An Edge Computing Application of Fundamental Frequency Extraction for Ocean Currents and Waves.

This paper describes the design and optimization of a smart algorithm based on artificial intelligence to increase the accuracy of an ocean water current meter. The main purpose of water current meters is to obtain the fundamental frequency of the ocean waves and currents. The limiting factor in those underwater applications is power consumption and that is the reason to use only ultra-low power microcontrollers. On the other hand, nowadays extraction algorithms assume that the processed signal is defined in a fixed bandwidth. In our approach, belonging to the edge computing research area, we use a deep neural network to determine the narrow bandwidth for filtering the fundamental frequency of the ocean waves and currents on board instruments. The proposed solution is implemented on an 8 MHz ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller without a floating point unit requiring only 9.54 ms in the worst case based on a deep neural network solution. Compared to a greedy algorithm in terms of computational effort, our worst-case approach is 1.81 times faster than a fast Fourier transform with a length of 32 samples. The proposed solution is 2.33 times better when an artificial neural network approach is adopted.

New copper carboxyl-ate pyrene dimers: synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and electrochemical characterization.

Two new copper dimers, namely, bis-(dimethyl sulfoxide)-tetra-kis-(µ-pyrene-1-carboxyl-ato)dicopper(Cu-Cu), [Cu2(C17H9O2)4(C2H6OS)2] or [Cu2(pyr-COO-)4(DMSO)2] (1), and bis-(di-methyl-formamide)-tetra-kis-(µ-pyrene-1-carboxyl-ato)dicopper(Cu-Cu), [Cu2(C17H9O2)4(C3H7NO)2] or [Cu2(pyr-COO-)4(DMF)2] (2) (pyr = pyrene), were synthesized from the reaction of pyrene-1-carb-oxy-lic acid, copper(II) nitrate and tri-ethyl-amine from solvents DMSO and DMF, respectively. While 1 crystallized in the space group P , the crystal structure of 2 is in space group P21/n. The Cu atoms have octa-hedral geometries, with four oxygen atoms from carboxyl-ate pyrene ligands occupying the equatorial positions, a solvent mol-ecule coordinating at one of the axial positions, and a Cu⋯Cu contact in the opposite position. The packing in the crystal structures exhibits π-π stacking inter-actions and short contacts through the solvent mol-ecules. The Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were generated for both compounds to better understand the inter-molecular inter-actions and the contribution of heteroatoms from the solvent ligands to the crystal packing. In addition, a Cu2+/Cu1+ quasi-reversible redox process was identified for compound 2 using cyclic voltammetry that accounts for a diffusion-controlled electron-donation process to the Cu dimer.

Fine-Tuning Intrinsic and Doped Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Anodes Deposited by PECVD to Enhance Capacity and Stability in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Silicon is a promising alternative to graphite as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries, thanks to its high theoretical lithium storage capacity. Despite these high expectations, silicon anodes still face significant challenges, such as premature battery failure caused by huge volume changes during charge-discharge processes. To solve this drawback, using amorphous silicon as a thin film offers several advantages: its amorphous nature allows for better stress mitigation and it can be directly grown on current collectors for material savings and improved Li-ion diffusion. Furthermore, its conductivity is easily increased through doping during its growth. In this work, we focused on a comprehensive study of the influence of both electrical and structural properties of intrinsic and doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (aSi:H) thin-film anodes on the specific capacity and stability of lithium-ion batteries. This study allows us to establish that hydrogen distribution in the aSi:H material plays a pivotal role in enhancing battery capacity and longevity, possibly masking the significance of the conductivity in the case of doped electrodes. Our findings show that we were able to achieve high initial specific capacities (3070 mAhg-1 at the 10th cycle), which can be retained at values higher than those of graphite for a significant number of cycles (>120 cycles), depending on the structural properties of the aSi:H films. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of the influence of these properties of thin films with different doping levels and hydrogen distributions on their optimization and use as anodes in lithium-ion batteries.

Covariation between the shape and mineralized tissues of the rib cross section in Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes and Sts 14.

