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Introduction Psychiatry Pitstop is a role-play-based program for medical students aimed to improve communication skills in the framework of mental health. The workshop involved amateur actors who simulated different clinical scenarios and psychiatry residents, who facilitated the sessions and provided constructive feedback following the Pendleton method. Psychiatry Pitstop was originally developed in the United Kingdom and it was expanded to Lisbon, Portugal, in 2019. The authors adapted the course to the Portuguese context, adjusting the number of sessions and altering the scenarios to match common clinical situations faced by junior doctors in Portugal. By now, we conducted four courses. Objectives Our study aims to describe the Portuguese adaptation of the program and to learn insights from the students feedback. Methods The course was assessed using satisfaction questionnaires, completed by the students after each session. These included a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5, with items pertaining to Future Importance, Overall Quality, Theoretical Quality, and Practical Quality. Quantitative data was analyzed using Excel and standard descriptive statistics to summarize the results. The open questions invited students to articulate the main positive aspects, suggestions for improvement and future topics. A Natural Language Processing (NLP) software was used to evaluate open-ended responses and extract the main concepts. Results We obtained a total of 39 single-answers from 4 different courses. Evaluation results yielded a mean score of 4.7 for Future Importance, 4.9 for Overall Quality, 4.3 for Theoretical Teaching, and 4.9 for Practical Teaching. Notable positive aspects included students’ appreciation of the immersive interview environment, the dedication exhibited by actors and doctors, well-prepared case scenarios, and engaging interactions with participants. Suggestions for improvement encompass enhanced theoretical introductions, comprehensive topic coverage, universal participation in simulations, and expanded workshop days. Future prospects for the program include practicing interviews with other psychiatric diagnosis, addressing difficult patients, delivering bad news and covering topics related to sexuality, grief and moral dilemmas. Conclusions Our study shows that Psychiatry Pitstop adaptation to the Portuguese context was successful. Overall, the feedback from medical students has been consistently positive. Subsequent editions will draw upon the findings of this study to enhance overall program quality. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction: Charged Particle Therapy plays a key role in the treatment of deep-seated tumours, because of the advantageous energy deposition culminating in the Bragg peak. However, knowledge of the dose delivered in the entrance channel is limited by the lack of data on the beam and fragmentation of the target.Methods: The FOOT experiment has been designed to measure the cross sections of the nuclear fragmentation of projectile and target with two different detectors: an electronic setup for the identification of Z ≥ 3 fragments and a nuclear emulsion spectrometer for Z ≤ 3 fragments. In this paper, we analyze the data taken by exposing four nuclear emulsion spectrometers, with C and C2H4 targets, to 200 MeV/n and 400 MeV/n oxygen beams at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung (Darmstadt, Germany), and we report the charge identification of produced fragments based on the controlled fading induced on nuclear emulsion films.Results: The goal of identifying fragments as heavy as lithium has been achieved.Discussion: The results will contribute to a better understanding of the nuclear fragmentation process in charged particle therapy and have implications for refining treatment planning in the presence of deep-seated tumors.

Abstract Snakebite envenoming is a major global health problem that kills or disables half a million people in the world’s poorest countries. Identifying the biting snake and its habitat use is key to understanding snakebite eco-epidemiology and optimizing its clinical management. To prevent and combat the neglected snakebite disease, we characterize the morphology, geographic distribution, habitat use, and snakebites of medically important venomous snakes in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Despite Philodryas spp. not being considered of medical importance by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, we also explore their data once the bites may require medical intervention, may cause death, and their consequences are underestimated. Methods: We assessed taxonomy and geographic data from specimens housed in scientific collections, the literature, and the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Our data revealed fragility in the morphological characters recommended to distinguish Bothrops jararaca from B. jararacussu, identify the subspecies of Crotalus durissus and distinguish the species of Philodryas. To help identify these species, we present an identification key to the venomous snake species from Rio de Janeiro based on the morphological data collected. We record the genera Bothrops and Micrurus in all mesoregions of the state. Here, we provide the first record of C. durissus in the Serrana region, supporting the hypothesis of geographic expansion of the species in the state. The crotalic antivenom must not be missing in Médio Paraíba, Centro-Sul Fluminense, and Serrana, where the rattlesnake C. durissus occurs. Bothrops bilineatus and Lachesis muta have historical records presented for the first time herein. However, these species are likely endangered or extinct in the state. There were 7,483 snakebites reported between 2001 and 2019, with an annual average of 393.8 cases. The Bothrops genus is responsible for the majority of accidents. The highest number of cases occurred in the Serrana region, the largest pole of family agriculture in Rio de Janeiro. We improve the identification of venomous snake species, better delimit their distribution, and update the number of cases of snakebites, thus providing greater precision in the attention to this problem in Rio de Janeiro. We emphasize the importance of clinical studies to test using bothropic-crotalic antivenom and heparin in all mesoregions to treat B. jararacussu envenomation; and mechanical ventilation, atropine, and anticholinesterases in the emergency health centers in the Metropolitana and Norte Fluminense regions due to the occurrence of the coral M. lemniscatus in these areas.

Amplitude detuning measurements in the LHC have shown that a significant amount of detuning is generated via feed-down from high-order field errors in the magnets of the experiment insertion regions. This undesired effect can be detrimental to the luminosity production of the machine and is expected to be enhanced in the upcoming high-luminosity upgrade of the collider, the HL-LHC. In this study, we investigate the high-order errors in detail, performing amplitude detuning measurements during the commissioning of the LHC Run 3 and establish operational corrections via feed-down, using for the first time the dodecapole correctors in the insertion region.

