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On-farm assessment of caprine colostrum quality is important for goat farmers; the ability to quickly recognize whether colostrum is suitable to feed to kids helps achieve successful passive transfer of immunity. The study compared the use of optical and digital Brix refractometers and a hydrometer against the international gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID), using both fresh and frozen samples. A locally available ELISA methodology was included for comparison. A total of 300 samples were collected from 2 farms (farm 1: n = 157, collected by research staff within 24 h of parturition; farm 2: n = 143, collected by the farmer within 12 h of parturition). Farm 1 provided doe age for a subset of samples (n = 86). Samples were tested fresh and then frozen for shipment and repeated testing. Specific gravity was measured using a hydrometer in a subset of samples (n = 22) from farm 2. Because no gold standard thresholds are currently available for caprine colostrum, RID-derived values of 30, 40, and 50 g/L IgG were used as potential "good quality" thresholds. Pearson (ρ) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) were calculated for comparison of methods. Optimum thresholds were established maximizing the Youden index and minimizing the "distance closest to the top left corner" of the receiver operator characteristic curves. Brix values were correlated with RID (optical Brix, fresh: ρ = 0.73; digital Brix, fresh: ρ = 0.71; digital Brix, frozen: ρ = 0.76) and with each other (range: ρ = 0.93 to 0.99; CCC = 0.91 to 0.99). Specific gravity measured by the hydrometer yielded a strong relationship with RID (ρ = 0.83) and with Brix values (range: ρ = 0.88 to 0.90). The ELISA method was not correlated with Brix methods (range: ρ = 0.02 to 0.09) or RID (ρ = 0.20). Depending on the colostrum IgG threshold, the hydrometer yielded high Youden indices (range: 0.78 to 0.93) and low distance closest to the top left corner criteria (0 to 0.05) at a threshold of 1.047 specific gravity. For all RID IgG thresholds, the best Brix threshold (regardless of type or whether the sample was fresh or frozen) was 18 or 19%, with the highest Youden indices (range: 0.47 to 0.61) and lowest distance to the top left corner criteria (range: 0.09 to 0.16); however, we recommend 19%, because this reduces the potential of feeding poor-quality colostrum. The ELISA method was the poorest predictor of colostrum concentration. Age was not found to affect colostrum quality; however, the sample size of this subset was small. Hydrometers are inexpensive and easy to use, whereas Brix methods use only a small amount of colostrum; we suggest that either method could be used on-farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to describe the effectiveness of suppressive antibiotic treatment (SAT) in routine clinical practice when used in situations in which removal of a prosthetic implant is considered essential for the eradication of an infection, and it cannot be performed. This was a descriptive retrospective and multicentre cohort study of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases managed with SAT. SAT was considered to have failed if a fistula appeared or persisted, if debridement was necessary, if the prosthesis was removed due to persistence of the infection or if uncontrolled symptoms were present. In total, 302 patients were analysed. Two hundred and three of these patients (67.2%) received monotherapy. The most commonly used drugs were tetracyclines (39.7% of patients) (120/302) and cotrimoxazole (35.4% of patients) (107/302). SAT was considered successful in 58.6% (177/302) of the patients (median time administered, 36.5 months; IQR 20.75–59.25). Infection was controlled in 50% of patients at 5 years according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. Resistance development was documented in 15 of 65 (23.1%) of the microbiologically documented cases. SAT failure was associated with age <70 years (sub-hazard ratio (SHR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.1–2.33), aetiology other than Gram-positive cocci (SHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.09–2.27) and location of the prosthesis in the upper limb (SHR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–3.84). SAT suspension was necessary due to adverse effects in 17 of 302 patients (5.6%). SAT offers acceptable results for patients with PJI when surgical treatment is not performed or when it fails to eradicate the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of the dietary free fatty acid (FFA) content and dietary fat saturation degree on the fatty-acid (FA) digestibility and lipid-class content along the gastrointestinal tract and excreta in broiler chickens. The 8 experimental diets resulted from replacing crude soybean oil with soybean acid oil from chemical refining, or crude palm oil with palm FA distillate from physical refining. Thus, there were 4 soybean and 4 palm diets with 6% added fat varying in their FFA% (5, 15, 35, and 50%). Samples of digestive content (gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and excreta were collected at 14 D for the determination of the FA digestibility and lipid-class content. The total FA digestibility coefficients reported for the chickens fed S diets in the jejunum, ileum, and excreta were