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Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and polymorphisms in the group-specific component (GC) gene are known to be associated in different populations. However, the effects of such genetic variants may vary across different populations. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the association between Vitamin D-Binding Protein (VDBP) haplotypes and VDD in mestizo postmenopausal women and Mexican Amerindian ethnic groups. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 726 postmenopausal Mexican women from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) and 166 postmenopausal women from the Metabolic Analysis in an Indigenous Sample (MAIS) cohort in Mexico. GCpolymorphisms (rs7045 and rs4588) were analyzed by TaqMan probes. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured by Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay. Results: The prevalence of VDD serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL was 43.7% in mestizo women and 44.6% in indigenous women. In HWCS, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7041 and rs4588 were associated with VDD. In addition, women from the HWCS, carrying the haplotypes GC2/2 and GC1f/2 had higher odds of VDD (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.14, 7.02; and OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.40, 3.78, respectively) compared to women with haplotype 1f/1 s. These associations were not statistically significant in the MAIS cohort. Conclusions: Our results show genetic association of the analyzed SNPs and related haplotypes, on the GCgene,with VDD in mestizo Mexican postmenopausal women. Moreover, a high prevalence of VDD with high genetic variability within the country was observed. Our results support the need for national policies for preventing VDD.

Purpose: Vitamin D (VD) deficiency and osteoporosis have become a global public health problem. A variant in the Histidine Ammonia-Lyase (HAL)gene has been associated with VD levels and bone mineral density (BMD). However, whether this variant has an influence on VD levels and BMD in Mexican adults remain unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 1,905 adults participating in the Health Worker Cohort Study and 164 indigenous postmenopausal women from the Metabolic Analysis in an Indigenous Sample (MAIS) cohort. The rs3819817 variant was genotyped by TaqMan probe assay. Total 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured by DiaSorin Liaison. BMD at the different sites was assessed through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the associations of interest. Results: The prevalence of VD deficiency was 41%, showing differences between sexes. Obesity and skin pigmentation were associated with lower levels of VD in males and females. rs3819817-T allele was associated with low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, VD deficiency, and hip and femoral neck BMD values (g/cm2). We found two interactions with VD levels, one between adiposity and rs3819817-T allele (P= 0.017) and another between skin pigmentation and rs3819817-T allele (P= 0.019). In indigenous postmenopausal women, we observed higher VD levels in the southern region compared to the northern region (P< 0.001); however, we did not observe differences by genotype. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that the genetic variant rs3819817 has an essential function in VD levels and BMD and suggests a role in skin pigmentation in the Mexican population.

In this work, we demonstrate the importance of implementing techniques that allow us to include demand side management as a tool for the planning of energy systems, in this particular case, standalone power systems. Penetration indexes are also proposed and calculated to establish the minimum requirements for the energy supply of a predominantly residential system powered by renewable resources. The indexes were optimized using meta-heuristic optimization techniques based on a genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. Periods of one, five and 10 years were analyzed in order to understand the importance of the penetration of these technologies. Through the use of numerical tools, the relationship between generation and demand is optimized for different cases, with the aim of reducing the energy that is not supplied to the system at minimum cost. This document analyzes a series of penetration indexes that were obtained by optimizing an energy system. The mentioned indexes allow to visualize the behavior of the technologies susceptible of being implemented in the western region of Mexico. The purpose of the work is focused on understanding the potential of demand management as a structural element and foundation of energy networks that use renewable energy.

