The Relationship between Indoor and Outdoor Fine Particulate Matter in a High-Rise Building in Chicago Monitored by PurpleAir Sensors.

In urban areas like Chicago, daily life extends above ground level due to the prevalence of high-rise buildings where residents and commuters live and work. This study examines the variation in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations across building stories. PM2.5 levels were measured using PurpleAir sensors, installed between 8 April and 7 May 2023, on floors one, four, six, and nine of an office building in Chicago. Additionally, data were collected from a public outdoor PurpleAir sensor on the fourteenth floor of a condominium located 800 m away. The results show that outdoor PM2.5 concentrations peak at 14 m height, and then decline by 0.11 µg/m3 per meter elevation, especially noticeable from midnight to 8 a.m. under stable atmospheric conditions. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations increase steadily by 0.02 µg/m3 per meter elevation, particularly during peak work hours, likely caused by greater infiltration rates at higher floors. Both outdoor and indoor concentrations peak around noon. We find that indoor and outdoor PM2.5 are positively correlated, with indoor levels consistently remaining lower than outside levels. These findings align with previous research suggesting decreasing outdoor air pollution concentrations with increasing height. The study informs decision-making by community members and policymakers regarding air pollution exposure in urban settings.

Population dynamics of the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier, 1829) in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon.

A 10-year monitoring program was developed to quantify the population dynamics of the long-snouted seahorse population in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon. Based on 985 underwater visual censuses, we estimated the long-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier, 1829) population size in the Mar Menor lagoon and its reduction in size in the last decades, as well as the effect of eutrophication crises in 2016 and 2019 on the species. The annual recruitment for the 2013-2020 period was estimated by comparing the relative abundance of early seahorse life stages in the ichthyoplankton. The density ranged from 0.0458 specimens/m3 at the beginning of the sampling period to 0.0004 at the end, showing a statistically significant difference between the three analyzed periods (Hgl=2 = 14.0, p = 0.001). The long-snouted seahorse population from the Mar Menor lagoon exemplifies the impact of fishing activities and human pressure, especially euxinic episodes and habitat destruction. As a result of this, the Mar Menor population has decreased from several million specimens to a few thousand, in only three decades. This species showed considerable resilience, the seahorse population began to recover once fishing activity stopped. In contrast, the long-snouted seahorse showed high vulnerability to habitat loss and an episodic flooding event. Adult seahorses showed preferences for highly complex habitats, especially Caulerpa prolifera-Cymodocea nodosa mixed meadows and habitats of high complexity and anthropogenic origin, such as harbors, jetties, or breakwaters. In contrast, juvenile seahorses preferred monotonous seabeds with low complexity, such as the sandy beds that are characteristic of the Mar Menor lagoon littoral.

Influence of the food to microorganisms (F/M) ratio and temperature on batch anaerobic digestion processes with and without zeolite addition.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the food to microorganisms (F/M) ratio and temperature on batch anaerobic digestion processes carried out with and without zeolite addition as a microbial carrier. Three laboratory-scale experimental runs were conducted using a synthetic substrate with a COD:N:P ratio of 500:5:1. The first run (I) was conducted at a constant temperature of 27°C, increasing the F/M ratio from 0.21 to 0.40 (g COD/g VSS). During the second run (II) the temperature and the F/M ratio increased from 27°C to 37°C and from 0.21 to 0.40, respectively. Finally, in the third experimental run (III) the F/M ratio achieved high values (1.92 and 1.30) either by varying the substrate concentration at a constant biomass concentration or by increasing the biomass concentration at a constant substrate concentration. Higher biomass growth rate, COD removal and methane production were found in the reactors with zeolite, especially at the highest F/M assayed during the first run. The highest ammonium removals were also achieved at the highest F/M ratio (0.40) in the reactors with zeolite. Within the range studied (25°C-37°C) in the reactors with zeolite operating at 37°C, the second run demonstrated the low influence of temperature on substrate consumption and ammonia removal, with 93% and 70% of COD and ammonia removal efficiencies, respectively. The third run corroborated the results previously obtained and fit the experimental results to simple kinetic models, the Monod model being the most adequate for predicting the behavior of the systems studied. The maximum specific microorganism growth rate (µ(max)) values for the reactors with zeolite were almost twice as high as those obtained for the reactors without zeolite for similar F/M ratios.

[A case of breast necrosis]. / Un cas de nécrose mammaire.

