Design of a Thomson scattering diagnostic for the SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART).

We describe the design of a Thomson scattering (TS) diagnostic to be used on the SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART). SMART is a spherical tokamak being commissioned in Spain that aims to explore positive triangularity and negative triangularity plasma scenarios at a low aspect ratio. The SMART TS diagnostic is designed to operate at high spatial resolution, 6 mm scattering length in the low-field side and 9 mm in the high-field side regions, and a wide dynamic range, electron temperature from 1 eV to 1 keV and density from 5×1018m-3 to 1×1020m-3, to resolve large gradients formed at the plasma edge and in the scrape-off layer (SOL) under different triangularities and low aspect ratios. A 2 J @1064 nm laser will be used that is capable of operating in the burst mode at 1, 2, and 4 kHz to investigate fast phenomena and at 30 Hz to study 1 s (or more) long discharges. The scattered light will be collected over an angular range of 60° - 120° from 28 spatial points in the midplane covering the entire plasma width and the outer midplane SOL. Each scattering signal will be spectrally resolved on five wavelength channels of a polychromator to obtain the electron temperature measurement. We will also present a method to monitor in situ laser alignment in the core during calibrations and plasma operations.

Thermal and Light-Induced Spin Transitions in 3D Hofmann-type Frameworks Built on Nonlinear 3-Substituted Pyridine and Pyrimidine Pillaring Ligands.

Integration of spin crossover (SCO) properties in 3D frameworks made up of cyano-bimetallic layers connected through pillaring organic ligands, the so-called Hofmann-type coordination polymers (HCPs)- represents an important source of multifunctional advanced materials. Typically, these 3D structures are constituted by 4-substituted pyridine-based linear pillars which afford HCPs with regular pcu topology. Here, we have investigated the suitability of the 3-substituted pyridine and pyrimidine bis-monodentate ligands 2,5-di(pyridin-3-yl)aniline (3-dpyan) and 2,5-di(pyrimidin-5-yl)aniline (bpmdan) as alternative building blocks to explore new structural topologies and functionalities. In this context, we have prepared the compounds Fe(3-dpyan)[Ag(CN)2]2·2MeOH (1Ag·2MeOH), Fe(3-dpyan)[Ag(CN)2]2···0.35NO2Bz·MeOH (1Ag·0.35NO2Bz·MeOH), Fe(3-dpyan)[Au(CN)2]2·NO2Bz (1Au·NO2Bz), and Fe(bpmdan)[Ag(CN)2]2·CH3Bz (2Ag·CH3Bz) (MeOH = methanol, NO2Bz = nitrobenzene, CH3Bz = toluene). Our structural studies have revealed that 1Ag·2MeOH and 1Ag·0.35NO2Bz·MeOH exhibit isomorphous doubly interpenetrated 3D structures strongly differing from the unusual noninterpenetrated ones exhibited by 1Au·NO2Bz and 2Ag·CH3Bz. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements have shown that all the reported compounds exhibit thermal-induced SCO properties, and moreover, three of them display Light Induced Excited Spin State Trapping at low temperatures (LIESST effect). The studied compounds show a wide diversity of SCO behaviors, ranging from abrupt complete one-step SCO centered at 253 K (1Au·NO2Bz) to gradual and incomplete multistepped SCO centered at 120 K (1Ag·0.35NO2Bz·MeOH). This assorted SCO properties are discussed and correlated to the acquired chemical and structural information.

Radiated power and soft x-ray diagnostics in the SMART tokamak.

A multi-energy soft x-ray diagnostic is planned to operate in the small aspect ratio tokamak (SMART), consisting of five cameras: one for core measurements, two for edge, and two for divertors. Each camera is equipped with four absolute extreme ultra-violet diodes, with three of them filtered by Ti and Al foils for C and O line emissions, respectively, and Be foils for temperature measurements. In addition, two spectrometers will be installed with a vertical line of sight for impurity control. This study introduces a synthetic model designed to characterize radiated power and soft x-ray emissions. The developed code extracts the radiated power and Zeff values by leveraging distributions of electron density, temperatures, and impurity concentrations. The investigation is centered on the predicted scenarios of SMART's first phase of operation (Ip = 100 kA; Bt = 0.1 T), employing a double-null configuration with positive and negative triangularity. The anticipated impurities encompass C (1%) and Fe (0.01%) from the vessel, as well as O and N (0.1%) from air and water. For simplicity, the distribution is assumed to be homogeneous within the plasma, considering different mixtures with Zeff values ranging between 1 and 2. Finally, the model estimates signal strength for the diagnostic design, proving its feasibility.

