement: shared responsibility and authority between two specialists in the management of a hospitalized patient. We study the effect of comanagement on Plastic Surgery. Methods. Retrospective observational study of patients =16 years old admitted in Plastic Surgery 17/10/2017 and 31/12/2019, with comanagement with Internal Medicine since 17/10/2018. We analyze age, sex, type of admission, whether the patient was operated, administrative weight associated with DRG, total number of diagnoses at discharge, Charlson comorbidity index, deaths, urgent readmissions and length of stay. Results. Patients with comanagement were older (2.2 years, 95% CI 0.2 to 4.1), higher Charlson (1.3; 95% CI 0.9 to 1.6), higher number of diagnoses (3.9; 95% CI 3.4 to 4.4) and higher administrative weight (0.17; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.27). On adjustment, comanagement reduced Plastic Surgery length of stay by 24.1%, -1.3 days (95% CI -2.6 to -0.1), 60% urgent readmissions (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9) and 30% mortality, not significant. The decrease in length of stay implies a Plastic Surgery savings of at least € 489.731,11. Conclusions. Patients admitted to Plastic Surgery are increasing in age and comorbidity. Comanagement in which an internist in addition to the plastic surgeon treats patients just as he does in the Internal Medicine ward, is associated, in our experience, with reduced length of stay and costs similar to those observed in other surgical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, the International Association of Geodesy defined the International Height Reference System (IHRS) as the conventional gravity field-related global height system. The IHRS is a geopotential reference system co-rotating with the Earth. Coordinates of points or objects close to or on the Earth's surface are given by geopotential numbers C(P) referring to an equipotential surface defined by the conventional value W0 = 62,636,853.4 m2 s−2, and geocentric Cartesian coordinates X referring to the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS). Current efforts concentrate on an accurate, consistent, and well-defined realisation of the IHRS to provide an international standard for the precise determination of physical coordinates worldwide. Accordingly, this study focuses on the strategy for the realisation of the IHRS; i.e. the establishment of the International Height Reference Frame (IHRF). Four main aspects are considered: (1) methods for the determination of IHRF physical coordinates; (2) standards and conventions needed to ensure consistency between the definition and the realisation of the reference system; (3) criteria for the IHRF reference network design and station selection; and (4) operational infrastructure to guarantee a reliable and long-term sustainability of the IHRF. A highlight of this work is the evaluation of different approaches for the determination and accuracy assessment of IHRF coordinates based on the existing resources, namely (1) global gravity models of high resolution, (2) precise regional gravity field modelling, and (3) vertical datum unification of the local height systems into the IHRF. After a detailed discussion of the advantages, current limitations, and possibilities of improvement in the coordinate determination using these options, we define a strategy for the establishment of the IHRF including data requirements, a set of minimum standards/conventions for the determination of potential coordinates, a first IHRF reference network configuration, and a proposal to create a component of the International Gravity Field Service (IGFS) dedicated to the maintenance and servicing of the IHRS/IHRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize reimbursements claimed by the Departmental Health and Social Protection Secretariat of Antioquia (SSSPSA) and submitted to the Solidarity and Guarantee Fund for non-POS interventions [services not covered by the Compulsory Health Plan] between 2010 and 2013. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was performed based on official information provided by the SSSPSA considering the total of reimbursed claims (894) corresponding to 7,815,241,869 COP. Results: 1) Reimbursed claims decreased from 56 to 9%, with a negative variance of -84 %; reimbursed items decreased from 51 to 15%, with a negative variance of -71 %, and patients involved had a negative variance of -79 %; 2) accepted claims decreased from 81 to 3% with a negative variance of -96 %, values decreased from 56.9 to 15 %, with a negative variance of -79 %, and patients with accepted items exhibited a negative variance of -95 %. The percentage of rejected claims was 60% and only 5% of justifications were accepted. Reimbursements and approvals for medications prevailed at 67.5 and 61 % respectively. 