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Background It is unclear whether chronically training close to volitional failure influences motor unit recruitment strategies during fatigue. Purpose We compared resistance training to near volitional failure vs. non-failure on individual motor unit action potential amplitude (MUAP) and surface electromyographic excitation (sEMG) during fatiguing contractions. Methods Nineteen resistance-trained adults (11 males, 8 females) underwent 5 weeks (3×/week) of either low repetitions-in-reserve (RIR; 0–1 RIR) or high RIR training (4–6 RIR). Before and after the intervention, participants performed isometric contractions of the knee extensors at 30% of maximal peak torque until exhaustion while vastus lateralis sEMG signals were recorded and later decomposed. MUAP and sEMG excitation for the vastus lateralis were quantified at the beginning, middle, and end of the fatigue assessment. Results Both training groups improved time-to-task failure (mean change = 43.3 s, 24.0%), with no significant differences between low and high RIR training groups (low RIR = 28.7%, high RIR = 19.4%). Our fatigue assessment revealed reduced isometric torque steadiness and increased MUAP amplitude and sEMG excitation during the fatiguing task, but these changes were consistent between groups. Conclusion Both low and high RIR training improved time-to-task failure, but resulted in comparable motor unit recruitment during fatiguing contractions. Our findings indicate that both low and high RIR training can be used to enhance fatiguability among previously resistance-trained adults.

Abstract Limited research exists examining how resistance training to failure affects applied outcomes and single motor unit characteristics in previously trained individuals. Herein, resistance‐trained adults (24 ± 3 years old, self‐reported resistance training experience was 6 ± 4 years, 11 men and 8 women) were randomly assigned to either a low‐repetitions‐in‐reserve (RIR; i.e., training near failure, n = 10) or high‐RIR (i.e., not training near failure, n = 9) group. All participants implemented progressive overload during 5 weeks where low‐RIR performed squat, bench press, and deadlift twice weekly and were instructed to end each training set with 0–1 RIR. high‐RIR performed identical training except for being instructed to maintain 4–6 RIR after each set. During week 6, participants performed a reduced volume‐load. The following were assessed prior to and following the intervention: (i) vastus lateralis (VL) muscle cross‐sectional area (mCSA) at multiple sites; (ii) squat, bench press, and deadlift one‐repetition maximums (1RMs); and (iii) maximal isometric knee extensor torque and VL motor unit firing rates during an 80% maximal voluntary contraction. Although RIR was lower in the low‐ versus high‐RIR group during the intervention (p

Antibody-mediated rejection is a major cause of graft failure, mortality, and morbidity among cardiac transplant recipients. We present the first reported case of TandemHeart (LivaNova, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) used in the management of antibody-mediated rejection associated with cardiogenic shock. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Palmaria decipiens (Reinsch) R.W.Ricker is a ecologically important red seaweed restricted to high latitudes of the southern hemisphere. Here, we contribute to the bioinformatics and evolutionary systematics of the Palmariales by performing high throughput sequencing analysis on a specimen of P. decipiens from the western Antarctic Peninsula. The P. decipiens mitogenome is 26,645 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 49 genes (GenBank accession MN967053) and the plastid genome is 193,007 bp and contains 245 genes (GenBank accession MN967052). The mitogenome and plastid genome of P. decipiens are similar to P. palmata from Japan in pairwise genetic distances (93.71% and 98.14%, respectively), and P. palmata from the Maine, USA (87.45% and 94.57%, respectively). The genomes of P. decipiens showed high gene synteny with P. palmata, however several tRNA differences are documented. Organellar genome content and phylogenetic analyses of P. decipiens supports its placement in the genus Palmaria.

Abstract Parkinson’s disease, an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, is characterised by nigrostriatal pathway dysfunction caused by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain. Human in vitro models are enabling the study of the dopaminergic neurons’ loss, but not the dysregulation within the dopaminergic network in the nigrostriatal pathway. Additionally, these models do not incorporate aging characteristics which potentially contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Here we present a nigrostriatal pathway model based on midbrain-striatum assembloids with inducible aging. We show that these assembloids can develop characteristics of the nigrostriatal connectivity, with catecholamine release from the midbrain to the striatum and synapse formation between midbrain and striatal neurons. Moreover, Progerin-overexpressing assembloids acquire aging traits that lead to early neurodegenerative phenotypes. This model shall help to reveal the contribution of aging as well as nigrostriatal connectivity to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease.

