Nonlinear coupling of Alfvén and magnetoacoustic waves in partially ionized plasmas: the effect of thermal misbalance on propagating waves.

Partially ionized plasmas constitute an essential ingredient of the solar atmosphere, and ground- and space-based observations have pointed out the presence of oscillations in partially ionized solar plasmas such as chromosphere, photosphere, prominences or spicules, which have been interpreted in terms of magnetohydrodynamic waves. Our aim is to study the spatial behaviour of propagating weakly and fully nonlinear Alfvén waves, and the subsequent excitation of field-aligned motions and perturbations, when dissipative mechanisms, such as ambipolar diffusion and radiative losses, together with parametrized heating mechanisms, are taken into account. When only ambipolar diffusion is taken into account, first-order Alfvén waves as well as ponderomotive-driven perturbations are spatially damped, while field-aligned motions and perturbations representing propagating slow waves are undamped. These perturbations are damped when thermal effects are also considered and their damping lengths can be longer or shorter than those of ponderomotive-driven perturbations. Therefore, after the initial excitation, Alfvén waves and ponderomotive-driven perturbations could be quickly damped while slow waves still remain in the plasma, and vice versa. This article is part of the theme issue 'Partially ionized plasma of the solar atmosphere: recent advances and future pathways'.

Timing of umbilical cord occlusion, delayed vs early, in preterm babies: A randomized controlled trial (CODE-P Trial).

INTRODUCTION: Our hypothesis was that delayed cord clamping (DCC) (not earlier than 30 s; at 30-60 s) in premature neonates (born between 26.0 and 32.6 weeks of gestation), as compared with the usual early cord clamping (ECC), significantly reduces the need for blood transfusions and incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) without an increased rate of maternal postpartum haemorrhage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Vall d'Hebron Hospital from July 2014 to December 2018. All pregnant women at risk of impending preterm birth (≥26.0-<33.0 weeks of gestation) who were admitted to the obstetrics emergency department were evaluated for eligibility. If they met the eligibility criteria, they were invited to participate in the study and, if they agreed, they signed an informed consent. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: ECC group and DCC group. RESULTS: Our study included a total of 57 patients: 30 in the ECC group and 27 in the DCC group. Due to a lack of funding and low recruitment rates, the study was discontinued in 2018. Maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes were similar between both groups. The intention-to-treat analysis did not reveal any differences between groups for neonatal red blood cell transfusions, neonatal IVH or maternal postpartum haemorrhage. There were no differences for secondary outcomes. Similarly, no differences were observed in the as-treated analysis. CONCLUSION: The primary and secondary outcomes of our study were not achieved. Therefore, more meta-analysis and trials are needed to evaluate the appropriate timing of cord clamping in preterm birth.

Ramosin: The First Antibacterial Peptide Identified on Bolitoglossa ramosi Colombian Salamander.

The discovery and improvements of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become an alternative to conventional antibiotics. They are usually small and heat-stable peptides, exhibiting inhibitory activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In this way, studies on broad-spectrum AMPs found in amphibians with the remarkable capability to regenerate a wide array of tissues are of particular interest in the search for new strategies to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. In this work, the use of bioinformatic approaches such as sequence alignment with Fasta36 and prediction of antimicrobial activity allowed the identification of the Ramosin peptide from the de novo assembled transcriptome of the plethodontid salamander Bolitoglossa ramosi obtained from post-amputation of the upper limb tissue, heart, and intestine samples. BLAST analysis revealed that the Ramosin peptide sequence is unique in Bolitoglossa ramosi. The peptide was chemically synthesized, and physicochemical properties were characterized. Furthermore, the in vitro antimicrobial activity against relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria was demonstrated. Finally, no effect against eukaryotic cells or human red blood cells was evidenced. This is the first antibacterial peptide identified from a Colombian endemic salamander with interesting antimicrobial properties and no hemolytic activity.

Post-amputation reactive oxygen species production is necessary for axolotls limb regeneration.

