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Abstract Background Botulinum toxin type A is currently strongly recommended for the treatment of anal fissures (AFs). However, there is still no consensus on dosage or injection technique. This study provides further efficacy and safety evidence in a 2-year follow-up. Method Prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-center study carried out in adult patients with AFs non-responsive to previous treatments. Patients were treated with incobotulinumtoxinA (incoBoNT/A) injected in both laterals and posterior intersphincteric groove. Healing rate at 2 years was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included internal anal sphincter pressures, incontinence, and safety. Results A total of 49 patients were treated with a mean incoBoNT/A dose of 40.5 U (spread across three locations). Healing rate at 2 years was 83.9% with a 24.5% of recurrence throughout the study. Only 7 patients (14.3%) reported adverse events (AEs) that were mild and temporary. Mean reduction in anal resting pressure was -9.1 mmHg at 3 months (p = 0.001). Mean reduction in voluntary squeeze pressure was -27.5 mmHg at 3 months (p

Abstract Background Many common diseases exhibit uncontrolled mTOR signaling, prompting considerable interest in the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin, to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, aging-related pathologies, and neurological disorders. Despite encouraging preclinical results, the success of mTOR interventions in the clinic has been limited by off-target side effects and dose-limiting toxicities. Improving clinical efficacy and mitigating side effects require a better understanding of the influence of key clinical factors, such as sex, tissue, and genomic background, on the outcomes of mTOR-targeting therapies. Results We assayed gene expression with and without rapamycin exposure across three distinct body parts (head, thorax, abdomen) of D. melanogaster flies, bearing either their native melanogaster mitochondrial genome or the mitochondrial genome from a related species, D. simulans. The fully factorial RNA-seq study design revealed a large number of genes that responded to the rapamycin treatment in a sex-dependent and tissue-dependent manner, and relatively few genes with the transcriptional response to rapamycin affected by the mitochondrial background. Reanalysis of an earlier study confirmed that mitochondria can have a temporal influence on rapamycin response. Conclusions We found significant and wide-ranging effects of sex and body part, alongside a subtle, potentially time-dependent, influence of mitochondria on the transcriptional response to rapamycin. Our findings suggest a number of pathways that could be crucial for predicting potential side effects of mTOR inhibition in a particular sex or tissue. Further studies of the temporal response to rapamycin are necessary to elucidate the effects of the mitochondrial background on mTOR and its inhibition.

Plant detection is one of the applications of image processing in agriculture that is being linked with various agricultural tasks nowadays - such as the ability to detect nutritional deficiencies in plants based on the appearance of their leaves. This study is an attempt to contribute on the detection of nutrient deficiency through image processing of Brassica Chinensis L., which usually displays symptoms based on NPK nutrient deficiency and is also locally known as pechay. The study is centered on the hardware development that will be mounted on a robotic prototype and be able to assess a pechay’s health and fertilize it if it lacks nutrients. The detection was based on DenseNet121 model which was trained over numerous healthy and deficient pechay images. If the detection part determines that the pechay was healthy, then the fertilizing system will not release fertilizers. But when it determines the plant to be deficient, the fertilizing system will sprinkle fertilizers on the pechay. The overall system was able to achieve an 85% accuracy in an actual farm set-up. The system was further validated by comparing its results versus the visual inspection results of real-life farmer, and it was found out to be still accurate at 86%. The system further assists the farm owners in reducing the expenses of fertilizer usage and any dangers associated with growing a crop of non-deficient pechay plants. Overall, the process of automated fertilizer system was made possible by using nutrient deficiency detection as the decision-making process.

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el uso del recurso guanaco por parte de las poblaciones humanas que habitaron los diferentes ambientes del norte de la Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, particularmente para establecer una comparación diacrónica. Para ello, se recopila información zooarqueológica publicada de 61 contextos de 42 sitios arqueológicos, analizada por diferentes equipos de investigación. Se presenta el estudio de la composición de conjuntos zooarqueológicos en términos espaciales y temporales, combinando el uso de un entorno SIG (Sistema de Información Geográfica) y las herramientas estándar del análisis zooarqueológico. Los resultados indican 1) claro patrón geográfico en la ubicuidad de Lama guanicoe como especie objetivo, 2) con un aumento en la proporción de este taxón en los sitios más alejados de las costas, 3) variaciones temporales con un aumento en el consumo de esta especie a lo largo del tiempo.

