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The case of a 43-year-old female patient is presented, with an apparent history of good health, up to several weeks prior to admission, when she began to present syncopes preceded by palpitations. An electrophysiological study was performed and prematurity in the distal portion of the coronary sinus recording electrode was demonstrated, which corresponds to the great cardiac vein (anterior interventricular vein) and summit of the left ventricle. Despite the excellent early registration, neighboring structures were studied, such as the left ventricular outflow tract in the left coronary cusp, here the pace mapping was not totally concordant. At the site of the precocity obtained within the cardiac venous system, a 100% concordant mapping was achieved, with an ablation catheter’s precocity of -30 milliseconds. The ablation was decided with progressive increases in temperature and power with thermomapping and the success of the ablation was achieved without reproducibility of the arrhythmia and excellent subsequent evolution.

Supraventricular tachycardias in children are the fastest rhythms most frequently reported (70%). Orthodromic tachycardia is that which usually occurs in newborns, and its treatment with amiodarone together with beta blockers has an effectiveness of 63%. However, the combination of antiarrhythmic drugs in children and infants is not recommended because of the proarrhythmic effects. Electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation are reserved for older children, where there is less risk of procedures; besides little risk has been reported in children with accessory pathways. The case of an 11-day-old newborn who presented two electrocardiographically different episodes of tachycardia is reported. Those episodes suggested unequal production mechanisms of the arrhythmia, which was difficult to control and needed the combination of three antiarrhythmic drugs for maintaining sinus rhythm.

ResumenIntroducción y objetivos: Existen algoritmos como el de Brugada y Vereckei-2 para el diagnóstico de la taquicardia ventricular, pero no han sido explorados en series específicas de pacientes con taquicardia ventricular idiopática. El propósito de esta investigación no fue otro que identificar en nuestra serie, mediante análisis simple, el esquema de mayor rendimiento diagnóstico de los algoritmos de Brugada y Vereckei-2. Método: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo en los 15 pacientes que consecutivamente se presentaron con taquicardia ventricular idiopática, confirmada por estudio electrofisiológico y otras pruebas en el Servicio de Electrofisiología Cardíaca del Cardiocentro "Ernesto Che Guevara" de Santa Clara, Cuba, entre enero 2004 – diciembre 2007. Resultados: Ambos algoritmos diagnosticaron el 100 % de los casos. En pacientes con taquicardia ventricular del tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho, el algoritmo de Brugada, diagnostica el 50 % de los casos en el paso 1, y el 83,3 % combinándolo con el paso 3. El algoritmo de Vereckei-2, en los primeros dos pasos no diagnosticó ninguna taquicardia ventricular del tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho. En las taquicardias ventriculares del tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho fasciculares, el algoritmo de Brugada paso 1, solo diagnostica en el 11,1 % de los casos y ninguno en el paso 2. El algoritmo de Vereckei-2, paso 2, obtiene gran rendimiento diagnóstico para las taquicardias ventriculares fasciculares: 88,9 % de casos. Conclusiones: El algoritmo de Vereckei-2 presenta mayor utilidad en la taquicardia ventricular fascicular, al presentar un elevado rendimiento diagnóstico en un solo paso (el 2). El algoritmo de Brugada a pesar de tener menor rendimiento diagnóstico en un solo paso presenta mayor utilidad en el diagnóstico de taquicardia ventricular del tracto de salida del ventrículo derecho, al combinar los pasos 1 y 3. / AbstractIntroduction and Objectives: There are algorithms such as Brugada and Vereckei-2 for diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia, but they have not been explored in specific series of patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia. The purpose of this research was to identify in our series, by simple analysis, the scheme of greater diagnostic performance of the Brugada and Vereckei-2 algorithms. Method: Retrospective and descriptive study in 15 consecutive patients presenting with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia, confirmed by electrophysiological study and other tests at the Cardiac Electrophysiology Service of Cardiocentro "Ernesto Che Guevara" in Santa Clara, Cuba, between January 2004 - December 2007. Results: Both algorithms diagnosed 100% of cases. In patients with right ventricle outflow tract ventricular tachycardia, the Brugada algorithm diagnosed 50% of cases in step 1, and 83.3% combined with Step 3. The Vereckei-2 algorithm in the first two steps did not diagnose any right ventricle outflow tract ventricular tachycardia. In fascicular right ventricle outflow tract ventricular tachycardia, the Brugada algorithm step 1 only diagnosed 11.1% of cases and none in step 2. The Vereckei-2 algorithm, step 2, has a high diagnostic performance for fascicular ventricular tachycardia: 88.9% of cases. Conclusions: The Vereckei-2 algorithm has greater usefulness in fascicular ventricular tachycardia, with a high diagnostic performance in a single step (step 2). Brugada algorithm, despite having lower diagnostic performance in a single step, has greater usefulness in the diagnosis of right ventricle outflow tract ventricular tachycardia by combining steps 1 and 3.