OBJECTIVES: Studying rib torsion is crucial for understanding the evolution of the hominid ribcage. Interestingly, there are variables of the rib cross section that could be associated with rib torsion and, consequently, with the morphology of the thorax. The aim of this research is to conduct a comparative study of the shape and mineralized tissues of the rib cross section in different hominids to test for significant differences and, if possible, associate them to different thoracic morphotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consists of the rib cross sections at the midshaft taken from 10 Homo sapiens and 10 Pan troglodytes adult individuals, as well as from A. africanus Sts 14. The shape of these rib cross sections was quantified using geometric morphometrics, while the mineralized tissues were evaluated using the compartmentalization index. Subsequently, covariation between both parameters was tested by a Spearman's ρ test, a permutation test and a linear regression. RESULTS: Generally, P. troglodytes individuals exhibit rib cross sections that are rounder and more mineralized compared to those of H. sapiens. However, the covariation between both parameters was only observed in typical ribs (levels 3-10). Although covariation was not found in the rib cross sections of Sts 14, their parameters are closer to P. troglodytes. DISCUSSION: On the one hand, the differences observed in the rib cross sections between H. sapiens and P. troglodytes might be related to different degrees of rib torsion and, consequently, to different thoracic 3D configurations. These findings can be functionally explained by considering their distinct modes of breathing and locomotion. On the other hand, although the rib cross sections belonging to Sts 14 are more similar to those of P. troglodytes, previous publications determined that their overall morphology is closer to modern humans. This discrepancy could reflect a diversity of post-cranial adaptations in Australopithecus.

The Role of Gender Differences and Menopause in Obesity-Related Renal Disease, Renal Inflammation and Lipotoxicity.

The pathogenesis of obesity-related-renal disease is unknown. Menopause can promote renal disease in obese women, but this interaction is unclear. In a previous study, we observed that obese male and female mice developed albuminuria, hyperfiltration, and glomerulomegaly, and these changes were more severe in those obese ovariectomized females. In this study, we also evaluated renal inflammation and lipotoxicity in that animal model. For six months, 43 males and 36 females C57BL6/J mice were randomized to standard diet (SD) or high fat diet (HFD). A group of female animals on SD or HFD was ovariectomized to simulate menopause. We evaluated cytokines: NF-κß p65, IL-1ß, MCP-1, TNF-α, total lipid content, lipid classes, and fatty acid profile in total lipid and individual lipid classes in renal tissue and urine. We found that obese males and females showed higher NF-kß p-65, TNF-α and MCP-1 in renal tissue, and obese females ovariectomized had higher IL-1ß and TNF-α compared with not-ovariectomized. Also, obese animals showed lower proinflammatory and higher anti-inflammatory fatty acids in kidney total lipids, while obese females ovariectomized had a more exacerbated pattern. In brief, obesity induces inflammation and an unbalanced lipidic profile in renal tissue. This pattern seems to be enhanced in obesity after menopause.

Integer Arithmetic Algorithm for Fundamental Frequency Identification of Oceanic Currents.

Underwater sensor networks play a crucial role in collecting valuable data to monitor offshore aquaculture infrastructures. The number of deployed devices not only impacts the bandwidth for a highly constrained communication environment, but also the cost of the sensor network. On the other hand, industrial and literature current meters work as raw data loggers, and most of the calculations to determine the fundamental frequencies are performed offline on a desktop computer or in the cloud. Belonging to the edge computing research area, this paper presents an algorithm to extract the fundamental frequencies of water currents in an underwater sensor network deployed in offshore aquaculture infrastructures. The target sensor node is based on a commercial ultra-low-power microcontroller. The proposed fundamental frequency identification algorithm only requires the use of an integer arithmetic unit. Our approach exploits the mathematical properties of the finite impulse response (FIR) filtering in the integer domain. The design and implementation of the presented algorithm are discussed in detail in terms of FIR tuning/coefficient selection, memory usage and variable domain for its mathematical formulation aimed at reducing the computational effort required. The approach is validated using a shallow water current model and real-world raw data from an offshore aquaculture infrastructure. The extracted frequencies have a maximum error below a 4%.

Adverse Reactions Associated with Dermal Fillers in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A Venezuelan Experience.

BACKGROUND: Dermal facial fillers are increasingly popular. Published reports on the clinical and histopathologic characteristics related to adverse reactions to dermal fillers in the facial region have been relatively well documented. This study adds to the literature on adverse reactions to injected filler in the oral and maxillofacial region in a South American population. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study (2019-2020) was performed. The study population was a dermatology service in Venezuela. Clinical and histopathologic features of patients with adverse effects were documented. RESULTS: A total of 35 cases of adverse reactions associated with cosmetic filler procedures were diagnosed during the analyzed period; of these, six cases (17.1%) involved the oral and maxillofacial region. All cases occurred in women. The mean age at diagnosis was 59.3 years (58-73). In three cases, dermal fillers were used in different locations on the face, while three involved the lips. Five patients exhibited adverse reactions to lip filler. All six cases were histopathologically diagnosed as foreign body reactions to injected material. Four and two cases revealed microscopic features compatible with hyaluronic acid and polymethylmethacrylate, respectively. CONCLUSION: Reflecting the dramatic increase in cosmetic procedures with soft tissue fillers, this study contributed by reporting six cases of foreign body reaction involving the oral and maxillofacial region, confirmed with biopsy and histopathology.