17 institutions and 399 patients were involved with an average of 2.2 claims/patient. Conclusion: Medical claims and approvals decreased, and medications as approved and reimbursed events prevailed. The high percentage of rejected claims and the low reimbursement rates of the medical claims make the billing process inefficient and ineffective. They also delay payments to health care facilities and increase the risk of health crisis with negative consequences for the health of population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem. The General System of Social Security in Health, grounded in neoliberal politics and the New Public Management, defined policies of change and restructuration of public hospitals for their risk, liquidation/merger assessment. After the application of the Categorization Policy for Financial and Fiscal Risk (PCRFF, Spanish acronym), the current situation of the public hospital network to face the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown. Objective. To determine the current situation of the public hospital network (Social State Enterprises: ESE, Spanish acronym) to face the COVID-19 pandemic, after the application of the PCRFF. Method. A quantitative study with descriptive methodology was carried out, following secondary sources of official institutions. Results. 657 (67.9%) out of 968 ESE in 2012 were at risk, and 284 (34.1%) out of 833 ESE in 2018 were at risk. The Andean region ESE's represented 52.8% of the risk, and 78.3% out of the 23 liquidated/merged institutions. Antioquia contributed with 16.3% of the ESE in risk to the country and 33.3% to the Andean region; as well as 47.8% of the liquidated/merged ESE to the country, while 59% to Andean region. The COVID-19 cases were concentrated in the Andean region with 65% out of the 3 002 037, and Antioquia with 25% of the 1 968 972 in the Andean region. Conclusion. With the application of the PCRFF, the quantity, growth and resolution capacity of the public hospital network has been limited, which has affected the response to Covid-19, in a harmonious and efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents three symposiums on quality of life, self-determination, and support for people with intellectual disabilities. The first symposium highlights the importance of assessing quality of life as a framework of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The second symposium focuses on the assessment of self-determination in young people and adults with intellectual disabilities, presenting a tool called AUTODDIS. The third symposium analyzes the support needs of children with intellectual disabilities, comparing them with those of children without disabilities and with high abilities. The results show that all evaluated children presented support needs, with the group with intellectual disabilities obtaining higher scores on the assessment scale. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents three symposium summaries on research in different environments and populations from a comprehensive approach to quality of life. The first summary focuses on the study of quality of life in the deinstitutionalization processes of people with significant disabilities. Preliminary results indicate that deinstitutionalization produces significant improvements in the quality of life of these individuals. The second summary addresses the construction and application of a Quality of Life Index for Primary Education, with the aim of evaluating the quality of life of students with disabilities. The third summary presents a systematic review on the impact of acquired brain damage on family quality of life. The results suggest that the well-being of families is considerably modified after acquired brain damage. [Extracted from the article]

Multilingual and multicultural societies in Europe pose new challenges for schools and have led to the expansion of the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach to foreign language teaching. English teachers in Catalan primary schools frequently face the challenge of integrating science teaching with foreign language teaching. This paper analyses how an English primary teacher's performance as a science-CLIL teacher evolves by means of coteaching with science teachers, and relates changes in her performance to the development of a science-CLIL teacher professional identity. An analytical framework has been constructed that includes: (1) a science-CLIL teacher professional identity model, and (2) a model that characterises collaborative practice in a cotaught science-CLIL classroom. The results indicate that coteaching is a powerful strategy for promoting discursive changes that can be considered evidence of the English teacher's science-CLIL teacher professional identity development through: (a) challenging her English teacher sub-identity to embrace multilingualism in the classroom; (b) developing a science teacher sub-identity that allows her to participate successfully as a science teacher and therefore to share leadership when teaching science, and (c) constructing a CLIL-teacher sub-identity that is more capable