The generitype Lessonia flavicans Bory is an endemic and important kelp from Sub-Antarctic Magellanic ecoregion that shows affinity to extreme salinity, temperature, and photoperiod conditions. Genomic analysis of L. flavicans from Rinconada Bulnes, Punta Arenas, Chile, resulted in the assembly of its organellar genomes. The L. flavicans complete mitogenome is 37,226 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 66 genes (GenBank accession number MN561186), the complete plastid genome is 130,085 bp and has 173 genes (MN561187) and the data assembled 8205 bp of the nuclear ribosomal cistron (MN561188). The organellar genomes are similar in structure and content to L. spicata (Suhr) Santelices and other Laminariales.

El cultivo de palta (Persea americana) no solo es esencial desde el punto de vista económico, sino que también desempeña un papel crucial en la alimentación, la salud y el bienestar de las poblaciones en todo el mundo. El estudio se realizó en Ayacucho-Perú (latitud: 12° 53’ 57’’ S, longitud: 74° 16’ 55’’ O y altitud: 2596 msnm), con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la utilización del sistema de riego tecnificado por goteo en la producción y rendimiento de dos variedades de palta, Hass y Fuerte. El estudio estuvo basado en el uso de un sistema de riego con programación por tratamiento con plantas de palta instaladas en parcelas de 500 m² en 6 sectores, con una densidad de 5 x 5 m, cuya edad estuvo entre 5 a 16 años, de las cuales se consideró 12 plantas (6 plantas con riego por goteo y 6 plantas como testigo con riego por gravedad). Los riegos se efectuaron justo en la etapa de floración y producción garantizando el suministro de agua adecuado en periodos de déficit hídrico, entre febrero a junio de 2022. La cosecha realizada reporto rendimientos 67,96 ± 8,8 t/ha bajo riego tecnificado y de 26,42 ± 4,93 t/ha en riego por gravedad, siendo un incremento del 157% con respecto a este último. En cuanto a las variedades, la palta Fuerte tuvo el mayor rendimiento 49,38 ± 23,06 t/ha con respecto a la variedad Hass (45,0 ± 21,14 t/ha), el rendimiento máximo se dio con riego por goteo para a variedad Fuerte (71,09 ± 8,38 t/ha), esto es explicado por el gasto de energía en el potencial de ajuste osmótico la cual disminuye drásticamente el potencial de rendimiento con riego tradicional por gravedad, obteniendo un rendimiento mínimo en Hass de 25,18 ± 4,44 t/ha.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) for comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has had mixed results. We integrated CBTI with a positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence program and tested effects on sleep and PAP use. 125 veterans (mean age 63.2, 96% men, 39% non-Hispanic white, 26% black/African American, 18% Hispanic/Latino) with comorbid insomnia and newly-diagnosed OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15) were randomized to 5-weekly sessions integrating CBTI with a PAP adherence program provided by a "sleep coach" (with behavioral sleep medicine supervision), or 5-weekly sleep education control sessions. Participants and assessment staff were blinded to group assignment. Outcomes (baseline, 3 and 6 months) included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 7-day sleep diary (sleep onset latency [SOL-D], wake after sleep onset [WASO-D], sleep efficiency [SE-D]), 7-day actigraphy (SE-A), and objective PAP use (hours/night and nights ≥ 4 h). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire-10 (FOSQ-10) were also collected. Compared to controls, intervention participants showed greater improvement (baseline to 3 and 6 months, respectively) in PSQI (-3.2 and -1.7), SOL-D (-16.2 and -15.5 minutes), SE-D (10.5% and 8.5%), SE-A (4.4% and 2.6%) and more 90-day PAP use (1.3 and 0.9 more hours/night, 17.4 and 11.3 more nights PAP ≥ 4 h). 90-day PAP use at 3 months was 3.2 and 1.9 h/night in intervention versus controls. Intervention participants also had greater improvements in ISI, ESS, and FOSQ-10 (all p < 0.05). An intervention integrating CBTI with a PAP adherence program delivered by a supervised sleep coach improved sleep and PAP use in adults with comorbid insomnia and OSA. ClinicalTrials.govStudy name: Novel Treatment of Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea in Older VeteransURL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT02027558&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=Registration: NCT02027558.