Introduction: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent molecules of great interest in the field of regenerative biology since several animal models require their production to promote and favor tissue, organ, and appendage regeneration. Recently, it has been shown that the production of ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is required for tail regeneration in Ambystoma mexicanum. However, to date, it is unknown whether ROS production is necessary for limb regeneration in this animal model. Methods: forelimbs of juvenile animals were amputated proximally and the dynamics of ROS production was determined using 2'7- dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) during the regeneration process. Inhibition of ROS production was performed using the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Subsequently, a rescue assay was performed using exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The effect of these treatments on the size and skeletal structures of the regenerated limb was evaluated by staining with alcian blue and alizarin red, as well as the effect on blastema formation, cell proliferation, immune cell recruitment, and expression of genes related to proximal-distal identity. Results: our results show that inhibition of post-amputation limb ROS production in the A. mexicanum salamander model results in the regeneration of a miniature limb with a significant reduction in the size of skeletal elements such as the ulna, radius, and overall autopod. Additionally, other effects such as decrease in the number of carpals, defective joint morphology, and failure of integrity between the regenerated structure and the remaining tissue were identified. In addition, this treatment affected blastema formation and induced a reduction in the levels of cell proliferation in this structure, as well as a reduction in the number of CD45+ and CD11b + immune system cells. On the other hand, blocking ROS production affected the expression of proximo-distal identity genes such as Aldha1a1, Rarß, Prod1, Meis1, Hoxa13, and other genes such as Agr2 and Yap1 in early/mid blastema. Of great interest, the failure in blastema formation, skeletal alterations, as well as the expression of the genes evaluated were rescued by the application of exogenous H2O2, suggesting that ROS/H2O2 production is necessary from the early stages for proper regeneration and patterning of the limb.

Characteristics of Medically Transported Critically Ill Children with Respiratory Failure in Latin America: Implications for Outcomes.

Several challenges exist for referral and transport of critically ill children in resource-limited regions such as Latin America; however, little is known about factors associated with clinical outcomes. Thus, we aimed to describe the characteristics of critically ill children in Latin America transferred to pediatric intensive care units for acute respiratory failure to identify risk factors for mortality. We analyzed data from 2,692 patients admitted to 28 centers in the Pediatric Collaborative Network of Latin America Acute Respiratory Failure Registry. Among patients referred from another facility (773, 28%), nonurban transports were independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4; 95% confidence interval: 2.4-36.3).

Transforming a public university hospital and its area of influence into a comprehensive resource in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The outbreak of COVID-19 has overwhelmed healthcare systems all over the world. The aim of this article is to describe the process of transforming the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, the second largest hospital in Spain, into a COVID-19 centre coordinating response to the pandemic in its reference area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study draws on the experience of the authors in transforming the hospital into a comprehensive resource in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy is based on four central strategies: early planning, coordination of all healthcare agents in its reference area, definition of clear leadership roles, and the organisation of care based on multidisciplinary teams with minimal recruitment of new staff. RESULTS: The transformation strategy enabled the hospital to cope with the surge in patients without exceeding its capacity. During the response phases, which amounted to a period of 57 days, 3106 patients consulted the ER and 2054 were admitted, 346 of whom were treated at the ICU. To accommodate the number of adult COVID-19 patients, adult ICU availability was progressive increased by 371%, and ordinary beds increased by 240. A total of 671 staff members went on sick leave after testing positive for COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The transformation experience of the hospital provides insight into how effectively adapt the structures and functioning of large hospitals. The relevance of territorial coordination during the pandemic is stressed as an effective strategy that contributed coping the pandemic.

Monitoring of bluetongue virus in zoo animals in Spain, 2007-2019.

Bluetongue (BT) is an emerging and re-emerging communicable vector-borne disease of animal health concern. A serosurvey was performed to assess exposure to BT virus (BTV) in zoo animals in Spain and to determine the dynamics of seropositivity in longitudinally sampled individuals during the study period. Serum samples were collected from 241 zoo animals belonging to 71 different species in five urban zoos (A-E) in Spain between 2007 and 2019. Twenty-four of these animals were longitudinally surveyed at three of the sampled zoos (zoos B, C and E) during the study period. Anti-BTV antibodies were found in 46 (19.1%; 95% CI: 14.1-24.1) of the 241 captive animals analysed by commercial ELISA. A virus neutralization test confirmed specific antibodies against BTV-1 and BTV-4 in 25 (10.7%; 95% CI: 6.7-14.6) and five (3.0%; 95% CI: 0.3-4.0) animals, respectively. Two of the 24 longitudinally sampled individuals (one African elephant (Loxodanta africana) and one aoudad (Ammotragus lervia)) showed anti-BTV antibodies at all samplings, whereas seroconversions were detected in one mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) in 2016, and one Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in 2019. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first large-scale survey on BTV conducted in both artiodactyl and non-artiodactyl zoo species worldwide. The results confirm BTV exposure in urban zoo parks in Spain, which could be of animal health and conservation concern. Circulation of BTV was detected in yearling animals in years when there were no reports of BTV outbreaks in livestock. Surveillance in artiodactyl and non-artiodactyl zoo species could be a valuable tool for epidemiological monitoring of BTV.