of balancing English teaching and science teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the news included on the front page of the three most read media in Spain (El país, El mundo and La vanguardia) during the state of alarm and the COVID- 19 confinement situation in the months of March and April 2020 is presented. The main objective of the study is to analyze whether the aforementioned media have conveyed the news events through seemingly unjustified messages of alarm or reassurance. The introduction analyses the role of conventional media, digital media and social networks in periods of pandemic, as well as framing in the coverage of the crisis. A total of 1,154 front page stories have been reviewed and 402 elements (belonging to 162 shared news events and another 35 not shared news events) have been identified for analysis. These constitute the sample for this study. The analysis tool is based on already validated framing measurement tools used in numerous leading articles. The results show that the treatment of information in terms of alarm and reassurance is not so much based on the objectivity of the news events reported or on health reasons, but rather on political interests in favour of or against the government or other interests. It is concluded that, given the importance of the media during pandemics both in the creation of perceived reality and in the assessment of its seriousness, media managers should be aware of the social responsibility and educational function of communication. In order to achieve truthful and public service information, the economic independence of the media and the training of its professionals in media education are considered necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are considered pollutants that are ubiquitously distributed in aquatic environments. One of the key hotspot areas to understand fluxes of MPs entering into the oceans are transitional systems, between fresh and marine waters, where river estuaries in particular play an important role. In this study we analyzed MPs occurrence in the Ebro River Delta, Northeastern Iberian Peninsula, one of the largest wetland areas in the NW Mediterranean Basin. Microplastic profile, abundance, distribution, and characteristics were screened across different environmental matrices. MPs were collected in sandy beaches on the northern edge of the delta, in estuarine benthic sediments, and in surface waters of the Ebro River, with a mean abundance of 422 ± 119 MPs·kg−1 DW, 2052 ± 746 MPs·kg−1 DW and 3.5 ± 1.4 MPs·m−3, respectively. Fibers were found to be the largest class (70 ± 22%) of the three different environmental matrices investigated. We estimated that the Ebro surface water represents an input of 2.14 × 109 MPs·yr−1 to the Mediterranean Sea. The main contribution of this study is a new insight on the distribution of MPs across different environmental matrices in river estuaries, where estuarine benthic sediments were identified as a potential important sink for MPs. Unlabelled Image • Occurrence of microplastic pollution in the Ebro Delta, Spain • Microplastic abundances were investigated in three different environmental matrices. • Microplastics, predominantly fibers, were found in all the samples. • Riverbed benthic sediments were identified as sink areas for microplastics. • Salt-wedge estuaries dynamics may facilitate the sinking of microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spa mineral waters are used for the treatment of chronic diseases' symptoms. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-ageing and tissue repair effects have been attributed to them. This work seeks to improve knowledge about the effect of spa mineral waters on human cells. For this, human lung fibroblasts were treated with mineral waters from Ledesma, Paracuellos and Archena spas, three Spanish health resorts with different water chemical composition. A significant increase of cell proliferation together with an enhanced antioxidant capacity (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activity) in mineral water-treated fibroblasts compared to control fibroblasts was observed. Moreover, cytokine profiling revealed an increase in the release of MIF, IL-6, CL-1, CCL-5 and ICAM-1, which are described as mediators in proliferation, wound healing and cell migration processes. In conclusion, our results could be in line with the effects attributed to spa mineral waters in wound healing strategies and oxidative damage protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year since 2010, the Test Commission of the Spanish Psychological Association carries out a quality assessment of the tests published in Spain. As in previous editions, the aim of this paper is to describe the method and present the main results of the seventh test review, in which eight recently-published tests by four editorials (CEPE, EOS, Pearson, and TEA) were assessed by 16 experts (i.e. two independent reviewers for each test) through