Assessment of Purity, Functionality, Stability, and Lipid Composition of Cyclofos-nAChR-Detergent Complexes from Torpedo californica Using Lipid Matrix and Macroscopic Electrophysiology.

The main objective of the present study was to find detergents that can maintain the functionality and stability of the Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Tc-nAChR). We examined the functionality, stability, and purity analysis of affinity-purified Tc-nAChR solubilized in detergents from the Cyclofos (CF) family [cyclofoscholine 4 (CF-4), cyclofoscholine 6 (CF-6), and cyclofloscholine 7 (CF-7)]. The functionality of the CF-Tc-nAChR-detergent complex (DC) was evaluated using the Two Electrode Voltage Clamp (TEVC) method. To assess stability, we used the florescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) methodology. We also performed a lipidomic analysis using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) to evaluate the lipid composition of the CF-Tc-nAChR-DCs. The CF-4-Tc-nAChR-DC displayed a robust macroscopic current (- 200 ± 60 nA); however, the CF-6-Tc-nAChR-DC and CF-7-Tc-nAChR-DC displayed significant reductions in the macroscopic currents. The CF-6-Tc-nAChR and CF-4-Tc-nAChR displayed higher fractional florescence recovery. Addition of cholesterol produced a mild enhancement of the mobile fraction on the CF-6-Tc-nAChR. The lipidomic analysis revealed that the CF-7-Tc-nAChR-DC displayed substantial delipidation, consistent with the lack of stability and functional response of this complex. Although the CF-6-nAChR-DC complex retained the largest amount of lipids, it showed a loss of six lipid species [SM(d16:1/18:0); PC(18:2/14:1); PC(14:0/18:1); PC(16:0/18:1); PC(20:5/20:4), and PC(20:4/20:5)] that are present in the CF-4-nAChR-DC. Overall, the CF-4-nAChR displayed robust functionality, significant stability, and the best purity among the three CF detergents; therefore, CF-4 is a suitable candidate to prepare Tc-nAChR crystals for structural studies.

Conocimientos de los cuidadores informales acerca de la prevención de lesiones por presión en pacientes domiciliarios dependientes de Tunja, Colombia. Estudio transversal con fase psicométrica / Informal caregivers' knowledge about the prevention of pressure injuries in dependent homebound patients. Cross-sectional study with a psychometric phase / Conhecimento de cuidadores informais sobre a prevenção de lesões por pressão em pacientes dependentes domiciliares em Tunja, Colômbia. Estudo transversal com fase psicométrica

Introducción: Las lesiones de piel asociadas a la dependencia de cuidado, afectan la calidad de vida de los pacientes y tienen repercusiones negativas en los cuidadores informales. Objetivo: Determinar los conocimientos de los cuidadores informales acerca de la prevención de lesiones por presión en pacientes domiciliarios dependientes de Tunja, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal y con fase psicométrica. La validación facial por juicio de expertos del COCU-LCRD 23 valoró la coherencia, relevancia y pertinencia de cada ítem. La aplicación del instrumento se hizo en muestra censal domiciliaria, tras la cual se calculó su confiabilidad. Resultados: La validación facial obtuvo concordancia moderada requiriendo mejoras en redacción de los ítems Kappa de Fleiss: 0,4582 (p=0,000). De los 30 cuidadores, la mayoría eran mujeres (83,3%) con edad promedio de 40 años (DS ±13,39), el 43,3% tienen un índice de conocimiento de 83,33, que incluye aspectos como hidratación, cambios de posición, entre otros. La versión ajustada del cuestionario obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach de 0,6322. Conclusiones: Los cuidadores informales presentan grados de escolaridad bajos, además de desconocimiento y poca experiencia en campo del cuidado preventivo en personas dependiente con riesgo de úlceras por presión.