In this paper, we investigate wave damping caused by breakwater and mangrove using Shallow Water Equations. To derive the wave transmission coefficient, we solve the model analytically using the separation of variables approach. To solve the problem numerically, we use a staggered finite volume approach. We validate our numerical result by comparing it to the analytical solution. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of the dimension and characteristics of the breakwater and mangrove in reducing incoming wave height. We believe that this finding will aid engineers in designing the coastal protector.

The study of nuclear fragmentation plays a central role in many important applications: from the study of Particle Therapy (PT) up to radiation protection for space (RPS) missions and the design of shielding for nuclear reactors. The FragmentatiOn Of Target (FOOT) collaboration aims to study the nuclear reactions that describe the interactions with matter of different light ions (like H1, He4, C12, O16) of interest for such applications, performing double differential fragmentation cross section measurements in the energy range of interest for PT and RPS. In this manuscript, we present the analysis of the data collected in the interactions of an oxygen ion beam of 400 MeV/u with a graphite target using a partial FOOT setup, at the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research facility in Darmstadt. During the data taking the magnets, the silicon trackers and the calorimeter foreseen in the final FOOT setup were not yet available, and hence precise measurements of the fragments kinetic energy, momentum and mass were not possible. However, using the FOOT scintillator detectors for the time of flight (TOF) and energy loss (ΔE) measurements together with a drift chamber, used as beam monitor, it was possible to measure the elemental fragmentation cross sections. The reduced detector set-up and the limited available statistics allowed anyway to obtain relevant results, providing statistically significant measurements of cross sections eagerly needed for PT and RPS applications. Whenever possible the obtained results have been compared with existing measurements helping in discriminating between conflicting results in the literature and demonstrating at the same time the proper functioning of the FOOT ΔE-TOF system. Finally, the obtained fragmentation cross sections are compared to the Monte Carlo predictions obtained with the FLUKA software.

Chlorella vulgaris is one of the most common and characterized algae genus with several applications, including carbon sequestration, biofuel, food production and wastewater treatment. Chlorella sp. are considered suitable to be used as model organisms in space research due to their cultivation flexibility. Many studies have been carried out to ensure better conditions for supporting human life on long-term missions in deep space or on planetary surfaces, minimizing the need for resupplies. Regardless of the resilience of the genus Chlorella to space conditions has already been demonstrated, model organisms are useful in the improvement of new technologies. This research aimed to develop the culture conditions and a monitoring system for C. vulgaris, under microgravity, using an image capture device for CubeSats. The image acquisition system consisted of a digital microscope, with remote access, a Single Board Computer, a monitoring computer, and an image processing algorithm. Three microalgae colonies, under laboratory conditions, were evaluated in real time (every 30 minutes) using the size of the colonies as a parameter for evaluating growth rates. The highest microalgae biomass production for the three monitored colonies (C1-C3) was: increase of 28% for C1 after 90 h; 21% for C2 after 84 h; and 36% for C3 after 120 h. The results indicated that the system was able to monitor the growth of microalgae colonies. A specific support is being developed, which allows the installation of this image acquisition system for algae cultivation in a CubeSat, for future studies of algae growth in real microgravity conditions.

The aim of the present study was to describe butorphanol pharmacokinetics and bioavailability following intranasal administration to horses. Six adult horses received 0.05 mg/kg butorphanol, in a randomised crossover design, by either intravenous or intranasal route. Plasma concentrations of butorphanol were measured at predetermined time points using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry assay. After intravenous injection, mean ±SD butorphanol steady-state volume of distribution and clearance was 3.20 ± 1.77 L/kg and 3.18 ± 1.47 L/kg/h, respectively. Terminal half-lives for butorphanol after intravenous and intranasal administrations were 0.68 ± 0.17 h and 1.79 ± 1.43 h. For intranasal administration, absorption half-life and peak plasma concentration were 0.43 ± 0.33 h and 1.95 ± 1.7 ng/mL, respectively. Bioavailability was 54.45 ± 20.09%. Intranasal butorphanol administration in horses is practical, not stressful and well tolerated. Therefore, it might be a substitute to the intravenous route in adult horses.

The house and farm of Valflores, located near Lisbon, are an important evidence of the Portuguese Renaissance civil architecture from the first half of 16th century, built by Jorge de Barros, the overseer of the Portuguese king, D. João III, in Flanders. Its style has its roots in Italian villas. As was common at that time, the property was a villeggiatura site. In 1982 the house and the farm were listed as property of public interest. In 2000 the property was inserted in a Portuguese list of heritage at risk and in 2001 the property was in a state of pre-ruin. It was bought by the municipality in 2006. After 2007 a partnership between a Local Heritage Association (ADPAC), the Municipality of Loures and the Lisbon School of Architecture developed a series of initiatives for the safeguard and restoration of this Heritage. Several studies were performed, including multiple three-dimensional surveys on several occasions. Ultimately, these studies led to the development of a restoration project in 2016 for European funds application. At the present date, the restoration works are going on. The objective of this paper is the discussion of how three-dimensional documentation played a fundamental role on the several stages of this process, namely after 2007, permitting to gain insights about metrics, space and form distributions, deformations, structural condition, state of conservation, history, and allowing dissemination and public engagement.