Objectives: To determine the best photographic surrogate markers for detecting sight-threatening macular oedema (MO) in people with diabetes attending UK national screening programmes. Design: A multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study of 3170 patients with photographic signs of diabetic retinopathy visible within the macular region [exudates within two disc diameters, microaneurysms/dot haemorrhages (M/DHs) and blot haemorrhages (BHs)] who were recruited from seven study centres. Setting: All patients were recruited and imaged at one of seven study centres in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Oxford. Participants: Subjects with features of diabetic retinopathy visible within the macular region attending one of seven diabetic retinal screening programmes. Interventions: Alternative referral criteria for suspected MO based on photographic surrogate markers; an optical coherence tomographic examination in addition to the standard digital retinal photograph. Main outcome measures: (1) To determine the best method to detect sight-threatening MO in people with diabetes using photographic surrogate markers. (2) Sensitivity and specificity estimates to assess the costs and consequences of using alternative strategies. (3) Modelled long-term costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Results: Prevalence of MO was strongly related to the presence of lesions and was roughly five times higher in subjects with exudates or BHs or more than two M/DHs within one disc diameter. Having worse visual acuity was associated with about a fivefold higher prevalence of MO. Current manual screening grading schemes that ignore visual acuity or the presence of M/DHs could be improved by taking these into account. Health service costs increase substantially with more sensitive/less specific strategies. A fully automated strategy, using the automated detection of patterns of photographic surrogate markers, is superior to all current manual grading schemes for detecting MO in people with diabetes. The addition of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to each strategy, prior to referral, results in a reduction in costs to the health service with no decrement in the number of MO cases detected. Conclusions: Compared with all current manual grading schemes, for the same sensitivity, a fully automated strategy, using the automated detection of patterns of photographic surrogate markers, achieves a higher specificity for detecting MO in people with diabetes, especially if visual acuity is included in the automated strategy. Overall, costs to the health service are likely to increase if more sensitive referral strategies are adopted over more specific screening strategies for MO, for only very small gains in QALYs. The addition of OCT to each screening strategy, prior to referral, results in a reduction in costs to the health service with no decrement in the number of MO cases detected. Study registration: This study has been registered as REC/IRAS 07/S0801/107, UKCRN ID 9063 and NIHR HTA 06/402/49. Source of funding: This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 17, No. 51. See the HTA programme website for further project information.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The influence of hippocampal connectivity on memory performance is well established in individuals with high educational attainment. However, the role of hippocampal connectivity in illiterate populations remains poorly understood. METHODS Thirty‐five illiterate adults were administered a literacy assessment (Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults [TOFHLA]), structural and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and an episodic memory test (Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). Illiteracy was defined as a TOFHLA score < 53. We evaluated the correlation between hippocampal connectivity at rest and both free recall and literacy scores. RESULTS Participants were mostly female (57.1%) and self‐declared as being Black individuals (84.8%), with a median age of 50 years. The median TOFHLA literacy score was 28.0 [21.0; 42.5] out of 100 points and the median free recall score was 30.0 [26.2; 35] out of 48 points. The median gray matter volume of both the left and right hippocampi was 2.3 [2.1; 2.4] cm3. We observed a significant connectivity between both hippocampi and the precuneus and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex. The right hippocampal connectivity positively correlated with the literacy scores (β = 0.58, P = 0.008). There was no significant association between episodic memory and hippocampal connectivity. Neither memory nor literacy scores correlated with hippocampal gray matter volume. DISCUSSION Low literacy levels correlated with hippocampal connectivity in illiterate adults. The lack of association with memory scores might be associated with low brain reserve in this sample. Highlights A significant link was found between health literacy and hippocampal connectivity. Enhanced hippocampus– ventromedial prefrontal cortex connectivity suggests potential cognitive reserve improvement. Higher cognitive reserve may protect against hippocampal atrophy and neurodegeneration. Health literacy improvements could help prevent cognitive impairment in illiterate populations. Study highlights importance of considering structural racism in brain connectivity research.

This paper presents an analysis of fifth-generation (5G)-Advanced uplink system-level performance with the coexistence of extended reality (XR) and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) traffic. Dense urban (DU) and indoor hotspot (InH) deployments are studied. The study investigates the influence of uplink power control (UPC) parameters on the XR capacity and proposes strategies to manage eMBB inter-cell interference through traffic-specific UPC settings. By jointly optimizing UPC parameters for each traffic type, this research aims to minimize the eMBB throughput degradation while safeguarding the XR capacity. The findings reveal the impact of deployment scenarios on XR and eMBB capacity, and the trade-offs involved in the UPC optimization. These findings offer valuable guidance to cellular operators for optimizing network configurations to accommodate emerging XR traffic alongside existing services.

Introduction: Leaving against medical advice (AMA) has been associated with higher rates of readmission and worse postoperative outcomes in various surgical fields. Patients who have undergone spine surgery often require careful postoperative follow-up to ensure an uncomplicated recovery. In this study, we aim to investigate the demographic and hospital variables that may have contributed to patients leaving the hospital AMA following spine surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients receiving spine surgery; we used the data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database for the years 2011-2020. Demographics, household income status, insurance status, time from admission to operation, length of stay, length of recovery, and discharge disposition were collected and analyzed. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the odds ratios of each factor and their association to patient decision of leaving AMA. Results: As per our findings, patients aged 30-49 had 1.666 times greater odds of leaving AMA following spine surgery (P

Abstract Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on stakeholders to give Higher Education a key educational importance for the future of Europe. Within the content of the training programmes at university, sexuality emerges as a relevant topic in the nursing degree, to promote integral health from a holistic perspective. However, research on the presence of sexuality at the curricular level in Higher Education suggests that it is incomplete and underdeveloped. Methods This is a protocol for a long-term, multi-centre, exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach lasting two years. The research will be carried out in the educational community, including, on the one hand, students, and professors and health professionals of nursing programmes from five universities in different parts of the world (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the United States), and on the other hand, women, young people, and immigrants from these communities. The study will have several target populations. Firstly, the target is nursing students, with whom the aim is to define their perspective on the sexuality content taught at the university, and their level of knowledge. Secondly university professors and health professionals, with whom we will check their perspective on sexuality in the classroom, as well as their level of knowledge in this field. And finally, we will work with the community (women, young people, and immigrants) to whom we will try to bring sexuality from a useful and enjoyable perspective. In order to measure these variables in the protocol, instruments such as questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will be used. During data collection, ethical principles will be guaranteed and informed consent will be requested from the participants. Discussion The results of the research will have a high curricular impact on the educational community, and will last over time, since the tools generated in the project will be included as part of nursing training programmes. In addition, participation in the project will improve health education for health professionals and at the community level on sexuality in both urban and rural populations.