Introduction: Skin lesions associated with home care affect patient quality of life and have negative effects on informal caregivers. Objective: To determine informal caregivers' knowledge regarding the prevention of pressure injuries in dependent homebound patients in Tunja, Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with a psychometric phase. Experts from the COCU-LCRD 23 performed facial validation, which assessed coherence, relevance, and pertinence of each item. The application of the instrument was carried out on population samples based on household census, after which its reliability was calculated. Results: Facial validation showed moderate concordance, requiring improvements in the wording of the Kappa de Fleiss items: 0.4582 (p=0.000). Most of caregivers were women (83.3%), with an average age of 40 years (SD±13.39) and 43.3% of them have a knowledge index of 83.33, which includes aspects such as hydration, position changes, among others. The adjusted version of the questionnaire reached a Cronbach's alpha of 0.6322. Conclusions: Informal caregivers have low education levels. Also, they are not knowledgeable and have limited experience regarding preventive care of dependent people at risk of pressure ulcers.

Introdução: As lesões de pele associadas à dependência de cuidados afetam a qualidade de vida dos pacientes e repercutem negativamente nos cuidadores informais. Objetivo: Determinar o conhecimento dos cuidadores informais sobre a prevenção de lesões por pressão em pacientes dependentes domiciliares em Tunja, Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com fase psicométrica. A validação facial por julgamento de especialistas do COCU-LCRD 23 avaliou a coerência, relevância e pertinência de cada item. O instrumento foi aplicado a uma amostra de censo domiciliar, após o que foi calculada sua confiabilidade. Resultados: A validação facial obteve concordância moderada, necessitando de melhorias na redação dos itens - Kappa de Fleiss: 0,4582 (p=0,000). Dos 30 cuidadores, a maioria eram mulheres (83,3%) com média de idade de 40 anos (DS±13,39), 43,3% possuem índice de conhecimento de 83,33, que inclui aspectos como hidratação, mudanças de decúbito, entre outros. A versão ajustada do questionário obteve alfa de Cronbach de 0,6322. Conclusões: Os cuidadores informais apresentam baixa escolaridade, além de desconhecimento e pouca experiência na área de cuidados preventivos em pessoas dependentes com risco de úlcera por pressão.

Abnormal Maternal Body Mass Index and Customized Fetal Weight Charts: Improving the Identification of Small for Gestational Age Fetuses and Newborns.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and thinness are serious diseases, but cases with abnormal maternal weight have not been excluded from the calculations in the construction of customized fetal growth curves (CCs). METHOD: To determine if the new CCs, built excluding mothers with an abnormal weight, are better than standard CCs at identifying SGA. A total of 16,122 neonates were identified as SGA, LGA, or AGA, using the two models. Logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to calculate the OR and CI for adverse outcomes by group. Gestational age was considered as a covariable. RESULTS: The SGA rates by the new CCs and by the standard CCs were 11.8% and 9.7%, respectively. The SGA rate only by the new CCs was 18% and the SGA rate only by the standard CCs was 0.01%. Compared to AGA by both models, SGA by the new CCs had increased rates of cesarean section, (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.19, 1.96)), prematurity (OR 2.84 (95% CI 2.09, 3.85)), NICU admission (OR 5.41 (95% CI 3.47, 8.43), and adverse outcomes (OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.06, 2.60). The strength of these associations decreased with gestational age. CONCLUSION: The use of the new CCs allowed for a more accurate identification of SGA at risk of adverse perinatal outcomes as compared to the standard CCs.

The NDDG criteria versus the IADPSG or the ADA criteria for diagnosing early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus or abnormal glucose tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of substituting the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria with the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) or American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for the diagnosis of early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus (Early-GDM) or first trimester abnormal glucose tolerance (1 t-AGT). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 3200 women: 400 with Early-GDM, 800 with GDM, and 2000 with Non-GDM, according to the NDDG criteria. Rates of women with missed and new Early-GDM according to the IADPSG or ADA criteria were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare perinatal outcomes between groups. RESULTS: Using the IADPSG criteria, 61.6% of women with Early-GDM according to the NDDG were undiagnosed (Missed-Early-GDM group), and 25.9% of women with GDM and 15.7% of women with Non-GDM were diagnosed with Early-GDM (New-Early-GDM groups). Perinatal outcomes were worse in Missed-Early-GDM than in Non-GDM and better in New-Early-GDM groups than in the Early-GDM group. According to the ADA recommendations, only 11.8% of women with Early-GDM according to the NDDG criteria were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Replacing the NDDG recommendations for the diagnosis of Early-GDM with the IADPSG or ADA criteria would mean depriving a large number of women with AGT and higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes from early treatment and treating others with lower risk.