Resumen Presentamos dos pacientes en los que se desarrollaron ondas T negativas que aparecen en el electrocardiograma por la memoria eléctrica cardíaca. Este fenómeno aunque fue descrito hace muchos años es causa de interpretación errónea de ondas T debido a isquemia cardíaca, y puede ser visto en ciertas situaciones clínicas que permiten sospechar su presencia. / Abstract We present two patients in whom negative T waves are developed, and appeared in the electrocardiogram as a result of the electric cardiac memory. Though described many years ago, this phenomenon is the cause for t-wave misinterpretation due to cardiac ischemia. It can be seen in certain clinical situations which lead to suspect its presence.

Introduction and objectives: The success in the treatment of several arrhythmias depends greatly on the use of permanent pacemakers. With the course of time, their uses have been increasing. The objective of this study was to describe the behavior of the implantation of permanent pacemakers in Villa Clara province. Method: A descriptive, longitudinal, prospective and retrospective study was carried out with a group of patients who had pacemakers implanted at the Celestino Hernández Robau Hospital and the Ernesto Che Guevara Hospital in Santa Clara, Villa Clara, from 2004 to 2006. Results: A total of 914 pacemakers were implanted (266 in 2004, 292 in 2005 and 356 in 2006), and 724 of them were a first implantation. Males were 66.3 percent (p = 0,0217); 82,7 percent (756 patients) were over 60 years of age, and 57.8 percent were hospitalized. The principal way of the implantation was the cephalic one (80,5 %), followed by the subclavian one (18.6 %). The atrioventricular blocks caused 60,8 percent of the total of implants (574 patients) and the sick sinus syndrome 31.3 percent (286 patients). The dislocation of the electrodes was the most common complication (22 cases, representing 2,96 %). Conclusions: The patients were mainly elderly people (4:1); there were more pacemakers implanted in men than in women (2:1); the cephalic way was the most common way (4:1); the most common cause of implantation was the atrioventricular block, and the most common immediate complication was the dislocation of the electrode.

Las taquicardias supraventriculares en niños son los ritmos más rápidos que con mayor frecuencia se registran (70 %). La taquicardia ortodrómica es la que se presenta habitualmente en el recién nacido y su tratamiento con amiodarona, en combinación con betabloqueadores, presenta una efectividad de 63 %. Sin embargo, la combinación de fármacos antiarrítmicos en niños y en recién nacidos no es recomendada por los efectos proarrítmicos. El estudio electrofisiológico y la ablación por radiofrecuencia se reserva para niños mayores, donde el riesgo del estudio es menor; además, se ha informado bajo riesgo en niños con presencia de vías accesorias. Se presenta el caso de una recién nacida de 11 días que presentó dos episodios de taquicardias electrocardiográficamente diferentes, que sugieren desiguales mecanismos de producción del trastorno del ritmo, en la cual fue difícil el control de la arritmia y el mantenimiento en ritmo sinusal, para lo cual se necesitó la combinación de tres fármacos antiarrítmicos.