On 18 August 2020, Masbate Island was struck by a magnitude (MW) 6.6 earthquake. This seismic event represents the second occurrence of a strong earthquake (M> 6) in 17 years, emphasizing the necessity for further investigation into the characteristics of this event. In this study, we employ Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, seismicity analysis, and field investigations to comprehensively characterize the coseismic and postseismic slip associated with the event. Our findings reveal a 50‐km‐long fault rupture along the Masbate segment of the Philippine Fault, with ∼23 km surface rupture mapped onshore, despite the occurrence of interseismic creep. The slip distribution demonstrates decreasing displacements northwestward toward the creeping section, with a maximum left‐lateral displacement of 0.97 m near the epicenter. Toward the southeast offshore, the rupture terminates at a left stepover of a fault. While the surface rupture appears relatively straight and narrowly concentrated, the secondary ruptures and mapped offshore faults reveal a more complex transtensional fault structure in the southeastern part of Masbate Island. This fault complexity represents an asperity that facilitates high‐stress accumulation and rupture initiation. Postseismic slip persists for several months along the onshore creeping segment. Based on comprehensive measurements of both cumulative and coseismic slip along the Masbate fault segment, we calculate a slip rate ranging between 2.8 and 3.8 cm/year and a recurrence interval of 16–41 years for earthquakes similar to the 2020 earthquake. Our study highlights how heterogeneity in fault properties, including geometry and coupling state, influences the distribution of slip and magnitude of earthquakes. The 2020 Masbate earthquake provides valuable insights into the rupture dynamics and fault behavior of the Philippine Fault in the Masbate region. The 2020 earthquake on Masbate Island, Philippines, provided an opportunity to study how faults behave during earthquakes. We used different methods to understand the movement of the ground during and after the earthquake. We found that the fault ruptured for about 23 km on land, despite its slow movement before the earthquake. The rupture continued along the fault's offshore extension. The fault structure becomes more complex in the southeastern part of Masbate Island. After the earthquake, the ground continued to move for several months along the fault. Our research helps us understand how different factors affect earthquakes, which is important for predicting and preparing for future earthquakes in the region. The 2020 Masbate earthquake nucleated offshore along the Philippine Fault, rupturing 23 km onshore accompanied by postseismic slipThe Masbate segment of the Philippine Fault is characterized by both aseismic and seismic slip which account for the total slip budgetThe earthquake demonstrated how creeping behavior and fault geometry complexities control rupture extent The 2020 Masbate earthquake nucleated offshore along the Philippine Fault, rupturing 23 km onshore accompanied by postseismic slip The Masbate segment of the Philippine Fault is characterized by both aseismic and seismic slip which account for the total slip budget The earthquake demonstrated how creeping behavior and fault geometry complexities control rupture extent

Our objective was to examine the effects of duration of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation on growth performance, estimated dietary energetics, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in crossbred yearling heifers when slaughtered at lighter, less-mature final weight.

The production of superhydrophobic coatings inspired by the surface of plant leaves is a challenging goal. Such coatings hold a bright technological future in niche markets of the aeronautical, space, naval, building, automobile, and biomedical sectors. This work is focused on the adaxial (top) and abaxial (bottom) surfaces of the leaflet of the Ceratonia siliqueL. (carob), a high-commercial-value Mediterranean tree cultivated in many regions of the world. The adaxial and abaxial surfaces feature hydrophobic and superhydrophobic behaviors, respectively. Their chemical composition is very simple: monopalmitin ester and palmitic acid are protuberant in the epicuticular and intracuticular wax layers of the adaxial surface, respectively, whereas 1-octacosanol dominates in the abaxial wax layers. In both surfaces, epicuticular wax is organized along a randomly oriented and intricate network of nanometer-thick and micrometer-long plates, whose density and degree of interconnection are significantly higher in the abaxial surface. The measured tilting angles for the abaxial surface (12–70°) reveal unusual variable density and water adhesion of the nanostructured plate-based texture. Optical measurements demonstrate that light reflectance/absorbance of the glaucous abaxial surface is significantly higher/lower than that of the nonglaucous adaxial surface. In both surfaces, diffuse reflectance is dominant, and the absorbance is weakly dependent on the light incidence angle. We show that the highly dense nanostructured platelike texture of the epicuticular abaxial layer of the C. siliqualeaflet works as a sophisticated light and water management system: it reflects solar radiation diffusely to lower the surface temperature, and it has superhydrophobic character to keep the surface dry. Such attributes enable efficient gas exchange (photosynthesis and respiration), transpiration, and evaporation. To mimic for the first time the abaxial surface, a templation approach was adopted using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/poly(methylphenylsiloxane) (PMPS) positive/negative replicas and a soft polymer/siloxane negative replica produced by the sol–gel process. Because high topographical variations of the biotemplate and wax adhesion to the biohybrid film affected the replication quality, the reproduction of the wax texture via the synthesis of 1-octacosanol-grafted siloxane-based hybrid materials is proposed as a suitable route to duplicate the abaxial surface with high fidelity. The natural chemical/physical strategy adopted by the C. siliqualeaflet to face the harsh Mediterranean climate is a powerful source of bioinspiration for the development of diffuse reflecting and superhydrophobic material systems with foreseen applications as dual-functional antiglare and water-repelling coatings.