This work concerns a preliminary study of the combustion of chars made from two different biomass species, vine and kiwi pruning wastes. The study was performed in a fluidized bed combustor, operating in a bubbling bed regime.The pellets were manufactured in a different installation, Viseu Polytechnic Institute, transported and, then carbonized in fixed bed batches at 900 ºC in a nitrogen atmosphere, in site, to obtain char. To acquire complete information on the combustion behavior, different sizes of char particles were subsequently burned in a bubbling fluidized bed and, through the measurement and subsequent analysis of the time progression of the CO2 in the flue gases, the evolution of the overall combustion resistance was obtained, and information on the combustion control was gathered. The evaluation of the relative importance of the kinetic and diffusive phenomena on the reaction was quantified, and it was observed that for the chars tested, the combustion was kinetically controlled. Applying the Arrhenius law to the kinetic data for each char, the corresponding pre-exponential factors and activation energies were obtained. Keywords: Biomass, Pruning waste, Combustion, Fluidized bed

Purpose: The demand for ready-to-eat, prepared meals has risen over the years. Following a recipe is a reason pointed by some consumers for not monitoring doneness during cooking. Our aim was to investigate the inactivation of Salmonella in products with eggs during cooking according to instructions in labels/recipes. Methods & Materials: We have chosen a very popular and traditional Portuguese dish made with salted codfish, fried potatoes and eggs – “Bacalhau À Brás”. We bought in a supermarket three packages of a frozen, precooked dish of “Bacalhau à Brás”, all belonging to the same production lot. The package contained a 300 g meal, with the codfish and fried potatoes already precooked, being the consumer responsible to add one raw egg in the end of the recipe. In the package, the cooking instructions are provided: “Conditions of use/preparation: Without defrosting, place the stew in a non-stick frying pan, then place the potatoes over the top and let them cook on a low heat so that it defrosts completely. Add a beaten egg, slowly wrapped for about 2 minutes so that the egg is sufficiently cooked. Garnish with whole olives or slices and chopped fresh parsley.”These instructions were followed in the laboratory where a domestic food preparation was mimicked. Eggs contaminated with different levels of Salmonella were used. Results: The 2 min at low temperature after the addition of the raw egg, as indicated in the package of the pre-cooked dish tested, was not enough to complete inactivate Salmonella. The risk for Salmonella survival and recovery of injured cells increases with the initial level of contamination. Conclusion: Recipes where raw eggs are added by the consumers at home might constitute a safety issue due to failure in proper inactivation of Salmonella as the manufacturer's instructions might not be specific enough to guarantee sufficient time and temperature, which may lead to the survival of Salmonella. This study highlights the need to provide scientifically-based information on food labels to increase food safety.

This paper discusses the graphical data flow, based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetry, for the conservation and rehabilitation project of the Fortress of Juromenha, located nearby the Portuguese-Spanish border in the Alentejo Province. First, we describe the strategy of data acquisition including GPS positioning, drone imagery, ground based imagery, and TLS survey. For the data input, this study considers two types of natures: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative means anything that can be quantified such as a measurement, an orthoimage, a point cloud or a 3D model. Qualitative means more intangible information such as a perspective on the state of conservation of a surface, a texture, or an ambience. Second, we illustrate the processing step highlighting the challenges and defining the outcomes. Next, it is detailed what kind of data was extracted to prepare the basis for the documents to be used on the conservation project. This section is complemented with the analysis on how data was shared among the project team and how it was used. Finally, it is discussed how the nature of the data and information generated influenced the consolidation design.

Conservation planning is a complex process involving a wide range of agents such as architects, engineers, conservators and archaeologists. Their integrated inputs contribute to the definition of criteria for the conservation project and the conservation strategy. In this process, graphical documentation is a common denominator to all involved areas-of-expertise. It provides the basis for the dialog between agents coming from different fields of knowledge that often don’t speak the same technical language nor share the same codes. The way this dialog can be improved through documentation is the main motivation of our study.In this paper we analyze the requirements of digital documentation in Cultural Heritage (CH) conservation strategies, and we tackle the fundamental role of photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and integrated implementation throughout the several steps, from the fieldwork to the conservation planning for CH sites. The described process is demonstrated through the case study of ‘the conservation project of the historic walls of Lagos’, in south Portugal.After introduction and related work, the study is structured in four main sections. In the second section, we present the case study and conduct an analysis of existing data and preliminary synthesis of heritage values related to the historic walls of Lagos. Second section corresponds to an overview of the project workflow. This spans from recording and documentation, considering geometry, colour, light, materials and degradation forms; to their analysis and diagnosis, resulting in criteria and guidelines for the intervention actions. Third section emphasises on how the simultaneous use of photogrammetry and TLS in the documentation process, and its relationship with other methods and techniques, introduces a distinctive character in the conservation project. Fourth section is about the documentation process with photogrammetry and TLS. Finally, fifth section focus in the analysis and architectural project.

The design of a particle therapy system that integrates an innovative beam delivery concept based on a static toroidal gantry and an imaging configuration suitable for beam and online range monitoring is proposed and discussed. Such approach would provide a compact and cost-effective layout, with a highly flexible and fast beam delivery, single particle counting capability for fast measurement of beam fluence and position and a precise real time verification of the compliance between the treatment delivery and its prescription. The gantry configuration is discussed, presenting an analysis of the residual magnetic field in the bore and of the feasibility of irradiating a realistic target volume. Moreover, the expected performance of the PET-based range monitor is assessed through Monte Carlo simulations, showing a precision in the reconstruction of the activity distribution from a clinical treatment plan better than the state-of-the-art devices. The feasibility of the proposed design is then discussed through an assessment of the technological improvements required to actually start the construction and commissioning of a system prototype.