Validation of the synthetic model for the imaging heavy ion beam probe at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak (invited).

Recent experiments at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak have provided the first ever measurements from the imaging heavy-ion beam probe. In this work, we show that the developed simulation framework can reproduce qualitatively the measurement's observed shape and position. Quantitatively, we demonstrate that the model reproduces, within the experimental uncertainties, the observed signal levels. A detailed explanation of the synthetic model is presented, along with the calibration of the optical setup that reproduces the measurements.

Design and development of the magnetic diagnostic systems for the first operational phase of the SMART tokamak.

A set of magnetic diagnostics has been designed, manufactured, and calibrated for the first operational phase of the small aspect ratio tokamak. The sensor suite comprises of Rogowski coils; 2D magnetic probes; and poloidal, saddle, and diamagnetic flux loops. A set of continuous Rogowski coils has been manufactured for the measurement of plasma current and induced eddy currents in conductive elements. A set of flux loops and magnetic probes will be used as input for the reconstruction of the magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium. The quantity and position of these sensors have been verified to be sufficient with synthetic equilibrium reconstructions using the equilibrium fitting code and baseline scenarios computed with the Fiesta code. These sensors will also be used as input for the real-time control system, and magnetic probes will be used for the detection of plasma instabilities. The calibration procedure for the magnetic probes is described, and the results are shown. The signal conditioning and data acquisition systems are described.

[Translated article] Total hip arthroplasty with second generation dual mobility system as a treatment for primary coxarthrosis, medium-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is a disabling pathology characterised by joint pain and stiffness. A prevalence of coxarthrosis of 7.4% is reported in our country. Total hip joint replacement is indicated in advanced stages, a procedure that is not free of complications, the most frequent being prosthetic dislocation, which can be prevented with dual mobility systems. The following study aims to determine the rate of complications and clinical outcomes in dual mobility systems in primary coxarthrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 120 cases in 114 patients diagnosed with grade III coxarthrosis, mean age was 62.43 years, with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. Joint replacement was performed by Hardinge approach. All cases were assessed clinically using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiologically to demonstrate mid-term results. RESULTS: The preoperative value on the HHS scale had a mean of 56.45, postoperative at one month 74.23; 6 months 85.40; 1 year 94.01 and at 5 years 94.84 points, representing a functional improvement of 17.78 postoperative month; 28.95 at 6 months postoperative; 37.56 at one year postoperative and 38.39 points at 5 years postoperative. A complication rate of 3.44%; 0.86% of complications were associated with the prosthetic components. CONCLUSION: The dual mobility system should be considered as a therapeutic option in primary hip joint replacement due to excellent functional results and low complication rates. EVIDENCE LEVEL: IV. Retrospective observational case series study.

Four-bar Geometry is Shared among Ecologically DivergentFish Species.

Understanding the factors that influence morphological evolution is a major goal in biology. One such factor is the ability to acquire and process prey. Prey hardness and evasiveness are important properties that can impact evolution of the jaws. Similar diets and biomechanical systems have repeatedly evolved among fish lineages, providing an opportunity to test for shared patterns of evolution across distantly related organisms. Four-bar linkages are structures often used by animals to transmit force and motion during feeding and that provide an excellent system to understand the impact of diet on morphological and biomechanical evolution. Here, we tested how diet influences the evolutionary dynamics of the oral four-bar linkage system in wrasses (Family: Labridae) and cichlids (Family: Cichlidae). We found that shifts in prey hardness/evasiveness are associated with limited modifications in four-bar geometry across these two distantly related fish lineages. Wrasse and cichlid four-bar systems largely exhibit many-to-one mapping in response to dietary shifts. Across two iconic adaptive radiations of fish, an optimal four-bar geometry has largely been co-opted for different dietary functions during their extensive ecological diversification. Given the exceptional jaw diversity of both lineages, many-to-one mapping of morphology to mechanical properties may be a core feature of fish adaptive radiation.