Hydrogen peroxide is necessary during tail regeneration in juvenile axolotl.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) is a key reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during appendage regeneration among vertebrates. However, its role during tail regeneration in axolotl as redox signaling molecule is unclear. RESULTS: Treatment with exogenous H2 O2 rescues inhibitory effects of apocynin-induced growth suppression in tail blastema cells leading to cell proliferation. H2 O2 also promotes recruitment of immune cells, regulate the activation of AKT kinase and Agr2 expression during blastema formation. Additionally, ROS/H2 O2 regulates the expression and transcriptional activity of Yap1 and its target genes Ctgf and Areg. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that H2 O2 is necessary and sufficient to promote tail regeneration in axolotls. Additionally, Akt signaling and Agr2 were identified as ROS targets, suggesting that ROS/H2 O2 is likely to regulate epimorphic regeneration through these signaling pathways. In addition, ROS/H2 O2 -dependent-Yap1 activity is required during tail regeneration.

Evidence of exposure to zoonotic flaviviruses in zoo mammals in Spain and their potential role as sentinel species.

A serosurvey was carried out to assess emerging flavivirus exposure in zoo mammals in Spain and to determine the dynamics of seropositivity in species that were longitudinally sampled during the study period. Sera from 570 zoo animals belonging to 120 mammal species were collected at ten zoos (A-J) in Spain between 2002 and 2019. Twenty-one of these animals, belonging to ten different species, were sampled longitudinally at four of the zoos during the study period. Antigenically-related flavivirus antibodies were detected in 19 (3.3 %; 95 %CI: 2.0-5.2) of the 570 animals analyzed using bELISA. Seropositivity was observed in ten (8.3 %) of the 120 species tested. Five (23.8 %) of the 21 animals sampled more than once presented seropositivity in all samplings whereas seroconversion was only observed in one white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). Flavivirus antibodies were found at six of the ten sampled zoos and in consecutive years between 2008 and 2018. Virus neutralization tests confirmed West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection in ten (1.8 %; 95 %CI: 0.7-2.8), five (0.9 %; 95 %CI: 0.1-1.6) and one (0.2 %; 95 %CI: 0.0-0.5) animal, respectively. Antibodies against Meaban virus (0 %; 95 %CI: 0.0-0.7 %) were not found in the tested sera. The results demonstrate WNV, USUV and TBEV exposure in zoo mammals, which may be of public health and conservation concern. Seropositivity to WNV and USUV was detected in regions where these viruses have not been reported previously. Anti-WNV antibodies found in zoo animals sampled in 2009 point to WNV circulation at least one year before the first outbreaks were reported in horses and humans in Spain. Our results indicate that zoo mammals could be useful sentinel species for monitoring emerging flavivirus activity in urban areas.

Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in those with newly diagnosed HIV infection in London, UK.

OBJECTIVES: In July 2016, as a result of patient demand, we introduced a rapid initiation option (RIO) to offer a first medical appointment and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation within 2 days of HIV diagnosis at 56 Dean Street (56DS) , a combined sexual health and HIV treatment service in London, UK. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-note review of patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection at 56DS following the introduction of the new RIO from July to October 2016. In order to assess the effect of the new service on ART uptake, we chose a comparison group of newly diagnosed patients at 56DS from 1 year earlier: July to October 2015. RESULTS: In the 4 months following RIO introduction, there was a reduction in the median time from HIV diagnosis to the first medical appointment (7 versus 15 days; P < 0.00001) and to ART initiation (8 versus 21 days; P < 0.00001) compared with the same 4-month period 1 year previously. Uptake of ART at first appointment also significantly increased from 60% to 76% (P = 0.0074). CONCLUSIONS: By increasing our clinic capacity and awareness of staff and patients of the RIO service, we were able to fulfil the aim of the service to offer ART more quickly following HIV diagnosis.