We describe a case of a tumor-like lesion of the breast of a 45-year-old woman. The initial presentation is a persistent breast abscess after three courses of antibiotics. The association with multiple lung nodules suggests a presumed diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma. Fine needle biopsies of breast and pulmonary nodule reveal necrotic tissue without any evidence of malignancy. Systemic symptoms appear after three weeks of evolution : fever, spread cutaneous ulcers, livedo reticularis, arthralgias. The final diagnosis is made on both mastectomy sample analysis demonstrating necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis and presence of antineutrophil antibodies, thus defining Wegener granulomatosis, which initial involvement on the breast is very atypical.

Occurrence, identification, and characterization of Campylobacter species isolated from portuguese poultry samples collected from retail establishments.

Campylobacter spp. are a leading cause of human diarrhea. The common source of infection is contaminated food, particularly poultry. From May 2005 to October 2006, 164 samples of poultry obtained from several retail establishments and from different Portuguese producers were analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter spp. A total of 99 Campylobacter strains were isolated and further identified. Susceptibilities for 44 strains were determined for 11 antimicrobial drugs by the agar diffusion technique. According to the minimal inhibitory concentration for 90% of the isolates, resistance to tetracycline, nalidixic acid, rifampicin, erythromycin, vancomycin and penicillin was observed. Sensitivity to gentamycin and chloramphenicol was also demonstrated. According to the antibiotic resistance profiles, the isolates appeared to differ from each other, including those that had been collected at the same period of time and from the same chicken sample.

Concordancia entre hallazgos radiológicos y quirúrgicos en pacientes sometidos a mastoidectomía / Concordance between radiological and surgical findings in patients undergoing mastoidectomy

Introducción: Existe gran controversia acerca de los signos radiológicos de la patología de oído medio y su relación con la extensión real de la patología que nos sugiera decidir un comportamiento determinado. Objetivo: establecer la concordancia entre los hallazgos radiológicos y quirúrgicos encontrados en pacientes sometidos a mastoidectomía. Material y Método: Diseño observacional descriptivo de corte transversal de prueba diagnóstica. Se revisó fichas clínicas y se especificó el tipo de cirugía junto con los hallazgos intra-quirúrgicos. Resultados: se observó erosión de la cadena osicular intraoperatoria en 75 pacientes, 63 predichos correctamente por tomografía computada (TC), con sensibilidad del 84% y especificidad del 94% (k = 0,625). Se detectó erosión del tegmen tympani en nueve pacientes por TC de los 10, con un VPP = 90% y un VPN = 95% (k = 0,809). Hubo sospecha de erosión del canal semicircular lateral en cinco pacientes y se encontró dehiscencias intraoperatorias en 12, sin falsos positivos (k = 0,554). La TC detectó dehiscencia del canal del nervio facial con sensibilidad del 55% y especificidad del 98% (k = 0,636). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que la TC preoperatoria con evidencia radiológica de erosión osicular tiene una buena a muy buena concordancia con los hallazgos intraoperatorios.

Introduction: There is a great controversy about the radiological signs of middle ear pathology and its relation with the real extension of the pathology that suggests us to decide a certain medical choice. Aim: To establish concordance between radiological and surgical findings in patients submitted to mastoidectomy. Material and Method: An observational and descriptive design of retrospective cross-sectional diagnostic test. Clinical records were reviewed to specify the type of surgery and intraoperative findings. Results: Intraoperative ossicular chain erosion was observed in 75 patients, 63 were correctly predicted by computed tomography (CT), with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 94% (k = 0.625). Tegmen tympani erosion was detected by CT in 9 patients out of 10, with a PPV = 90% and NPV = 95% (k = 0.809). There was suspected lateral semicircular canal erosion in 5 patients and intraoperative dehiscence was found in 12, with no false positives (k = 0.554). CT detected facial nerve canal dehiscence with sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 98% (k = 0.636). Conclusion: The results suggest that preoperative CT with radiological evidence of ossicular erosion has good to very good agreement with intraoperative findings.