Introducción: En pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca, el bloqueo de rama izquierda del haz de His constituye un importante marcador de mal pronóstico, en ellos la tera-pia de resincronización puede mejorar la función del ventrículo izquierdo. Objetivo: Describir variables electrocardiográficas asociadas a una mejor respuesta de la resincronización cardíaca. Método: Se estudiaron 19 pacientes, 7 mujeres y 12 hombres con bloqueo de rama izquierda y fracción de eyección ≤ 35 %. Se realizó electrocardiograma antes y des-pués de la terapia de resincronización, medición del QRS en las doce derivaciones y cálculo de su dispersión, se midieron voltajes máximos del QRS, y se realizaron eco-cardiografías antes y después del procedimiento. Resultados: La fracción de eyección se incrementó desde 29,8±4,7 hasta 41,2±10,7 % (p=0.000). La correlación lineal entre fracción de eyección y dispersión del QRS a los seis meses de seguimiento fue significativa (r=0.34 y p=0.02); las mujeres presentaron mayor dispersión del QRS (48,0±24,0 vs. 37,14±13,8 ms; p=0.04). Los voltajes del QRS fueron predominantemente negativos en aVR (-0,52±0,58 vs. 0,28±0,42 mvolt; p=0.032) y positivos en V5 (0,71±1,12 vs. -0,15±1,20 mvolt; p=0.023) para los responde-dores en relación con los no respondedores. Conclusiones: La dispersión del QRS incrementada en el electrocardiograma con blo-queo de rama izquierda y la disminución de la dispersión del QRS posresincronización demostraron correlaciones significativas con la fracción de eyección; además, el es-trechamiento del QRS tras la resincronización fue significativo para los respondedo-res. Los voltajes predominantemente positivos en aVR y negativos en V5, pudieran predecir cuáles pacientes no responderán adecuadamente a la terapia de resincroni-zación cardíaca.

Los ratones constituyen un elemento fundamental para la producción de líquido ascítico rico en anticuerpos monoclonales (AcM). Durante este proceso suelen aparecer tumores sólidos que afectan directamente el volumen de producción, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en estudiar estas neoformaciones para establecer sus características y de esta manera poder predecir las afectaciones en la producción a escala industrial de líquido ascítico. Se utilizó la información de 12 250 animales de ambos sexos agrupados en 12 lotes de producción de los hibridomas CB-HEP.1,IOR r3 e IOR t1, determinando el momento de aparición, la incidencia de tumores por sexos e hibridomas, así como sus características anatomopatológicas. Se demostró que los tumores comienzan a aparecer a partir del día 14 postinoculación, llegando a afectar al 3,4% de los animales el día 20 postinoculación, existiendo diferencias significativas (p

The recent development of higher blocking voltage gallium nitride (GaN) power FETs has the potential to enhance the power density of future power electronic converters. However, the new generation power semiconductors create new challenges to Power Electronics design that include: circuit layout to reduce parasitics, very high frequency digital control implementation, electromagnetic compatibility, passive components design, among others. In this work, GaN devices are used to assemble a 100 W single-phase two-channel interleaved boost-type power factor correction converter in order to evaluate some of the GaN devices challenges. The constructed hardware is able to operate with a switching frequency up to 1 MHz per channel, and hence a 2 MHz effective ripple frequency at the input and output terminals of the interleaved system. Furthermore, in order to cope with the high frequency requirements an average current mode control strategy is implemented in an FPGA device. Finally, experimental results verify the feasibility of the developed digital feedback control scheme and laboratory prototype.

Este ensayo parte por establecer ciertas características de lo que podría ser una literatura boliviana andina. En este sentido, el propósito es señalar algunos componentes ficcionales de este tipo de narrativa a partir del entretejido textual que ofrecen novelas como Felipe Delgado de Jaime Saenz y Cuando Sara Chura despierte de Juan Pablo Piñeiro. Este entretejido localiza las dimensiones de tensión y ruptura que construyen los personajes al interior de cada texto. Saenz y Piñeiro configuran el marco festivo de las almas para conectarlas a realidades superpuestas o de otros lados del mundo interior de los personajes. Es cuando, en consonancia con el mundo interior, irrumpe el mundo paralelo de los seres extraños, ancestros y sombras. Desde la lógica andina, es la irrupción de personas y seres que se comunican para restablecer realidades invisibles y lugares marginales sagrados. Son mundos, cuerpos, memorias y temporalidades que interactúan para dar cuenta de la dimensión existencial andina entre los lugares de la fiesta del Gran Poder, una de las más celebradas en La Paz.