Fatty acid (FA) composition is the principal measure of the nutritional quality of fats in balut (i.e., boiled fertilized eggs from mallard ducks) that may affect human cardiovascular health. This study aimed to compare the fat content, FA composition, and nutritional indices/ratios concerning the edible components of 15-day old balut (B15d) and 18-day old balut (B18d) produced by Itik Pinas duck breeds (IP-Itim, IP-Khaki, and Kayumanggi-IP– an “IP-Khaki × IP-Itim” F1 cross) in the Philippines. A total of 275 pooled samples of the embryo, yolk, albumen, and fluid portion from 154 B15d and 175 B18d balut eggs were analyzed for fat content and FA composition by gas chromatography. Fat content was highest in the yolk (29.59%), followed by the embryo (1.63%) and negligible in both albumen and fluid portions. The major FAs with the highest proportion by weight of total FAs in the solid components of balut were oleic acid C18:1n-9 (20.7%–43.8%), palmitic acid C16:0 (12.0%–24.5%), stearic acid C18:0 (2.7%–8.9%), and linoleic acid C18:2n-6 (3.5%–6.9%). The fluid portion was dominated by arachidonic acid C20:4n-6 (18.8%), trans-vaccenic acid C18:1n-7 (17.6%), oleic acid (9.0%), and palmitic acid (8.3%). Total saturated FAs (SFA) were higher in the embryo than in the yolk. However, monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA) were higher in the yolk than in the embryo. Total SFA was higher, while total MUFA and PUFA were lower in B15d balut than those in B18d balut. Since SFAs are considered unhealthy compared to MUFAs and PUFAs, the yolk from B18d balut produced by Kayumanggi-IP ducks appears to have greater health benefits due to its lower atherosclerotic and thrombotic potential and higher health-promoting index and hypocholesterolemic/ hypercholesterolemic ratio.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of refractive error in 5- to 17-year-old schoolchildren in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A quantitative descriptive study of 2867 children aged 5 to 17y from all seven educational regions of Puerto Rico was conducted from 2016–2019. Refractive error was determined via static and subjective refraction. Children with distance acuity ≤20/40 or near visual acuity ≤20/32 had a cycloplegic refraction. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, Kruskal?Wallis, Chi-square, and t test calculations. RESULTS: Twenty percent of the children had a spherical equivalent refractive error ≤ -0.50 D, 3.2% had a spherical equivalent ≥ +2.00 D, and 10.4% had astigmatism ≥1 D. There was a statistically (but non-clinically) significant myopic change in spherical equivalent refractive error with age (P

Decentralized cooperative resource allocation schemes for robotic swarms are essential to enable high reliability in high throughput data message exchanges. These cooperative schemes require control signaling to avoid half-duplex problems at the receiver and mitigate interference. We propose two cooperative resource allocation schemes, device sequential and group scheduling, and introduce a control signaling design. We observe that failure in the reception of these control signals leads to non-cooperative behavior and to significant performance degradation. The cause of these failures is identified, and specific countermeasures are proposed and evaluated through extensive system level simulations. The key performance indicators are data message reliability and the packet inter-reception metric. As our main reference, we compare the proposed resource allocation schemes against the NR sidelink mode 2 resource allocation, and show that despite signaling has a significant impact on resource allocation performance, our proposed device sequential and group scheduling resource allocation schemes improve reliability by an order of magnitude compared to sidelink mode 2.

This study analyzes the impact of interactive technologies on the motivation and engagement of university students in online courses. Through a systematic literature review and a comparative analysis of existing technologies, 64 articles published between 2020 and 2024 were examined. The results reveal a significant increase in student motivation (23%) and knowledge retention (31%) with the use of these tools. Augmented reality stands out with a mean effect size of 0.67 on academic performance. The bibliometric analysis shows a concentration of research in countries such as Spain, Colombia and China, suggesting the need for more diverse studies. Challenges such as the digital divide and lack of teacher training were identified, with 42% of teachers reporting difficulties in implementation. The findings underline the transformative potential of interactive technologies in online higher education, but emphasize the importance of a holistic approach that considers technical, pedagogical and socioeconomic aspects. It is recommended to invest in teacher professional development, promote equitable access policies and encourage research in diverse educational contexts to maximize the benefits of these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in rates of habitat loss requires an understanding of how biodiversity is distributed. Campo rupestre is an old, climatically buffered, and infertile landscape located in Brazil. Considered a biodiversity hotspot, the campo rupestre is mainly threatened by mining activity that requires a large operating area. Campo rupestre is known for its restricted distribution area and high abiotic heterogeneity, which modulates species coexistence and richness. To recognise the association between habitat type and plant communities, we propose to describe the floristic composition of herbaceous and shrub components in four habitats of the campo rupestre comprising quartzite and ferruginous substrate. We classified habitat types by the main surface soil features. In each habitat, we sampled ten 100-m2 plots to access information on the shrub and ten 1-m2 plots for the herbaceous component. Altogether we sampled 153 species, belonging to 38 families. The cluster analysis ordered by Sorensen metric indicates a clear distinction of species composition in the shrub component in the four habitats. However, the floristic composition of the herbaceous component was similar between the four habitats but showed a distinction when contrasting with the substrate type. Our results highlight the local taxonomic distinction between habitat types and substrates, indicating that the ecological distinction among substrate types of the campo rupestre cannot be overlooked in conservation and restoration actions.

High throughput, low latency, and high reliability in proximity communications for swarm robotics can be achieved using decentralized cooperative resource allocation schemes. These cooperative schemes minimize the occurrence of half-duplex problems, reduce interference, and allow a significant increase in the achievable swarm density, but requires additional signaling overhead, which makes them potentially more prone to performance degradation under realistic operation conditions. These conditions include both data, signaling, and their interdependence evaluated jointly. The negative impact of the signaling errors requires incorporating enhancement techniques to realize the full potential of the cooperative schemes. Particularly, in this paper and for this purpose, we evaluate the effects of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), link adaptation by aggregation (LAAG) and beam selection by using directional antennas in the cooperative schemes, and compare performance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) NR sidelink mode 2 (including signaling) using the same techniques. Additionally, we include a comparison of the required number of control signals between sidelink mode 2 inter-UE coordination (IUC) and cooperative schemes, and introduce a decentralized rebel sub-mode behavior in our group scheduling scheme to further improve the performance at the 99.99 percentile. The simultaneous use of all these enhancement techniques in our cooperative schemes considerably reduces the impact of signaling errors and thereby increases the supported swarm size compared to sidelink mode 2.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our objective is to establish a proteomic protein labeling method from tumor tissue and blood samples obtained from patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer in Puerto Rico. Our goal is to discover potential biomarkers in the patient tumor/blood samples that are not expressed in normal control samples obtained from potential organ donors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A pilot study with ten patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer will obtain tumor tissue and blood samples. Protein extracts isolated from tissue/cells will be reduced, alkylated, and digested overnight. Samples will be labeled with TMT reagents and mixed before fractionation and cleanup. Labeled samples will be analyzed with a high-resolution Orbitrap LC-MS/MS before data analysis to identify peptides and quantify the reporter ions. The altered proteins will be analyzed by ELISA to confirm their presence. The protein arrangements will be compared with results from proteomic profile banks to assess their prevalence. As controls, parallel protein analyses will be performed on normal tissue/blood samples from organ donors, facilitated by our local organ procurement organization. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate finding proteogenomic material defining PC and new proteomic subtypes not previously described in this population. In addition, studying protein overexpression and underexpression can identify relevant genes and potential biomarkers. We hypothesize that PC in the Hispanic population will show slight variations in tumor protein expression than in other populations, which could lead to the discovery of a new Hispanic-specific biomarker. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We expect to provide essential information that will influence the next steps in developing future screening tests. Identifying specific proteins with the potential to become a preventive test should eventually lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality of PC. The results of this work should lay the foundation that can guide future research.