higher than for those fed P diets (P ≤ 0.02). The general greater digestibility of the unsaturated diets was mainly explained by a higher contribution of the ileum to the absorption of saturated FA. The dietary FFA content mainly affected the FA absorption process. The diets with 50% FFA presented lower saturated FA digestibility coefficients in the jejunum and ileum (P ≤ 0.03), and higher content of FFA in the ileum and excreta (P ≤ 0.014), in comparison to the diets with 5% FFA. The 15% FFA diets were not different from the 5% FFA diets, regarding the saturated FA digestibility in the jejunum and excreta, and the FFA content in the ileum and excreta. It was concluded that unsaturated diets with moderate content of dietary FFA (up to 15%) could be used in broiler-chicken starter diets, as they led to similar FA absorption and performance results to the diets with the lowest dietary FFA content. From the present study, it has also been concluded that dietary saturated FA content has a greater impact on FA absorption than the dietary FFA content has. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the dietary fat saturation degree and age on the lipid class (TAG, DAG, MAG, and FFA) composition and fatty acid digestibility along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and excreta in broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old female broiler chickens were randomly distributed in 2 dietary treatments (6 cages/treatment), which resulted from the supplementation of a basal diet with 6% of soybean oil or palm oil. Two digestibility balances were carried out at 14 and 35 d and fatty acid digestibility and lipid class composition were determined in the gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and excreta. Along de GIT, both fatty acid digestibility and lipid class composition were influenced by the dietary fat source and the age of the chickens. The absorption of the unsaturated fat was more efficient and faster than it was for the saturated fat. The ability of adult chickens to absorb fat was higher than for young chickens. The results show that the duodenum is the main place of fat digestion (hydrolysis), and the jejunum the main place of fat absorption. The role of the ileum on fat absorption is very important, as it is the last segment of the GIT where the absorption of fatty acids has been described. Thus, it was the contribution of the ileum that was responsible for the higher fat utilization observed for animals fed the unsaturated diet than for those fed the saturated diet at 14 d, and it was also responsible for the improvement on the utilization of the saturated diet between 14 and 35 d. All the results suggest that the absorption of fatty acids is more limiting than is hydrolysis, because the main differences were observed in the jejunum and ileum, where the absorption of fatty acids takes place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current norm in reactor accident simulation is to use homogenized cross sections that are computed using a fundamental mode flux. It is shown however, that using such cross sections in super prompt critical kinetic calculations can introduce large errors in the time dependent power. This work uses a previously developed homogenization technique (Dugan et al., 2016a), but applied to a spatially heterogeneous domain. The new homogenization method is shown to reduce the error in maximum power from ∼40% when using fundamental mode homogenized cross sections to ∼6% when using the new homogenization technique in the case studied. Focus is given to the time discretization used in the new homogenization technique; refinement of the temporal discretization is used to show that error reduction is possible until the point at which other sources of error dominate. Additionally, a study of the computational cost involved in this method is examined and improvements are suggested to reduce the cost incurred from using this new homogenization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving carbon-neutrality is increasing the demand of renewable electricity which is raising the competition for land and associated acquisition costs. Installation of floating photovoltaic (FPV) on existing hydropower reservoirs offers one solution to limited land availability while providing solar electricity, leveraging water bodies, and reducing water evaporation losses. This work assesses the potential electricity output of FPVs at regional and national levels on 337 hydropower reservoirs in the EU27 considering four scenarios and two types of floaters. Evaporation, water losses and water savings due to FPVs installation are also estimated using climatic parameters for the year 2018. The reservoirs' total water losses are estimated at 9380 mcm. The installation of FPVs of equal installed capacity as the hydropower plants, has the potential to generate 42.31 TWh covering 2.3% of the total reservoir area. In this case, up to 557 mcm could be saved by installing FPV. The FPVs' multiple benefits and the potential offered by existing hydropower reservoirs are compatible with the EU's goals for net zero emissions and more autonomy from imported fossil fuels and energy transformation. • Potential FPV elect. generation corresponds to 20%–87%, of the total EU solar PV. • Using only 2.3% of total hydropower reservoir areas could produce 42.3 TWh/yr. • Using <15% of EU's reservoir area, FPV output ∼50% of the hydropower generation. • A 10% reservoir area coverage with FPV results in 1717.8 mcm annual water savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Introduction Les arthrites septiques à Neisseria gonorrhoeae sont peu fréquentes. Si leur prise en charge thérapeutique est bien définie, leur diagnostic clinique et microbiologique reste plus difficile. Observation Nous rapportons le cas d’un patient ayant présenté une monoarthrite septique à N . gonorrhoeae diagnostiquée par PCR sur liquide articulaire et traitée par ceftriaxone. Conclusion L’arthrite septique à N . gonorrhoeae doit être systématiquement évoquée devant toute arthrite purulente du sujet jeune. Chez les patients à risque d’infection à N . gonorrhoeae présentant une arthrite septique, la réalisation d’une PCR gonocoque sur le liquide articulaire est utile en l’absence de diagnostic microbiologique évident. Introduction The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae septic arthritis remains low in the general population. Its clinical and microbiological diagnostic remains difficult. Case report We report a 44-year-old man who presented with a monoarthritis of the right ankle. The diagnosis of gonoccocal septic arthritis was obtained by PCR from the joint fluid. Treatment with ceftriaxone was effective. Conclusion In patients with high risk of N . gonorrhoeae infection, PCR for detection of gonorrhea in synovial fluid could potentially facilitate the diagnostic of gonococcal septic arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a model of tumour cell growth based on a Gompertz-type nonhomogeneous stochastic diffusion, whose drift coefficient depends on two functions of time that influence the dynamic behaviour of the model, and which can be interpreted in the context of this type of cell growth. The first of these time functions is an immunologic endogenous therapy factor, and the second is an exogenous therapy factor that models the dynamics of an externally controllable treatment on tumour growth. We establish the basic probabilistic characteristics of the model from the corresponding Itô differential equation, explicitly obtaining the expression of the trend functions. We then study the functional aspects and computational statistics associated with the maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters. Finally, we provide a detailed discussion of the inter-relationships between the internal parameters of the diffusion process and the overall diffusion coefficient of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The complete aerodynamic wind turbine model is simulated and validated using real data. [•] Power flows transferred by each stage is presented in the simulation results. [•] The proposed model has a good performance (for real and a constant wind consideration). [•] All the stages involving in the wind turbine are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a novel method of computing the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of multipolar hard spherical colloids in nematics of different symmetries, driven by a particular external field. The colloid is low structured with pure and axial multipole moments. Our results express the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility as the function of an appropriate order parameter. The choice of each order parameter is suggested by using the Landau-de Gennes theory. Equilibrium is provided by the Smoluchowski equation. Each order parameter describes nematics for each multipole and the consequently anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. Magnetization reversal is also described in a generalized sense for multipole moments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cubic gallium nitride epitaxial layers were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on GaN templates obtained by nitridation of GaAs substrates. The GaN structure can be peeled off the GaAs substrate and it can be handled separately. X-ray diffraction, Raman and photoluminescence measurements show that the epitaxial layers are cubic and monocrystalline. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A distributed electrical system composed of a primary source (alternator) and a renewable source associated to a converter, both of them are coupled to an induction machine load is presented. A causality conflict arises at the coupling node, due to the inductive nature of each device. To deal with the variable structure of the model (same devices have to be coupled or decoupled depending on specific conditions), switching power junction concept is used at the coupling node. Causality changes involve changes in alternator and induction machine models allowing the management of the structure commutations. Power flow management is presented. Simulation results show the advantages of using bond graph models and the validity of the proposed models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The NW Mediterranean experiences, as illustrated by the last decade, strong and rapidly varying storms with severe waves and winds. This has motivated a continuous validation of models and the efforts to improve wave and wind predictions. In this paper we use two atmospherics models, MASS (from SMC-Meteorological Office of Catalunya) and ARPEGE (from Météo-France), to force two third generation