Plastomes are used in phylogenetic reconstructions because of their relatively conserved nature. Nonetheless, some limitations arise, particularly at lower taxonomic levels due to reduced interspecific polymorphisms and frequent hybridization events that result in unsolved phylogenies including polytomies and reticulate evolutionary patterns. Next-generation sequencing technologies allow access to genomic data and strongly supported phylogenies, yet biased topologies may be obtained due to insufficient taxon sampling. We analyze the hypothesis that intraspecific plastome diversity reflects biogeographic history and hybridization cycles among taxa. We generated 12 new plastome sequences covering distinct latitudinal locations of all species of subgenus Nothofagus from North Patagonia. Chloroplast genomes were assembled, annotated, and searched for simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Phylogenetic reconstructions included species and sampled locations. The six Nothofagus species analyzed were of similar size and structure; only Nothofagus obliqua of subgenus Lophozonia , used as an outgroup, presented slight differences in size. We detected a variable number of SSRs in distinct species and locations. Phylogenetic analyses of plastomes confirmed that subgenus Nothofagus organizes into two monophyletic clades each consisting of individuals of different species. We detected a geographic structure within subgenus Nothofagus and found evidence of local chloroplast sharing due to past hybridization, followed by adaptive introgression and ecological divergence. These contributions enrich the comprehension of transversal evolutionary mechanisms such as chloroplast capture and its implications for phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Species ranges are shaped by a variety of ecological and environmental factors that are inherently dynamic, fluctuating in response to climatic, biotic, and anthropogenic influences. Dispersal plays a key role in range shifts, allowing species to adapt to changing habitats and exploit new regions. In this study, we examined the dispersal processes of four thrush species (Turdus amaurochalinus, T. chiguanco, T. falcklandii and T. rufiventris) that have expanded their ranges in recent decades, with a focus on the interaction between spread and seasonal movements. Methods We collected eBird records from 2003 to 2023 to create heat maps that illustrate changes in densities of reported occurrences between seasons and over the years. We also evaluated how bioclimatic and land cover variables influenced the observed variations. Results The four thrush species have shown significant range expansions, with initially distinct seasonal distributions, which became increasingly similar over time, leading to significant overlap in their breeding and non-breeding habitats. Temperature and precipitation associated with the presence of the four species varied over time and between seasons. Additionally, all four species exhibited shifts in habitat selection, both seasonally and across years. Conclusion The changes of range are likely driven by a combination of climate and land-use change, and resource availability, which also influence seasonal dispersal patterns. At the same time, thrushes perform very well in urban environments, which offer stable resources and may contribute to their reduction in seasonal movements. Overall, these findings highlight the dynamic nature of thrush species’ range shifts and their adaptation to environmental changes.

Abstract Purpose To assess the repeatability of a microperimetry methodology for quantifying visual function changes in the junctional zone of eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) in the clinical trial context. Methods A post hoc analysis of the OAKS phase III trial was conducted, which enrolled patients with GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Microperimetry using a standard 10 − 2 fovea centered grid was performed at baseline and follow-up visits. GA regions were traced on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images. Two graders independently registered baseline microperimetry images with baseline FAF images in a sampling of 30 eyes from the OAKS study. Agreement between the two graders’ assessments of mean sensitivity and the number of scotomatous points within a ± 250 𝜇m GA junctional zone was assessed. Results The intraclass correlation (ICC) and coefficient of repeatability (CoR) for the mean junctional zone sensitivity were 0.987 and 0.214 dB, respectively. The ICC and CoR for the total number of scotomatous points within the junctional zone were 0.991 and 1.42, respectively. Conclusions The repeatability of the methodology and its compatibility with standard MP acquisitions appear to make it well-suited for identifying and analyzing retinal sensitivity within high-risk areas of the retina. Summary We present a microperimetry-based methodology for assessing visual function changes in the junctional zone of geographic atrophy lesions using a standard 10 − 2 fovea centered grid in a clinical trial context. The approach’s repeatability and compatibility with standard microperimetry grids may make it useful for assessing the effects of GA therapeutics.