By Markov jump systems (MJSs) modeling, this article investigates event-triggered asynchronous fault detection (FD) for quarter-car suspension system (QCSS) via zonotopic residual evaluation (RE). To save communication resources, a stochastic dynamic event-triggered scheme (DETS) is developed to transmit necessary sampled signals while considering deception attacks (DAs) during signal transmission. By means of the hidden Markov model (HMM) with partially accessible mode information, the asynchronization phenomenon between the original system and the FD filter (FDF) as well as the event generator is fully characterized. In such a framework, a mixed $l_{1}/H_{\infty }$ asynchronous FDF design criterion is derived to guarantee the resultant residual system is sensitive to system fault while being robust to amplitude-bounded exogenous disturbances and measurement noise. Compared with existing results, the proposed approach avoids the mode synchronization limitation and the requirement of ideally known probability information in the transformed probability matrix and conditional probability matrix, and thus can be better applied to practical engineering while covering some previous works as special cases. Moreover, for the first time, a novel zonotope-based dynamic threshold evaluation approach is developed for FD in MJSs instead of the traditional constant threshold scheme for RE. Such an algorithm is designed to effectively avoid inappropriate human empirical threshold selection, which can both shorten the FD time and avoid false alarms hence ensuring satisfactory FD performance. Finally, a quarter-car suspension system is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design strategy.

The sources and nature of organic carbon on Mars have been a subject of intense research. Steele et al. (2012) showed that 10 martian meteorites contain macromolecular carbon phases contained within pyroxene- and olivine-hosted melt inclusions. Here, we show that martian meteorites Tissint, Nakhla, and NWA 1950 have an inventory of organic carbon species associated with fluid-mineral reactions that are remarkably consistent with those detected by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. We advance the hypothesis that interactions among spinel-group minerals, sulfides, and a brine enable the electrochemical reduction of aqueous CO2 to organic molecules. Although documented here in martian samples, a similar process likely occurs wherever igneous rocks containing spinel-group minerals and/or sulfides encounter brines.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a recognized complication of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). In 2015, the World Health Organization reported 2.2 million new cases of nonbacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB; some of these patients probably had undiagnosed CPA. In October 2016, the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections convened an international expert panel to develop a case definition of CPA for resource-constrained settings. This panel defined CPA as illness for >3 months and all of the following: 1) weight loss, persistent cough, and/or hemoptysis; 2) chest images showing progressive cavitary infiltrates and/or a fungal ball and/or pericavitary fibrosis or infiltrates or pleural thickening; and 3) a positive Aspergillus IgG assay result or other evidence of Aspergillus infection. The proposed definition will facilitate advancements in research, practice, and policy in lower- and middle-income countries as well as in resource-constrained settings.

We examined whether baseline self-reported physical activity is associated with the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in older veterans. Community-dwelling veterans aged 60 years and older with insomnia received CBT-I in a randomized controlled trial. Participants who received active treatment were divided into low and high physical activity based on self-report. Sleep outcomes were measured by sleep diary, questionnaire and wrist actigraphy; collected at baseline, post-treatment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Mixed-effects models compared differences between physical activity groups in change in sleep outcome from baseline to each follow-up, and equivalence tests examined if physical activity groups were clinically equal. There were no significant differences in sleep outcomes between physical activity groups. Equivalence tests suggested possible equality in physical activity groups for five of seven sleep outcomes. Efficacy of CBT-I in older veterans was not associated with self-reported physical activity at baseline. Older adults with insomnia who report low levels of physical activity can benefit from CBT-I.