Developmental landmarks during floral ontogeny of jalapeño chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and the effect of gibberellin on ovary growth.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important horticultural crop in many regions of the world. The final shape and size of the fruit are known to be determined at a very early step of flower development. During flower development hormonal treatments using gibberellins seem to promote growth resulting in higher yield and fruit quality. However, the morphological changes that occur in the pepper flowers after these treatments are largely unknown. In the present study, we provide a description of floral development landmarks of jalapeño chili pepper (cultivar Huichol), divided in nine representative stages from its initiation until the opening of the bud. We established a correlation among external flower development and the time and pattern of reproductive organogenesis. Male and female gametogenesis progression was used to define specific landmarks during flower maturation. The pattern of expression of key genes involved in gibberellin metabolism and response was also evaluated in the nine flower stages. The proposed development framework was used to analyze the effect of gibberellin treatments in the development of the flower. We observed both an effect of the treatment in the histology of the ovary tissue and an increase in the level of expression of CaGA2ox1 and CaGID1b genes. The developmental stages we defined for this species are very useful to analyze the molecular and morphological changes after hormonal treatments.

Quiste epidermoide en vallécula glosoepiglótica. Reporte de casos / Epidermoid cyst in the glossoepiglottic vallecula: case report

Resumen Los quistes laríngeos son muy infrecuentes y en su mayoría de etiología benigna. Se reportan dos casos de pacientes adultos que presentaron lesiones quísticas en vallécula glosoepiglótica con diagnóstico histológico de quiste epidermoide. Los quistes epidermoides en vallécula pocas veces han sido reportados en la literatura, pueden ser asintomáticos o por su localización producir síntomas como sensación de ocupación faríngea, tos o incluso dificultad respiratoria.

Abstract Laryngeal cysts are very infrequent and mostly benign. Two cases are presented of adult patients who presented cystic lesions in the glossoepiglottic vallecula with histological diagnosis of epidermoid cyst. Epidermoid cysts in vallecula have rarely been reported in the literature, they can be asymptomatic or due to their location produce symptoms such as pharyngeal occupation sensation, cough or even respiratory difficulty.

Prevalencia de infección por COVID-19 por serología positiva (IgG/IgM) en personal médico de la cátedra y servicio de otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas / Prevalence of COVID-19 infection by positive serology (IgG/IgM) in medical personnel of the chair and service of otorhinolaryngology of the Hospital de Clínicas

Resumen Introducción: El personal de otorrinolaringología presenta una elevada exposición al virus SARS-CoV-2, debido a los procedimientos que lleva a cabo. Es fundamental tomar las medidas de protección adecuadas. Determinar la seroprevalencia nos dará un mejor panorama sobre la exposición, contagios y efectividad de medidas de protección adoptadas. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de resultados serológicos positivos en personal médico que presta servicio en la Cátedra de Otorrinolaringología de marzo del 2020 a marzo de 2021. Material y Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, corte transversal, retrospectivo con asociación cruzada. Muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. La población total fue de 38 médicos del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas. Resultados: La media de edades fue 37,4 años, 63,5% refirió haber atendido a paciente conocido portador de COVID-19. Un 42% refirió no haber cumplido con todas las medidas de protección personal, mientras que un 23,7% de los sujetos de estudio dio positivo para IgG, interpretándose como infección previa por COVID-19. Conclusión: Más de las dos terceras partes de los médicos refirió dar consulta a paciente COVID-19 positivo. Casi la cuarta parte de los médicos resultó ser positivo para COVID-19 según la prueba de serología anti-N. No se halló asociación entre consulta ni cirugía a pacientes portadores de COVID-19 y el contagio al personal médico.

Abstract Introduction: Otolaryngology personnel have a high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus due to the procedures they perform. It is essential to take appropriate protective measures. Determining seroprevalence will give us a better picture of exposure, contagion and effectiveness of protective measures adopted. Aim: To determine the prevalence of positive serological results in medical staff serving in the otolaryngology department from March 2020 to March 2021. Material and Method: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, retrospective study with cross-association. Non-probability sampling of consecutive cases. The total population was 38 physicians of the Otolaryngology Service of the Hospital de Clinicas. Results: The mean age was 37.4. 63.5% reported having seen a patient known to be a COVID-19 carrier, while 42% reported not having complied with all personal protection measures. A 23.68% of the study subjects tested positive for IgG, interpreting previous COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of the physicians referred to giving consultation to COVID-19 positive patients. Almost a quarter of the physicians were positive for COVID-19 according to the Anti-N serology test. No association was found between consultation or surgery of patients with COVID-19 and infection of medical personnel.