Abstract The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) systematically produces and phenotypes mouse lines with presumptive null mutations to provide insight into gene function. The IMPC now uses the programmable RNA-guided nuclease Cas9 for its increased capacity and flexibility to efficiently generate null alleles in the C57BL/6N strain. In addition to being a valuable novel and accessible research resource, the production of 3313 knockout mouse lines using comparable protocols provides a rich dataset to analyze experimental and biological variables affecting in vivo gene engineering with Cas9. Mouse line production has two critical steps – generation of founders with the desired allele and germline transmission (GLT) of that allele from founders to offspring. A systematic evaluation of the variables impacting success rates identified gene essentiality as the primary factor influencing successful production of null alleles. Collectively, our findings provide best practice recommendations for using Cas9 to generate alleles in mouse essential genes, many of which are orthologs of genes linked to human disease.

Abstract Objective We aimed to conduct an umbrella review to summarize the existing evidence regarding the prevalence of peri‐ictal psychiatric manifestations (PM) in people with epilepsy (PWE) including pre‐ictal, ictal, and postictal stages. Methods Databases were searched up to June 2023 for systematic reviews (SR) of observational studies that included patients with epilepsy peri‐ictal PM. Data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (with the AMSTAR‐2 instrument) were performed by two independent reviewers. We performed a narrative synthesis using previous guidelines. We used a self‐developed decision table according to the GRADE system adapted for narrative outcomes if the certainty of outcomes was not determined by systematic review authors. Results Four SRs were included comprising 66 primary studies (n = 10 217). Three SRs evaluated one period (pre‐ictal, ictal, and postictal), and one did not determine it. During the pre‐ictal period, the more prevalent symptom was confusion, although with a low certainty (due to the heterogeneity and serious risk of bias). One systematic review that only included case reports evaluated the ictal period, finding mood/anxiety disorders, psychosis, and personality changes. The postictal period included the most PM (anxiety: 45.0% and depressive symptoms: 43.0%), with very low certainty, due to risk of bias, potential publication bias, heterogeneity, and failure to report the confidence intervals. Significance With very low certainty, epileptic periods are characterized by a wide spectrum of PM, being postictal symptoms the most prevalent, predominantly anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Further understanding of these PM of epilepsy could improve the attention of the people with epilepsy. Plain Language Summary In this review of reviews, we summarize the frequency in which psychiatric manifestations occur in relation to an epileptic seizure. A total of 10 217 patients were reported in the reviews. The most common manifestations included symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as changes in the normal behavior of the patient. These manifestations occurred most frequently right after the seizure finished.

Synthetic fungicides have experienced a significant increase in recent years, necessitating the search for more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. In this regard, chitosan has emerged as an option to reduce reliance on these products. This study evaluated the effect of chitosan as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum in tomato fruits. A fully randomized experimental design incorporating 6 treatments was employed, consisting of four chitosan treatments (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 g L-1), a negative control involving the application of a synthetic fungicide, and a positive control inoculated with F. oxysporum. Samples were taken from infected tomato fruits. The F4 isolate of Fusarium sp. was identified as F. oxysporum, and demonstrated the highest level of virulence. Among the four chitosan treatments, the 3 g L-1 treatment showed the highest a percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PMGI) at 79.92% and the greatest reduction in biomass at 0.65 g, which did not differ significantly from the synthetic fungicide. Regarding disease severity and incidence, there were significant variations among each of the chitosan treatments, with the highest results obtained with the 2 and 3 g L-1 treatments. All chitosan treatments reduced disease severity in tomato fruits. Applying chitosan on fruits of the tomato plant presents an alternative for diminishing reliance on synthetic fungicides.