This research presents the results of a project called “PHYRON: Cognitive Computing for the creation of an innovative Intelligence Experience Center”, funded by the Basque Government (Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment Department). The project started in April 2019 and it will end in December 2021. Its main objective was to arrange an industrial research about cognitive computing. The main aim was the application of these systems for the development of an Intelligent Experience Center (IExC) to facilitate: i) enrichment of processes, products and services, in general client experiences, ii) automatic generation of technical predictions related to the product and the client behaviour through the exploitation of acquired knowledge, and iii) rationalization and automation of the processes that are involved in the after sale services both at technical and management level. The technological outcome presented in this paper is built using cognitive engines to enable learning from the client experience, and predictive models to anticipate client necessities.

Study objectiveTo test the effectiveness of a 4-week behavioral Sleep Intervention Program (SIP: sleep compression, modified stimulus control, and sleep hygiene) compared to a 4-week information-only control (IC) among older adults attending a VA Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program in a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial.MethodsForty-two individuals (mean age: 77 years, 93% male) enrolled in a VA ADHC program were randomized to receive SIP or IC. All completed in-person sleep and health assessments at baseline, post-treatment and 4-months follow-up that included 3 days/nights of wrist actigraphy, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Mixed repeated measures analysis was used to compare sleep outcomes at post-treatment and 4-months follow-up, with baseline values as covariates.ResultsSIP participants (n = 21) showed significant improvement on actigraphy sleep efficiency (p = .007), number of nighttime awakenings (p = .016), and minutes awake at night (p = .001) at post-treatment, compared to IC participants (n = 21). Benefits were slightly attenuated but remained significant at 4-month follow-up (all p's < .05). There were no differences in total sleep time between groups. There was significant improvement on PSQI factor 3 (daily disturbances) at 4-month follow-up (p = .016), but no differences were observed between SIP and IC on other PSQI components or ISI scores at post-treatment or 4-month follow-up.ConclusionsA short behavioral sleep intervention may have important benefits in improving objectively measured sleep in older adults participating in ADHC. Future studies are needed to study implementation of this intervention into routine clinical care within ADHC.

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable biopolymers of microbial origin that can be alternative materials to decrease the extensive use of plastics of petrochemical or synthetic origin. Thus, the selection of microorganisms with potential for PHA production from unexplored natural sources is a strategy to find bacterial species of high value. In the current study, 55 microbial strains related to bacteria were isolated from agricultural soils from Cascas, Peru. Initially, 4 strains were selected by Sudan Black B staining and Nile blue A fluorescence methods, subsequently, they were screened to examine its production capacity of PHA. Bacillus thuringiensis SP7-1 strain was selected based on its high production of PHA at 0.54 ± 0.16 g/L with an accumulation of 19 % by weight of cell biomass, during 72 h at 30 ºC. The isolate was characterized by its morphology, biochemical and molecular tests through the 16S rRNA gene. The extracted PHA was characterized quantitatively by HPLC and qualitatively by FT-IR. Its thermal properties were determined by TGA and DSC, revealing a thermal degradation temperature of up to 270-303 ºC and a melting temperature of 166.88 °C. Therefore, Bacillus thuringiensis SP7-1 can be used as a model system for the production of PHA with efficient thermal stability, and optimize its performance in future research, as well as being applied in obtaining of molded bioplastics.

ObjectivesThe aims of the study were to determine whether mild, occult sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) moderates the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) in older adults and to explore whether CBTI reduces the number of patients eligible for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.MethodsData were analyzed for 134 adults 60 years or older with insomnia and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of less than 15 who were randomized to a larger study of CBTI versus a sleep education control. Sleep outcomes (sleep onset latency, total wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were compared between CBTI and control at 6 months using repeated-measures analysis of variance adjusted for baseline values. AHI of 5 or greater versus less than 5 was included as an interaction term to evaluate changes in sleep outcomes. The number of participants at baseline and 6 months with mild SDB for whom insomnia was their only other indication for PAP was also compared between CBTI and control.ResultsAHI status (AHI ≥ 5 [75.5% of participants] versus AHI < 5) did not moderate improvements in sleep associated with CBTI (all p values ≥ .12). Nine (45.0%) of 20 participants with mild SDB for whom insomnia was their only other indication for PAP therapy at baseline no longer had another indication for PAP at 6 months, with no significant difference between CBTI and control.ConclusionsCBTI improves sleep in older veterans with insomnia and untreated mild SDB. Larger trials are needed to assess whether CBTI reduces the number of patients with mild SDB eligible for PAP.

