On the mechanical response of graphene-capped copper nanoparticles.

In this study, we investigated the mechanical behavior of pristine copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) and Cu@graphene (Cu@G) hybrid NPs using molecular dynamics simulations. The longitudinal engineering strain was calculated as a measure of compression until reaching 25% of the initial size of the NPs. The stress-strain curves revealed the elastic-to-plastic transition in the Cu NPs at a longitudinal strain of 3.57% with a yield strength of 6.15 GPa. On the other hand, the Cu@G NPs exhibited a maximum average load point at a longitudinal strain of 6.81% with a yield strength of 8.26 GPa. The hybrid Cu@G NPs showed increased strength and resistance to plastic deformation compared to the pure Cu NPs, while the calculation of the elastic modulus indicated a higher load resistance provided by the graphene coverage for the Cu@G NPs. Furthermore, the analysis of atomic configurations, dislocations, and stress distribution demonstrated that the graphene flakes play a crucial role in preventing dislocation events and faceting in the Cu@G NPs by acting as a shock absorber, distributing the applied force on themselves, and producing a more homogeneous stress distribution on the Cu NPs; additionally, they prevent the movement of Cu atoms, reducing the occurrence of dislocations and surface faceting, thanks to their supportive effect. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of hybrid nanomaterials, such as Cu@G, for enhancing the mechanical properties of metallic NPs, which could have significant implications for the development of advanced nanomaterials with improved performance in a variety of applications.

Comparison of Two Topical Lubricants on the Corneal Surface Recovery and Patient Discomfort After Photorefractive Keratectomy.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the effect of two preservative-free (PF) artificial tears, one containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (control group) vs another containing hyaluronic acid and hydroxypropyl guar (HA + HP-guar) (study group), on the healing of the corneal epithelium and the ocular discomfort after bilateral photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery. METHODS: A total of 68 patients that were scheduled to have PRK to correct myopia were randomized into two groups: 34 patients (68 eyes) in the study group and 34 patients (68 eyes) in the control group. Ocular examinations were performed on postoperative days 1, 4, 7, 30, and 90, evaluating the diameter of the de-epithelized cornea, the fluorescein staining using the Oxford scale, the tear film osmolarity and stability (tear breakup time), and the pain using visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: On postoperative day 4, 97% of the study eyes vs 84.4% of the control eyes were completely re-epithelized (p = 0.01). Less ocular pain was observed on postoperative day 3 in the study group (5.0 (3.0-6.0) vs 6.0 (3.5-7.0), p = 0.03). No differences were observed beyond postoperative day 7 in the healing of the corneal epithelium, non-invasive Keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT), and the self-perceived ocular discomfort between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The current study shows faster healing of the corneal epithelium and less ocular pain and discomfort in the first days after PRK with the use of topical lubricants containing HA + HP-guar compared to conventional CMC artificial tears, probably due to the different trophic effect of the aforementioned tears on the corneal epithelial cells. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT No. 2020-003488-25.

Mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños: una revisión sistemática / Mercury and neurodevelopmental disorders in children: A systematic review

El mercurio es un metal tóxico que puede atravesar la placenta y la barrera hematoencefálica, y causar la interrupción de varios procesos celulares. Estudios han investigado la exposición al mercurio y trastornos en el neurodesarrollo, por lo que se requiere un análisis crítico y riguroso de esta evidencia. El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar la evidencia científica disponible sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio durante las etapas prenatal y posnatal, y su relación con el desarrollo de trastornos neuroconductuales. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos MEDLINE y ScienceDirect; los resultados se presentaron a través de tablas y síntesis narrativa. Solo 31 estudios cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. En general, la evidencia es limitada sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños. Entre los posibles efectos reportados, se hallan problemas en el aprendizaje, autismo y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad.

Mercury is a toxic metal which can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and cause the disruption of various cellular processes. Studies have investigated mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders; therefore, a critical and rigorous analysis of this evidence is required. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effects of mercury exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods and its relationship with the development of neurobehavioral disorders. A systematic search of the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases was conducted; the results were presented in tables and narrative synthesis. Only 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the evidence on the effects of mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is limited. Learning disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were some of the reported potential effects.

Mercury and neurodevelopmental disorders in children: A systematic review. / Mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños: una revisión sistemática.

Mercury is a toxic metal which can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and cause the disruption of various cellular processes. Studies have investigated mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders; therefore, a critical and rigorous analysis of this evidence is required. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effects of mercury exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods and its relationship with the development of neurobehavioral disorders. A systematic search of the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases was conducted; the results were presented in tables and narrative synthesis. Only 31 studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the evidence on the effects of mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is limited. Learning disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were some of the reported potential effects.