El traumatismo craneoencefálico grave (TCEg) continúa siendo prevalente en la población adulta joven. Lejos de descender, su incidencia se mantiene elevada. Uno de los pilares en los que se asienta su tratamiento es evitar, detectar y corregir complicaciones secundarias de origen sistémico que agravan la lesión primaria. Gran parte de este objetivo se logra manteniendo un microambiente fisiológico adecuado que permita la recuperación del tejido cerebral lesionado. Las medidas de cuidados generales son acciones inespecíficas destinadas a cumplir dicho objetivo. Las guías disponibles de manejo del TCEg no han incluido la mayoría de los tópicos motivo de este consenso. Para ello, hemos reunido un grupo de profesionales miembros del Consorcio latinoamericano de Injuria Cerebral (LABIC), involucrados en los diferentes aspectos del manejo agudo del TCEg (neurocirujanos, intensivistas, anestesiólogos, neurólogos, enfermeros, fisioterapeutas). Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos LILACS, PubMed, Embasse, Scopus, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials y Web of Science de los tópicos seleccionados. Para establecer recomendaciones o sugerencias con su respectiva fortaleza o debilidad, fue aplicada la metodología Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Adicionalmente, ciertas recomendaciones (incluidas en material complementario) no fueron valoradas por GRADE, por ser las mismas un conjunto de acciones terapéuticas de cumplimento efectivo, en las que no fue posible aplicar dicha metodología. Fueron establecidas 32 recomendaciones; 16 fuertes y 16 débiles, con su respectivo nivel de evidencia. El presente consenso intenta homogeneizar y establecer medidas de cuidados generales básicas en esta población de individuos.

El cáncer de próstata (CaP) es el cuarto cáncer más común en el mundo, y el tratamiento se basa actualmente en la extirpación quirúrgica y/o la radioterapia y/o la terapia hormonal. En los últimos años la inmunoterapia se ha convertido en una importante opción para el tratamiento del cáncer, y aunque los principios de la inmunoterapia evolucionaron durante varios años, la Food and Drug Administration(FDA) estadounidense solo aprobó el sipuleucel-T, lo que condujo a estudios adicionales con otros agentes, comenzando una nueva era en inmuno-oncología. Se están investigando varias vacunas, así como inhibidores de puntos de control. A pesar del entusiasmo actual, es poco probable que cualquiera de los inmunoterapéuticos por sí solo pueda cambiar drásticamente los resultados del CaP, pero las estrategias combinadas son más prometedoras y proporcionan una razón para el optimismo. El objetivo de la inmunoterapia con CaP no tiene que ser la erradicación completa de la enfermedad avanzada, sino más bien el retorno a un equilibrio inmunológico con un estado de enfermedad indolente. Con esfuerzos tan concertados, el futuro de la inmunoterapia en CaP parece más brillante que nunca, y los resultados de muchos ensayos clínicos se publicarán pronto.

ABSTRACTThe crystallisation kinetics of magnetite from basalt glass was studied using glass samples prepared by melting basaltic rocks from the Serra Geral Formation, without the addition of the nucleating agent, using differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal conditions. The temperature of maximum nucleation rate for magnetite was determined as 650 C. Upon further heating to 860 C, a second phase crystallises, which was identified by X-ray diffraction as a pyroxene (augite, Ca(Mg,Fe)SiO). The best mechanical properties were exhibited by a glass-ceramic nucleated at 650 C for 0.5 h and further heat-treated at 860 C for 1 h. The basalt glass-ceramic exhibited a fine grain and homogeneous microstructure, with high hardness and reasonable resistant to NaOH attack.

The crystallisation kinetics of magnetite from basalt glass was studied using glass samples prepared by melting basaltic rocks from the Serra Geral Formation, without the addition of the nucleating agent, using differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal conditions. The temperature of maximum nucleation rate for magnetite was determined as 650 C. Upon further heating to 860 C, a second phase crystallises, which was identified by X-ray diffraction as a pyroxene (augite, Ca(Mg,Fe)SiO). The best mechanical properties were exhibited by a glass-ceramic nucleated at 650 C for 0.5?h and further heat-treated at 860 C for 1?h. The basalt glass-ceramic exhibited a fine grain and homogeneous microstructure, with high hardness and reasonable resistant to NaOH attack.

Reportar el hallazgo de la meibografía infrarroja en un paciente mexicano con el síndrome de EEC (Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft syndrome) confirmado por análisis molecular del gen p63.