Abstract Background There are approximately 72,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Peru. Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most important factor for therapeutic failure and the development of resistance. Peru has achieved moderate progress in meeting the 90-90-90 targets, but only 60% of PLHIV receiving ART are virally suppressed. The purpose of this study was to understand ART adherence in the Peruvian context, including developing sociodemographic and clinical profiles, evaluating the clinical management strategies, and analyzing the relationships between the variables and adherence of PLHIV managed at a regional HIV clinic in Lambayeque Province (Northern Peru). Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 180 PLHIV adults, non-randomly but consecutively selected with self-reported ART compliance (78.2% of the eligible population). The PLHIV profile (PLHIV-Pro) and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) were used to collect sociodemographic information, clinical variables, and data specific to ART adherence. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed with the Mann–Whitney test, Chi square test, and Yates correction. Results The 180 PLHIV sample included 78.9% men, 49.4% heterosexual, 45% with a detectable HIV-1 viral load less than 40 copies/ml, 58.3% not consistently adherent, and only 26.1% receiving Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Efavirenz. Risk factors significant for non-adherence included concurrent tuberculosis, discomfort with the ART regime, and previous pauses in ART. Multivariate analysis of nested models indicated having children is a protector factor for adherence. Conclusions Self-reported adherence appeared to be low and the use of first-line therapy is not being prescribed homogeneously. Factors associated with nonadherence are both medical and behavioral, such as having tuberculosis, pausing ART, or experiencing discomfort with ART. The Peruvian government needs to update national technical standards, monitor medication availability, and provide education to health care professionals in alignment with evidence-based guidelines and international recommendations. Instruments to measure adherence need to be developed and evaluated for use in Latin America.

In this Special Issue entitled Atopic Dermatitis: New Perspectives, we have tried to collect research of special interest related mainly to the incorporation of pathophysiological aspects and therapeutic novelties in this regard [...]

Abstract Introduction We tested how tube types (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA], serum, lithium heparin [LiHep], and citrate) and freeze–thaw cycles affect levels of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology, glial activation, and neuronal injury. Methods Amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau181 (p‐tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein, total tau (t‐tau), neurofilament light, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein were measured using single molecule arrays. Results LiHep demonstrated the highest mean value for all biomarkers. Tube types were highly correlated for most biomarkers (r > 0.95) but gave significantly different absolute concentrations. Weaker correlations between tube types were found for Aβ42/40 (r = 0.63–0.86) and serum t‐tau (r = 0.46–0.64). Freeze–thaw cycles highly influenced levels of serum Aβ and t‐tau (P 3 should be avoided for p‐tau181.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease characterized by an abnormal activation of lung epithelium and fibroblasts, as well as an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Pirfenidone was introduced as a therapeutic option for IPF and chronic hypersensitive pneumonitis (cHP), a related disease. However, high plasma concentrations, which can be achieved even at recommended doses, are frequently associated with adverse events. Hence, an extended release formulation (XP), yielding lower peak plasma concentrations, has been developed. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of XP with those of the immediate (IR) formulation in patients with IPF or cHP. Data were analyzed using two pharmacokinetic approaches, conventional non compartmental analysis and a population analysis using the nonlinear mixed effects model technique. Results observed with both approaches were consistent. Drug exposure was similar with both formulations. However, XP exhibited less concentration fluctuations and a longer mean resident time. These results suggest that XP could be a feasible option to reduce adverse events associated to pirfenidone elevated concentrations. Nevertheless, efficacy studies are required to fully document the therapeutic potential of XP.