Proceso que vive el paciente quirúrgico abdominal al recibir soporte nutricional artificial / Process experienced by the abdominal surgical patient receiving artificial nutritional support / Processo vivenciado pelo paciente cirúrgico abdominal que recebe suporte nutricional artificial

Introducción: La persona en postoperatorio de cirugía abdominal puede llegar a presentar complicaciones a causa de la patología quirúrgica de base o por la cirugía, impidiendo iniciar o tolerar la vía oral. Una medida que se toma para prevenir o tratar la desnutrición hospitalaria es el manejo con soporte nutricional artificial, evento que transforma la forma de percibir y vivir el proceso de alimentación. Objetivo: comprender el proceso que vive la persona adulta al recibir soporte nutricional artificial en el postoperatorio de cirugía abdominal. Materiales y métodos: se empleó la metodología cualitativa, teoría fundamentada, según postulados de Corbin y Strauss. Se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad a 21 personas adultas en postoperato-rio de cirugía abdominal y manejo con soporte nutricional artificial. Resultados: del análisis de los datos se establecieron 4 etapas del proceso: presentando dificultad para alimentarse, estando desnutrido o en riesgo nutricional, recibiendo el soporte nutricional artificial y anhelando recu-perar la normalidad de la vida. Conclusiones: el proceso tiene un punto de inicio, determinado por las manifestaciones de la enfermedad, luego el paciente pasa a recibir soporte de nutrición artificial, situación que les genera miedo y ansiedad, continúa con la aceptación y el reconoci-miento de los beneficios de la nutrición artificial y finaliza con el inicio de la vía oral.

Introduction: the person in the postoperative period of abdominal surgery may present com-plications due to the underlying surgical pathology or due to the surgery, preventing them from starting or tolerating the oral route. A measure that is taken to prevent or treat hospital malnutrition is management with artificial nutritional support, an event that transforms the way of perceiving and experiencing the feeding process. Objective: to understand the process experienced by adults receiving artificial nutritional support in the postoperative period of ab-dominal surgery. Materials and methods: qualitative methodology was used, fundamental theory, according to Corbin and Strauss postulates. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 postoperative adults after abdominal surgery and management with artificial nutritional support. Results: From the analysis of the data, 4 stages of the process were established: pre-senting difficulty feeding, malnourished or at nutritional risk, receiving artificial nutritional support and longing to return to normal life.NConclusions: the process has a starting point, determined by the manifestations of the disease, then the patient begins to receive artificial nutrition support, a situation that generates fear and anxiety, continues with the acceptance and recognition of the benefits of nutrition. artificial and ends with the beginning of the oral route

Introdução: A pessoa em pós-operatório de cirurgia abdominal pode apresentar complicações decorrentes da patologia cirúrgica de base ou decorrentes da cirurgia, impedindo-a de iniciar ou tolerar a via oral. Uma medida adotada para prevenir ou tratar a desnutrição hospitalar é o manejo com suporte nutricional artificial, evento que transforma a forma de perceber e vivenciar o processo de alimentação. Objetivo: compreender o processo vivenciado por adultos que re-cebem suporte nutricional artificial no pós-operatório de cirurgia abdominal. Materiais e méto-dos: foi utilizada a metodologia qualitativa, grounded theory, segundo os postulados de Corbin e Strauss. Foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com 21 adultos no pós-operatório de ciru-rgia abdominal e manejo com suporte nutricional artificial. Resultados: A partir da análise dos dados foram estabelecidas 4 etapas do processo: apresentar dificuldade para se alimentar, estar desnutrido ou em risco nutricional, receber suporte nutricional artificial e desejar retornar à vida normal. Conclusões: o processo tem um ponto de partida, determinado pelas manifestações da doença, então o paciente começa a receber suporte nutricional artificial, situação que gera medo e ansiedade, continua com a aceitação e reconhecimento dos benefícios da nutrição artificial e termina com o início da via oral

Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon-Based Nanomaterials as Alternative Electrodes to Graphite for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Graphite is the material most used as an electrode in commercial lithium-ion batteries. On the other hand, it is a material with low energy capacity, and it is considered a raw critical material given its large volume of use. In the current energy context, we must promote the search for alternative materials based on elements that are abundant, sustainable and that have better performance for energy storage. We propose thin materials based on silicon, which has a storage capacity eleven times higher than graphite. Nevertheless, due to the high-volume expansion during lithiation, it tends to crack, limiting the life of the batteries. To solve this problem, hydrogenated amorphous silicon has been researched, in the form of thin film and nanostructures, since, due to its amorphous structure, porosity and high specific surface, it could better absorb changes in volume. These thin films were grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and then the nanowires were obtained by chemical etching. The compositional variations of films deposited at different temperatures and the incorporation of dopants markedly influence the stability and longevity of batteries. With these optimized electrodes, we achieved batteries with an initial capacity of 3800 mAhg-1 and 82% capacity retention after 50 cycles.