Entender los factores que influyen en la evolución morfológica es un objetivo principal en biología. Uno de esos factores es la capacidad para atrapar y procesar presas. La dureza y evasividad de las presas son propiedades importantes que pueden impactar la evolución de las mandíbulas. Dietas y sistemas biomecánicos similares han evolucionado repetidamente entre linajes de peces, proporcionando una oportunidad para evaluar patrones evolutivos compartidos entre organismos lejanamente emparentados. Los mecanismos de cuatro barras en animales, usados usualmente para transmitir fuerza y movilidad durante la alimentación, proveen un sistema excelente para entender el efecto de la dieta en la evolución morfológica y biomecánica. Aquí, evaluamos cómo la dieta influye en las dinámicas evolutivas del mecanismo oral de cuatro barras en lábridos (Familia: Labridae) y cíclidos (Familia: Cichlidae). Encontramos que los cambios en la dureza y evasividad de las presas están asociados con modificaciones limitadas de la geometría de las cuatro barras entre esos dos linajes de peces lejanamente emparentados. Los mecanismos de cuatro barras de los lábridos y cíclidos muestran en gran medida diferentes estructuras que conducen a un mismo resultado funcional en respuesta a cambios de dieta. A lo largo de dos radiaciones adaptativas icónicas de peces, una geometría óptima de cuatro barras ha sido en gran medida adaptada para diferentes funciones dietéticas durante una diversificación ecológica extensa. Dada la excepcional diversidad de mandíbulas en ambos linajes, estructuras que conducen a un mismo resultado en morfología y propiedades mecánicas podrían ser características esenciales durante la radiación adaptativa de peces.Translated by Saúl Dominguez-Guerrero, Postdoctoral Associate- Yale University.

Comprendre les facteurs qui influencent l'évolution morphologique est un objectif majeur en biologie. L'un de ces facteurs est la capacité d'acquérir et de traiter des proies. La dureté et le caractère évasif des proies sont des propriétés importantes qui peuvent avoir un impact sur l'évolution des mâchoires. Des régimes alimentaires et des systèmes biomécaniques similaires ont évolué à plusieurs reprises parmi les lignées de poissons, offrant ainsi l'occasion de tester des modèles d'évolution partagés entre des organismes éloignés. Les liaisons à quatre barres sont des structures souvent utilisées par les animaux pour transmettre la force et le mouvement pendant l'alimentation, et qui constituent un excellent système pour comprendre l'impact du régime alimentaire sur l'évolution morphologique et biomécanique. Ici, nous avons testé comment le régime alimentaire influence la dynamique évolutive du système de liaison orale à quatre barres chez les labres (famille : Labridae) et les cichlidés (famille : Cichlidae). Nous avons constaté que les changements dans la dureté/le caractère évasif des proies sont associés à des modifications limitées de la géométrie à quatre barres dans ces deux lignées de poissons éloignées. Les systèmes à quatre barres de labres et de cichlidés présentent en grande partie une cartographie plusieurs-à-un en réponse aux changementsde régime alimentaire. Pour deux radiations adaptatives emblématiques de poissons, une géométrie optimale à quatre barres a été largement adoptée pour différentes fonctions alimentaires au cours de leur vaste diversification écologique. Compte tenu de la diversité exceptionnelle des mâchoires des deux lignées, la cartographie plusieurs-à-un de la morphologie aux propriétés mécaniques peut être une caractéristique essentielle du rayonnement adaptatif des poissons.Translated by Pauline Raimondeau, Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University.

Design, characterization, and modeling of the Charge eXchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CXRS) suite at the SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART).