Objective: To evaluate the soil cover with corn-neem biomass for the Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) management in the INIAP H601 corn hybrid, at Pechiche, Los Ríos, Ecuador. Design/Methodology/Approach: Two treatments were evaluated: 1) a treatment using corn-neem soil cover at 2.0 t ha-1 before sowing, plus two foliar applications, 10 and 20 days after sowing; 2) a control treatment without soil cover, in a completely randomized design. The variables evaluated were the percentage of corn plants with 1st to 3rd degree damage and 4th to 5th degree damage (30 days after sowing), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and agricultural yield. Results: Under field conditions, both treatments had no significative differences in the 1st to 3rd degrees damages (69.0% impact). However, there were significative differences in the 4th to 5th degree damages (31.0%) in the control and the soil cover (15.0%). Additionally, LAI and dry grain yield were higher. There was a linear but inverse relationship regarding LAI and yield in plants with 4th to 5th degree damage. Limitations/Implications: The availability of neem tree biomass could be a limitation, if this technology is applied to larger land areas. Findings/Conclusions: Corn-neem soil cover plus a foliar application decreased the Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) impact and increased LAI and agricultural yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to characterize serum pegcetacoplan concentration-time data after intravitreal administration in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) or neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Design: Pharmacokinetic modeling. Participants: Two hundred sixty-one patients with GA or nAMD enrolled in 4 clinical studies of pegcetacoplan. Methods: Serum concentration data were pooled from 4 clinical studies. Pegcetacoplan dosing included single intravitreal injections of 4, 10, and 20 mg and multiple intravitreal injections of 15 mg monthly or every other month. Considering a high proportion of samples were below the limit of quantification (BLQ) in serum following intravitreal administration, the M3 method of likelihood-based handling of data BLQ was employed in NONMEM (version 7.4). Covariate model development was performed using stepwise forward (α = 0.05) and backward (α = 0.001) selection. Predicted PK parameters and exposure metrics were generated via simulation in serum and vitreous humor. Main Outcome Measures: Pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Intravitreal pegcetacoplan displayed absorption-limited (i.e., “flip-flop”) kinetics with median empirical Bayes estimated pegcetacoplan absorption and elimination half-lives of 13.1 days and 4.51 days, respectively. Vitreous exposure was predicted to be >1300-fold higher than serum exposure, with maximum concentrations in serum below the threshold required to elicit systemic pharmacodynamic effects. Drug accumulation from first dose to steady state was predicted to be minimal in serum (mean accumulation ratio = 1.50 with monthly dosing, 1.10 with every-other-month dosing) and vitreous humor (mean accumulation ratio = 1.30 with monthly dosing, 1.10 with every-other-month dosing). Age, sex, and baseline C3 level were identified as significant (P

La importancia del consentimiento informado en la atención del trabajo de parto

In 2023, JMIR Dermatology embraced papers treating all topics related to diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. This editorial aims to bring attention and recognize reviewers, staff, and authors for their contributions to the journal. JMIR Dermatology updated the Research Letter format and introduced the In Memorium article type to feature and celebrate highly accomplished and internationally recognized leaders in dermatology. We also summarize the 3 JMIR Dermatology publications from 2023 with the highest Altmetric scores and share what we look forward to in the coming year.

Archivo histórico de Kipus: Revista Andina de Letras y Estudios Culturales, 2002 y 2003.