El mercurio es un metal tóxico que puede atravesar la placenta y la barrera hematoencefálica, y causar la interrupción de varios procesos celulares. Estudios han investigado la exposición al mercurio y trastornos en el neurodesarrollo, por lo que se requiere un análisis crítico y riguroso de esta evidencia. El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar la evidencia científica disponible sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio durante las etapas prenatal y posnatal, y su relación con el desarrollo de trastornos neuroconductuales. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos MEDLINE y ScienceDirect; los resultados se presentaron a través de tablas y síntesis narrativa. Solo 31 estudios cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. En general, la evidencia es limitada sobre los efectos de la exposición al mercurio y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en niños. Entre los posibles efectos reportados, se hallan problemas en el aprendizaje, autismo y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad.

TFOS lifestyle: Impact of societal challenges on the ocular surface.

Societal factors associated with ocular surface diseases were mapped using a framework to characterize the relationship between the individual, their health and environment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating factors on ocular surface diseases were considered in a systematic review. Age and sex effects were generally well-characterized for inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune and trauma-related conditions. Sex and gender, through biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors impact the prevalence and severity of disease, access to, and use of, care. Genetic factors, race, smoking and co-morbidities are generally well characterized, with interdependencies with geographical, employment and socioeconomic factors. Living and working conditions include employment, education, water and sanitation, poverty and socioeconomic class. Employment type and hobbies are associated with eye trauma and burns. Regional, global socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions, include remoteness, geography, seasonality, availability of and access to services. Violence associated with war, acid attacks and domestic violence are associated with traumatic injuries. The impacts of conflict, pandemic and climate are exacerbated by decreased food security, access to health services and workers. Digital technology can impact diseases through physical and mental health effects and access to health information and services. The COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigating strategies are mostly associated with an increased risk of developing new or worsening existing ocular surface diseases. Societal factors impact the type and severity of ocular surface diseases, although there is considerable interdependence between factors. The overlay of the digital environment, natural disasters, conflict and the pandemic have modified access to services in some regions.

On the mechanical response in nanoalloys: the case of NiCo.

In this work, nanoindentation of spherical NiCo nanoalloys with core-shell and random mixing patterns was studied, and we compared them against monometallic nanoparticles in order to investigate how the mechanical response may be influenced by the elemental distribution and the proportion of each element. Independently of the mixing patterns, plasticity begins with the nucleation of Shockley partial dislocations (SPDs) at the nanoparticle surface, on several slip planes, which leads to the appearance of sessile dislocations and either a stacking fault pyramid (SFP) or an open pyramid at the poles of the spherical nanoalloys. SPDs leave behind stacking faults but, for core-shell structures, the formation of nanotwins was also observed. It was also found that the presence of Co in the external shell of the nanoparticle has the effect of raising the yield strength, which could be interpreted in terms of unstable stacking fault energy. These results have relevance in the design of nanoalloys, since elemental distribution and stoichiometry can be used to tune the desired mechanical properties of the nanoparticle.

Phylogenomic Analysis of the Plastid Genome of the Peruvian Purple Maize Zea mays subsp. mays cv. 'INIA 601'.

Peru is an important center of diversity for maize; its different cultivars have been adapted to distinct altitudes and water availability and possess an array of kernel colors (red, blue, and purple), which are highly appreciated by local populations. Specifically, Peruvian purple maize is a collection of native landraces selected and maintained by indigenous cultures due to its intense purple color in the seed, bract, and cob. This color is produced by anthocyanin pigments, which have gained interest due to their potential use in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industry. It is generally accepted that the Peruvian purple maize originated from a single ancestral landrace 'Kculli', but it is not well understood. To study the origin of the Peruvian purple maize, we assembled the plastid genomes of the new cultivar 'INIA 601' with a high concentration of anthocyanins, comparing them with 27 cultivars/landraces of South America, 9 Z. mays subsp. parviglumis, and 5 partial genomes of Z. mays subsp. mexicana. Using these genomes, plus four other maize genomes and two outgroups from the NCBI database, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationship of Z. mays. Our results suggest a polyphyletic origin of purple maize in South America and agree with a complex scenario of domestication with recurrent gene flow from wild relatives. Additionally, we identify 18 plastid positions that can be used as high-confidence genetic markers for further studies. Altogether, these plastid genomes constitute a valuable resource to study the evolution and domestication of Z. mays in South America.

Golf and Health, More than 18 Holes-A Bibliometric Analysis.