In this work, the numerical simulation of the non-isothermal steady co-extrusion fiber spinning with flow-induced crystallization is explored. The model is based on the formulation originally proposed by China et al. in which Newtonian and Phan-Thien-Tanner (PTT) fluids are considered the core and the skin layer, respectively. The polymeric flow rate fraction, Deborah dimensionless number and the PTTs parameters on the temperature, the velocity and the crystallization profiles are analyzed. The numerical results show: the temperature profile is sensitive to the polymeric layer flow rate and the deformation parameters (shear thinning and extensional), the tensile stress induced crystallization parameter has a strong influence at the onset of the process, increasing drastically temperature and crystallinity.

In this paper, three methods (Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), terrestrial Structure from Motion photogrammetry (SfM) and aerial SfM photogrammetry with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)) were evaluated and compared to produce high resolution point clouds and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) in a semiarid, complex badland area (Los Aguarales) with tourism activities. Geomorphological processes and dynamics were studied at different spatial scales. The preliminary results showed the possibilities of a multiscale approach, using various non-invasive techniques, to assess geomorphological processes. The high resolution of the point clouds, obtained with TLS and terrestrial SfM photogrammetry, allowed preliminary identification of numerous spatial details, although no relevant topographical changes were detected during a short, wet spring period (with rainfall of 200 mm). UAV images allowed work at larger scales (catchment), mapping piping features, and could be seen as a worthwhile tool for time-effective data acquisition from larger areas. The application of different technologies and a multiscale approach to generate high resolution DEMs is a useful technique when carrying out geomorphological studies in semiarid badland areas. However, long term studies will be necessary to verify the suitability of these techniques in such complex landscapes, and quantify topographical changes and erosion rates. Finally, the information obtained with these tools could be used to promote the study area as an interesting geomorphosite with opportunities for tourism.

A numerical solution for axis-symmetrical fluid flow through a smooth constriction using the alternating direction implicit finite volume method and the fractional-step-method is presented. The wall is modelled with a smooth contraction mapped by a sinusoidal function and the flow is supposed to be axis-symmetric. A pressure boundary condition is set at the inlet and the resulting pressure gradient field drives fluid flow which is always in laminar regime. This study presents results for a non-Newtonian fluid using the Ostwaldde Waele constitutive model. Moreover, a transient network representing three different microstructures, immersed in the fluid, is evolved by viscous dissipation and an isothermal process is considered. The time dependent evolution of the transient network is represented by a set of kinetic equations with their respective forward and reversed constants. The numerical predictions show that, at a fixed Reynolds number, the viscous dissipation and the grade of structure restoration or breakage is influenced by constriction severity due to the energy generated during fluid flow. A 50% reduction in transversal section generates secondary flow downstream and vortex shedding, whereas a 10% and 25% constrictions presents a thin boundary layer and no secondary flow near the constricted wall.

The presently reported study provides length–weight relations (LWR) of 70 fish species (Actinopterygii) from the tropical coastal region of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil: Achirus declivis, Achirus lineatus, Anchoa spinifer, Anchoa tricolor, Anchovia clupeoides, Archosargus rhomboidalis, Aspistor luniscutis, Aspistor quadriscutis, Bagre bagre, Bagre marinus, Bairdiella ronchus, Bathygobius soporator, Carangoides bartholomaei, Caranx hippos, Caranx latus, Caranx ruber, Centropomus parallelus, Centropomus pectinatus, Centropomus undecimalis, Chaetodipterus faber, Chloroscombrus chrysurus, Citharichthys spilopterus, Conodon nobilis, Ctenogobius boleosoma, Cynoscion virescens, Diapterus auratus, Diapterus rhombeus, Engraulis anchoita, Etropus crossotus, Eucinostomus argenteus, Eucinostomus gula, Eucinostomus havana, Gobionellus oceanicus, Gobionellus stomatus, Haemulon plumierii, Isopisthus parvipinnis, Larimus breviceps, Lutjanus alexandrei, Lutjanus analis, Lutjanus jocu, Lutjanus synagris, Lycengraulis grossidens, Macrodon ancylodon, Menticirrhus americanus, Micropogonias furnieri, Mugil curema, Mugil liza, Nebris microps, Opisthonema oglinum, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Pellona harroweri, Polydactylus virginicus, Pomadasys corvinaeformis, Rhinosardinia bahiensis, Sciades herzbergii, Selene brownii, Selene vomer, Sparisoma radians, Sphoeroides greeleyi, Sphoeroides testudineus, Sphyraena guachancho, Stellifer brasiliensis, Stellifer microps, Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer stellifer, Symphurus plagusia, Symphurus tessellatus, Thalassophryne nattereri, Trichiurus lepturus, and Trinectes paulistanus. Data were collected between 2011 to 2014, using different fishing gears. The variation of the b coefficient for the majority of species felt within the expected range of 2.5 < b < 3.5. Additionally, this work provides the first LWR values for 3 fish species: Lutjanus alexandrei Moura et Lindeman, 2007; Rhinosardinia bahiensis (Steindachner, 1879); and Thalassophryne nattereri Steindachner, 1876.