AbstractWe performed a new series of measurements on samples that were part of early measurements on radiocarbon (14C) dating made in 1948–1949. Our results show generally good agreement to the data published in 1949–1951, despite vast changes in technology, with only two exceptions where there was a discrepancy in the original studies. Our new measurements give calibrated ages that overlap with the known ages. We dated several samples at four different laboratories, and so we were also able to make a small intercomparison at the same time. In addition, new measurements on samples from other Egyptian materials used by Libby and co-workers were made at UC Irvine. Samples of tree rings used in the original studies (from Broken Flute Cave and Centennial Stump) were obtained from the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research archive and remeasured. New data were compared to the original studies and other records.

ABSTRACTDiscrete event simulation (DES) is a suitable framework to evaluate and optimise the dynamics of sulphide smelters. In particular, iron–nickel–copper–cobalt sulphides undergo continual oxidation within a roasting or smelting operation, followed by batch oxidation within the converting operation, thus producing iron-free Bessemer matte (or blister copper, in the case of copper smelters); this semi-finished product undergoes further processing to produce nickel, copper and cobalt products, and to recover precious metals. The juncture between continuous smelting and batch converting is often an appropriate focus for the earliest phases of DES development, since it is typically a major bottleneck within nickel and copper smelters; later phases may include increasing levels of detail for auxiliary unit operations, as well as plant logistics. Moreover, DES can support matte-slag chemistry, including Gibbs free energy balances to determine the iron speciation within the slag. DES is therefore capable of linking the fundamentals of oxidation reactions to the intricacies of plant dynamics.

The development of a the design process for a PSV floating terminal conceived to attend the future demands of drilling rigs that will be operate at oil fields located in the North and Northeast of Brazil is presented. The analyses are conducted by applying a synthesis model in which the main dimensions of the structure are varied in a thorough search, aiming at finding the floating structure that attends a specific uptime level, considering restrictions in terms of stability and wave elevation at the PSV berth. After this optimization process, the best solution is detailed with the design of a proper mooring system and an efficient mooring arrangement for the PSV, which included the definition of some equipment positions on the quay. As a result, a floating terminal conceptual design is presented, demonstrating to be technically feasible and a promising alternative to be applied in place of very time-consuming civil constructions related to offshore and port infrastructures.

Diagnosis of parasitic infections in animals is an interesting task that can be developed by veterinary nurses. To perform direct identification of parasites, particularly ova present in faeces, it is possible to use faecal smears, flotation and sedimentation tests. Faecal flotation is fast and inexpensive, and can be quickly implemented as a measure for infection control. Herewith we describe the Willis method, one of the most used flotation methods.

Study design:Observational, descriptive, transversal.Objectives:To evaluate the validity and reliability of spatio-temporal gait parameters measured by GaitRite in motor incomplete spinal cord-injured (SCI) patients.Setting:National Institute of Rehabilitation, Mexico city.Methods:23 motor subacute and chronic incomplete SCI American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) D subjects were measured. The 10-meter walking test (10 MWT), 6-minute walking test (6 MWT), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI-II), Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM-III) and the GaitRite evaluation were carried out concurrently in order to determine validity. The 10 MWT and GaitRite evaluation were performed at different occasions in order to determine test–retest reliability.Results:GaitRite offers a valid and reliable way to measure the mobility, symmetry and stability characteristics of gait SCI subjects. GaitRite precision and sensitivity is approximately three times better than clinical tests. Clinical tests cannot address the stability properties of gait. Subjects’ higher gait velocity is related to more independence (SCIM-III), lower use of walking aids (WISCI-II), better performance in lower extremities motor score (LEMS) and better gait’s mobility.Conclusions:Spatio-temporal gait parameters measured by GaitRite are both valid and reliable. Further studies are necessary to establish sensitivity of the instrument.

Nickel-based bimetallic nanoalloys (nickel–palladium, nickel–platinum, nickel–rhodium, and nickel–iridium) play an important role in catalysis, electrocatalysis, and magnetic applications. To improve the performance of those materials at the nanoscale, the knowledge of their phase diagrams is critically needed. However, such knowledge is still lacking because calorimetry experiments are extremely challenging to perform at the nanoscale. Then, a smart and necessary alternative to those challenging and time-consuming experiments is to obtain this knowledge from theoretical predictions by using nanothermodynamics. The phase diagrams at the nanoscale for the considered alloys are therefore predicted for various polyhedral shapes, while the nature of the surface segregated element is established by using two segregation rules. Finally, the theoretical results are supported by advanced transmission electron microscopy characterization.

