Search

Background: Shortened femoral stems aim to mimic the biomechanical performance of traditional stems while preserving more bone and minimizing soft tissue damage. Our objective is to assess the outcomes of patients treated with a shortened stem (Furlong Evolution, JRI Orthopaedics, Sheffield, UK) to analyze the implant's efficacy and survivorship. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all patients aged 18 to 70 undergoing uncemented shortened stem total hip replacement at Hospital del Mar between 2010 and 2018. Hip function and pain were assessed with the Merle d'Aubigné–Postel scale and visual analog scale, respectively. A radiographic analysis measured stem and cup orientation, leg length discrepancy, stem subsidence, and radiolucencies around the cup. Perioperative complications, prosthetic failures, and reoperations were documented. Results: A total of 109 patients (74 male, 35 female) of a mean age of 51.8 ± 8.8 years were included. The average follow-up was 91 ± 17.4 months. Radiographically, 71 (65.1%) of the stems had been inserted at the appropriate angulation (±3°), and 102 (93.6%) of the cups had been placed in the Lewinnek safety zone. Leg length discrepancy was observed in 19 (17.4%) cases. The mean Merle d'Aubigné–Postel score improved from 13.1 ± 1.39 preoperatively to 17.8 ± 0.49 at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Merle d'Aubigné–Postel subscales also reflected a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001). The mean pain score 12 months postoperatively was 0.52 ± 1.22, with 95.4% of patients declaring themselves satisfied or highly satisfied. The expected 13-year survival according to a Kaplan–Meier analysis was 100% in the absence of infection and 91.3% if revision for any cause is taken as a survival endpoint. Conclusions: The shortened stem under analysis provides excellent functional results and long-term survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the end of the Eighteenth-Century, the printer Isidoro Hernández Pacheco requested to reprint an old astrological prognostication by Diego Torres Villarroel. The Council of Castile censor delivered an overwhelming denial, showing the change of politics towards almanacs, widely tolerated until 1767. Actually, Pacheco intended to print a plagiarism, attributing to Torres a mocking prognostication by Francisco Robles. We study this case in its various ramifications, including posthumous reception of Torres Villarroel' work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of adipose tissue has received considerable attention due to its importance not just in maintaining body energy homeostasis but also in playing a role in a number of other physiological processes. Beyond storing energy, adipose tissue is important in endocrine, immunological, and neuromodulatory functions, secreting hormones that participate in the regulation of energy homeostasis. An imbalance of these functions will generate structural and functional changes in the adipose tissue, favoring the secretion of deleterious adipocytokines that induce a pro-inflammatory state, allowing the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and even some types of cancer. A common theme worldwide has been the development of professional guidelines for the control and treatment of obesity, with emphasis on hypocaloric diets and exercise. The aim of this review is to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity, considering the relationship among adipose tissue and two aspects that contribute positively or negatively to keeping a healthy body homeostasis, namely, exercise and noninfectious diseases. We conclude that the relationship of these aspects does not have homogeneous effects among individuals. Nevertheless, it is possible to establish some common mechanisms, like a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers in the case of exercise, and an increase in chronic inflammation in non-communicable diseases. An accurate diagnosis might consider the particular variables of a patient, namely their molecular profile and how it affects its metabolism, routines, and lifestyle; their underling health conditions; and probably even the constitution of their microbiome. We foresee that the development and accessibility of omics approaches and precision medicine will greatly improve the diagnosis, treatment, and successful outcomes for obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extrapulmonary manifestations of coronavirus-19 disease are becoming increasingly evident. Cases of ischaemia or necrosis of the adrenal glands following SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respiratory tract have been reported, with clinical manifestations compatible with glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and adrenal androgen deficiency. Clinical case: We present the case of a patient with no history of adrenal pathology or glucocorticoid use with a clinical diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency, 21 days after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Immunohistochemistry performed on the patient's adrenal gland confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen in the adrenocortical parenchyma. Conclusion: The primary adrenal insufficiency in this case was a consequence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection that adversely affected the adrenal cortex. Being a rare extrapulmonary complication of COVID-19, having an appropriate clinical threshold of suspicion allows early initiation of medical management, decreasing the likelihood of developing a fatal outcome in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monogamous mating system, where a male and a female constitute the reproductive unit and share the parental care, predominates among bird reproductive strategies. However, there are also other mating systems with diverse parental care roles which may have implications for population breeding success and be relevant for their management and conservation. We evaluated the family group structure of the Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristat a) in La Pampa province of central Argentina. During the 2020–2021 breeding season we carried out 280 bird surveys to search for the presence of Yellow Cardinals. We registered 87 individuals (11 solitary individuals, 12 pairs, two males together, and 13 family groups). Most family groups corresponded to the typical monogamous structure, but two family groups (8%) were composed of two adult males, an adult female and at least a juvenile. We also explored 1646 Yellow Cardinal records at citizen science platforms and none of them included a family group with more than two adults. Even so, it would be feasible to release seized groups of two males together, to promote breeding success. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the causes of the presence of extra males and their incidence on the breeding performance of this globally endangered species. This may help to understand its natural history and for planning management and conservation actions. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) is a simple and powerful non‐parametric machine learning algorithm that automatizes the selection of non‐linear terms in regression models. In this study, we propose using MARS in a spatial regression framework to account for potential non‐linearities and spatial effects in spatial regression models. Using a relatively large data set of 17,000 dwellings in St. Petersburg (Russia), we examine how this algorithm works. The empirical evidence shows that most explanatory variables in the spatial regression model—including the spatial lag of the dependent variable—have a non‐linear impact on the asking prices of dwellings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the physical activity engagement (PA) has given rise to a relevant research agenda in a wide range of fields, such as its close relationship with subjective well-being, self-perceived health and social capital. Previous evidence has identified interrelationships among these variables, but without considering different levels of physical activity. We have thus considered three levels of activity: light (walking), moderate and vigorous. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is undertaken on data from Spain's National Health Survey in 2011–2012 to analyse these interrelationships. The SEM shows a simultaneous and bidirectional relationship between different levels of PA (moderate and vigorous activities) and happiness, with a more robust association stemming from happiness to PA than vice versa. This relationship is mediated through health. From a policy perspective, this implies a virtuous circle: involvement in different levels of PA increases happiness and self-perceived health, while happiness involves higher PA and subsequent positive increases in health and happiness. Nevertheless, this virtuous circle does not always run successfully when social capital is considered to mediate the relationship between PA and happiness, which might explain why it has proven to be very difficult for health policymakers to fight against inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle within a great part of the population. Highlights We investigate bidirectional interrelationships between different levels of physical activity (PA) and happiness. We consider the mediation role played by self-perceived health (SPH) and social capital. Our results highlight a network of association between different levels of PA, SPH, social capital and happiness. SPH positively mediates this relationship for any type of PA level, whereas social capital only mediates positively when vigorous PA is developed. From a health policy perspective, the simultaneity between PA levels and happiness implies a virtuous circle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM) borns by the philantropic vision of Federico Santa María. It is in Valparaíso, but it also has presence in Santiago and Concepción. The internationalization of Chilean universities is high in the case of research, however, the physical presence of Chilean universities in another country it is almost nil. This article proposes the internationalization of UTFSM in Cuyo region (Mendoza Province, San Juan Province and San Luis Province), based on the historical relation between Chile and Argentina, even before the independent process. It is concluded that there are different ways to achieve this internationalization such as the opening of campus or academic exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have witnessed a considerable progress in research aimed at merging transition metal catalysis with chemical and cell biology. Therefore, a crescent number of metal‐catalyzed transformations have been shown compatible with biological media and even with living settings. Of the different transition metals used to build these biocompatible catalysts, ruthenium has demonstrated to be particularly powerful, in part because the resulting complexes exhibit a very good balance between reactivity and biological stability. Indeed, ruthenium complexes have demonstrated utility to promote a great variety of reactions in biologically relevant contexts, from deprotection and redox processes to cycloadditions or photocatalytic transformations. Many of these reactions may enable the development of new type of biological tools and pharmacological strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In non-well differentiated thyroid cancer, the rate of nodal involvement is variable and depends on the histology of the tumor. We aim to highlight the opinions of several experts from different parts of the world on the current management of the less common types of thyroid cancer to provide a consensus on the treatment of regional lymphatics for these entities. The rate of lymph node involvement is variable and depends on the histology of the tumor. Within undifferentiated tumors', there is an established consensus on the treatment of anaplastic carcinoma, medullary carcinoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid. However, treatment of other rarer tumors must be individualized, taking into account both the aggressiveness of the histology and the anatomical distribution of the disease. In general, prophylactic treatment of the neck is not indicated. Lymph node metastases in non-well differentiated thyroid cancer (non-WDTC) are common, both in the central compartment (levels VI and VII) and in the lateral neck (Levels II to V). Nodal metastases negatively affect prognosis and should be treated to maximize locoregional control while minimizing morbidity. In non-WDTC, the rate of nodal involvement is variable and depends on the histology of the tumor. For medullary thyroid carcinomas, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, the high frequency of lymph node metastases makes central compartment dissection generally necessary. In mucoepidermoid carcinomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, sarcomas, and malignant thyroid teratomas or thyroblastomas, central compartment dissection is less often necessary, as clinical lymphnode involvement is less common. We aim to summarize the medical literature and the opinions of several experts from different parts of the world on the current philosophy for managing the neck in less common types of thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical resection or radiotherapy (RT) are standard approaches for early-staged hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC). Transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS) seems to provide good oncological and functional results with few local complications. The aim of our study was to analyze the outcomes of TOLMS, with or without neck dissection or RT, in the treatment of HPSCC in a tertiary referral center. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in patients with early T-category (T1–T2) HPSCC treated by TOLMS. Results: A total of 34 patients were included in the study. The series includes 17 (50%) T1 and 17 (50%) T2 classified tumors. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 51% and 66%, respectively, with a 5-year local control rate of 92%. All patients reassumed oral diet and none of them had a tracheostomy at the end of the follow-up. Conclusions: TOLMS offers an effective treatment option in terms of oncologic control and function preservation in locally circumscribed HPSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing the energy transition, solar energy, whether thermal or electric, is currently one of the most viable alternatives, due to its technological maturity and its ease of operation and maintenance compared to other renewable energies. However, before its implementation, it is necessary to assess its potential. Remote sensing represents one of the low-cost solutions for solar energy assessment. Nevertheless, cloud cover is a main problem when validating the data. This study identifies satellite GHI profiles that cannot be used in energy production simulation. The validation is performed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. From the profile identified as invalid for simulation purposes, a site-adaptation methodology is proposed based on statistical learning using the machine learning algorithms "Best subset selection" and "Forward Stepwise Selection". Linear and non-linear heuristic models are also proposed. The final AS7 model is selected through RMSE, MBE and adjusted R2 indicators and is valid for any sky condition. The results show an increase in R2 from 0.607 to 0.876. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osmotic demyelination syndrome is a clinical entity which poses a diagnostic challenge because of its often-silent course and its clinical picture which typically presents late. We describe two types of osmotic demyelination that can occur in isolation or simultaneously: central pontine myelinosis and extrapontine myelinosis. Case report: 21-year-old female with no personal history with tonic-clonic seizure episode for the first time in her life. On admission she was found to have a decreased serum sodium level, for which reason intravenous sodium correction was started. He presented with persistent headaches and vomiting 48 hours after sodium correction, and a brain MRI was performed, which showed evidence of extrapontine myelinosis. Conclusion: Rapid correction of sodium levels is associated with the possibility of developing pontine myelinosis. Caution in correcting hyponatremia is the cornerstone in preventing the development of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate endodontic diagnostic is essential when making a therapy decision. Radiographic imagining acquisition methods (IAMs) are fundamental apical lesions of endodontic (ALE) origin diagnose tool. Thus, the aim of this research was to compare the simulated apical lesions (SALs) diagnose potential of digital intraoral radiography (DIR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), if there is a relationship between the IAMs, SALs-depth and their correct diagnose likelihood in human mandibular specimens' datasets. 1024 SALs were prepared in cancellous and cortical bone with different penetration depths. The SALs-stages were radiographed with CBCT and DIR. The IAMs were randomly evaluated by 16 observers in two trials. Possible SAL findings were analyzed according to a five-point scale. The null hypothesis established that SALs detection accuracy does not differ between CBCT and DIR. Significantly differences (first 0.935 and second trial 0.960) were found for the CBCT area under the curve when compared with the DIR (first 0.859 and second trial 0.862) findings. SALs of smaller size were earlier detected by CBCT. In SALs without cortical involvement the probability of detection increased from 90 to 100%. The SALs-depth had the highest detectability influence on cancellous bone lesions and CBCT SALs detectability was 84.9% higher than with DIR images. The CBCT diagnose reproducibility was higher than the one of DIR (Kappa CBCT 75.7–81.4%; DIR 53.4–57.1%). Our results showed that CBCT has a higher SALs IAM diagnosing accuracy and that SALs detection accuracy incremented as the SALs-size increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives It is widely acknowledged that the experience of pain is promoted by both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors such as engaging in physical activity (PA), and that pain-related cognitions are also important. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to test the association of 64 polymorphisms (34 candidate genes) and the gene–gene, gene–PA and gene–sedentary behaviour interactions with pain and pain-related cognitions in women with FM. Methods Saliva samples from 274 women with FM [mean (s. d.) age 51.7 (7.7) years] were collected for extracting DNA. We measured PA and sedentary behaviour by accelerometers for a week, pain with algometry and questionnaires, and pain-related cognitions with questionnaires. To assess the robustness of the results, a meta-analysis was also performed. Results The rs6311 and rs6313 polymorphisms (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A, HTR2A) were individually related to algometer scores. The interaction of rs4818 (catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT) and rs1799971 (opioid receptor μ gene, OPRM1) was related to pain catastrophizing. Five gene–behaviour interactions were significant: the interactions of sedentary behaviour with rs1383914 (adrenoceptor alpha 1A, ADRA1A), rs6860 (charged multivesicular body protein 1A, CHMP1A), rs4680 (COMT), rs165599 (COMT) and rs12994338 (SCN9A) on bodily pain subscale of the Short Form 36. Furthermore, the meta-analysis showed an association between rs4680 (COMT) and severity of FM symptoms (codominant model, P -value 0.032). Conclusion The HTR2A gene (individually), COMT and OPRM1 gene–gene interaction, and the interactions of sedentary behaviour with ADRA1A , CHMP1A , COMT and SCN9A genes were associated with pain-related outcomes. Collectively, findings from the present study indicate a modest contribution of genetics and gene–sedentary behaviour interaction to pain and pain catastrophizing in women with FM. Future research should examine whether reducing sedentary behaviour is particularly beneficial for reducing pain in women with genetic susceptibility to pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complexity imposed by all the attributes of the fracture network of many naturally fractured reservoirs, it has been observed that fluid flow does not necessarily represent a normal diffusion, i.e., Darcy's law. Thus, to capture the sub-diffusion process, various tools have been implemented, from fractal geometry to characterize the structure of the porous medium to fractional calculus to include the memory effect in the fluid flow. Considering infinite naturally fractured reservoirs (Type I system of