Margaritaria nobilis L.f. (Phyllanthaceae), a native Brazilian tree occurring mainly in the Amazon, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of abscesses (bark) and cancer-like symptoms (leaves). The present study evaluates the safety of its acute oral administration and its effects on nociception and plasma leakage. The chemical constitution of the leaf’s ethanolic extract is determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS. Its acute oral toxicity is evaluated in female rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, evaluating the occurrence of deaths and Hippocratic, behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes, as well as food and water consumption and weight gain. Antinociceptive activity is evaluated in male mice with acetic-acid-induced peritonitis (APT) and formalin (FT) tests. An open field (OF) test is performed to verify possible interferences in the animals’ consciousness or locomotion. LC-MS analysis shows the presence of 44 compounds classified as phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids and O-glycosylated derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannins. No deaths or significant behavioral, histological, or biochemical changes are observed in the toxicity assessment. In nociception tests, M. nobilis extract significantly reduces abdominal contortions in APT, demonstrating selectivity for inflammatory components (FT second phase), not interfering in neuropathic components (FT first phase) or consciousness and locomotion levels in OF. Additionally, M. nobilis extract inhibits plasma acetic-acid-induced leakage. These data demonstrate the low toxicity of M. nobilis ethanolic extract, as well as its effectiveness in modulating inflammatory nociception and plasma leakage, possibly related to the flavonoids and tannins present in its composition.

Education stands as the bedrock of individual growth and a defining force in shaping a nation’s identity. Serving as a fundamental pillar for societal advancement, it emerges as a paramount investment for cultivating a golden generation marked by prosperity, health, and equitable communities. In the expansive landscape of global education, Indonesia boasts one of the largest systems, with a resolute commitment from the government evident in high budget allocations. However, despite these endeavors, Indonesia grapples with challenges, reflected in its low international education ranking, currently standing at 6th from the bottom. This study meticulously explores the core challenges embedded in the Indonesian educational system. Using bibliometric analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the authors scrutinized 367 high-quality articles from the Scopus database spanning from August 2000 to 2023. The findings reveal 12 central issues, including curriculum dynamics, persistent educational inequalities, teacher shortages, infrastructure limitations, the specter of corruption, escalating dropout rates, and more. These insights guide policymakers, educators, and researchers committed to navigating and transforming Indonesia’s educational landscape toward a brighter future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In addition to their well characterized role in cellular energy production, new evidence has revealed the involvement of mitochondria in diverse signaling pathways that regulate a broad array of cellular functions. The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) encodes essential components of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway whose expression must be coordinated with the components transcribed from the nuclear genome. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with disorders including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, yet the role of the complex interactions between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes are poorly understood. Results Using a Drosophila model in which alternative mtDNAs are present on a common nuclear background, we studied the effects of this altered mitonuclear communication on the transcriptomic response to altered nutrient status. Adult flies with the ‘native’ and ‘disrupted’ genotypes were re-fed following brief starvation, with or without exposure to rapamycin, the cognate inhibitor of the nutrient-sensing target of rapamycin (TOR). RNAseq showed that alternative mtDNA genotypes affect the temporal transcriptional response to nutrients in a rapamycin-dependent manner. Pathways most greatly affected were OXPHOS, protein metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. A distinct set of testis-specific genes was also differentially regulated in the experiment. Conclusions Many of the differentially expressed genes between alternative mitonuclear genotypes have no direct interaction with mtDNA gene products, suggesting that the mtDNA genotype contributes to retrograde signaling from mitochondria to the nucleus. The interaction of mitochondrial genotype (mtDNA) with rapamycin treatment identifies new links between mitochondria and the nutrient-sensing mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling pathway.