Teleconsulta en otorrinolaringología durante la pandemia por COVID-19, nuestra experiencia. Hospital de Clínicas. San Lorenzo, Paraguay 2020

Resumen Introducción: La teleconsulta puede ser de utilidad para evitar exposición de pacientes y optimizar recursos y dirigir a los que se consideran prioridad para atención presencial. Objetivo: Valorar el grado de satisfacción de la atención por teleconsulta en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas, San Lorenzo, durante julio de 2020. Material y Método: Diseño observacional, descriptivo, corte transversal, retrospectivo, muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. Se realizó encuestas sobre la calidad de atención por teleconsulta. Resultados: Se contactó 86 pacientes, 78 participaron. Edad promedio 32,2 años, 58,97% mujeres. 73% era de zona urbana, 27% rural. Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes fueron obstrucción nasal, hipoacusia y molestia en garganta. Un 66,67% no requirió ayuda para la consulta. 74,35% evitó asistir al médico durante la pandemia, el 51,72% por prevención o miedo. El 51,28% refirió empeoramiento de su dolencia durante la cuarentena. Se registró un alto nivel de satisfacción de la atención (9,41 ± 1,3). Un 82% refirió que esta modalidad puede ser implementada como opción, aunque el 70,5% requirió consulta presencial. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes se encontraba en rango etario económicamente activo. La mayor parte de los pacientes no necesitó ayuda para acceder a la teleconsulta, reflejando la facilidad de acceso a esta. La teleconsulta disminuyó la necesidad de consulta presencial, el grado de aceptación del sistema de teleconsulta es elevada, traducidos en los altos índices de satisfacción y aceptación de la modalidad.

Abstract Introduction: Teleconsultation can be useful as a triage to prevent patient exposure to the COVID-19 virus, classifying infectious ones and perfecting hospital resources, to direct those considered priority for face-to-face care. Aim: To assess the degree of satisfaction of teleconsultation care. Material and Method: Observational design study, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, simple random probabilistic sampling. Surveys were conducted on the quality of care of the teleconsultation service during July 2020. Results: 86 patients were contacted, 78 were surveyed. The average age was 32.2 years, 58.97% was female. 73% came from Asunción and metropolitan area, 27% of rural areas. Most common reasons for consultation were nasal obstruction, hearing loss and throat discomfort. 66.67% did not require help in carrying out the consultation. 74.35% avoided attending the doctor during the pandemic. 51.72% (30) for prevention or fear of infection. 51.28% reported worsening of their ailment during quarantine. There was an important level of attention satisfaction (9.41 ± 1.3). 82% reported that this mode of care can be implemented as an option in the service, although 70.5% require a face-to-face consultation. Conclusion: Most of the patients were in the economically active age range. Most of the patients did not required help for teleconsultation reflecting the ease of access to it. Teleconsultation reduced the need for face-to-face consultation, the degree of acceptance of the teleconsultation system is high, translated into the high rates of satisfaction and acceptance of the modality.

Biochemical actions of follice-stimulating hormone in the sertoli cell of the rat testis.

The sequenc of biochemical events associated with the action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the testis has been investigated using a Sertoli cell-enriched testis model system. The Sertoli cell-encriched testis, created by irradiation of male rats in utero, is devoid of germinal elements but contains a normal complement of supportive Sertoli cells. Comparison of the Sertoli cell-enriched testis with normal testis, demonstrates that the two types of testes contain equal numbers of FSH specific receptors, judged by the binding of labeled hormone. In addition, FSH over a concentration range from 6 X 10(-11) to 6 X 10(-9)M will stimulate the production of adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) in the Sertoli cell-enriched testis in a manner indistinguishable from that of the normal testis. Incubation of Sertoli cell enriched testis also results in the activation of soluble cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This response to FSH is dependent upon the age of the animal and disappears at about 32 days of age. While sensitivity to the hormone can still be detected in mature Sertoli cell-enriched animals by the addition of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 1-methyl-3-isobutyl-xanthine, no detectable increase in phosphodiesterase activity is apparent after 30 days of age. Injection of FSH into Sertoli cell-enriched animals results in an increase in total testicular protein synthesis as well as in the production of the Sertoli cell-specific protein, androgen-binding protein within 30 minutes. Furthermore, while hypophysectomy of Sertoli cell-enriched animals result in a decline of the testicular concentration of androgen-binding protein, the injection of FSH will stimulate and maintain the levels of androgen-binding protein in such animals. These results demonstrate that the Sertoli cell-enriched testis is capable of carrying out the sequence of biochemical events previously described for FSH in the normal testis and therefore, suggest that the Sertoli cell is the primary target cell for FSH action.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced alpha/beta-interferon synthesis by dopamine and the dopamine-1 agonist fenoldopam.