the application of the Test Review Questionnaire-Revised (CET-R). Results allow us to conclude that, in general terms, the quality of the assessed tests is adequate, highlighting as strong points the quality of the adaptations, the evidence on internal consistency, and the quality of standards and interpretation of scores. However, some limitations and suggestions for improvement are also noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superficial acral fibromyxoma is a rare benign neoplasm that mainly affects the periungual and subungual regions, clinically characterized as a slowgrowing and not very symptomatic lesion, although it may be associated with the distortion of the nail. The case of a man with this unusual dermatological condition is described and a review of the literature is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the present study is to explore how youth with intellectual disability or Asperger syndrome use new technologies and social media in comparison with their peers without disability. Method: Participants were 181 adolescents with a mean age of 16 years old (SD=3.7) who completed the "Cyber-aggression Questionnaire for Adolescents", the "Cyber-victimization Questionnaire for Adolescents" and a questionnaire on social media and new technologies. Results: Percentages of use of new technologies (61% tablets, 93% computers, 97% mobiles) are similar among groups but adolescents with Asperger syndrome or intellectual disability have been using them since more recent times and their uses are more limited. They also use social media less; the group with Asperger syndrome uses them the least. There are no significant differences in the frequency of cyberbullying. Conclusion: Despite using social media less, the frequency of cyberbullying is similar to their peers. Besides, the observed prevalence of cyberbullying is higher than that mentioned in previous studies in which informants were not the youths themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern height systems are based on the combination of satellite positioning and gravity field models of high resolution. However, in many regions, especially developing or newly industrializing countries, there is no (reliable) regional gravity model at all, due to challenges such as limited data availability, unknown/low data quality, and missing metadata. This paper addresses this issue in a case study of Colombia, where eight decades of historical terrestrial and airborne gravity measurements are available but widely contain systematic errors, outliers, and biases. Correspondingly, processing strategies and structures are proposed and applied to validate and improve the quality of old gravity datasets. A novel method is developed based on spherical radial basis functions (SRBFs) for estimating biases, which are found in different airborne surveys with values exceeding 40 mGal. The validity of this bias estimation method is demonstrated both by a simulation test and by the evaluation of the airborne data in comparison to the SATOP (SAtellite-TOPography) model, which merges the satellite-only global gravity model GOCO06s with the Earth2014 topography model. The terrestrial and airborne data are then combined with a global gravity model (GGM), ultra-high-resolution topography models, as well as altimetry-derived gravity anomalies from DTU21GRA for the offshore areas. The results are presented in terms of height anomalies (QGeoidCOL2023), and they are thoroughly validated using GPS/leveling data both in the absolute and relative manner. The standard deviation in comparison to the GPS/leveling data after applying a correction surface to account for the datum inconsistencies amounts to 15.76 cm, which is 27% smaller compared to the mean standard deviation value given by five recent high-resolution GGMs, and 36% smaller than the one delivered by the latest South American quasi-geoid model QGEOID2021. The relative validation results show that QGeoidCOL2023 performs better, i.e., delivers lower RMS errors than the GGMs and QGEOID2021 in all the baseline length groups. These results indicate the validity and benefits of the developed methods and procedures, which can be used for other data-challenging areas to facilitate the realization of geopotential-based height systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a patient with a patch-test proven fixed drug eruption (FDE) from clindamycin who still tolerated lincomycin. Keywords: allergy; case report; clindamycin; fixed drug eruption; lincomycin; lincosamide; oral challenge test; patch test EN allergy case report clindamycin fixed drug eruption lincomycin lincosamide oral challenge test patch test 369 370 2 09/08/22 20221001 NES 221001 Clindamycin, a semisynthetic derivative of lincomycin, belongs to the lincosamide group, and is often prescribed to patients allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics. Allergy, case report, clindamycin, lincomycin, lincosamide, fixed drug eruption, patch test, oral challenge test. [Extracted from the article]