BackgroundEpidemiological and experimental studies have shown a protective effect of helminth infections in weight gain and against the development of metabolic dysfunctions in the host. However, the mechanisms Treg cells exert in the helminth-obesity interface has been poorly investigated. The present study aimed to verify the influence of Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in early stages of high fat diet-induced obesity.Principal findingsThe presence of infection was able to prevent exacerbated weight gain in mice fed with high fat diet when compared to non-infected controls. In addition, infected animals displayed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity-associated inflammation was reduced in the presence of infection, demonstrated by lower levels of leptin and resistin, lower infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells in adipose tissue, higher expression of IL10 and adiponectin, increased infiltration of Th2 and eosinophils in adipose tissue of infected animals. Of note, the parasite infection was associated with increased Treg frequency in adipose tissue which showed higher expression of cell surface markers of function and activation, like LAP and CD134. The infection could also increase adipose Treg suppressor function in animals on high fat diet.ConclusionThese data suggest that H. polygyrus modulates adipose tissue Treg cells with implication for weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world. Smell and/or taste disorders have emerged as a very frequent symptom as the disease has spread in Europe. Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of infections. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical progression of smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19. Methods: An online survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of patients who presented sudden smell and/or taste disorders during the 2 months of total lockdown due to COVID-19 in Spain. Results: In our sample, 91.18% of respondents with impaired smell and/or taste and who were able to undergo PCR testing were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anosmia and ageusia presented in isolation in 6.5% of participants. The remaining 93.5% presented other mild symptoms: headache (51.6%), cough (51.6%), myalgia (45.2%), asthaenia (38.7%), nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea (35.5%), fever (41.9%), low-grade fever (29.0%), odynophagia (25.8%), or diarrhoea (6.5%). The mean duration of anosmia was 8.33 days, with patients subsequently manifesting hyposmia; complete resolution occurred after a mean of 17.79 days. In 22.6% of respondents, olfactory deficits persisted. All participants recovered their sense of taste. Conclusions: Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in mild COVID-19. Most patients do not present associated nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea and a small group of patients present these alterations in isolation. Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19), se ha expandido con gran rapidez en todo el mundo. Las alteraciones del olfato y/o gusto han emergido como un síntoma muy frecuente a medida que la enfermedad se propagó en Europa. Uno de los países con mayor número de contagios en este continente ha sido España. Objetivo: Investigar la evolución clínica de los trastornos del olfato y el gusto en la enfermedad leve por COVID-19 en pacientes españoles. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a través de encuesta on‐line, en pacientes que presentaron afección súbita del olfato y/o el gusto, durante los dos meses de confinamiento total por COVID-19 en España. Resultados: El 91,18% de los sujetos con afectación del olfato y/o el gusto, que tuvieron a acceso a la realización de PCR, fueron positivos para COVID-19. El 6,5% presentó anosmia y ageusia de forma aislada. El 93,5% manifestó otros síntomas leves asociados: cefalea (51,6%), tos (51,6%), mialgias (45,2%), astenia (38,7%), congestión nasal o rinorrea (35,5%), fiebre (41,9%), febrícula (29,0%), odinofagia (25.8%) y diarrea (6,5%). La duración media de la anosmia fue de 8,33 días, posteriormente los pacientes manifestaron hiposmia, con resolución completa en 17,79 días de media. En el 22,6% de los pacientes el déficit olfatorio persistió. Todos los sujetos recuperaron el sentido del gusto. Conclusiones: Los trastornos olfativos y gustativos son síntomas prevalentes en la infección leve por COVID-19. Gran parte de los pacientes no presentan congestión nasal o rinorrea asociada y un grupo reducido de pacientes los presentan de forma aislada.

Helicoverpa zea is a major target pest of Bt crops expressing Cry and/or Vip3Aa proteins in the U.S.A. Widespread practical resistance of H. zea to the Cry1 and Cry2 proteins makes Vip3Aa the only effective Bt protein against this pest. Understanding the frequency of resistance alleles against Vip3Aa in field populations of H. zea is crucial for resistance management and the sustainability of Vip3Aa technology. Using a modified F2 screen method by crossing susceptible laboratory female moth with feral male moth of H. zea, we successfully screened a total of 24,576 neonates from 192 F2 families of H. zea collected from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee during 2019–2020. We found five F2 families containing ≥3rd instar survivors on the diagnostic concentration of 3.0 µg/cm2 Vip3Aa39. Dose-response bioassays confirmed the high levels of Vip3Aa resistance in these F2 families, with an estimated resistance ratio of >909.1-fold relative to the susceptible strain. The estimated resistance allele frequency against Vip3Aa in H. zea for these four southern states is 0.0155 with a 95% CI of 0.0057–0.0297. These data should provide critical information for understanding the risks of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea and help design appropriate resistance management strategies for the sustainability of the Vip3Aa technology.

Background. Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide. Previous studies have associated antimicrobial use with allergies, but the real impact of antibiotics on asthma is still elusive. We investigated the potential impact of amoxicillin (Amox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and metronidazole (Metro) in a murine model of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation. Methods. BALB/c mice received three cycles of 7 days of antibiotics in drinking water followed by 7 days washout and were sensitized i.p. with OVA/Alum at days 0 and 14. After the end of the last antibiotic washout, the mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA. Pulmonary parameters were evaluated, and serum, BAL, and feces were collected for analysis. Results. Amox- and TMP/SMX-treated animals displayed more severe allergic airway inflammation parameters with increased airway hyperresponsiveness, reduced lung alveolar volume, and increased levels in BAL of IL-4 and IL-6. In contrast, Metro-treated mice showed preserved FEV-50, decreased lung inflammation, and higher levels of butyrate and propionate in their feces. Metro treatment was associated with increased OVA-specific IgA in serum. BAL microbiota was abundant in allergic groups but not in nonallergic controls with the Amox-treated group displaying the increased frequency of Proteobacteria, while Metro and TMP/SMX showed increased levels of Firmicutes. In the gut, we observed the enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila associated with reduced airway inflammation phenotype in the Metro group, even after the recovery period. Conclusion. Our data suggest that different antibiotic treatments may impact the course of experimental allergic airway inflammation in diverse ways by several mechanisms, including modulation of short-chain fat acids production by intestinal microbiota.

Background: The coexistence of cervical cancer and pelvic organ prolapse represents a rare clinical scenario. Small cell neuroendocrine histology likewise represents only 0.9–1.5% of all invasive cervical cancers. There is no consensus regarding the optimal management of patients with concomitant locally advanced cervical cancer and pelvic organ prolapse. Case summary: The patient was a 32-year old woman with an 8-cm fungating cervical mass extruding from the introitus. Biopsy was consistent with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Examination showed stage IIIC1r cervical cancer with stage IV pelvic organ prolapse. After manual reduction, a pessary was used to optimize target volume reproducibility during definitive chemoradiation. The patient was treated using cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy with intensity modulated radiation therapy followed by intracavitary brachytherapy. The patient had no clinical evidence of disease and recurrence of symptomatic prolapse one year after treatment completion. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of a cervical neuroendocrine carcinoma in a prolapsed uterus, and the youngest patient in literature to have concomitant cervical cancer and pelvic organ prolapse. The use of a pessary for optimizing target volume reproducibility during definitive chemoradiation is a viable option in managing this rare case scenario.