In vitro incubation of Listeria monocytogenes-immune spleen cells in the presence of dopamine or fenoldopam, a dopamine-1 (D1) agonist, inhibited alpha/beta-interferon (IFN) synthesis induced by the mitogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in a manner that appeared to be concentration dependent. In addition, the inhibitory effect of dopamine and fenoldopam on the synthesis of IFN was prevented by incubating immune spleen cells in the presence of haloperidol, a D1 antagonist.

Inhibition of gamma interferon synthesis by catecholamines.

In vitro incubation of Listeria monocytogenes immune spleen cells in the presence of the catecholamines epinephrine or norepinephrine inhibited the gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) synthesis induced by the mitogen PHA, in a manner that appeared to be concentration dependent. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of both catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine on the synthesis of IFN-gamma was prevented by incubating immune spleen cells in the presence of propranolol, a beta adrenergic antagonist agent.

Effects of phenytoin administration on murine immune function.

The results obtained in these series of experiments indicate that oral administration of phenytoin (100, 50, or 25 mg/kg) to mice significantly depressed both humoral and cellular immune responses, evaluated by the techniques of enumeration of direct and indirect spleen plaque-forming cells (PFC) and the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) against sheep red blood cells (SR BC), when compared with those observed in normal control animals. Furthermore, spleen cells, purified splenic T lymphocytes or Ly 2 + T cells obtained from 100 mg/kg phenytoin-treated donor mice were capable of diminishing both PFC and DTH responses of normal cells transferred into lethally irradiated mice. The immunodepressor effect of phenytoin was observed despite the fact that administration of this drug induced a rise in spleen cellularity.

Catecholamines inhibit alpha/beta interferon production induced by lipopolysaccharide.

In vitro incubation of Listeria monocytogenes immune spleen cells in the presence of the catecholamines epinephrine or norepinephrine inhibited the alpha/beta-interferon (IFN alpha/beta) synthesis induced by the mitogen lipopolysaccharide, in a manner that appeared to be concentration-dependent. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of both catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine on the synthesis of IFN alpha/beta was prevented by incubating immune spleen cells in the presence of propranolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist agent.

Umbilical blood flow and neonatal morphometry: a multivariate analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between the state of umbilical blood flow and neonatal morphometry. STUDY DESIGN: We have recorded data from 460 pregnant women. Umbilical systolic to diastolic ratio was measured within the 3 days prior to the birth. Weight, height, head and chest circumferences, ponderal and head to chest circumferences ratio were considered for the study. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis, the best correlated variable to S/D ratio was the weight (r=-0.35). However, a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the best predictors of S/D ratio were height and ponderal index. Small-for-gestational-age fetuses with placental insufficiency (n=20) had a significant more pronounced decrease of weight, height, head circumference and chest circumference than those with normal placental perfusion (n=31). The degree of decrease of ponderal index and HC/TC was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical blood flow is one important factor determining newborn morphometry. If only one growth variable is considered, the best correlation with umbilical S/D ratio is found to be the weight. The multivariate regression analysis concluded that the two most influential factors by umbilical blood flow are height and ponderal index and the rest of the morphometric parameters lost their significant correlations when adjusted by these variables. The impairment on neonatal morphometry in small-for-gestational-age fetuses associated to placental insufficiency is more severe than that with normal placental perfusion. However, it does not have a more pronounced decrease of ponderal index than the rest of causes of small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

Cadmium levels in wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages: possible sources of contamination.

An accurate and precise method is described for the direct determination of Cd in wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages by electrothermal atomization-atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS). The graphite furnace program was optimized and samples were pretreated with nitric acid and pentoxide vanadium in a digestion block at 120 degrees C for 90 min. The results obtained were validated against microwave acid sample digestion. The analytical detection limit was 0.5 pg. The proposed method was applied to determine Cd in 134 samples of 10 different alcoholic beverages. The mean values ranged from 0.10 to 15.38 microg/l in wine, from not detectable to 0.80 microg/l in beer, and from not detectable to 11.52 microg/l in other alcoholic beverages such as cider, brandy, rum, whisky, gin, anisette, liquor and spirits. The wide variability of the results obtained emphasizes the multiplicity of factors that can influence the presence of Cd in these products. Because alcoholic beverages are widely consumed, they contribute a large fraction of cadmium intake, and therefore, strict control of this element is advisable.