We provide a present-day surface-kinematics model for the Alpine region and surroundings based on a high-level data analysis of about 300 geodetic stations continuously operating over more than 12 years. This model includes a deformation model, a continuous surface-kinematic (velocity) field, and a strain field consistently assessed for the entire Alpine mountain belt. Special care is given to the use of the newest Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) processing standards to determine high-precision 3-D station coordinates. The coordinate solution refers to the reference frame IGb08, epoch 2010.0. The mean precision of the station positions at the reference epoch is ±1:1mm in N and E and ±2:3mm in height. The mean precision of the station velocities is ±0:2mma-1 in N and E and ??0:4mma-1 in height. The deformation model is derived from the point-wise station velocities using a geodetic least-squares collocation (LSC) approach with empirically determined covariance functions. According to our results, no significant horizontal deformation is detected in the Western Alps, while across the Southern and Eastern Alps the deformation vectors describe a progressive eastward rotation towards Pannonia. This kinematic pattern also makes evident an increasing magnitude of the deformation from 0.1mma-1 in the western part of Switzerland up to about 1.3mma-1 in the Austrian Alps. The largest shortening is observed along the southern front of the Eastern Alps (in the northern area of the Venetian-Friuli Basin) and in the northern part of the Apennine Peninsula, where rates reach 2 and 3mma-1, respectively. The average accuracy of the horizontal deformation model is ±0:2mma-1. Regarding the vertical kinematics, our results clearly show an ongoing average uplift rate of 1.8mma-1 of the entire mountain chain, with the exception of the southern part of the Western Alps, where no significant uplift (less than 0.5mma-1) is detected. The fastest uplift rates (more than 2mma-1) occur in the central area of theWestern Alps, in the Swiss Alps, and in the Southern Alps in the boundary region between Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. The general uplift observed across the Alpine mountain chain decreases towards the outer regions to stable values between 0.0 and 0.5mma-1 and, in some cases, to subsidence like in the Liguro-Provençal and Vienna basins, where vertical rates of -0:8 and -0:3mma-1 are observed, respectively. In the surrounding region, three regional subsidence regimes are identified: the Rhône-Bresse Graben with -0:8mma-1, the Rhine Graben with -1:3mma-1, and the Venetian-Friuli Basin with -1:5mma-1. The estimated uncertainty of our vertical motion model across the Alpine mountain belt is about ±0:3mma-1. The strain field inferred from the deformation model shows two main contrasting strain regimes: (i) shortening across the south-eastern front of the Alps and the northern part of the Dinarides and (ii) extension in the Apennines. The pattern of the principal strain axes indicates that the compression directions are more or less perpendicular to the thrust belt fronts, reaching maximum values of 20x10-9 a-1 in the Venetian-Friuli and Po basins. Across the Alpine mountain belt, we observe a slight dilatation regime in the Western Alps, which smoothly changes to a contraction regime in western Austria and southern Germany, reaching maximum shortening values of 6_10-9 a-1 in north-eastern Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncovalent hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with phthalocyanines (Pcs) is a subject of growing research effort focused on the development of new efficient organic photovoltaic cells, heterogeneous catalysts, lithium batteries, gas sensors, field effect transistors, among other possible applications. The main advantage of using unsubstituted Pcs is their very moderate cost and easy commercial availability. Unfortunately, the deposition of unsubstituted Pcs onto CNT sidewalls via the traditional liquid-phase strategy proves to be very problematic due to an extremely poor solubility of Pcs. At the same time, unsubstituted free-base H 2 Pc ligand and many of its transition metal complexes exhibit high thermal stability and volatility under reduced pressure, which allows for their physical vapor deposition onto solid surfaces. In the present work, we demonstrated the possibility of simple, fast, efficient and environmentally friendly noncovalent functionalization of single-walled CNTs (SWNTs) with a series of 3 d metal(II) phthalocyanines Me(II)Pc, where Me = Co, Ni, Cu and Zn. The functionalization can be performed at 400–500 °C under moderate vacuum, and takes about 2–3 h only. The nanohybrids obtained were characterized by means of Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, UV–vis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy. TGA suggested that Pc weight content