Nelson), a spatial fractional Darcy's law is proposed, where the spatial derivative is replaced by the Weyl fractional derivative, and the resulting flow model also considers Caputo's fractional derivative in time. The proposed model maintains its dimensional balance and is solved numerically. The results of analyzing the effect of the spatial fractional Darcy's law on the pressure drop and its Bourdet derivative are shown, proving that two definitions of fractional derivatives are compatible. Finally, the results of the proposed model are compared with models that consider fractal geometry showing a good agreement. It is shown that modified Darcy's law, which considers the dependency of the fluid flow path, includes the intrinsic geometry of the porous medium, thus recovering the heterogeneity at the phenomenological level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the formalism needed to relate the finite-volume spectrum of systems of nondegenerate spinless particles has been derived. In this work we discuss a range of issues that arise when implementing this formalism in practice, provide further theoretical results that can be used to check the implementation, and make available codes for implementing the three-particle quantization condition. Specifically, we discuss the need to modify the upper limit of the cutoff function due to the fact that the left-hand cut in the scattering amplitudes for two nondegenerate particles moves closer to threshold; we describe the decomposition of the three-particle amplitude K df,3 into the matrix basis used in the quantization condition, including both s and p waves, with the latter arising in the amplitude for two nondegenerate particles; we derive the threshold expansion for the lightest three-particle state in the rest frame up to O (1/L5); and we calculate the leading-order predictions in chiral perturbation theory for K df,3 in the π+π+K+ and π+K+K+ systems. We focus mainly on systems with two identical particles plus a third that is different ("2+1" systems). We describe the formalism in full detail, and present numerical explorations in toy models, in particular checking that the results agree with the threshold expansion, and making a prediction for the spectrum of π+π+K+ levels using the two- and three-particle interactions predicted by chiral perturbation theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is a promising compound for chemical storage of renewable energy produced from non-continuous sources. However, the low reactivity of ammonia requires to use ammonia–hydrogen blends as a fuel for combustion applications. The present study corresponds to a first numerical assessment of the potential of ammonia–hydrogen–air mixtures as reactive mixtures for detonation engine applications. Both ideal and curved detonation models were employed to calculate the detonation properties, entropy production, and NOx production for mixtures with varying amounts of ammonia and hydrogen under a wide range of initial thermodynamics conditions. Interestingly, our calculations show that the entropy production and the amount of nitrogen oxides produced at the Chapman–Jouguet state respectively decreases and increases with the proportion of hydrogen in the ammonia–hydrogen blend. These aspects could have a great impact on engine efficiency and air pollution and should be considered with care. Our results also demonstrate that only mixtures with relatively low amounts of ammonia, i.e., X NH3 lower than 0.25 of the fuel blend, can be employed for detonation engine applications. • Only H2/NH3 blends with low quantities of ammonia are suitable for detonation engine applications. • Adding ammonia to hydrogen reduces the amount of NOx generated during a detonation. • Adding ammonia to hydrogen increases the amount of entropy generated during a detonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) has become a standard approach to primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) since described. Although intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) has been generalized as a complementary technique to MIVAP, its actual impact on the surgical success of this technique is not without controversy. The aim of this study was to describe our results in the management of pHPT with successful preoperative localization, by MIVAP technique, without IOPTH determination, confirming in a larger series our preliminary results. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in pHPT patients treated by MIVAP with no IOPTH determination in a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2019. Results: A total of 167 patients were included in the study. Biochemical cure was achieved in 96.4%, and 94.1% did not present any surgical complication. The mean duration of surgery was 61 min, and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.8 days Conclusions: In case of positive preoperative localization studies, MIVAP is a safe and effective technique for the surgical treatment of pHPT due to a parathyroid adenoma, regardless of IOPTH determination, with a success rate > 95% and a low complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of Bío-Bío is a chilean higher education institution, state-owned. There is no a study that measures the economic impact made by the University of Bío-Bío ans its different related persons in Bío-Bío Region. Therefore, using an approximation of the input-output matrix of the Bío-Bío Region for 2012, I estimate the impact that the University and the persons related to it make on the product of Bío-Bío Region. I find that the University contributes to the production of the región both directly and indirectly, totalling $483,049,705,595 for 2020, with wich I make a serie of propossals for the authorities of the University and the authorities of the education of the Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test an alternative proposal by Bruno and Hansen (J High Energy Phys 2021(6), https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP06(2021)043, 2021) to extract the scattering length from lattice simulations in a finite volume. For this, we use a scalar ϕ 4 theory with two mass nondegenerate particles and explore various strategies to implement this new method. We find that the results are comparable to those obtained from the Lüscher method, with somewhat smaller statistical uncertainties at larger volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a theoretical analysis of the condensation of combustion products in narrow gaps between planar plates is performed. The investigation is motivated by the empirical results shown by Veiga-López ["Flame propagation in narrow channels," Ph.D. thesis (Carlos III University of Madrid, 2020)] and the lack of a theoretical description directly applicable to them. In these experiments, he describes how discontinuous condensed water films appeared on the walls of the combustion chamber, forming dry/wet stripes parallel to the flame front at the products region. The