Temperature and precipitation in the US states: long memory, persistence, and time trend.

This paper investigates the time series properties of the temperature and precipitation anomalies in the contiguous USA by using fractional differentiation. This methodology allows to capture time trend components along with properties such as long-range dependence and the degree of persistence. For aggregated data, we find out that long memory is present in both precipitation and temperature since the integration order is significantly positive in the two cases. The time trend is also positive, being higher for the temperature. In addition, observing disaggregated data by states, for the temperature, there are only seven states where the time trend is not significant, with most of them located in Southeast areas, while for the rest of cases, the time trend is significantly positive. All cases exhibit long-range dependence, though the differencing parameter substantially changes from one state to another, ranging from 0.09 in Nebraska and Kansas to 0.18 in Florida and Michigan. For precipitation, the time trend is insignificant in a large number of cases, and the integration order is smaller than for the temperature. In fact, short memory cannot be rejected in fourteen states, and the highest orders of differencing are obtained in Arizona (d = 0.11) and Texas (0.12). In general, we highlight that one cannot draw conclusions about persistence and trends in these two climate-related variables based on aggregate information of the overall USA, given widespread heterogeneity across the states. Tentatively, the degree of dependence across the states seems to be negatively correlated with their level of climate-related risks and the associated preparedness in terms of handling climate change, but this conclusion requires more elaborate research in the future.

Whole-slide image analysis identifies a high content of Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells and a low content of T lymphocytes in tumor microenvironment as predictors of adverse outcome in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated with ABVD.

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) constitutes the most frequent lymphoma in young adults. Its histopathology is unique as a scattered tumor population, termed Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells is diluted in a prominent tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils and histiocytes. Traditionally, the identification of prognostic biomarkers in the cHL TME has required visual inspection and manual counting by pathologists. The advent of whole-slide imaging (WSI) and digital image analysis methods could significantly contribute to improve this essential objective in cHL research, as a 10-20% of patients are still refractory or relapsed after conventional chemotherapy. In this work, we have digitized a total of 255 diagnostic cHL slides and quantified the proportion of HRS cells (CD30), B cells (CD20) and T cells (CD3) by digital image analysis. Data obtained where then correlated with the overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) of cHL patients. Quantification of HRS cells, B cells and T cells reflects the biological heterogeneity of the different cHL histological subtypes analyzed. A percentage of 2.00% of HRS cells statistically significantly discriminated between patients achieving a complete metabolic response (CMR) and refractory or relapsed (R/R) patients both for the OS (P=0.001) and PFS (P=0.005). Furthermore, patients with a percentage of T cells below the 26.70% in the TME showed a statistically significantly shorter OS (P=0.019) and PFS (P=0.041) in comparison with patients above this threshold. A subgroup of patients with a low content of T cells and high content of HRS cells exhibited a special aggressive clinical course. Currently, there is the need to implement quantitative and easy scalable methods to enhance clinical translation, as the cHL TME plays a central role in the clinical course of the disease. The results of this study could contribute to the identification of prognostic biomarkers specifically looking at the cHL TME and their inclusion in future clinical trials.

Association between risk polymorphisms for neurodegenerative diseases and cognition in colombian patients with frontotemporal dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease of presenile onset. A better characterization of neurodegenerative disorders has been sought by using tools such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), where associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cognitive profiles could constitute predictive biomarkers for these diseases. However, in FTD, associations between genotypes and cognitive phenotypes are yet to be explored. Here, we evaluate a possible relationship between genetic variants and some cognitive functions in an FTD population. Methodology: A total of 47 SNPs in genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases were evaluated using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform along with their possible relationship with performance in neuropsychological tests in 105 Colombian patients diagnosed with FTD. Results and discussion: The SNPs rs429358 (APOE), rs1768208 (MOBP), and rs1411478 (STX6), were identified as risk factors for having a low cognitive performance in inhibitory control and phonological verbal fluency. Although the significance level was not enough to reach the corrected alpha for multiple comparison correction, our exploratory data may constitute a starting point for future studies of these SNPs and their relationship with cognitive performance in patients with a probable diagnosis of FTD. Further studies with an expansion of the sample size and a long-term design could help to explore the predictive nature of the potential associations we identified.