This study aimed to develop an interactive mobile application based on augmented reality (IMoART), which could contribute to reshaping the learning paradigm in computer hardware courses. The IMoART application employs a marker-based tracking method. Accessible on smartphones, it integrates into the learning process, is attractive to students, and fosters engagement as users can visualize hardware through 3D objects. The application serves as an alternative and supplementary learning tool to make the educational experience more enjoyable while potentially reducing school expenditures. The results of the development process, which involved using the 4D model (define, design, develop, and disseminate), showed that the IMoART application is effective, with notable feasibility scores of 3.68 for the media aspect and 3.81 for the material aspect, as evaluated by media and subject matter experts. User responses from teachers and students further support the positive outcomes of the IMoART application, achieving a robust practicality score of 84.68%. Noteworthy aspects such as ease of navigation, clarity, aesthetic features, and instructional quality demonstrate high practicality. This study contributes significantly to the literature by presenting an evaluated model that offers an enjoyable and efficient learning experience using 3D objects, videos, images, simulations, and interactive animations in the context of computer hardware learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents a reliability-based calibration of partial safety factors for Brazilian codes used in the design of concrete structures. The work is based on reliability theory, which allows an explicit representation of the uncertainties involved in terms of resistances and loads. Regarding the resistances, this study considers beams with concrete of five classes (C20, C30, C40, C50 and C60), three ratios between base and effective depth (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75), three longitudinal reinforcement ratios (ρmin, 0.5% and ρmax) and three transverse reinforcement ratios ( A s s m i n, 5 . A s s m i n and A s s m a x). In terms of loads, this work considers seven ratios between live loads and permanent loads (qn/gn), and seven ratios between wind loads and permanent loads (wn/gn). The study also adopts a single value for the target reliability index (βtarget = 3.0). Results show that the optimized set of partial safety factors leads to more uniform reliability for different design situations and load combinations.

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress from glutathione depletion in critically ill patients with a septic shock through the abnormal presence of pyroglutamic acid (PyroGlu) in the urine (indirectly) and through its serum level (directly). Methods This was a prospective analytical study of 28 critically ill patients with a septic shock who were monitored from admission (initial) to 3 days of stay (final) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data collected included PyroGlu and glutamic acid (Glu) using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity with a colorimetric assay. The differences in Glu, PyroGlu, and GPX activity between the septic shock group and healthy control group serving as reference values were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney test. The correlations between Glu, PyroGlu, and GPX activity and clinical outcomes were determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results In patients with septic shock, serum and urine PyroGlu levels were higher, erythrocyte GPX activity/gr Hb was lower, and urine Glu levels were lower compared to healthy control reference values, for both initial and final values. Initial serum Glu levels were also lower. Serum PyroGlu levels had a correlation with both initial and final serum Glu levels; levels also correlated in the urine. Initial serum Glu correlated with the days of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.016) and the days of ICU stay (P = 0.05). Urine Glu/mg creatinine correlated with APACHE II (P = 0.030). This positive correlation observed for serum Glu was not observed for PyroGlu. Conclusions The current study found that septic patients have higher levels of PyroGlu, lower levels of Glu, and lower erythrocyte GPX activity, suggesting that these biomarkers could be used as an indicator of glutathione depletion. In addition, Glu is related to severity parameters. This study can guide future studies on the importance of monitoring the levels of pyroglutamic acidosis in critical patients with septic shock in order to preserve the oxidative status and its evolution during the stay in the ICU.

Silicon photonics enables the fabrication of optical devices with standard semiconductor processing technology. With high transparency and modal confinement, Si has matured into a well-established infrared optical material. Nanostructured silicon has been studied extensively due to its optical properties, especially silicon nanowires due to the myriad of available fabrication techniques, the broad range of physical dimensions, and the resulting optical characteristics. In this study, we fabricate silicon nanowires using a wet chemical process and modify their absorptive properties via atomic layer deposition passivation. The passivated nanowires absorb 95% of light from the visible to infrared, with a minimal angular dependence, making them excellent candidates for broadband absorber applications.

Margaritaria nobilis is a shrubby species widely distributed in Brazil from the Amazon to the Atlantic Rainforest. Its bark and fruit are used in the Peruvian Amazon for disinfecting abscesses and as a tonic in pregnancy, respectively, and its leaves are used to treat cancer symptoms. From analyses via UHPLC-MS/MS, we sought to determine the chemical profile of the ethanolic extract of M. nobilis leaves by means of putative analyses supported by computational tools and spectral libraries. Thus, it was possible to annotate 44 compounds, of which 12 are phenolic acid derivatives, 16 are O-glycosylated flavonoids and 16 hydrolysable tannins. Among the flavonoids, although they are known, except for kaempferol, which has already been isolated from this species, the other flavonoids (10, 14, 15, 21, 24–26, 28–30, 33–35, 40 and 41) are being reported for the first time in the genus. Among the hydrolysable tannins, six ellagitannins present the HHDP group (6, 19, 22, 31, 38 and 43), one presents the DHHDP group (5), and four contain oxidatively modified congeners (12, 20, 37 and 39). Through the annotation of these compounds, we hope to contribute to the improved chemosystematics knowledge of the genus. Furthermore, supported by a metric review of the literature, we observed that many of the compounds reported here are congeners of authentically bioactive compounds. Thus, we believe that this work may help in understanding future pharmacological activities.

Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) is a primary absorber material used in most infrared (IR) detection technologies. Our previous studies show that the optical absorbance profile of MCT in the mid-infrared region can be enhanced by 13% under ambient conditions via integrating periodic Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) nanostructures. Here, we focus on the geometrical parameterization and optimization of ITO nanostructure arrays. We simulate several types of geometries, their corresponding effective absorption profiles, E-field distribution, and optimal geometric parameters. This work may lead to improved light collection and absorption edge engineering, as MCT continues to be the material of choice in IR detection architectures.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated from a rhesus macaque in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947. Isolated cases were reported until 2007, when the first major outbreaks of Zika infection were reported from the Island of Yap in Micronesia and from French Polynesia in 2013. In 2015, ZIKV started to circulate in Latin America, and in 2016, ZIKV was considered by WHO to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to cases of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a ZIKV-associated complication never observed before. After a peak of cases in 2016, the infection incidence dropped dramatically but still causes concern because of the associated microcephaly cases, especially in regions where the dengue virus (DENV) is endemic and co-circulates with ZIKV. A vaccine could be an important tool to mitigate CZS in endemic countries. However, the immunological relationship between ZIKV and other flaviviruses, especially DENV, and the low numbers of ZIKV infections are potential challenges for developing and testing a vaccine against ZIKV. Here, we discuss ZIKV vaccine development with the perspective of the immunological concerns implicated by DENV-ZIKV cross-reactivity and the use of a controlled human infection model (CHIM) as a tool to accelerate vaccine development.

Abstract This paper presents a study of the conformity of structural concrete blocks manufactured and used in masonry construction in Brazil. It is based on compressive strength tests, on dimensional analysis and absorption tests of over six thousand samples from three classes (A, B and C) and two modular sizes (M-15 and M-20). National results show that blocks tend to have an estimated compressive strength higher than specified, except blocks from class A. Regional results show that blocks manufactured in the northeast (NE) are consistently non-conforming, for all block classes. The study also shows that dimensional variations and absorption tests results are within code tolerances.

Over the years, educational institutions have faced significant difficulties in the teaching process at all educational levels, due to lack of motivation, concentration, attention, and confidence, among other aspects. In this sense, information and communication technologies can be the answer to transform educational models. One of the most promising and accessible technologies in recent years is mobile augmented reality (MAR), which allows students to visualize content through a mobile device combining the real environment with a virtual environment, providing an interactive and digital vision of the physical world in real time. The appropriate use of digital technologies in early childhood and primary education can promote socialization, comprehension, learning, language development, attention, and other educational benefits. However, due to the novelty of this technology, there is limited research and a gap in the literature on the use of MAR at these educational levels. This research work, through systematic mapping, aims to give an overview of how AR and mobile devices have been used in the last decade, which academic areas have benefited from the use of this innovative academic approach, and the main benefits and problems of using this technology in early and primary education. The findings are encouraging and show that AR technology, together with mobile devices, can be used to support the teaching of science, mathematics, reading, language, geography, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catastrophic Zika virus outbreak in the Americas has affected millions of persons. Brazil was the most affected country and reported [approximately equal to] 95% of all cases of suspected [...]

Evolution of resistance by pests can reduce the benefits of crops genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Because of the widespread resistance of Helicoverpa zea to crystalline (Cry) Bt toxins in the United States, the vegetative insecticidal protein Vip3Aa is the only Bt toxin produced by Bt corn and cotton that remains effective against some populations of this polyphagous lepidopteran pest. Here we evaluated H. zea resistance to Vip3Aa using diet bioassays to test 42,218 larvae from three lab strains and 71 strains derived from the field during 2016 to 2020 in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Relative to the least susceptible of the three lab strains tested (BZ), susceptibility to Vip3Aa of the field-derived strains decreased significantly from 2016 to 2020. Relative to another lab strain (TM), 7 of 16 strains derived from the field in 2019 were significantly resistant to Vip3Aa, with up to 13-fold resistance. Susceptibility to Vip3Aa was significantly lower for strains derived from Vip3Aa plants than non-Vip3Aa plants, providing direct evidence of resistance evolving in response to selection by Vip3Aa plants in the field. Together with previously reported data, the results here convey an early warning of field-evolved resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea that supports calls for urgent action to preserve the efficacy of this toxin.

Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) is the premier active material used in infrared (IR) detection technology. The most recent work related to the improvement of MCT-based detectors is associated with reducing the s/n ratio, and increasing the operating temperature without compromising performance. However, little has been done in manipulating the Electric field intensity near the absorber region of the device. Our numerical studies show that the absorption profile of MCT in the mid-infrared can be enhanced by integrating metal oxide nanostructures. This work may improve the dynamic range and sensitivity of infrared detectors capable of operating in multiple detection windows.

Doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapy drug successfully used in the therapy of various types of cancer, is currently associated with the mucositis development, an inflammation that can cause ulcerative lesions in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain and secondary infections. To increase the safety of the chemotherapy, we loaded DOX into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The NLC–DOX was characterized by HPLC, DLS, NTA, Zeta potential, FTIR, DSC, TEM and cryogenic-TEM. The ability of NLC–DOX to control the DOX release was evaluated through in vitro release studies. Moreover, the effect of NLC–DOX on intestinal mucosa was compared to a free DOX solution in C57BL/6 mice. The NLC–DOX showed spherical shape, high drug encapsulation efficiency (84.8 ± 4.6%), high drug loading (55.2 ± 3.4 mg/g) and low average diameter (66.0–78.8 nm). The DSC and FTIR analyses showed high interaction between the NLC components, resulting in controlled drug release. Treatment with NLC–DOX attenuated DOX-induced mucositis in mice, improving shortening on villus height and crypt depth, decreased inflammatory parameters, preserved intestinal permeability and increased expression of tight junctions (ZO-1 and Ocludin). These results indicated that encapsulation of DOX in NLCs is viable and reduces the drug toxicity to mucosal structures.