To gain new insight into the roles of cruciferous vegetable-derived bioactive phytochemicals in bone cells, we investigated the effects of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) on cell proliferation and differentiation in estradiol (E2)-exposed calvarial osteoblasts that were obtained from neonatal rats. Osteoblast activity was assessed by analyzing cellular DNA, cell-associated osteocalcin (OC) levels and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. We also examined [3H]-estrone (E1) metabolism and estrogen-agonistic and estrogen-antagonistic activities of 2-hydroxy (OH) E1and 2-OHE2and their capacity to displace [3H]-E2at ER binding sites using competition studies. I3C did not affect on cellular DNA, OC levels or AP activity. However, I3C completely inhibited E2-induced increases in cell proliferation and differentiation in neonatal rat osteoblasts. Metabolic studies demonstrated that I3C promoted the conversion of [3H]-E1to 2-OHE1and 2-OHE2and those higher rates of conversion (twofold–threefold) were archived when a higher dose of I3C was applied. Proliferation and differentiation studies showed that 2-OHE2but not 2-OHE1inhibited E2-induced increases in cell proliferation and differentiation via an ER-mediated mechanism. Likewise, Esr1was expressed at high level than Esr2. 2-OHE1showed no activity or affinity for ER. This study is the first to show that a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, I3C, abolishes the E2-mediated stimulation of cell activities including, proliferation and differentiation, in rat osteoblasts and increases the 2-hydroxylation of E1, resulting in the formation of inactive and anti-estrogenic metabolites. These results suggest that in neonatal rat osteoblasts, the anti-estrogenic effect of I3C is mediated by 2-OHE2through ER-α.

Feline injection site sarcoma (FISS), formerly known as vaccine associated sarcoma (VAS), is a rare but life-threatening disease. The incidence estimates have varied from one case of FISS per 1000–10 000 cats vaccinated in North America and between one per 5000–12 500 vaccination visits in UK. It has been primarily associated with vaccine administration, but several other injectable materials/substances have been implicated as aetiologic agents, namely lufenuron, penicilin, metilprednisolone, meloxicam, non-absorbable suture material and microchip. FISS can have a long latency period (3 months to 13 years), but 8 years old is the average age of onset. FISS are tumours that arise subcutaneously, reaching a variable number of layers beneath the skin (muscle, bone). They are firm, not painful, solid and variable in size. Clinical assessment and biopsy are the basis for FISS diagnosis. In order to prevent FISS, vaccination should be carefully planned and be provided in easily resectable regions. Hind legs, tail and flanks, are preferable regions for vaccine administration.

This study presents the chemical, mineralogical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties of a clay widely available for use by the ceramic industry in southern Brazil. Some of the most important characteristics of the clay were studied, including its chemical and mineralogical composition, particle size distribution, thermal behaviour and green and after firing properties. The material was a kaolinitic primary clay with low organic content and high amount of finely divided quartz and goethite. This work is part of an effort to make available useful technical data on raw materials affecting ceramic business costs and to promote sustainable exploitation of mineral resources and improved practices in the local heavy clay industry.

Ruderal species may provide pollen and nectar to maintain the pollinators of crops in periods of floral resource shortage. The knowledge about the floral biology of these plant species and their interaction with insects is important for management strategies of agricultural systems. The study was carried out at an experimental research station in two different periods (August 2010–April 2011 and August 2012–January 2013). Floral biology was studied, and the reproductive system and reproductive efficacy (RE) were analyzed using controlled pollination experiments. Furthermore, floral visitors and pollination were identified and quantified. Reproductive success obtained in the open pollination and cross-pollination experiments was higher than those obtained in spontaneous self, hand self, and wind pollination. Richardia grandiflorabloomed throughout the experimental period, and flowers were visited by Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, which were observed foraging for pollen and/or nectar. Among the floral visitors, bees were the richest and most frequent group and often contacted anthers and stigmas during visits. Africanized honeybees touched the floral reproductive structures in all visits, and their frequency may be related to changes in the reproductive efficacy between the study periods. Pollinator species of crops cultivated at the experimental research station were frequent bee visitors of R. grandiflora. We demonstrated that R. grandiflorarequires cross-pollination and biotic pollen vectors. Among floral visitors, bees are the main pollinators, especially the Africanized honeybees. R. grandifloracan be considered an important ruderal species for maintaining bee pollinator populations at the study site, providing resources during the period that crops are not blooming.

As Guidelinesde 2014da European Association of Urology(EAU) preconizam a biópsia dinâmica do gânglio sentinela (BDGS) como método de estadiamento recomendado para o carcinoma espinocelular do pénis (CEP) invasor de intermédio e alto risco (≥ T1G2), c N0.