Ion temperature, rotation, and density are key parameters to evaluate the performance of present and future fusion reactors. These parameters are critical for understanding ion heat, momentum, and particle transport, making it mandatory to properly diagnose them. A common technique to measure these properties is charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CXRS). For characterizing positive and negative triangularity plasmas at the small aspect ratio tokamak, a poloidal array of gas puff based CXRS diagnostics will be measuring the ion properties in different poloidal positions. In this work, the modeling of the expected signal and spatial coverage using the FIDASIM code is presented. Furthermore, the design and characterization of the low field side midplane CXRS diagnostic are described. Each diagnostic is composed of a gas injection system, an optical system that collects the light emitted by the plasma, and a spectrometer. These systems will provide ion temperature, rotation, and density with a radial resolution of 3.75 mm and a temporal resolution of 2.2 ms.

Simulation of a scintillator-based fast ion loss detector for steady-state operation in Wendelstein 7-X (invited).

A quantitative theoretical framework has been created to model neutral beam injection and fast ion losses in the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator, including a novel method to develop synthetic diagnostics for fast ion loss detectors (FILDs) of many types, such as scintillating and Faraday Cup FILDs. This is the first time that this has been done in stellarator geometry with this level of fidelity, providing a way for fast ion losses to be predicted more precisely in future stellarator experiments and in W7-X. Simulations of the signal seen by a Faraday Cup FILD have been completed for multiple W7-X plasmas and show close agreement with the measured signals. This method is now applied to an actively water-cooled, scintillator-based FILD, which is currently in development to measure the fast ion loss distribution in W7-X in greater detail. The design makes use of a double slit to measure energy-and-pitch-angle-resolved losses of both co-going and counter-going fast ions. The diagnostic, which can be inserted to different radial positions, has been designed to withstand steady-state heat fluxes of up to 120 kW/m2 along with additional transient heat loads of 100 kW/m2 lasting for up to 20 s at a time. Simulations of W7-X standard magnetic configuration show up to 8 × 1013 (s-1 cm-2) ion fluxes onto the sensor from each neutral beam source and no signal from the counter-going slit. These simulations will help inform experimental proposals for future W7-X campaigns after installation of this diagnostic.

Unraveling the clinicopathological and molecular changes induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The characterization and comparison of gene expression and intrinsic subtype (IS) changes induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low versus HR+/HER2-0 breast cancer (BC) has not been conducted so far. Most evidence on the association of HER2 status with pathologic responses and prognosis in HR+/HER2-negative BC is controversial and restricted to NACT-treated disease. Similarly, a temporal heterogeneity in HER2 status has been described only with NACT. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited a consecutive cohort of 186 patients with stage I-IIIB HR+/HER2-negative BC treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Available diagnostic biopsies and surgical samples were characterized for main pathological features, PAM50 IS and ROR-P score, and gene expression. Associations with pathologic complete response, residual cancer burden-0/I, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) based on HER2 status were assessed. Pre/post pathologic/molecular changes were analyzed in matched samples. RESULTS: The HER2-low (62.9%) and HER2-0 (37.1%) cohorts did not differ significantly in main baseline features, treatments administered, breast-conserving surgery, pathologic complete response and residual cancer burden-0/I rates, EFS, and OS. NAT induced, regardless of HER2 status, a significant reduction of estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor and Ki67 levels, a down-regulation of PAM50 proliferation- and luminal-related genes/signatures, an up-regulation of selected immune genes, and a shift towards less aggressive IS and lower ROR-P. Moreover, 25% of HER2-0 changed to HER2-low and 34% HER2-low became HER2-0. HER2 shifts were significant after NACT (P < 0.001), not neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (P = 0.063), with consistent ERBB2 mRNA level dynamics. HER2 changes were not associated with EFS/OS. CONCLUSIONS: HER2-low and HER2-0 status change after NAT in ∼30% of cases, mostly after NACT. Targeted adjuvant strategies should be investigated accordingly. Molecular downstaging with current chemo/endocrine agents and immunotherapy should not rely on HER2 immunohistochemical levels in HR+/HER2-negative BC. Instead, HER2-low-targeted approaches should be explored to pursue more effective and/or less toxic dimensional downstaging.

Rotational order-disorder and spin crossover behaviour in a neutral iron(II) complex based on asymmetrically substituted large planar ionogenic ligand.