Fasting Glucose for the Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, different non-validated tests were proposed to simplify the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM). Aim: To analyse the effects of replacing the two-step approach for Early-GDM and GDM diagnosis, with a fasting plasma glucose test. Material and Methods: This is a cohort study consisting of 3200 pregnant women: 400 with Early-GDM, 800 with GDM and 2000 with Non-GDM diagnosed using the two-step approach. Using fasting plasma glucose for Early-GDM and GDM diagnosis, according to the recommendations of Spain, Australia, Italy and the UK during the pandemic, the rates of missed and new Early-GDM and GDM were calculated and perinatal outcomes were analysed. Results: Using fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester >100 mg/dL for Early-GDM diagnosis, the rates of post-COVID missed and new Early-GDM were 79.5% and 3.2%, respectively. Using fasting plasma glucose at 24−28 weeks <84 or >92, 95 or 100 mg/dL for GDM diagnosis, the rates of missed GDM were 50.4%, 78%, 82.6% and 92.4%, respectively, and 8.6%, 5.6% and 2.3% women with Non-GDM were diagnosed with new GDM. Conclusion: Fasting plasma glucose is not a good test for the diagnosis of GDM either in the first trimester or at 24−28 weeks.

Percepción del accidente cerebrovascular en pacientes con enfermedad crónica no trasmisible / Perception of strokes in patients with noncommunicable chronic diseases / Percepção do acidente vascular cerebral em pacientes com doença crônica não transmissível

Objetivo: Interpretar la percepción del accidente cerebrovascular en pacientes que asisten a la consulta de crónico en la ESE, Hospital San Antonio de Soatá. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo con enfoque fenomenológico. La selección de los 14 participantes se hizo a través del siguiente criterio de selección: ser adulto mayor con enfermedad crónica no transmisible (hipertensión arterial y/o diabetes); se excluyeron las personas con alteraciones del lenguaje y mentales establecidas por la historia clínica. El muestreo fue no probabilístico intencional. La recolección de la información se hizo mediante entrevistas en profundidad, estableciendo un primer contacto vía telefónica con los posibles participantes, luego se concertó un encuen-tro presencial en donde se procedió a la lectura y firma del consentimiento. Las entrevistas tuvieron una duración entre 20 a 40 minutos. Para el análisis de los datos teóricos se siguió la técnica de Colaizzi, emergiendo de los códigos nominales las subcategorías y categorías o temas centrales. Resultados: A partir de las entrevistas se generaron 26 códigos nominales que conformaron 2 categorías: conocimientos de la trombosis y enfermedad grave y mortal, las cuales permitieron interpretar que los informantes asignan el término de trombosis al accidente cerebrovascular y de esta manera, son capaces de identificar las principales causas, manifestaciones y secuelas neurológicas de la enfermedad. Así mismo, la trombosis es una enfermedad que genera dependencia física. Conclusiones: Para los participantes el evento cerebrovascular es una enfermedad prevenible, pero requiere seguimiento médico, cambios de los estilos de vida y consumo permanente de medicamentos. Sin embargo, la desigualdad económica y el difícil acceso a las instituciones de salud dificulta una atención oportuna de las enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles

Objective: Understand the perception of strokes in patients that attend to a chronic disease consultation in a state social health-service providing company (ESE), Hospital San Antonio de Soatá. Materials and methods: Qualitative study with phenomenological approach. The selection of the 14 participants was made through the following selection criteria: being a senior citizen with a noncommunicable chronic disease (hypertension and/or diabetes); peo-ple with language and mental alterations established in their medical history were excluded. nonprobability purposive sampling was performed. The information was gathered through in-depth interviews, establishing an initial contact via telephone with the potential partici-pants, then an in-person meeting was arranged to read and sign the consent. The interviews had a duration between 20 to 40 minutes. For the analysis of the theoretical sampling, the Colaizzi's method was used, emerging from the nominal codes, the subcategories, and cat-egories or central themes. Results: From the interviews, 26 nominal codes were generated to define two categories: knowledge on thrombosis and serious and mortal disease, which allowed to understand that the informants assign the term thrombosis to stroke and this way, are capable of identify the main causes, symptoms and neurological sequels of the disease. Likewise, thrombosis is a disease that generates physical dependance. Conclusions: For the participants, a stroke is a preventable disease, but it requires medical follow-up, changes of lifestyle and a permanent consumption of medication. However, economic inequalities and difficult access to health institutions complicate timely care for noncommunicable chronic diseases