The aim of this work is to investigate how the spatial variability of soil properties and soil erodibility ($K$ factor) were affected by the changes in land use allowed by irrigation with water from a reservoir in a semiarid area. To this end, three areas representative of different land uses (agroforestry grassland, lucerne crop and olive orchard) were studied within a 900 ha farm. The interrelationships between variables were analyzed by multivariate techniques and extrapolated using geostatistics. The results confirmed differences between land uses for all properties analyzed, which was explained mainly by the existence of diverse management practices (tillage, fertilization and irrigation), vegetation cover and local soil characteristics. Soil organic matter, clay and nitrogen content decreased significantly, while the K factor increased with intensive cultivation. The HJ-Biplot methodology was used to represent the variation of soil erodibility properties grouped in land uses. Native grassland was the least correlated with the other land uses. The K factor demonstrated high correlation mainly with very fine sand and silt. The maps produced with geostatistics were crucial to understand the current spatial variability in the Alqueva region. Facing the intensification of land-use conversion, a sustainable management is needed to introduce protective measures to control soil erosion.

Los polimorfismos sexuales son comunes en la naturaleza, tanto en plantas como en animales, y se han interpretado como un mecanismo que promueve el entrecruzamiento. La heterostilia es un polimorfismo floral en plantas que se ha estudiado ampliamente desde que Darwin lo describiera en detalle y propusiera su significado funcional. Como ocurre con el resto de los polimorfismos, el estudio de la heterostilia permite entender cómo se mantienen las distintas formas en las poblaciones y por qué los fenotipos son objeto de selección. Sin embargo, a medida que aumenta el número de trabajos se detectan nuevas variaciones y excepciones que recomiendan prudencia a la hora de generalizar sobre las características típicas del síndrome heterostilo y su significado adaptativo. En esta revisión se describen los principales aspectos morfológicos y fisiológicos de la heterostilia y su contexto evolutivo. Además, se repasan algunos estudios recientes que muestra la complejidad morfológica, fisiológica y adaptativa de este polimorfismo y se proponen futuras líneas de estudio.

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa de intercambio de jeringuillas (PIJ) en una prisión para reducir la prevalencia de infecciones asociadas al uso de drogas intravenosas, y conocer la aceptación del programa por internos y funcionarios del centro penitenciario. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional con cortes transversales al inicio, 6 y 12 meses y 10 años de desarrollo del programa. Se realizaron entrevistas a los usuarios del programa y encuestas a muestras accidentales de funcionarios en los distintos cortes, y a una muestra aleatoria de internos a los 10 años. Se registraron diariamente los indicadores de actividad del programa, y se valoró la prevalencia de infección por VIH, hepatitis B y C al inicio y a los 10 años. Para el análisis estadístico utilizamos la prueba ji-cuadrado con la corrección de Yates en caso necesario. Resultados: Durante estos diez años se suministraron 15.962 jeringuillas a 429 usuarios (media de 20,2 usuarios/mes), recuperándose 11.327 (70,9%). La prevalencia de infección por VIH pasó del 21% en 1999 al 8,5% en 2009, la de VHC del 40% al 26,1% (pObjectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of NEPs in prison to reduce the prevalence of infections associated with intravenous drug use and to know more about acceptance of the program by inmates and staff. Material and methods: cross-sectional observational study at baseline, 6 and 12 months and 10 years of program development. Interviews were conducted with program users, as well as random sample surveys of officials at the various cuts, and a random sample of inmates from the centre after10 years. Activity indicators of the program were recorded continuously, and the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV at baseline and after 10 years was evaluated. For the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used with the Yates correction when necessary. Results: In ten years we have supplied a total of 15,962 syringes to 429 users, (average 20.2 users/month), and 11,327 (70.9%) were returned. The prevalence of HIV infection decreased from 21% in 1999 to 8.5% in 2009, HCV prevalence from 40% to 26.1% (p

Speed evolution, cycle frequency, cycle length and cycle index were analysed during a 200-m maximal test, in young paddlers (23 kayak men, 22 kayak women and 20 canoe men; 13-14 years-old). Recordings were taken from a boat following each test and switched from analogue to digital format to measure the variables cited above. Evolution was similar in three categories. The speed and cycle index decreased through the test after the first 50 m, while the cycle length was stable. The cycle frequency had a progressive decrease along the distance. Men kayak got higher values in all the variables than women kayak and canoeist, but only were significantly higher in speed and cycle index. Lower values of cycle length and cycle frequency were obtained from canoe men and kayak women, respectively.Key Words: speed, cycle frequency, cycle length, cycle index, paddlers.Un total de 65 palistas de categoría infantil (23 hombres kayak, 22 mujeres kayak y 20 hombres canoa) entre 13 y 14 años de edad, realizaron un test máximo de 200 m en una calle acotada por boyas, que fue grabado desde una perspectiva lateral y posteriormente pasado a formato digital para determinar la evolución de la velocidad, frecuencia de ciclo, longitud de ciclo e índice de ciclo. Las variables analizadas mostraron una evolución similar en todas las categorías. La velocidad y el índice de ciclo tuvieron una tendencia decreciente a partir de los primeros 50 m, mientras que la longitud de ciclo se estabilizó a partir de esta distancia hasta el final de la prueba; la frecuencia de ciclo disminuyó progresivamente durante todo el test. Los hombres kayak obtuvieron valores superiores al resto de categorías en todas las variables analizadas, siendo las diferencias significativas en velocidad e índice de ciclo. La menor velocidad en las otras categorías fue el resultado de valores significativamente inferiores de frecuencia de ciclo para las mujeres kayak y de longitud de ciclo para los hombres canoa.Palabras Clave: velocidad, frecuencia de ciclo, longitud de ciclo, índice de ciclo, piragüistas.