formulation developed here is derived from a general approach for condensation, which is simplified considering the conditions of high-temperature combustion products. Notably, the liquid phase disappears from the system of equations, which exclusively contains the gaseous phase. The expressions resulting are analytical, simple, and easy to interpret. They allow us to understand qualitatively the effects of the main physical phenomena of the process, which is described by the interaction between heat exchange, mass transfer, the thermodynamic conditions, and the velocity of the combustion products. The construct is subsequently utilized to perform the numerical parametric studies, to analyze the influence of two main parameters of the problem: gap thickness and flame velocity. Despite the relative simplicity of the model, it predicts similar condensation–vaporization–condensation cycles to those observed at the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes factors of the development and diffusion of knowledge and innovation for technologies associated with direct uses of geothermal energy (DUGE) in Mexico, within the context of energy transition policies during the period 2008-2019. The Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) approach was employed for this analysis, given its usefulness in identifying the mechanisms that determine the development and diffusion of an emerging technology in a system. The analysis also involved the elaboration of two thematic models of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), the results of which showed that TIS for DUGE in Mexico is in a formative stage and is driven by science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in patients with cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS), characterizing this condition, both in its objective dimension and in terms of quality of life (QoL). Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed in 11 patients diagnosed of CANVAS. In all patients, clinical records were reviewed and the Eating assessment tool 10 (EAT-10) was performed as screening of oropharyngeal dysphagia. To evaluate the QoL impairment secondary to dysphagia, we applied the swallowing quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). To evaluate the deglutition mechanisms impaired, two objective-instrumental studies were performed: the volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) and the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Results: 82% of the patients presented an abnormal EAT-10 score. A correlation was found between the EAT-10 and MDADI and between both QoL questionnaires. After the FEES and V-VST analysis, all 11 patients presented some degree of swallow effectiveness impairment, and most of them safety alterations as well. Conclusion: CANVAS remains an underestimated and underdiagnosed condition and the prevalence of swallowing disorders in those patients is higher than expected. Despite the possibility that EAT-10 works as a useful screening test to predict the results in the QoL questionnaires, the absence of correlation between QoL test and instrumental results suggests that to properly evaluate the patients swallowing status, objective instrumental procedures must be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a context of a rise in physical inactivity, this paper aims to provide new insights about the relationship between different forms of sport engagements and their correlates, analysing, for the first time, both active and passive sport involvement for a large sample of individuals. Applying the cluster technique, we identify four different segments of sports involvement among the Spanish population: non-sporty, exclusively practitioner, balanced practitioner, and basically spectator. Also, we develop a multinomial logit model to analyse the main sociodemographic, physical, and sports features that could increase the individual sport involvement, from the non-sporty segment, which assembles the highest number of individuals, to the other clusters. Most of the variables under analysis show a different impact on sport involvement: some of them stimulate active participation (e.g. being member of private sport clubs), whereas others mainly encourage sport attendance (e.g. readers and listeners of sport news, children in the household), and other variables boost sport engagement in general (e.g. being male, educational level, health status, e-sports). The results may have significant implications in terms of developing a general perspective about sport engagement, including both active and passive participation. Particularly, our findings suggest that active and passive sport engagement do not seem to be negatively associated and they can coexist at different levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing population, there is growing concern for food security in urban areas. Though, urban gardening has gained popularity, several studies have found higher concentrations of contaminants in urban soils, especially heavy metals, often at toxic levels, which pose a potential risk for human health. Moreover, heavy metal polluted sites have been strongly associated with areas populated by low-income families, newcomers and racial minorities. In this study, heavy metals in the soils of community gardens in the city of Guelph, ON were examined as a case study and their relationship with vulnerable populations. We analyzed soil samples at two depths for a range of heavy metals and characterized their spatial patterns to see if they were related to disadvantaged communities. We estimated the pollution levels using two index-based approaches and assessed their potential risk for human health, although concentrations of most heavy metals were below the limits established by Canadian regulations, metals like Cd, Pb, Se and Zn exhibited a mild degree of pollution, whereas As exhibited a severe degree. Their association with vulnerable populations were weak, but hotspots were mainly located in low-income areas. This case study provides scientific evidence that could help to expand our understanding around the interconnection between pollution and poverty/racial inequality. Also the importance of generating strategies for the protection of human health and sustainable soil management practices in urban areas where food for human consumption is grown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive relations between finite-volume matrix elements and infinite-volume decay amplitudes, for processes with three spinless, degenerate and either identical or non-identical particles in the final state. This generalizes the Lellouch-Lüscher relation for two-particle decays and provides a strategy for extracting three-hadron decay amplitudes using lattice QCD. Unlike for two particles, even in the simplest approximation, one must solve integral equations to obtain the physical decay amplitude, a consequence of the nontrivial finite-state interactions. We first derive the result