Abstract Background Microorganisms can transform phosphorus (P)-enriched iron (Fe)-oxide sludge into products with higher P concentration or can directly promote the precipitation of P-rich compounds from water. However, there is no evidence of these products’ efficiency as fertilizers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of microbially mediated vivianite (biovivianite) as P and Fe fertilizer for durum wheat and white lupin, respectively. Results To this end, two completely randomized block experiments were conducted with wheat (phosphorus (P) experiment) and white lupin (iron (Fe) experiment). The P and Fe sources used included biovivianite produced by microbial reduction of P-containing ferrihydrite at pH 6.5 (VivInsol6.5) and pH 7.0 (VivInsol7.0), biovivianite produced with soluble Fe(III) citrate (C6H5FeO7) in the presence of soluble phosphate at pH 7 (VivSol), and vivianite from a commercial company (ComViv). Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) was used as a reference fertilizer in the P experiment, and Fe-EDDHA and Fe(II)-sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) were used in the Fe experiment. Total P uptake by wheat plants from the product dominated by vivianite and phosphate-green rust (VivSol) was not significantly different from KH2PO4. The relative P use efficiency, i.e., the equivalence in terms of P recovery of VivSol was 74% of KH2PO4, making VivSol the effective P source for durum wheat among the products tested (aside from KH2PO4). For Fe uptake, product dominated by vivianite and metavivianite (VivInsol7.0), was the most effective Fe source for white lupin followed by Fe-EDDHA, ComViv, and VivSol with VivInsol6.5 as the least effective but without significant differences with Fe(II)-sulfate. The average crystallite sizes of the biovivianite were 59 nm, 63 nm, and 66 nm for VivSol, VivInsol7.0, and VivInsol6.5, respectively. Conclusions The mineral constituents of the biovivianite coupled with their nano-crystallite sizes explained its effectiveness as P and Fe fertilizers. The results reveal that biovivianite production is a novel way of producing efficient P and Fe fertilizers from P-enriched Fe sludge or P-rich water. Thus, it can be used for producing fertilizers with high P and Fe concentrations from water purification, providing new tools for a circular economy approach in the use of a non-renewable resource such as P. Graphical Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with multifactorial origins, including environmental, genetic, and immunological factors. Inflammatory cytokines, such as alpha 1 antitrypsin (α1-AT), are increased in BC and affect physiological and pathological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of α1-AT and perform a computational analysis of SERPINA1 in BC, as well as their association with molecular subtypes and clinical features. Methods: For the experimental analysis, we evaluated 255 women with BC and 53 healthy women (HW) in a cross-sectional study. Molecular subtypes were identified by immunohistochemistry and TNM was used for clinical staging. Soluble levels of α1-AT were quantified by ELISA. Computational analysis of SERPINA1 expression was performed using GEPIA and cBioPortal. Results: α1-AT was increased in BC women versus HW (75.8 ng/mL vs. 532.2 ng/mL). Luminal A had higher concentration (547.5 ng/mL) than Triple Negative (TN) (484.1 ng/mL), but the levels were not associated with clinical stage. The computational analysis showed that SERPINA1 is overexpressed in BC with differential expression among subtypes; its overexpression is associated with a better prognosis, longer disease-free survival, and overall survival. Conclusions: α1-AT levels are increased in women with BC women compared to HW. The Luminal A subtype shows higher soluble protein levels than the TN one. Furthermore, SERPINA1 mRNA overexpression in BC is linked to a protective effect.

The drying kinetics and physical and chemical characteristics of Leucaena esculenta seed drying using a forced convection solar dryer are described. The drying kinetics behavior is examined for three experiments under climate conditions of three different winter days in central Mexico, observing significant effects related to the reported pH levels of the seeds with values of 6.34, 5.98, 5.97, 5.82, and 6.07. The airflow measurements inside the drying chamber were observed, including the geometric dimensions, color, appearance, weight, and moisture loss, and the effective diffusivity coefficient Deff of Leucaena esculenta with values between 1.23 × 10−7 and 8.09 × 10−9 m2s. Solar drying, with the technology used in this study, is a viable alternative to give added value to Leucaena esculenta. This study can be the basis for developing alternatives to preserve seeds for animal and human consumption.