Evolution of speed (V), cycle length (LCL), cycle frequency (FCL) and cycle index (ICL) were analysed in 44 young kayakists (24 males and 20 females; 13 – 14 years old) who underwent a maximum-500 m test. Digitalized images from each test were obtained to measure the variables cited above. V, FCL and ICL decreased through the test, while LDL was kept stable. FCL was similar in both genders, although the values of remaining variables measured were significantly higher in males than in females. There was a significant inverse correlation between FCL and LCL and a significant direct correlation between ICL, V and LCL was found.KEY WORDS: canoeing, speed, cycle frequency, cycle length, cycle index.Se analizó la evolución de la velocidad (V), la longitud de ciclo (LCL), la frecuencia de ciclo (FCL) y el índice de ciclo (ICL) sobre un test máximo de 500 metros realizado por 44 kayakistas de 13 y 14 años, 24 de ellos hombres y 20 mujeres. Los datos se obtuvieron tras digitalizar las filmaciones de cada uno de los test. La V, la FCL y el ICL disminuyeron a lo largo de la prueba, mientras que la LCL se mantuvo estable. La FCL fue similar en ambos sexos, mientras que para las demás variables la categoría masculina obtuvo valores superiores. Se encontró una alta correlación inversa entre la FCL y la LCL y directa entre el ICL con la V y la LCL.PALABRAS CLAVE: Piragüismo, velocidad, frecuencia de ciclo, longitud de ciclo, índice de ciclo.

Resumen: Introducción: La proteína priónica celular patógena (PrPsc) necesita de la presencia de la fisiológica (PrPc) para su propagación y replicación. Se estudia comparativamente la expresión y localización de PrPc en el sistema nervioso central (SNC) de rata, ratón, gato, vaca y humano, mediante técnicas inmunohistoquímicas y de Western blot, con el objetivo de un mejor conocimiento de las prionopatías y de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Material y métodos: Se emplearon encéfalos humanos y de gato, rata y vaca, para estudios por técnicas inmunohistoquímicas; se analizaron las cortezas frontal, temporal y occipital, así como hipocampo y tálamo. Se utilizaron técnicas de Western blot para encéfalos de ratón, gato, vaca y humano. Resultados: Existe una disminución rostrocaudal de la cuantía de PrPc en el SNC de dichas especies. PrPc se sitúa en la membrana y en el citoplasma de las neuronas. Se observan neuronas inhibitorias en el córtex del gato. El patrón general del Western blot es análogo en las especies estudiadas, con predominio de la banda diglucosilada sobre las bandas monoglucosilada y no glucosilada. Discusión: Los datos indican que en las prionopatías, PrPsc puede transmitirse y replicarse de forma retrógrada en y a partir de las zonas más PrP positivas. La mayor cuantía de PrPc en algunas zonas del encéfalo humano podría estar en relación con los hallazgos anatomopatológicos de la EA. Conclusiones: Los datos apoyan un transporte retrógrado de la PrPsc en el SNC. La PrPc debe de tener relación con la fisiopatología de la EA. Abstract: Introduction: The scrapie prion protein (PrPsc) requieres the cellular prion protein (PrPc) for its propagation and replication. In this work we studied the expression and localization of the PrPc in the central nervous system (SNC) of the rat, mouse, cat, cow and human, using immunohistochemestry and Western blot techniques to understand more about prionopathies and Alzheimer's disease (EA). Matherial and methods: For the immunohistochemetry study we used human, cat, rat and cow samples to analyse frontal, temporal and occipital cortex, as well as the hippocampus and the thalamus. For the Western blot analysis we used mouse, cat, cow and human brain samples. Results: We observed a decrease in the amount of PrPc in the SNC in a rostrocaudal shift in the species mentioned above. We observed inhibitory cells in the cat cortex. The Western blot analysis showed a similar pattern of expression in the different species studied with a preponderance of the diglycosylated band, in relation to the other bands observed in the analysis. Discussion: These data suggest that in prionopathies PrPsc could be transmitted and could be replicated in and from the areas with most expression of PrPc. Similarly, a higher amount of this protein (PrPc) in some brain areas could explain some histopathological aspects of EA. Conclusions: Our findings support the hypothesis of a retrograde transport of PrPsc in the SNC. PrPc could be related to the pathophysiology of EA. Palabras clave: Proteína priónica celular, Prionopatías, Enfermedad de Alzheimer, Mamíferos, Keywords: Cellular prion protein, Prionopathies, Alzheimer's disease, Mammals