Objetivo: Interpretar a percepção de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em pacientes que fre-quentam a consulta crônica no Hospital San Antônio de Soatá. Materiais e métodos: Es-tudo qualitativo com abordagem fenomenológica. A seleção dos 14 participantes foi feita através dos seguintes critérios de seleção: ser idoso com doença crônica não transmissível (hipertensão arterial e/ou diabetes); foram excluídas pessoas transtornos mentais ou da lin-guagem estabelecidos pela história clínica. A amostragem não foi probabilística não inten-cional. A coleta de informações foi feita por meio de entrevistas aprofundadas, estabelecendo um primeiro contato via telefônica, em seguida, foi organizada uma reunião presencial onde o termo de consentimento foi assinado. As entrevistas duraram entre 20 e 40 minutos. Para a análise dos dados teóricos, seguiu-se a técnica Colaizzi, obtendo dos códigos nominais as subcategorias e categorias ou temas centrais. Resultados: A partir das entrevistas, foram ger-ados 26 códigos nominais que formaram 2 categorias: conhecimento de trombose e doença grave e fatal, que permitiram interpretar que os informantes atribuem o termo trombose ao AVC e, dessa forma, são capazes de identificar as principais causas, manifestações e sequelas neurológicas da doença. Da mesma forma, a trombose é uma doença que gera dependência física. Conclusões: Para os participantes, o evento cerebrovascular é uma doença evitável, mas requer acompanhamento médico, mudanças de estilo de vida e consumo permanente de medicamentos. No entanto, a desigualdade econômica e o difícil acesso às instituições de saúde dificultam o atendimento oportuno a doenças crônicas não transmissíveis.

Multidimensional Analysis of Major Depression: Association Between BDNF Methylation, Psychosocial and Cognitive Domains.

Major Depression is a complex disorder with a growing incidence worldwide and multiple variables have been associated with its etiology. Nonetheless, its diagnosis is continually changing and the need to understand it from a multidimensional perspective is clear. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for depression in a case-control study with 100 depressive inpatients and 87 healthy controls. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed including psychosocial factors, cognitive maladaptive schema domains, and specific epigenetic marks (BDNF methylation levels at five CpG sites in promoter IV). A family history of depression, the cognitive schemas of impaired autonomy/performance, impaired limits, other-directedness, and the methylation level of a specific CpG site were identified as predictors. Interestingly, we found a mediating effect of those cognitive schemas in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression. Also, we found that depressive patients exhibited hypomethylation in a CpG site of BDNF promoter IV, which adds to the current discussion about the role of methylation in depression. We highlight that determining the methylation of a specific region of a single gene offers the possibility of accessing a highly informative an easily measurable variable, which represents benefits for diagnosis. Following complete replication and validation on larger samples, models like ours could be applicable as additional diagnostic tools in the clinical context.

Compositional and structural analysis of engineered stones and inorganic particles in silicotic nodules of exposed workers.

BACKGROUND: Engineered stone silicosis is an emerging disease in many countries worldwide produced by the inhalation of respirable dust of engineered stone. This silicosis has a high incidence among young workers, with a short latency period and greater aggressiveness than silicosis caused by natural materials. Although the silica content is very high and this is the key factor, it has been postulated that other constituents in engineered stones can influence the aggressiveness of the disease. Different samples of engineered stone countertops (fabricated by workers during the years prior to their diagnoses), as well as seven lung samples from exposed patients, were analyzed by multiple techniques. RESULTS: The different countertops were composed of SiO2 in percentages between 87.9 and 99.6%, with variable relationships of quartz and cristobalite depending on the sample. The most abundant metals were Al, Na, Fe, Ca and Ti. The most frequent volatile organic compounds were styrene, toluene and m-xylene, and among the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenanthrene and naphthalene were detected in all samples. Patients were all males, between 26 and 46 years-old (average age: 36) at the moment of the diagnosis. They were exposed to the engineered stone an average time of 14 years. At diagnosis, only one patient had progressive massive fibrosis. After a follow-up period of 8 ± 3 years, four patients presented progressive massive fibrosis. Samples obtained from lung biopsies most frequently showed well or ill-defined nodules, composed of histiocytic cells and fibroblasts without central hyalinization. All tissue samples showed high proportion of Si and Al at the center of the nodules, becoming sparser at the periphery. Al to Si content ratios turned out to be higher than 1 in two of the studied cases. Correlation between Si and Al was very high (r = 0.93). CONCLUSION: Some of the volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals detected in the studied countertop samples have been described as causative of lung inflammation and respiratory disease. Among inorganic constituents, aluminum has been a relevant component within the silicotic nodule, reaching atomic concentrations even higher than silicon in some cases. Such concentrations, both for silicon and aluminum showed a decreasing tendency from the center of the nodule towards its frontier.