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 impacted the entire world, but technological progress led to the appearance of new and innovative emerging technologies (ETs). These technologies proved to have a wide potential for use as support in education, but being a new technology, certain complications arose when it came to their application in the educational model. Nowadays, there are many digital technologies, so it is necessary to identify those that can be used in today's education. Digital technologies have been implemented in all types of sectors, one of them being education, and the use of these technologies translates into significant improvements in educational processes and learning outcomes. Despite this, there is currently little research on the use of ETs as a support in the academic process. This research uses systematic mapping (SM) of the last 5 years, together with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to identify the use and acceptance of ETs in higher education. For the SM, a keyword search string was used in three scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore). To apply the UTAUT, a survey was conducted with 120 students on the acceptance of ETs as support in higher education. The results obtained indicate that ETs provide some optimization of educational processes, with greater immersion and application of knowledge when using technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mobile learning. Likewise, ETs can motivate students, allowing them to reach new academic and professional achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversas especies de roedores se encuentran con frecuencia en los sitios arqueológicos del norte de Tierra del Fuego. Sin embargo, discriminar las vías de incorporación en los contextos arqueofaunísticos y su potencialidad resulta una tarea ardua. La identificación de aquellos restos que ingresaron por acción antrópica o por agentes naturales resulta necesaria para poder inferir el rol que tuvieron en la subsistencia humana. En este trabajo se estudian los restos de roedores del sitio arqueológico Las Vueltas 1 (Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina), donde representan el segundo taxón más abundante en la muestra. Se identificaron un total de 2191 elementos esqueletarios; 1488 corresponden al caviomorfo Ctenomys magellanicus y 703 a representantes de la familia Cricetidae, con al menos 4 especies. La interpretación tafonómica efectuada sugiere un origen múltiple; buena parte del material parece haber ingresado por la acción acumuladora de aves rapaces y cánidos y también por incorporación natural a través de muerte en madrigueras. No obstante y aunque en menor grado, hay evidencias de consumo y descarte antrópico en C. magellanicus.

The presence of denatured proteins within a therapeutic drug product can create a series of serious adverse effects, such as mild irritation, immunogenicity, anaphylaxis, or instant death to a patient. The detection of protein degradation is complicated and expensive due to current methods associated with expensive instrumentation, reagents, and processing time. We have demonstrated here a platform for visual biosensing of denatured proteins that is fast, low cost, sensitive, and user friendly by exploiting the plasmonic properties of noble metal nanoparticles. In this study we have exposed artificially heat stressed ferritin and gold nanoparticles to 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, which degrades the protein by showing a systematic blue shift in the absorbance spectra of the gold nanoparticle/ferritin and aminosilane solution. This blue shift in absorbance produces a detectable visual color transition from a blue color to a purple hue. By studying the Raman spectroscopy of the gold nanoparticle/ferritin and aminosilane solution, the extent of ferritin degradation was quantified. The degradation of ferritin was again confirmed using dynamic light scattering and was attributed to the aggregation of the ferritin due to accelerated heat stress. We have successfully demonstrated a proof of concept for visually detecting ferritin from horse spleen that has experienced various levels of degradation, including due to heat stress.

The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is a major pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize and cotton in the U.S. Reduced efficacy of Bt plants expressing Cry1 and Cry2 against H. zea has been reported in some areas of the U.S. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence and ear damage of H. zea on transgenic Bt maize expressing Cry proteins or a combination of Vip3A and Cry proteins in the field in Texas in 2018. We found that the occurrence of H. zea larvae and the viable kernel damage area on the ear were not different between non-Bt maize and Bt maize expressing Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ab+Cry1F proteins. A total of 67.5% of the pyramided Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A was damaged by 2nd⁻4th instar larvae of H. zea. Diet bioassays showed that the resistance ratio against Vip3Aa51 for H. zea obtained from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize was 20.4 compared to a field population collected from Cry1F+Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 maize. Leaf tissue bioassays showed that 7-day survivorship on WideStrike3 (Cry1F+Cry1Ac+Vip3A) cotton leaves was significantly higher for the H. zea population collected from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize than for a Bt-susceptible laboratory population. The results generated from this study suggest that H. zea has evolved practical resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the sustainable use of the Vip3A technology in Bt maize and cotton.

This article presents a review in relation to the object of study: Communications Management as an important factor in the management of projects. The review includes the most relevant and most renowned authors in the field of project management, focusing on telecommunications projects, which lets you define a communications management model.

Carbon nanotube yarns are micron-scale fibers comprised by tens of thousands of carbon nanotubes in their cross section and exhibiting piezoresistive characteristics that can be tapped to sense strain. This paper presents the details of novel foil strain gauge sensor configurations comprising carbon nanotube yarn as the piezoresistive sensing element. The foil strain gauge sensors are designed using the results of parametric studies that maximize the sensitivity of the sensors to mechanical loading. The fabrication details of the strain gauge sensors that exhibit the highest sensitivity, based on the modeling results, are described including the materials and procedures used in the first prototypes. Details of the calibration of the foil strain gauge sensors are also provided and discussed in the context of their electromechanical characterization when bonded to metallic specimens. This characterization included studying their response under monotonic and cyclic mechanical loading. It was shown that these foil strain gauge sensors comprising carbon nanotube yarn are sensitive enough to capture strain and can replicate the loading and unloading cycles. It was also observed that the loading rate affects their piezoresistive response and that the gauge factors were all above one order of magnitude higher than those of typical metallic foil strain gauges. Based on these calibration results on the initial sensor configurations, new foil strain gauge configurations will be designed and fabricated, to increase the strain gauge factors even more.

The total mercury concentrations in bangus or milkfish (Chanos chanos Forskal), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and galunggong or round scad (Decapterus spp.) purchased from a local market in Metro Manila from 5 August to 20 October 2004 were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The ranges of total mercury concentrations observed from about 30 composite test samples for each fish species were 0.0060 to 0.015 mg kg-1 (wet weight) for bangus, 0.0041 to 0.017 mg kg-1 (wet weight) for tilapia and 0.014 to 0.05 mg kg-1 (wet weight) for galunggong. Risk assessment for neurological effects associated with the consumption of the fish species with the highest concentration of mercury (0.05 mg kg-1 for galunggong) was done. The calculated daily dose of total mercury of 0.06 µg d-1 kg-1 body weight indicates that consumption of any one or any combination of bangus, tilapia, and galunggong sold in Nepa-Q-Mart from August 5 to October 20 in 2004 does not entail risk of adverse neurological effects.