in a simplified theory with three identical particles, and then present the generalizations needed to study phenomenologically relevant three-pion decays. The specific processes we discuss are the CP-violating K → 3π weak decay, the isospin-breaking η → 3π QCD transition, and the electromagnetic γ* → 3π amplitudes that enter the calculation of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to muonic g − 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have found an error in a statement following eq. (2.5) of our paper, concerning the function f (a, b, k) that first appears in that equation. The issue arises in the statement that it is convenient to take the function f (a, b, k) to be exchange symmetric with respect to its three arguments. This has the unwanted consequence of making six of the seven operators in the column vector of eq. (2.4) identically equal. This, in turn, implies that many operators are identically zero in the definite isospin basis, considered in section 2.4. To repair this, the last sentence of the paragraph containing eq. (2.4), starting “It is convenient for the subsequent…”, should be removed, as should footnote 3 and the next paragraph, beginning with “At this point, the reader may wonder why…”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review recent progress in the study of the large N c limit of gauge theories from lattice simulations. The focus is not only the planar limit but also the size of O (N c - 1) corrections for values of N c ≳ 3 . Some concrete examples of the topics we include are tests of large- N c factorization, the topological susceptibility, the glueball, meson and baryon spectra, the chiral dependence of masses and decay constants, and weak matrix elements related to the Δ I = 1 / 2 rule in kaon decays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous empirical evidence has shown the positive relationship between happiness or subjective well‐being (SWB) and sport participation. Nevertheless, passive sport participation has traditionally been ignored as a correlate with happiness. Methods: Based on a sample of 1,632 Spanish people, one ordered probit model and three extended ordered probit models with an ordinal endogenous covariate technique and robust standard errors were applied. Results: We find that different forms of passive sport participation—such as frequency of attending sporting events and a set of other forms of passive sports participation such as watching sports on TV, listening to sports programmes, reading sports news, and talking to others about sports—are positively associated with happiness. Conclusions: The results indicate that passive sport participation generally appears to have a closer relationship with individual happiness than active sport participation and emphasise the role played by some forms of sport participation as a source of relational goods. This current research extends the field's understanding of sport participation and happiness, including passive participation, and the relevance of social interactions to account for this association. Finally, the relational aspect of different forms of sport participation offers new implications for the analysis of sport engagement and happiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses several articles published within issue on topics related to anthropological and environmental issues.

The main aim was to investigate the influence of various distracting stimuli on the endurance-strength and fatigue of the lumbar region in asymptomatic participants. Fifty-four healthy individuals were randomised to three groups: auditory distraction group (ADG), visual distraction group (VDG) and control group without distraction (CG). Lumbar muscle endurance and perceived fatigue were the outcome measures. Lumbar muscle endurance was assessed with the Biering-Sorensen test, and perceived fatigue was assessed with the modified Borg scale, once baseline and second with the distraction intervention. Lumbar muscle endurance showed significant changes over time, and there were intragroup differences for VDG and ADG. The direct comparison did show significant differences between both distraction groups with respect to the control group with a large effect size (ΔVDG-CG: p < 0.001, d = 1.55 and, ΔADG-CG: p = 0.008, d = 1.07) but not between the two distraction groups (ΔVDG-VDG: p = 0.56). Fatigue showed significant changes over time but not for group*time interaction, revealing intragroup differences for VDG and ADG. There were no intragroup differences in the CG for muscle resistance or fatigue, and there were no between-group differences. Auditory and visual distractors might produce a significant increase in muscle resistance during the Biering-Sorensen test. Both techniques are valid for increasing lumbar muscle endurance but also both stimuli produced a higher level of fatigue or perception of effort once the test was completed when compared with CG. Finally, we were unable to demonstrate that one type of stimulus produces superior results to the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents evidence of the significant role that geography plays in customer churn behaviour in online retail. In an urban environment, mimetic behaviours are found to affect nearby individuals. This novel approach is based on the idea that customer churn is not randomly distributed across the map. This paper analyses more than 2,000 spatially georeferenced customers and demonstrates that customers show different patterns when deciding to cease activity, and that other factors besides spatial autocorrelation influence churn probability. Finally, the results prove that including spatial spillover in models improves predictability. This improvement results in substantial economic benefits since marketing managers can consequently reduce their company's loss of customers more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santiago city is located in Metropolitan Region of Santiago, it is the capital of the Chilean Republic and 6,257,516 inhabitants live there. There is no finished study that shows the main variables that affect the final sales value of the real state projects of Santiago city. Therefor, using a linear regression model with a database of 552 real state projects in a range of 14 years, we determine which variables are the ones that most influence the final value of a real state Project in Santiago. We find that the most influential variables in the final price are the price of the land, construction cost and other real state expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Rationale: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a lipophilic group of pollutants that persist in the atmosphere for long periods, constituting a permanent source of exposure for humans. They have been associated, for a long time, with the risk in developing breast cancer, but there are still unresolved questions. Conclusion: Integrated strategies are required that should consider molecular