Hey1 gene expression patterns during the development of branchial arches and facial prominences / Patrones de expresión del gen Hey1 durante el desarrollo de arcos branquiales y prominencias faciales

ABSTRACT Objective. The present study aimed to describe in detail the expression patterns of the gene Hey1, an effector of the Notch pathway, during the development of branchial arches and facial prominences. Materials and methods. Fertilized chicken (Gallus gallus) eggs obtained from a local egg farm were incubated at 37.5 -38.5ºC with 70% relative humidity until the embryos reached Hamilton-Hamburger stages HH14 through HH25. Digoxigenin-UTP labeled probes Hey1 were generated from linearized plasmids with either T3 polimerase for in vitro transcription. Whole-mount in situ hybridization was then performed. At least 3 replicates (n=3) were obtained for each stage. To confirm the results observed in whole embryos, sagittal and coronal cryosectioning was performed using a thickness of 10 µm. Results. During developmental stages HH14 and HH18, Hey1 gene expression was localized to the endoderm of branchial pouches. Hey1 gene expression was also observed in the epithelium that covers the maxillary and mandibular prominences during developmental stages HH19 and HH21, as well as in the nasal epithelium between HH19 and HH25. Transcripts were also detected in the epithelium that covers the frontonasal prominence during stage HH21. Conclusions. These expression patterns suggest the participation of this component of the Notch signaling pathway in craniofacial morphogenesis, possibly establishing pharyngeal segmentation patterns during early stages and/or regulating cell proliferation and differentiation during the late stages of facial development.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir detalladamente los patrones de expresión del gen Hey1, un efector de la vía Notch durante el desarrollo de arcos branquiales y prominencias faciales. Materiales y métodos. Se incubaron huevos fertilizados de pollo (Gallus gallus) obtenidos de una granja local entre 37.5-38.5ºC con humedad relativa del 70% hasta que los embriones alcanzaron los estadios HH14 hasta HH25 de Hamilton-Hamburger. Las sondas Hey1 marcadas con digoxigenina-UTP se generaron a partir de plásmidos linearizados con T3 polimerasa por transcripción in vitro. Luego se realizó hibridación in situ sobre embriones completos. Se obtuvieron al menos 3 repeticiones (n=3) para cada estadio. Para confirmar los resultados observados en embriones completos, se realizaron cortes sagitales y coronales de 10 µm. Resultados. Durante los estadios de desarrollo HH14 y HH18, la expresión del gen Hey1 se localizó en el endodermo de las bolsas branquiales. La expresión génica de Hey1 también se observó en el epitelio que cubre las prominencias maxilares y mandibulares durante las etapas de desarrollo HH19 y HH21, así como en el epitelio nasal entre HH19 y HH25. También se detectaron transcritos de Hey1 en el epitelio que cubre la prominencia frontonasal durante la etapa HH21. Conclusiones. Estos patrones de expresión sugieren la participación de este componente de la vía de señalización Notch en la morfogénesis craneofacial, posiblemente estableciendo patrones de segmentación faríngea durante las primeras etapas y / o regulando la proliferación y diferenciación celular durante las últimas etapas del desarrollo facial.

Changes in ABA, IAA and JA levels during calyx, fruit and leaves development in cape gooseberry plants (Physalis peruviana L.).

Changes in abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content in developing calyx, fruits and leaves of Physalis peruviana L. plants were analysed. Plant hormones have been widely studied for their roles in the regulation of various aspects related to plant development and, in particular, into their action during development and ripening of fleshly fruits. The obtained evidences suggest that the functions of these hormones are no restricted to a particular development stage, and more than one hormone is involved in controlling various aspects of plant development. Our results will contribute to understand the role of these hormones during growth and development of calyx, fruits and leaves in cape gooseberry plants. This work offers a good, quickly and efficiently protocol to extract and quantify simultaneously ABA, IAA and JA in different tissues of cape gooseberry plants.

Multiplex Immunoassay: A Planar Array on a Chip Using the MagArray(™) Technology.

Multiplexing is an important tool in assay development as it allows simultaneous detection of numerous analytes. Current platforms with the capability to multiplex are often complex and expensive. Here, we describe a low-cost planar array on a chip capable of simultaneously detecting up to 80 different analytes using the MagArray technology in as little as 10 min. This technology is easy to operate, has a small footprint, and is highly portable as it does not require any moving parts and/or microfluidics. This technology also allows the user to obtain a real-time read-out, which is very useful for analyzing complex sample matrices and for assessing cross-reactivity easily, or to monitor the dissociation of low affinity proteins during washes. The recommended sample volume for analysis is 100 µL after dilution, but as little as 20 µL can be measured if needed.