wave models: WAM and SWAN. The evaluation and comparison has been carried out for two severe storms registered in November 2001 and March–April 2002. The ARPEGE and MASS models predicted higher 10 m wind speeds than coastal meteorological stations, a fact attributed to local land influences. Regarding the 10 m wind direction, models do not present large differences, although considerable deviations from recorded data were found during some dates. ARPEGE presents less scatter and lower errors than MASS when compared with QuikSCAT data. The 10m wind fields from both atmospheric models were used to force the two selected wave models and analyse the errors and sensitivities when predicting severe wave storms. The wave model simulations show some interesting results; during the storm, the spatial wave pattern using ARPEGE showed a higher maximum, although the values of significant wave height at the buoys were lower than the ones forced by MASS (with both WAM and SWAN). The SWAN simulations show a better agreement in predicting the growing and waning of the storm peaks. The prediction of mean period was improved when using the ARPEGE wind field. However the underestimation by SWAN due to the large energy at high frequencies was evident. Validation of spectral shape predictions showed that it still has considerable error when predicting the full frequency spectra. The storms showed bimodal spectral features which were not always reproduced by wave models and are likely to be responsible for part of the discrepancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes a web-based multimedia spatial information system used to support a study of the re-invasion of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector for dengue fever, in the deserts of the southwest United States/northwest Mexico. The system was developed applying Open Geospatial Consortium and World Wide Web Consortium Open Specifications and using Open Source Software. The system creates a sensory-rich environment, one which allows users to interact with the system to explore connections among data (maps, remotely sensed images, text, graphs, 360 degrees panoramas and photos), visualize information, formulate their own interpretations, generate hypotheses and reach their own conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Results for the NEA C5G7 MOX benchmark are presented. The results for the 2Dbenchmark were obtained with CRONOS2 diffusion and S8 finite elements and with the characteristic method of APOLL02, and for the 3D benchmark with CRONOS2 S4 finite elements. Detailed results show the reliability and accuracy of the methods available in CRONOS2 and ÀPOLL02. A recent calculation with the method of characteristics for structured heterogeneous cells is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A multiresidue, automated and rapid method for the determination of pesticide residues in olive oil is presented. The method employs the through oven transfer adsorption–desorption interface for the on-line coupling of reversed-phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. In this fully automated system, olive oil is directly injected with no sample pre-treatment step other than filtration. Methanol–water is used as eluent in the liquid chromatography pre-separation step. The selected liquid chromatography fraction containing the pesticides is automatically transferred to the gas chromatography. The liquid chromatography column flow during elution is different from the flow during the transfer. Using a flame ionisation detector, pesticide detection limits varied from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/l. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A factorial design (23) is applied to study the influence of three of the components of a cosmetic gel (the concentrations of Carbopol ETD 2020, ethanol and glycerine) on flow parameters (Casson''s yield value (τc), Casson''s viscosity (ηc) and apparent viscosity at 125 s−1 (ηap. 125 s−1)), spreadability, and transparency. The first-order polynomial equation allowed by the model suitably accounts for the τc and spreadability. Both depend on the concentrations of Carbopol and ethanol, and τc also depends on the ethanol–glycerine interaction. The model explains to a certain extent the complex relationships that are established between the components and that influence ηc y ηap. 125 s−1. Transparency is independent of the Carbopol concentration and it is also thought to be independent of the ethanol concentration. In addition, a high linear correlation has been found between the τc and spreadability and other viscoelastic parameters of the gels that were previously determined (Int. J. Pharm. (2001)). The application of the technique of experimental design has been shown to be a very useful tool for formulating gels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Widespread destruction of the skin induces a large necrotic mass and a break of the skin barrier. It also leads to an intense inflammatory reaction. This activates keratinocytes, endothelial cells and neutrophils. Certain mediators (e.g. endothelin, histamine, bradykinin, serotonin, catecholamines, vasopressin, prostaglandins, cytokines and nitrogen monoxide) are thus released in large quantities and act both at the site of the burns and at a distance. The abnormally high level of albumin in the