Despite golf's contribution to health, scientific production related to golf and health has been relatively scarce. This work aims to investigate the state of the art on golf and health and to identify existing gaps and the principal and most notable potential future research trends, contributing to connecting the reality of the facilities dedicated to the practice of this sport and its contribution to raising awareness of the importance of sport in maintaining health. A total of 179 articles were analyzed following the steps for systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocols based on the PRISMA 2020 methodology and QUORUM, and a bibliometric analysis was carried out. Research to date has mainly focused on the benefits of golf in improving health, preventing illness, slowing down aging, or as rehabilitation and on exploring the risks and injuries involved in playing golf. The different ways of promoting participation or changing the image of golf by showing its healthy side are outlined as research trends in the coming years. There is a lack of exploration of the use of technology, the effects of the sport on certain disorders related to psychosocial factors, and further knowledge of the relationships between playing intentions and health. This research provides essential information for researchers who plan to work with golf in the future.

Unlocking the Complete Chloroplast Genome of a Native Tree Species from the Amazon Basin, Capirona (Calycophyllum Spruceanum, Rubiaceae), and Its Comparative Analysis with Other Ixoroideae Species.

Capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth.) belongs to subfamily Ixoroideae, one of the major lineages in the Rubiaceae family, and is an important timber tree. It originated in the Amazon Basin and has widespread distribution in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. In this study, we obtained the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of capirona from the department of Madre de Dios located in the Peruvian Amazon. High-quality genomic DNA was used to construct libraries. Pair-end clean reads were obtained by PE 150 library and the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The complete cp genome of C. spruceanum has a 154,480 bp in length with typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single copy (LSC) region (84,813 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,101 bp), separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,783 bp). The annotation of C. spruceanum cp genome predicted 87 protein-coding genes (CDS), 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one pseudogene. A total of 41 simple sequence repeats (SSR) of this cp genome were divided into mononucleotides (29), dinucleotides (5), trinucleotides (3), and tetranucleotides (4). Most of these repeats were distributed in the noncoding regions. Whole chloroplast genome comparison with the other six Ixoroideae species revealed that the small single copy and large single copy regions showed more divergence than inverted regions. Finally, phylogenetic analyses resolved that C. spruceanum is a sister species to Emmenopterys henryi and confirms its position within the subfamily Ixoroideae. This study reports for the first time the genome organization, gene content, and structural features of the chloroplast genome of C. spruceanum, providing valuable information for genetic and evolutionary studies in the genus Calycophyllum and beyond.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of a Peruvian landrace of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (Solanaceae), arnaucho chili pepper.

In this study, we sequenced the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of a Peruvian chili pepper landrace, "arnacucho" (Capsicum chinense). This cp genome has a 156,931 bp in length with typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single copy (LSC) region (87,325 bp) and a 17,912 bp small single-copy (SSC) region, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,847 bp); and the percentage of GC content was 37.71%. Arnaucho chili pepper chloroplast genome possesses 133 genes that consists of 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, eight rRNA, and two pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this Peruvian chili pepper landrace is closely related to the undomesticated species C. galapagoense; all belong to the Capsiceae tribe.

The complete chloroplast genome of the national tree of Peru, quina (Cinchona officinalis L., Rubiaceae).

Here, we report the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Cinchona officinalis. This cp genome has a 156,984 bp in length with typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single copy (LSC) region (83,929 bp) and an 18,051 bp small single-copy (SSC) region, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions (27,502 bp). The total GC content was 37.75%. Quina tree chloroplast genome possesses 135 genes that consisted of 89 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, eight rRNA, and one pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. officinalis is sister to C. pubescens and sister to them is Isertia laevis; all belong to the Cinchonoideae sub-family.

Cryptococcus bacillisporus causing cryptococcoma of the beak of an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Portugal.

We report a severe case of rhinothecal cryptococcoma in a 13-year-old female African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus). The bird was born and bred in captivity in Portugal. The beak was deformed and showed several round soft masses, and microscopic examination revealed the presence of cells suggestive for Cryptococcus. Phenotypic and molecular analyses identified the obtained yeast culture as C. bacillisporus (AFLP5/VGIII). By phylogenetic analysis the parrot strain clustered with clinical C. bacillisporus strains from Mexico.

Severe long-term progressive corneal remodeling after bilateral simultaneous prophylactic crosslinking and topography-guided surface ablation with mitomycin.

To report a case of a 20-year-old woman who developed massive and progressive corneal remodeling in both eyes after bilateral PRK with mitomycin and CXL as an elective refractive procedure for mild keratoconus. The patient had 6 years of follow up, initially presenting with focal steepening of up to 20 diopters on both eyes one-and-a-half- years postoperatively that spontaneously reversed over the next five years while the high order aberrations worsened. At the present time, the patient depends on bilateral scleral contact lenses for her day-to-day activities. The use of combined elective PRK with mitomycin and prophylactic CXL could lead to progressive corneal deformation. Additional reports would help to establish the role of this combination procedure among the armamentarium to visually rehabilitate patients with keratoconus.

Mutations Found in the Asc1 Gene That Confer Susceptibility to the AAL-Toxin in Ancestral Tomatoes from Peru and Mexico.