Skin is damaged in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Age is also believed to have a negative effect on epidermal barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate skin barrier function changes with age in AD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 162 participants, 81 AD patients and 81 healthy volunteers. Skin barrier function parameters, such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, temperature, stratum corneum hydration (SCH), pH, and elasticity, were evaluated. Healthy volunteers were evaluated on the volar forearm. AD patients were measured on two regions: on an eczematous lesion on the volar forearm and on a non-involved area 5 cm from the affected area. TEWL was lower on healthy skin than uninvolved AD skin (9.98 vs. 25.51 g·m−2·h−1, p < 0.001) and AD eczematous lesions (9.98 vs. 28.38 g·m−2·h−1, p < 0.001). SCH was lower on AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin (24.23 vs. 39.36 AU, p < 0.001) and healthy skin (24.23 vs. 44.36 AU, p < 0.001). Elasticity was lower on AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin (0.69 vs. 0.74, p = 0.038) and healthy skin (0.69 vs. 0.77, p = 0.014). A negative correlation was found between age and elasticity in all the population (r = −0.383, p < 0.001). This correlation was stronger in AD patients (r = −0.494, p < 0.001) than in controls (r = −0.266, p = 0.092). After conducting a linear regression model in AD patients adjusted by age, sex, and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), it was found that elasticity was impaired by an increasing age (β = −0.004, p < 0.001) and a higher SCORAD (β = −0.003, p < 0.001). The skin barrier function is impaired by age and AD, reflected mainly in poor elasticity values in older AD patients.

Abstract Background BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations confer a substantial breast risk of developing breast cancer to those who carry them. For this reason, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended that all women be screened in the primary care setting for a family history indicative of a mutation, and women with strong family histories of breast or ovarian cancer be referred to genetic counseling. However, few high-risk women are being routinely screened and fewer are referred to genetic counseling. To address this need we have developed two decision support tools that are integrated into clinical care. Method This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial of high-risk patients and their health care providers. Patient-provider dyads will be randomized to receive either standard education that is supplemented with the patient-facing decision aid, RealRisks, and the provider-facing Breast Cancer Risk Navigation Toolbox (BNAV) or standard education alone. We will assess these tools’ effectiveness in promoting genetic counseling uptake and informed and shared decision making about genetic testing. Discussion If found to be effective, these tools can help integrate genomic risk assessment into primary care and, ultimately, help expand access to risk-appropriate breast cancer prevention options to a broader population of high-risk women. Trial registration This trial is retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03470402: 20 March 2018.