capillary wall and the increased capacity of absorption of the interstitial areas around the burns are the main abnormalities observed. This results in a hypovolemia associated with a hemoconcentration, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, systemic vasoconstriction and myocardial malfunction, which is difficult to evidence. During the initial phase, the major risk is the appearance of hypovolemic shock, which is rapidly irreversible if early treatment is not administered. Vascular filling with iso- or hyper-osmolar sodium crystalloids, associated with buffer solutions, is the first line. There is still debate regarding the best moment at which to give albumin. A hyperkinetic shock may occur after several hours and despite the filling. The symptoms are tachycardia, increased heart rate and a dramatic decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This may lead to metabolic acidosis and multi-organ failure. Study of the hemodynamic profile of the patient allows the rational use of pressor amines and haemodialysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) may induce reproductive failure (return to oestrus, embryonic death, mummification, weak- and stillborn piglets) and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Furthermore, it may modulate the immunity in such a way that it aggravates the outcome of many bacterial and viral infections. In the present paper, the cellular tropism and entry of PCV2 are described and linked with the pathological and clinical consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of crude soybean lecithin (L) as an alternative energy source in broiler feeding and to study its influence on performance, fatty acid (FA) digestibility between 9 to 11 D and 36 to 37 D, feed AME content, and the FA profile of the abdominal fat pad (AFP). A basal diet was supplemented at 3% with soybean oil (S; experiment 1) or a monounsaturated vegetable acid oil (A; experiment 2) and increasing amounts of L (1, 2, and 3%) were included in replacement. The inclusion of L did not modify performance results (P > 0.05). In starter diets, the replacement of S by L reduced feed AME content (P < 0.001) and lowered PUFA digestibility (P = 0.028), whereas in the grower-finisher phase, a blend of 2% of S and 1% of L did not modify feed AME content or FA digestibility. When L was included instead of A, no effects on feed AME value and total FA digestibility (P > 0.05) were shown in the starter phase, whereas in grower-finisher diets, a blending of 2% of A and 1% of L enhanced feed AME content (P < 0.001) and total FA digestibility (P = 0.001). The FA profile of the AFP reflected the FA composition of the diets. Crude soybean lecithin represents an alternative energy source for broiler chickens, and it can be used in growing-finishing diets in replacement of 1% S. The best option to include both alternative fats (L and A) was 2% of L with 1% of A in starter diets and 1% of L with 2% of A in grower-finisher diets because they showed positive synergic effects. The results suggest that dietary FA profile have a bigger impact on the AFP saturation degree than the different dietary lipid molecular structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with fault prognosis of wind turbine in presence of multiple faults. First, a physical model is presented and used for structural analysis, sensor placement, and clusters generation characterizing the normal operation and the relevant faulty situations. Then, each cluster is surrounded by a spherical envelope to take into account modeling and parameter uncertainties. To perform fault prognosis, the geolocation principal is used to predict the Remaining Useful Lifetime, where the Euclidean distance between normal and faulty clusters, the degradation direction and velocity are calculated. The obtained results, using real wind data, are evaluated using the Prognosis Horizon and the Relative Accuracy metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutron noise induced by propagating perturbations in a simple model of a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) is calculated and analyzed using one/two-group diffusion theory. The novelty, as compared to previous works, is that the noise source includes also the fluctuations of the fission cross sections and the fluid velocity, in addition to the previous case when only the fluctuations of the absorption cross section were accounted for. Another novelty is that the solution is obtained through the matrix Green’s function of the flux and precursor equations, these two being kept separate. Inclusion of each of these two new noise sources leads to a structure of the noise source, and hence also that of the neutron noise, which is conceptually different from the case when only the fluctuations of the absorption cross sections are treated, with some surprising features. The use of the matrix Green’s function is advantageous to understand the new features, and it helps to point out some new aspects of the neutron noise even in traditional systems, which have not been noticed before. The results contribute to the understanding and interpretation of the neutron noise in MSRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Analysis of the point kinetic equations for an MSR. [•] Proof of the inapplicability of the traditional procedure. [•] Method for the analytical determination of the point kinetic component of the noise in an MSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer needs perfusion for its growth and metastasis. Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (CA-EVs) alter the tumor microenvironment (TME), potentially promoting angiogenesis. We hypothesize that conditions in the tumor, e.g., hypoxia, and in the target cells of the TME, e.g., nutrient deprivation or extracellular matrix, can affect the angiogenic potential of CA-EVs, which would contribute to explaining the regulation of tumor vascularization and its influence on cancer growth and metastasis. CA-EVs were isolated and characterized from cervical carcinoma cell lines HeLa and SiHa cultured under normoxia and hypoxia, and their angiogenic potential was evaluated in vitro in three endothelial cells (ECs) lines and aortic rings, cultured in basal (growth factor-reduced) or complete medium. Hypoxia increased EV production 10–100 times and protein content 2–4 times compared to normoxic CA-EVs. HeLa-EVs contained six times more RNA than SiHa-EVs, and this concentration was not affected by hypoxia. Treatment with CA-EVs increased tube formation and sprouting in ECs and aortic rings cultured in basal medium and long-term stabilized the stablished vascular networks formed by ECs cultured in complete medium. Hypoxia differentially affects CA-EVs in a cell line-dependent manner. The cellular environment (nutrient availability and extracellular matrix scaffold) influences the effect of CA-EV on the angiogenic potential of ECs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the estimation of the parameters of interest in the drift coefficient of a stochastic Gompertz model with logarithmic therapeutic functions. The maximum likelihood method produces non-linear equations and the estimation of these parameters, specially of the tumor growth deceleration factor, have only been achieved to date through numerically-based approaches. The proposed method in this paper provides explicit expressions for the parameter estimators which, we shall be able, in future work, to study its statistical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Occupational dosimetry is still a challenge in fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Personal dosimeters are not regularly used by many professionals. Most of the dosimeters used are worn under the lead apron and it is difficult to estimate radiation doses to the unprotected organs and tissues. New electronic dosimeters make it possible to know staff doses and dose rates in real time, inside interventional laboratories. A system using solid-state detectors and equipped with a wireless connection (DoseAware distributed by Philips) that sends the scatter dose rate and cumulative scatter dose readings to a base station, inside the catheterization room, has been evaluated. The initial test was carried out over a period of 4 months in two laboratories (a cardiology one and a second one dedicated to general interventional procedures). In addition to the educational value of the dosimetry system, other benefits have been identified such as the detailed information on occupational dose rate during the procedures, the possibility of comparing occupational doses registered among different staff during the procedures, the capability of establishing correlations between occupational and patient doses, and correlations between staff doses and geometry and radiographic factors used during the procedures. From all this information, it is possible to derive criteria for optimization of occupational radiation protection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study reviews current challenges of clay minerals for drug delivery. Clay minerals are widely used in conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms both as excipients and active agents. Clay minerals may interact with drug molecules, but also with inactive components of medicinal products such as polymers. On the basis of these interactions, clay minerals and their modified forms can be effectively used to modify drug delivery systems. In this research area, recent advances include the use of montmorillonite and saponite to retain drug molecules and control their release. Synthetic analogues such as Laponite and layered double hydroxides are also being used for biopharmaceutical and technological purposes. Another interesting strategy is the preparation of composites with clay mineral particles in polymeric matrices to obtain different systems (films, nanoparticles, hydrogels, matrices…) with improved pharmaceutical properties compared to the single components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in 2109 females inhabiting five cities of Colombia was determined. Of the 49.2% with an HPV infection, 59.8% were infected with more than one viral type. Species 7 (of the the genus Alphapapillomavirus) was associated with multiple infections. Analysis of the socio-demographic data revealed a statistically significant protective effect associated with the status of civil union (civil recognition of cohabitation without marriage), and indigenous ethnicity proved to be a risk factor for HPV infection. This is the first study comparing HPV infection among women from geographical regions of Colombia with different socio-cultural structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]