Abstract Aortic aneurysms, which may dissect or rupture acutely and be lethal, can be a part of multisystem disorders that have a heritable basis. We report four patients with deficiency of selenocysteine-containing proteins due to selenocysteine Insertion Sequence Binding Protein 2 (SECISBP2) mutations who show early-onset, progressive, aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta due to cystic medial necrosis. Zebrafish and male mice with global or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-targeted disruption of Secisbp2 respectively show similar aortopathy. Aortas from patients and animal models exhibit raised cellular reactive oxygen species, oxidative DNA damage and VSMC apoptosis. Antioxidant exposure or chelation of iron prevents oxidative damage in patient’s cells and aortopathy in the zebrafish model. Our observations suggest a key role for oxidative stress and cell death, including via ferroptosis, in mediating aortic degeneration.

This research presents the prediction of temperatures in the chamber of a solar dryer using artificial neural networks (ANN). The dryer is a forced-flow type and indirect. Climatic conditions, temperatures, airflow, and geometric parameters were considered to build the ANN model. The model was a feed-forward network trained using a backpropagation algorithm and Levenberg–Marquardt optimization. The configuration of the optimal neural network to carry out the verification and validation processes was nine neurons in the input layer, one in the output layer, and two hidden layers of thirteen and twelve neurons each (9-13-12-1). The percentage error of the predictive model was below 1%. The predictive model has been successfully tested, achieving a predictor with good capabilities. This consistency is reflected in the relative error between the predicted and experimental temperatures. The error is below 0.25% for the model’s verification and validation. Moreover, this model could be the basis for developing a powerful real-time operation optimization tool and the optimal design for indirect solar dryers to reduce cost and time in food-drying processes.

Despite of having been originally formulated more than one hundred years ago, the Köppen classification is still nowadays the climate classification most widely used in climatological studies. Based on the empirical relationship between climate and vegetation, this climate classification provides an efficient and easy way to describe climate conditions and their seasonality by using a simple but ecologically meaningful classification scheme. This study examines the temporal evolution of the Köppen climate classification in Spain for the period 1951-2020, using high-resolution gridded datasets of monthly mean temperature and precipitation with 1 x 1 km spatial resolution. Climate classification maps for consecutive 30-year reference periods are compared, and the temporal evolution of each climate type in Spain is analysed, showing a progressive expansion of the arid climate zones and a contraction of the cold climate zones along the study period.

Vivianite precipitation is gaining attention in phosphorus (P) removal from water purification. It is an iron (Fe)- and P-rich compound that can be used as a slow-release P fertilizer. However, this slow release can constrain P supply to crops in the initial growing stages. This limitation can be overcome by mixing with soluble P fertilizers and with banding application. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the fertilizer effect of vivianite and superphosphate mixtures and determine the most effective application method for vivianite and its mixture with superphosphate as a soluble fertilizer. A pot experiment was conducted by growing sunflowers in calcareous soil under controlled conditions involving two factors. The first factor was the combinations of vivianite and superphosphate: 100% Vivianite + 0% Superphosphate –T2–, 70% Vivianite + 30% Superphosphate –T3–, 30% Vivianite + 70% Superphosphate –T4–, 0% Vivianite + 100% Superphosphate –T5—at a single P rate of 50 mg P kg−1 and a non-fertilized control –T1–. The second factor was the application method: (i) mixing vivianite powder with the bulk soil and (ii) applying it in bands at three points around the plants. The dry matter (DM) yield in the roots and shoots of the sunflower when all P was applied as superphosphate was higher than when it was applied as vivianite. However, the combination of superphosphate and vivianite in different proportions (T3 and T4) led to a considerably higher DM yield compared to sole vivianite application (T2). The highest plant P uptake was observed in T5, while the lowest was in T1 and T2. The replacement values on a dry matter (PFRVDM) and P uptake (PFRVP Uptake) basis and the nutrient use efficiency of T3 and T4 were higher than that of T2. However, the PFRVDM and the PFRVP Uptake were in the same range as the proportion of the superphosphate added to the fertilizer mix. Thus, increased P use efficiency could be achieved with mixtures of vivianite and superphosphate. However, the contribution of vivianite to the fertilizer mix is difficult to access in a short growing cycle. Hence, further research is recommended on the residual effect of vivianite in such fertilizer mix on subsequent growing cycles.