and population-level studies, to understand and elaborate approaches to prevent the risks in developing breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the main brain clock in mammals. The SCN synchronizes to the light-dark cycle through the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT). RHT axons release glutamate to activate AMPA-kainate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) postsynaptic receptors in ventral SCN neurons. Stimulation of SCN NMDA receptors is necessary for the activation of the signaling cascades that govern the advances and delays of phase. To our knowledge, no research has been performed to analyze the functional synaptic modifications occurring during postnatal development that prepare the circadian system for a proper synchronization to light at adult ages. Here, we studied the pre- and postsynaptic developmental changes between the unmyelinated RHT-SCN connections. Spontaneous NMDA excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were greater in amplitude and frequency at postnatal day 34 (P34) than at P8. Similarly, both quantal EPSCs (miniature NMDA and evoked quantal AMPA-kainate) showed a development-dependent increase at analyzed stages, P3-5, P7-9, and P13-18. Moreover, the electrically evoked NMDA and AMPA-kainate components were augmented with age, although the increment was larger for the latter, and the membrane resting potential was more depolarized at early postnatal ages. Finally, the short-term synaptic plasticity was significantly modified during postnatal development as was the estimated number of quanta released and the initial release probability. All of these synaptic modifications in the unmyelinated RHT-SCN synapses suggest that synchronization to light at adult ages requires developmental changes similar to those that occur in myelinated fast communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) represent approximately 15% of all intracranial tumors and usually are associated with severe comorbidities. Unfortunately, a relevant number of patients do not respond to currently available pharmacological treatments, that is, somatostatin analogs (SSAs) or dopamine-agonists (DA). Thus, novel, chimeric somatostatin/dopamine compounds (dopastatins) that could improve medical treatment of PitNETs have been designed. Objective: This study aims to determine the direct therapeutic effects of a new-generation dopastatin, BIM-065, on primary cell cultures from different PitNETs subtypes. Methods: Thirty-one PitNET-derived cell cultures (9 corticotropinomas, 9 somatotropinomas, 11 nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas [NFPAs], and 2 prolactinomas), were treated with BIM-065, and key functional endpoints were assessed (cell viability, apoptosis, hormone secretion, expression levels of key genes, free cytosolic [Ca2+]i dynamics, etc.). AtT-20 cell line was used to evaluate signaling pathways in response to BIM-065. Results: This chimeric compound decreased cell viability in all corticotropinomas and somatotropinomas tested, but not in NFPAs. BIM-065 reduced ACTH, GH, chromogranin-A and PRL secretion, and increased apoptosis in corticotropinomas, somatotropinomas, and NFPAs. These effects were possibly mediated through modulation of pivotal signaling cascades like [Ca2+]i kinetic and Akt- or ERK1/2-phosphorylation. Conclusions: Our results unveil a robust antitumoral effect in vitro of the novel chimeric compound BIM-065 on the main PitNET subtypes, inform on the mechanisms involved, and suggest that BIM-065 could be an efficacious therapeutic option to be considered in the treatment of PitNETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze 1) the independent association of physical fitness, positive affect, and negative affect with the different dimensions of fatigue (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue) and 2) whether the interactions of physical fitness, positive affect, and negative affect were associated with fatigue over and above the independent association. Design Cross-sectional study in 420 women with fibromyalgia. Setting Fibromyalgia associations from southern Spain. Methods Physical fitness was measured by performance-based tests, and questionnaires were used to measure positive affect, negative affect, and different dimensions of fatigue (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue). Age, body mass index, and current pain level were included as potential confounders in all analyses. Results Physical fitness was independently associated with general fatigue, physical fatigue, and reduced activity (all P  ≤   0.02). Positive affect was independently associated with all fatigue dimensions (all P  <   0.001). Negative affect was independently associated with general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue (all P  ≤   0.04). The interaction of overall physical fitness and positive affect was related to general fatigue and physical fatigue (all P  ≤   0.02). Women with fibromyalgia with higher levels of overall physical fitness and positive affect showed the lowest general fatigue and physical fatigue. Conclusions In women with fibromyalgia, positive affect was independently and consistently associated with all dimensions of fatigue. The combination of higher levels of overall physical fitness and positive affect might serve as a buffer against general and physical fatigue in women with fibromyalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/objectives: Reproductive labour refers to activities and tasks directed at caregiving and domestic roles, such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare. Productive labour refers to activities that involve economic remuneration. The aim of the present study was to analyse physical activity, sedentary behaviour, physical fitness, and cognitive performance in women with fibromyalgia who engaged, or did not engage, in productive work. Method: This cross-sectional study comprised 276 women with fibromyalgia from Andalusia (southern of Spain). Levels of physical activity (light, moderate, and vigorous) and sedentary behaviour were measured by an accelerometer. Physical fitness and cognitive performance were measured with a battery of performance-based tests. Results: More hours/week of homemaker-related tasks were associated with higher time spend in light physical activity and lower sedentary behaviour (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, in comparison with those who only engaged in reproductive labour, women with fibromyalgia who engaged in productive work showed lower levels of sedentary behaviour and higher levels of light and moderate physical activity, physical fitness (except muscular strength), and cognitive performance (all, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Altogether, our findings suggest that productive work is consistently related to better physical and cognitive functioning in women with fibromyalgia. If future research corroborates causality of our findings, then, to