is 30%, 17% and 35% for NiPc, CuPc and ZnPc, respectively (CoPc exhibited anomalous behavior), which is close to the estimates from EDS spectra of 24–39%, 27–36% and 27–44% for CoPc, CuPc and ZnPc, respectively. A strong increase in intensity of D band in the Raman spectra of SWNT‒Pc hybrids, as compared to that of pristine nanotubes, was interpreted as very strong interactions between Pc molecules and SWNT sidewalls. Very high absolute values of binding energies of 32.46–37.12 kcal/mol and the patterns of HOMO and LUMO distribution, calculated at the PBE-D/DNP level of density functional theory, also suggested that the interactions between metal phthalocyanines studied and nanotube sidewalls are very strong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has been highlighted as an important agent in cancer-related events. Although the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) isoform has received most attention, recent studies in the literature indicate that the endothelial isoenzyme (eNOS) can also modulate different tumor processes including resistance, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. However, the role of eNOS in cancer stem cell (CSC) biology and mesenchymal tumors is unknown. Results: Here, we show that eNOS was significantly upregulated in VilCreERT2Apcfl/+ and VilCreERT2Apcfl/fl mouse intestinal tissue, with intense immunostaining in hyperproliferative crypts. Similarly, the more invasive VilCreERT2Apcfl/+ Ptenfl/+ mouse model showed an overexpression of eNOS in intestinal tumors whereas this isoform was not expressed in normal tissue. However, none of the three models showed iNOS expression. Notably, when 40 human colorectal tumors were classified into different clinically relevant molecular subtypes, high eNOS expression was found in the poor relapse-free and overall survival mesenchymal subtype, whereas iNOS was absent. Furthermore, Apcfl/fl organoids overexpressed eNOS compared with wild-type organoids and NO depletion with the scavenger carboxy-PTIO (c-PTIO) decreased the proliferation and the expression of stem-cell markers, such as Lgr5, Troy, Vav3, and Slc14a1, in these intestinal organoids. Moreover, specific NO depletion also decreased the expression of CSC-related proteins in human colorectal cancer cells such as β-catenin and Bmi1, impairing the CSC phenotype. To rule out the contribution of iNOS in this effect, we established an iNOSknockdown colorectal cancer cell line. NO-depleted cells showed a decreased capacity to form tumors and c-PTIO treatment in vivo showed an antitumoral effect in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusion: Our data support that eNOS upregulation occurs after Apc loss, emerging as an unexpected potential new target in poor-prognosis mesenchymal colorectal tumors, where NO scavenging could represent an interesting therapeutic alternative to targeting the CSC subpopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a present-day surface-kinematics model for the Alpine region and surroundings based on a high-level data analysis of about 300 geodetic stations continuously operating over more than 12 years. This model includes a deformation model, a continuous surface-kinematic (velocity) field, and a strain field consistently assessed for the entire Alpine mountain belt. Special care is given to the use of the newest GNSS processing standards to determine high-precise 3D station coordinates. The coordinate solution refers to the reference frame IGb08, epoch 2010.0. The mean precision of the station positions at the reference epoch is ±1.1mm in N and E and ±2.3mm in height. The mean precision of the station velocities is ±0.2mm/a in N and E and ±0.4mm/a in the height. The deformation model is derived from the pointwise station velocities using a geodetic least-squares collocation approach with empirically determined covariance functions. According to our results, no significant horizontal deformation is detected in the Western Alps, while across the Southern and Eastern Alps the deformation vectors describe a progressive eastward rotation toward Pannonia. This kinematic pattern makes also evident an increasing magnitude of the deformation from 0.1mm/a in the western part of Switzerland up to about 1.5mm/a in the Austrian Alps. The largest shortenings are observed along the southern front of the Eastern Alps (in the northern area of the Venetian-Friuli Basin) and in the northern part of the Apennine Peninsula, where they reach 2mm/a and 3 mm/a, respectively. The averaged accuracy of the horizontal deformation model is ±0.2mm/a. Regarding the vertical kinematics, our results clearly show an still on-going averaged uplift of 1.8mm/a of the entire mountain chain, with exception of the southern part of the Western Alps, where no significant uplift (less than 0.5mm/a) is detected. The fastest uplift rates (more than 2mm/a) occur in the central area of the Western Alps, in the Swiss Alps and in the Southern Alps in the boundary region