[Dermatomyositis. Presentation of a mild to moderate case with early dysphagia]. / Dermatomiositis. Aportación de un caso de afectación leve-moderada y disfagia precoz.

We report the case of a twelve year old female patient with juvenile dermatomyositis. The diagnosis was made in our unit a few days after starting with proximal muscular weakness and a skin rash. A combination of oral corticosteroids and methotrexate was administered. There was an initial improvent in the skin lesions, but with no changes in the muscle weakness. The appearance of dysphagia a few days after starting the treatment led us to add three pulses of parenteral methylprednisolone to her initial treatment. We report the case to illustrate the difficulties in deciding initial treatment options.

Encephalomyelitis by Toxoplasma gondii in a captive fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox).

Encephalomyelitis due to Toxoplasma gondii was diagnosed in a fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). The animal had ataxia, atrophy of hind limb muscles and progressive wasting before dying 12 months after the onset of clinical signs. Toxoplasmosis was suspected antemortem based on clinical signs and the detection of T. gondii DNA by PCR on EDTA-blood from live animal. Necropsy revealed necrotizing gastritis and severe emaciation. The main histological lesions included non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, with dilation of myelin sheaths and swollen axons in the spinal cord, and multifocal gliosis in the brain with intralesional protozoan cysts that stained positive for T. gondii immunohistochemistry. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of toxoplasmosis in a fossa, and a new host record.

Proyecto ANACO-UCV: Estudio epidemiológico sobre la pérdida prematura del primer molar permanente en niños con edades comprendidas entre 6 y 10 años

El convenio U.C.V.-Corpoamigos ANACO es uno de los seminarios del Programa de Extensión Docencia-Servicio de la Facultad de Odontología que se viene realizando en 16 estados del país. Dicho seminario cuenta con los recursos humanos, materiales y financieros necesarios para una óptima atención a la comunidad, por lo cual es considerado uno de los seminarios más importantes de la facultad de odontología de la UCV. En el siguiente estudio de investigación se tomaron 142 pacientes de ambos sexos con edades comprendidas entre 6 y 10 años (con la pérdida de algunos primeros molares). Los resultados obtenidos muestran una alta prevalencia de pérdida de este molar, lo que nos lleva a enfrentar la problemática presente en las poblaciones rurales por la pérdida del primer molar a edad temprana, cuya situación se agrava por falta de programas preventivos en dichas regiones. Es importante hacer notar la existencia de investigaciones epidemiológicas de este tema en poblaciones rurales como la de Anaco (AU)

Beneficio riesgo del tratamiento aplicado a gestantes hipertensas hospitalizadas / Benefict Risk of the treatement applied to admited hipertensive pregnant comer

En el embarazo se presenta con frecuencia la Hipertensión Arterial (HTA), que representa un riesgo para la madre y el feto; los antihipertensivos se usan con la creencia de la disminución de la tensión arterial (TA) para prevenir la progresión de una enfermedad más severa. Los beneficios y daños del uso de estos fármacos para el tratamiento de la (HTA) en el embarazo no son claros, por lo que no se debe abandonar el uso de estos medicamentos hasta tanto se disponga de evidencia sólida para refutar el rol que dichos fármacos cumplen en este período. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de farmacovigilancia, prospectivo, utilizando el método de farmacovigilancia intensiva del paciente hospitalizado, a gestantes con diagnóstico de (HTA) que consumían y/o se le indicaban antihipertensivos con el objetivo de analizar el tratamiento aplicado, partiendo de las Reacciones adversas medicamentosas (RAM), interacciones medicamentosas (IM) y las manifestaciones clínicas que pudieron aparecer durante el periodo de estudio. Resultados y discusión: El 75 por ciento del total de la muestra presentaron efectos adversos, siendo las más frecuentes el estreñimiento producido por el Fumarato Ferroso y el Prenatal; seguido de la somnolencia provocado por la Metildopa. El mayor porciento de las RAM fueron probables (94.74 por ciento) y de significación clínica moderada (78.94 por ciento). Se presentaron 70 IM, en 29 pacientes (55.77 por ciento), en donde predomina las del tipo riesgosas en el 70por ciento de estas y se hicieron recomendaciones no farmacoterapeuticas y farmacoterapeuticas al personal médico y paramédico con el objetivo de disminuir la incidencia de RAM e IM riesgosas en las pacientes ya que a pesar de existir un mayor número de tratamientos beneficiosos que riesgosos, el 51.92 por ciento de los tratamientos aportan riesgos a las pacientes.