maintain women with fibromyalgia engaging in productive work may be strived for not only because of societal or economic reasons but also for better health. However, we should keep in mind that people with fibromyalgia have a chronic condition, and therefore, adaptations at the workplace are imperative. Key Points • Women with fibromyalgia, who spend more time in reproductive labour, have higher levels of light physical activity and lower sedentary behaviour; however, it is associated with poorer general health (as lower physical fitness or cognitive performance). • Household tasks are often seen as a responsibility associated with the gender roles that women with fibromyalgia perform, despite the feelings of incapacity they cause. Policies focused on reducing reproductive labour demands for fibromyalgia patients (i.e. social help on housework or childcare) might facilitate the inclusion of daily active behaviours. • People with fibromyalgia who engage in productive work seem to have better health outcomes than those who have not; however, we cannot forget that adaptations and flexibility at the workplace are imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation of low-Lewis-number premixed flames is analyzed in a partially confined Hele-Shaw chamber formed by two parallel plates separated a distance h apart. An asymptotic-numerical study can be performed for small gaps compared to the flame thickness δ T. In this narrow-channel limit, the problem formulation simplifies to a quasi-2D description in which the velocity field is controlled by dominant viscous effects. After accounting for conductive heat losses through the plates in our formulation, we found that the reaction front breaks into one or several isolated flame cells where the temperature is large enough to sustain the reaction, both in absence and in presence of buoyancy effects. Under these near-limit conditions, the isolated flame cells either travel steadily or undergo a slow random walk over the chamber in which the reacting front splits successively to form a tree-like pathway, burning only a small fraction of the fuel before reaching the end of the chamber. The production of quasi-2D circular or comet-like flames under specific favorable conditions is demonstrated in this paper, with convection, conductive heat losses and differential diffusion playing an essential role in the formation of the isolated one and two-headed flame cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the dossier "On open access to open science: progress and reflections at the age of 17 of the BOAI", in which we review some of the recent initiatives that have emerged around the world to advance the realization of the expected open access to scientific literature, with special emphasis on the Latin American region. At the same time, a summary of the articles included in the dossier is presented, the first referring to the role of libraries in the Open Access and Open Science processes, and the rest dedicated to the analysis of different situations in three Latin American countries: Colombia, Uruguay and Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involvement in sports is considered a powerful way to generate social capital. However, the role of sport engagement in the development of social relationships of older adults has not received much attention. Remarkably, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the quality and diversity of social relations built through active sport participation and spectatorship. This paper attempts to assess the relationship between sport engagement and various measures of network social capital, including the extension and quality of social networks and the heterogeneity of personal relationships. Also, it proposes new and more informative measurements of an individual's quantity and quality of social ties. By analysing data from a survey in Spain (N = 600) and applying logistic regressions, the results show that sport participation and attendance at sporting events are closely related to different dimensions of network social capital. Concerning people who are not actively engaged in sports, more extensive social networks characterise those who frequently attend sporting events. In contrast, active sport participation is associated with the extensity and quality measures of social connectedness, the level of satisfaction with friends and the opportunity to enjoy close relationships. Therefore, this paper provides new evidence on how sport engagement may result in tighter and extensive networks for older adults and serve as support for emphasising sports, physical activity and leisure as strategies for maintaining and boosting older people's social and psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to analyze the sociodemographic and economic determinants underlying sport participation and consumer expenditure on sport. The methodological approach is based on ordered probit models. Empirical results from data obtained by means of a questionnaire survey in Spain indicate the need for different sport management strategies in each of these areas. On the one hand, the results confirm the positive influence of variables such as gender and age, and the negative influence of some professional status categories. Neither low levels of education nor personal income are barriers to the practice of sport. Hence, time availability is a major barrier to expand the base of participants or increase the intensity of participation. On the other hand, consumer expenditure on sport is determined by gender, education, income levels, and some occupational groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to analyze factors that would affect P availability for winter crops in soils under no tillage (SD) of the southwestern portion of Buenos Aires province-Argentina-. Extractable P, microbial activity and acid phosphatase activity presented a great stratification in all evaluated sites and years, which could affect P availability. Also, in 10-20 cm there were limitations in aeration porosity, which could affect the crop accessibility to soil P. These factors would explain the high response to phosphoric fertilization in soils under SD where P values were above sufficiency levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cruise tourism is considered as one of the most attractive tourism segments and as one of the safest ways to travel. This document aims to analyse the impact that registered kidnappings have had on long-term cruise tourism. The analysis is carried out using an ARDL model with quarterly time series data for the period 1997Q1 - 2017Q4. The results indicate that the arrivals of cruise tourists has been inelastic in the face of the changes in the number of kidnappings although the negative effect of this violent crime remains in the long-term. Therefore, it is necessary to apply policies that generate the peace and tranquillity that should be given to travellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]