Introduction: The scrapie prion protein (PrPsc) requieres the celular prion protein (PrPc) for its propagation and replication. In this work we studied the expression and localization of the PrPc in the central nervous system (SNC) of the rat, mouse, cat, cow and human, using immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques to understand more about prinopathies and Alzheimer's disease (EA). Material and methods: For the immunohistochemistry study we used human, cat, rat and cow samples to analyse frontal, temporal and occipital cortex, as well as the hippocampus and the thalamus. For the Western blot analysis we used mouse, cat, cow and human brain samples. Results: We observed a decrease in the amount of PrPc in the central nervous system (CNS) in a rostrocaudal shift in the species mentioned above. We observed inhibitory cells in the cat cortex. The Western blot analysis showed a similar pattern of expression in the different species studied with a preponderance of the diglycosylated band, in relation to the other bands observed in the analysis. Discussion: These data suggest that in prionopathies PrPsc could be transmitted and could be replicated in and from the areas with most expression of PrPc. Similarly, a higher amount of this protein (PrPc) in some brain areas could explain some histopathological aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conclusions: Our findings support the hypothesis of a retrograde transport of PrPsc in the CNS. PrPc could be related to the pathophysiology of AD. Resumen: Introducción: La proteína priónica celular patógena (PrPsc) necesita de la presencia de la fisiológica (PrPc) para su propagación y replicación. Se estudia comparativamente la expresión y localización de PrPc en el sistema nervioso central (SNC) de rata, ratón, gato, vaca y humano, mediante técnicas inmunohistoquímicas y de Western blot, con el objetivo de un mejor conocimiento de las prionopatías y de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Material y métodos: Se emplearon encéfalos humanos y de gato, rata y vaca, para estudios por técnicas inmunohistoquímicas; se analizaron las cortezas frontal, temporal y occipital, así como hipocampo y tálamo. Se utilizaron técnicas de Western blot para encéfalos de ratón, gato, vaca y humano. Resultados: Existe una disminución rostrocaudal de la cuantía de PrPc en el SNC de dichas especies. PrPc se sitúa en la membrana y en el citoplasma de las neuronas. Se observan neuronas inhibitorias en el córtex del gato. El patrón general del Western blot es análogo en las especies estudiadas, con predominio de la banda diglucosilada sobre las bandas monoglucosilada y no glucosilada. Discusión: Los datos indican que en las prionopatías, PrPsc puede transmitirse y replicarse de forma retrógrada en y a partir de las zonas más PrP positivas. La mayor cuantía de PrPc en algunas zonas del encéfalo humano podría estar en relación con los hallazgos anatomopatológicos de la EA. Conclusiones: Los datos apoyan un transporte retrógrado de la PrPsc en el SNC. La PrPc debe de tener relación con la fisiopatología de la EA. Keywords: Cellular prion protein, Prionopathies, Alzheimer's disease, Mammals, Palabras clave: Proteína priónica celular, Prionopatías, Enfermedad de Alzheimer, Mamíferos

Climate and ocean ecosystem variability has been well recognized during the twentieth century but it is unclear if modern ocean biogeochemistry is susceptible to the large, abrupt shifts that characterized the Late Quaternary. Time series from marine sediments off Peru show an abrupt centennial-scale biogeochemical regime shift in the early nineteenth century, of much greater magnitude and duration than present day multi-decadal variability. A rapid expansion of the subsurface nutrient-rich, oxygen-depleted waters resulted in the present-day higher biological productivity, including pelagic fish. The shift was likely driven by a northward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the South Pacific Subtropical High to their present day locations, coupled with a strengthening of Walker circulation, towards the end of the Little Ice Age. These findings reveal the potential for large reorganizations in tropical Pacific climate with immediate effects on ocean biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem structure.

Some mucin genes have been detected during human embryonic and fetal organ development; however, little is known about mucin expression in epidermal development, neither in humans nor in other species. The present research was developed to explore Muc5ac skin expression during prenatal and postnatal rat development. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting (WB) and RT-PCR were employed. By IHC, Muc5ac protein was found early in embryonic epidermis from day 13 of gestation until seven days after birth when the surface epidermis became negative and the reaction was restricted to secreting sebum cells. In coincidence with IHC findings, WB analysis showed a band at approximately 200KDa at the same periods of development. Results were also confirmed by RT-PCR. Muc5ac expression in rat embryonic epidermis suggests that Muc5ac may play a protective role in embryonic skin previous to birth which may be replaced by pile covering. To our knowledge, this is the first report which confirmed Muc5ac expression during skin development.Conclusion: Muc5ac expression in rat embryonic epidermis suggests that Muc5ac may play a protective role in embryonic skin previous to birth which may be replaced by pile covering. To our knowledge, this is the first report which confirmed Muc5ac expression during skin development.

High-resolution paleo-environmental and paleo-ecological archives in laminated sequences are present in selected areas from the upper continental Peruvian margin within the oxygen minimum zone. We present initial results of a multidisciplinary study (the PALEOPECES project) that aims to reconstruct environmental and ecosystem variability during the past 200 years from high-resolution records. We report chronology development, sediment structure, elemental, organic, and mineralogical compositions of a box core collected at 300 m depth off Pisco, central Peru. An average sedimentation rate of 2.2 mm y-1 was estimated from downcore excess 210Pb activities for the last 100-150 years. Extending this rate further downcore indicates that a slump located at 52 cm depth from the top of the core can be correlated with a large tsunami that struck the coast of central Peru in 1746. X-ray analyses reveal laminated structures composed of couplets of light and dark laminae. Observations under polarized microscope show that light laminae are dominated by more dense, detrital and terrigenous material, while dark laminae are less dense with greater concentrations of amorphous biogenic silica. Downcore variations in dry bulk density and X-ray radioscopy of gray level show similar patterns, including a major shift at 34 cm depth (ca. mid-nineteenth century). A finely laminated sequence, which may include annual varves, is present between 34 cm depth and the slump layer. Sediment characteristics of the sequence suggest increased seasonality of terrigenous versus biogenous sedimentation during the corresponding period. In addition to a mid-nineteenth century change and considerable multidecadal variability in TOC, there is a positive trend in the past 50 years. Mineralogical analyses from a Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) of the upper core covering the last 25 years, indicate higher concentrations of the mineral fraction (quartz, feldspar, kaolinite and illite) in layers including large El Niño events (1982-1983, 1986-1987 and 1997-1998), with the largest peak during the 1997-1998 episode. These results confirm that anoxic sediments off Pisco are suitable archives to investigate interannual and decadal changes in oceanographic conditions and climate of the northern Humboldt upwelling system.