Tomato susceptibility/resistance to stem canker disease caused by Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici and its pathogenic factor AAL-toxin is determined by the presence of the Asc1 gene. Several cultivars of commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum, SLL) are reported to have a mutation in Asc1, resulting in their susceptibility to AAL-toxin. We evaluated 119 ancestral tomato accessions including S. pimpinellifolium (SP), S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme (SLC) and S. lycopersicum var. lycopersicum "jitomate criollo" (SLJ) for AAL-toxin susceptibility. Three accessions, SP PER018805, SLC PER018894, and SLJ M5-3, were susceptible to AAL-toxin. SLC PER018894 and SLJ M5-3 had a two-nucleotide deletion (nt 854_855del) in Asc1 identical to that found in SLL cv. Aichi-first. Another mutation (nt 931_932insT) that may confer AAL-toxin susceptibility was identified in SP PER018805. In the phylogenetic tree based on the 18 COSII sequences, a clade (S3) is composed of SP, including the AAL-toxin susceptible PER018805, and SLC. AAL-toxin susceptible SLC PER018894 and SLJ M5-3 were in Clade S2 with SLL cultivars. As SLC is thought to be the ancestor of SLL, and SLJ is an intermediate tomato between SLC and SLL, Asc1s with/without the mutation seem to have been inherited throughout the history of tomato domestication and breeding.

Publishing in English is associated with an increase of the impact factor of Brazilian biodiversity journals.

English is the lingua franca for scientific communication, but some journals, especially in developing countries, still publish non-English studies. A shift towards publishing in English may promote internationalization and more visibility of scientific journals. Here we compared quality indexes between Brazilian journals that have always published in English and journals that have published in languages other than English. We also investigated whether a temporal shift towards publishing in English led to elevated quality measures. Our analyses covered 16 Brazilian biodiversity journals and accounted for 12640 papers published since 2007. The mean impact factor was on average 55% higher in journals that have published consistently in English, compared to the so-called multilanguage journals. The proportion of publications in English increased to nearly three times the original value in multilanguage journals between 2007 and 2016, and the impact factor tripled during this period. At the same time, the Qualis-Capes classifications (B1-B2-B3) tended to fall. Publishing in English can be a first step to increased visibility, and this is particularly important for biodiversity journals, since Brazilian ecosystems are considered of interest to the international scientific community and nature conservation.

Short-term bilateral keratoconus progression after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in one eye and intracorneal ring segments and corneal crosslinking in the other due to eye rubbing.

A 15-year-old boy had deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in the right eye and intracorneal ring segments/corneal crosslinking in the left eye for the treatment of progressive keratoconus due to eye rubbing. He achieved a good surgical results, and 6 months later, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 0.30 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) in each eye, the refraction in the right eye was plano -2.75 × 135 = 0.30 logMAR and in the left eye was -0.75 -2.50 × 45 = 0.18 logMAR. Twelve months postoperatively, there was recurrence of intense eye rubbing. UDVA dropped, and bilateral corneal steepening was noted. Bilateral corneal crosslinking was performed along with an allergist consultation for eye rubbing control. Ten years later, his UDVA was 1.3 logMAR and 0.40 logMAR and corrected distance visual acuity was 0.10 logMAR and 0.18 logMAR in the right and left eyes, respectively.

Biomicroscopic Findings and Management of Anterior Stromal Necrosis After Long-term Implantation of Intacs.

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the visual, refractive, and biomicroscopic findings pre- and posttreatment of observed anterior stromal necrosis (ASN) after long-term Intacs intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation. DESIGN: Consecutive interventional case series. METHODS: All consecutive patients implanted with Intacs ICRS at a single center by 1 of the authors between October 2006 and October 2011 with a minimum follow-up time of 5 years were included. All Intacs were implanted using the Prolate system console and instrumentation from Addition Technology Inc (Chicago, Illinois, USA). The slit lamp, refractive, and visual findings and the management of those patients are described in detail. The primary outcome measures included the size of the epithelial defect overlying the Intacs body, the intended implantation depth measured by high-magnification slit lamp photography, and the management of the cases described in detail. The percentage of eyes with ASN out of those that reached the 5-year follow-up is reported. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven eyes (84 patients) were implanted with 215 ICRSs during the study period, and 77.16% (98/127) eyes had a follow-up of ≥5 years, out of which 9 eyes (7 patients) had ASN corresponding to at least 9.18% (95% confidence interval 4.29%-16.72%). The mean ± standard deviation time between implantation and ASN diagnosis was 10.5 ± 1.3 years. CONCLUSION: After 5 years of implantation, INTACS-treated eyes could present with an ASN over the ICRS body. Longer-term follow-up of patients implanted with INTACS is important to monitor if this complication keeps occurring over time.