Computational modelling has been widely used in the geotechnical field to represent soil behaviour in real problems. Most commercial programmes use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to compute stresses and deformations distributions in soils, as observed in Plaxis software. In this method, choosing an appropriate constitutive model is fundamental to obtaining accurate results. However, most models built in commercial software do not consider effects such as overconsolidation and structure, observed for natural soils with structure. The Structured Sub-Loading Cam Clay (SSLCC) model is recommended to represent this behaviour. This article aims to describe a practical methodology to code the SSLCC model to represent the behaviour of structured soils. The model was implemented in Plaxis by the User-Defined Soil Model feature and validated with experimental data of consolidation and drained and undrained triaxial tests performed for different soils. The model implemented presents good performance and can be used in the FEM interface. The methodology described can also be used to introduce any constitutive model in Plaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some Network Meta-analysis (NMA) has been published regarding atopic dermatitis (AD). These studies have considered drugs under investigation both in monotheraphy or in combination with topical corticosteroids, as well as systemic immunosuppressant therapies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological agents and small molecules in AD. Methods: A systematic review and NMA of biologics agents and small molecules in AD was performed. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for clinical trials and systematic reviews between January 2000 and 19 December 2020. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. It was limited to English language and adult human subjects. Two networks were evaluated: monotherapy and combination with TCS. The two primary outcomes were Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 75 and EASI 90 change from baseline to week 12–16, depending on source study cut-off. The Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool 2011 update was used to analyze the risk of bias, focused on the primary objectives. Results: 30 RCTs (included in 26 publications) were included in the systematic review. Finally, 23 RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis (14 RCTs including 3582 patients in monotherapy; and 9 RCTs including 3686 patients with TCS). In monotherapy, a higher percentage of patients achieving EASI-75 was obtained with Upadacitinib 30 mg [OR: 18.90 (13.94; 25.62)] followed by Abrocitinib 200 mg [OR = 11.26 (7.02; 18.05)] and Upadacitinib 15 mg [OR: 10.89 (8.13; 14.59)]. These results were also observed in studies where the use of topical corticosteroid (TCS) was allowed (OR Upadacitinib 30 mg = 9.43; OR Abrocitinib 200 mg = 6.12; OR Upadacitinib 15 mg = 5.20). Regarding IGA, the percentage of patients achieving IGA0/1 was higher with both doses of Upadacitinib 30 mg [OR: 19.13 (13.14; 27.85)] and 15 mg [OR = 10.95 (7.52; 15.94). In studies where the use of TCS were allowed, however, the dose of Abrocitinib 200 mg [OR = 6.10 (3.94; 9.44)] showed higher efficacy than Upadacitinib 15 mg [OR = 5.47 (3.57; 8.41)]. Regarding safety, the drugs with the highest probability of presenting adverse effects were the Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors, Upadacitinib and Abrocitinib in monotherapy and Baricitinib in combination with TCS. Discussion: Some risks of bias have been found, which must be taken into account when interpreting the results. The funnel plot shows a possible publication bias that may underestimate the efficacy of drugs. Upadacitinib and Abrocitinib are the drugs with the highest efficacy, both in monotherapy and in association with TCS. However, they were also those associated with the highest risk of adverse effects, showing monoclonal antibodies better safety profile. Limitations: We have included molecules still in the development phase as well studies completed and presented at conferences and with data available in Trialsgov® but not published yet. Several molecules’ development had included a small number of patients from 12 to 17 years of age, without being able to differentiate the results from the adult population. Other: Founding: None. PROSPERO database registration number CRD42021225793.

Breast milk contains representatives of the microbiota which affect not only the health of child but also the condition of mammary glands in breastfeeding women both in the short and long term. In fact, dysbiosis of the breast milk microbiota caused by the mother’s body dysfunction as well as exposure to microbial and health factors, often contributes to the development of acute, subacute or subclinical mastitis. The pathology frequently results in the cessation of breastfeeding. Antibiotic resistance, ability to form biofilms, iron binding capacity, as well as the impact on the host’s immune response, are the common features of today’s bacterial pathogens (mainly staphylococci, streptococci and corynebacteria) which may also cause mastitis. This explains why people may become immune to antibiotic therapy, and why the development of new approaches in mastitis treatment using probiotics is becoming very attractive. Some strains of lactobacilli isolated from milk have already demonstrated high efficacy in the prevention and treatment of mastitis in lactating women.

La investigación se fundamentó en el compostaje del material vegetal de humedales artificiales, puestos en marcha en un proyecto piloto de tratamiento de aguas residuales para la Quebrada Mi Padre de Jesús ubicada a los alrededores de la Facultad de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, realizado en el año 2010. Teniendo en cuenta que estos residuos vegetales, terminan su vida útil en los humedales y no tienen algún uso específico, se generó una alternativa de aprovechamiento de estos residuos, en la producción de compost o abono orgánico. Surge entonces la necesidad de encontrar un método que haga posible su notable reducción, transformación y aprovechamiento de tal manera que se genere un impacto positivo en el ámbito ambiental, económico, social y sanitario. En este caso el compostaje se empleó como técnica para la biodegradación de los residuos vegetales de las especies Buchón de Agua (Eichhornia crassipes), Buchón Cucharita (Limnobium laevigatum.) y Junco (Schoenoplectus californicus), transformándolos en un abono orgánico; de igual forma se biodegradaron residuos vegetales de plaza de mercado, que fueron recolectados de la Plaza de mercado de Paloquemao ubicada en la ciudad de Bogotá, empleando la misma técnica con el propósito de tener un punto comparativo en la calidad final de los abonos, con respecto a lo estipulado en la norma NTC 5167 cuarta actualización, referente a parámetros químicos, físicos, microbiológicos con los que deben cumplir los abonos generados a partir de residuos orgánicos de origen animal y vegetal.