between Switzerland, Austria and Italy. The general uplift observed across the Alpine mountain chain decreases toward the outer regions to stable values between 0.0 and 0.5mm/a and, in some cases, to subsidence like in the Liguro-Provençal and Vienna Basins, where vertical rates of −0.8mm/a and −0.3mm/a are observed respectively. In the surroundings, three regional subsidence regimes are identified: the Rhone-Bresse Graben with −0.8mm/a, the Rhine Graben with −1.3mm/a, and the Venetian-Friuli Basin with −1.5mm/a. The estimated uncertainty of our vertical motion model across the Alpine mountain belt is about ±0.3mm/a. The strain field inferred from the deformation model shows two main contrasting strain regimes: shortening across the south-eastern front of the Alps and the northern part of the Dinarides, and extension in the Apennines. The pattern of the strain principal axes indicates that the compression directions are more or less perpendicular to the thrust belt fronts, reaching maximum values of 20x10−9a−1 in the Venetian-Friuli and Po Basins. Across the Alpine mountain belt, we observe a slight dilatation regime in the Western Alps, which smoothly changes to a contraction regime in West Austria and South Germany, reaching maximum shortening values of 6x10−9a−1 in the north-eastern Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Lippiaspecies (Verbenaceae) are widely used in Latin America and Africa as folk medicine for their tranquilizing properties. Objective:To evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects and safety ofLippia graveolensKunth. by exploring its aqueous and organic leaf extracts and identifying the responsible chemical constituents. Material and methods:Aqueous and organic extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) were pharmacologically evaluated at several doses. Chemical constituents were identified using MS, NMR and GC-MS analysis. The isolated compounds (3 mg/kg, i.p.), extracts (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.), and the reference drug diazepam (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) were assessed in CD-1 mice using experimental behavioural models: open-field, cylinder, hole-board, plus-maze and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, as well as their acute toxicity (LD50). Results:After administration of the extracts and bioactive compounds, a significant anxiolytic-like response from 1 mg/kg, i.p. was observed, resembling the effect of diazepam. Major presence of thymol (33.40%) was observed in the hexane extract; whereas for the first time in this species ap-cymene + thymol mixture (9.78%), naringenin (0.18%) and cirsimaritin (1.16%) were obtained as bioactive constituents of the ethyl acetate crude extract. Acute toxicity was calculated to be LD50= 1000 mg/kg for the crude hexane extract, lower in comparison to the other extracts analyzed (LD50> 2000 mg/kg). Discussion and conclusion:Our results suggest thatL. graveolensexerts anxiolytic-like activity involving many kinds of constituents, mainly of the terpenoid and flavonoid nature. These results reinforce the potential use of this species in the therapy of anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We explored whether the proteomic analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) may provide biomarkers for noninvasive screening for the early detection of lung cancer (LC). EBC was collected from 192 individuals [49 control (C), 49 risk factor-smoking (S), 46 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 48 LC]. With the use of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, 348 different proteins with a different pattern among the four groups were identified in EBC samples. Significantly more proteins were identified in the EBC from LC compared with other groups (C: 12.4 ± 1.3; S: 15.3 ± 1; COPD: 14 ± 1.6; LC: 24.2 ± 3.6; P ± 0.0001). Furthermore, the average number of proteins identified per sample was significantly higher in LC patients, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.8, indicating diagnostic value. Proteins frequently detected in EBC, such as dermcidin and hornerin, along with others much less frequently detected, such as hemoglobin and histones, were identified. Cytokeratins (KRTs) were the most abundant proteins in EBC samples, and levels of KRT6A, KRT6B, and KRT6C isoforms were significantly higher in samples from LC patients (P ± 0.0031, 0.0011, and 0.0009, respectively). Moreover, the amount of most KRTs in EBC samples from LC patients showed a significant positive correlation with tumor size. Finally, we used a random forest algorithm to generate a robust model using EBC protein data for the diagnosis of patients with LC where the area under the ROC curve obtained indicated a good classification (82%). Thus this study demonstrates that the proteomic analysis of EBC samples is an appropriated approach to develop biomarkers for the diagnosis of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]