We have developed a quantitative RTPCR method that can be used to determine the amount of enterovirus RNA in urban sludge samples. This method combines Taq-Man® technology with the ABI PrismTM 7700 real-time sequence detection system. We optimized a one-step RT-PCR that uses a dual-labeled fluorogenic probe to quantify the 5′ noncoding region of enteroviruses. For accurate quantification of the number of copies, a Mahoney type 1 poliovirus RNA standard was designed and produced using genetic engineering. This fragment, quantified using the Ribogreen® method, was used in serial dilutions as an external standard. The method had a 7-log dynamic range (5 to 2 × 107). PCR inhibitors were removed by extracting viral RNA (after virus concentration) using the RNeasy® mini kit with added polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and running the amplification reaction with a mixture containing PVP and T4 gene 32 protein. This real-time quantification of enterovirus RNA allows large numbers of samples to be screened. Its sensitivity, simplicity and reproducibility render it suitable as a screening method with which to characterize enteroviruses, the presence of infectious particles being subsequently confirmed by cell culture.

Bioprinting of tissues and organs can be defined as layer-by-layer additive robotic biofabrication of three-dimensional functional living macrotissues and organ constructs using tissue spheroids as building blocks. The microtissues and tissue spheroids are living materials with certain measurable, evolving and potentially controllable composition, material and biological properties. Closely placed tissue spheroids undergo tissue fusion, a process that represents a fundamental biological and biophysical principle of developmental biology-inspired directed tissue self-assembly. After the tissue spheroids structuring, the tissue/organ newly made is then carried out into a bioreactor which should play an important role of providing an adequate environment to the growth and maturation of the bioproduct. Bioreactors are used to accelerate tissue maturation through the control of their mechanical, biochemical and electrical conditions. The creation of a representative environment inside the bioreactor is too complex since it can enclose a large range of variables. The simulation of this scenery is essential to the study and the success of tissues and organs bioprinting is straight linked to a set of an appropriate environment in the bioreactor that assure the feasibility, maturation, biomonitoring, tests, storing and transport of the involved elements on the generation of the new tissue such as the deposited cells and nutrients. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software packages have been a powerful tool to calculate flow fields, shear stresses and mass transport within and around 3D constructs, including a bioreactor environment. This work presents an initial study that reproduces the internal scenery of a bioreactor with some of the main variables through simulations based on the finite element method run on Ansys CFX package software.

During embryonic development, studies on mouse and human embryos have established that Muc1/MUC1 expression coincides with the onset of epithelial sheet and glandular formation. This study aimed therefore at evaluating the temporal and spatial expression of Muc1 at different stages of rat development. In this experiment, 80 animals were included: 64 rat foetuses at 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 days of gestation from pregnant females (WKAH/Hok), 8 embryos each stage. Standard immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-MUC1 cytoplasmic tail polyclonal antibody (CT33). The reaction was considered positive when more than 5% of the cells were stained; reaction patterns were: L = linear, membrane, C = cytoplasmic and M = mixed; nuclear staining was also recorded. Intensity was graded as negative (-), low (+), moderate (++) and strong (+++). Muc1 expression was observed with a low intensity on 13th day (13 d) in the stomach, lung and kidney; at 14 d, small intestine and pancreas were also reactive; at 16 d, liver and esophagus and at 18 d, trachea and salivary glands. During the development, intensity increased while the pattern of expression changed: at the first days of gestation, it was predominantly linear and apical while during further development an increase in cytoplasmic expression was observed. Trachea, stomach, kidney and lung epithelia were the more reactive tissues. In specimens belonging to neonates and adults, all tissues analyzed showed similar Muc1 expression. The findings of this study assess that Muc1 is highly expressed in the epithelial rat embryonic development.

Speed evolution, cycle frequency, cycle length and cycle index were analysed during a 200-m maximal test, in young paddlers (23 kayak men, 22 kayak women and 20 canoe men; 13-14 years-old). Recordings were taken from a boat following each test and switched from analogue to digital format to measure the variables cited above. Evolution was similar in three categories. The speed and cycle index decreased through the test after the first 50 m, while the cycle length was stable. The cycle frequency had a progressive decrease along the distance. Men kayak got higher values in all the variables than women kayak and canoeist, but only were significantly higher in speed and cycle index. Lower values of cycle length and cycle frequency were obtained from canoe men and kayak women, respectively. Key Words: speed, cycle frequency, cycle length, cycle index, paddlers.

Evolution of speed (V), cycle length (LCL), cycle frequency (FCL) and cycle index (ICL) were analysed in 44 young kayakists (24 males and 20 females; 13 – 14 years old) who underwent a maximum-500 m test. Digitalized images from each test were obtained to measure the variables cited above. V, FCL and ICL decreased through the test, while LDL was kept stable. FCL was similar in both genders, although the values of remaining variables measured were significantly higher in males than in females. There was a significant inverse correlation between FCL and LCL and a significant direct correlation between ICL, V and LCL was found. KEY WORDS: canoeing, speed, cycle frequency, cycle length, cycle index.