Octahedrally coordinated spin crossover (SCO) FeII complexes represent an important class of switchable molecular materials. This study presents the synthesis and characterisation of a novel complex, [FeII(ppt-2Fph)2]0·2MeOH, where ppt-2Fph is a new asymmetric ionogenic tridentate planar ligand 2-(5-(2-fluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine. The complex exhibits a hysteretic thermally induced SCO transition at 285 K on cooling and at 293 K on heating, as well as light induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) at lower temperatures with a relaxation T(LIESST) temperature of 73 K. Single crystal analysis in both spin states shows that the compound undergoes an unusual partial (25%) reversible order-disorder of the asymmetrically substituted phenyl group coupled to the thermal SCO. The highly cooperative SCO transition, analysed by structural energy framework analysis at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) theory level, revealed the co-existence of stabilising and destabilising energy variations in the lattice. The observed antagonism of intermolecular interactions and synchronous rotational disorder, which contributes to the overall entropy change, is suggested to be at the origin of the cooperative SCO transition.

Divergent Gut Microbiota: Archaeal and Bacterial Signatures Unveil Unique Patterns in Colombian Cyclists Compared to Weightlifters and Non-Athletes.

Engagement in physical activity, across various sports, promotes a diverse microbiota in active individuals. This study examines the gut microbiota of Colombian athletes, specifically weightlifters (n = 16) and road cyclists (n = 13), compared to non-athletes (n = 15). Using Kruskal-Wallis tests, the physical activity level of a group of non-athletic individuals and the sports experience of a group of professional athletes is analyzed. The median age of participants is 24 years, comprising 25 men and 19 women. The microbiota is collected using fecal samples. Participants provided these samples during their pre-competitive stage, specifically during the concentration phase occurring two weeks prior to national competitions. This timing is chosen to capture the microbial composition during a period of heightened physical preparation. Questionnaire responses and microbial composition assessments identify disparities among groups. Microbial composition analysis explores core microbiome, abundance, and taxonomy using Pavian, MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0, and GraPhlAn. ANCOM-BC2 reveals differentially abundant species. Road cyclists exhibit decreased Bacteria and increased Archaea abundance. Phylum-level variations included Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidetes prevailed. Key families influencing gut microbiota are Bacteroidaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Selenomonadaceae. Weightlifters exhibit unique viral and archaeal community connections, while cyclists showed specialized microbial interplay influenced by endurance exercise. Correlation network analysis emphasizes distinctive microbial interactions within athlete groups, shedding light on the impact of physical activities on gut microbiota and athlete health.

Transferrin Saturation, Serum Ferritin, and C-Reactive Protein vs. Serum Ferritin for an optimal Iron Deficiency Diagnosis in Candidates for Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Iron has different physiological processes and is regulated by hepcidin that is also an acute phase reactant, which increases with inflammation. Obesity produces a pro-inflammatory state, affecting directly the normal regulation of iron, causing ferritin (FER) deficiency. FER is used as the only indicator of the status of iron in patients with obesity, so the majority of them would be underdiagnosed, leading to a high prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and anemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic tests: transferrin saturation (TS), FER, and C-reactive protein (CRP) vs. FER with the objective of analyzing the most accurate variable for the diagnosis of ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a cross-sectional, analytical, and retrospective study, evaluating the diagnostic tests in 96 patients, to whom two methods were applied for the diagnosis of ID: method 1 (FER < 30 ng/mL) and method 2 divided into 2A (FER < 30 ng/mL), 2B (FER 30-100 ng/mL + CRP ≥ 5 mg/L), 2C (FER 100-300 ng/mL + CRP ≥ 5 mg/L + TS < 20%), and 2D (TS < 20%). RESULTS: The prevalence of ID obtained using method 1 was 30.2% while 69.8% presented ID using total method 2, confirming an underdiagnosis of 39.6%. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory state in patients with obesity must be considered in the diagnosis of ID. The use of TS, FER, and CRP has greater validity than the use of serum FER for the diagnosis of ID in patients with obesity.

Executive summary of the consensus document on the management of perioperative anemia in Spain.

Perioperative anemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, conceptual, logistical and administrative barriers persist that hinder the widespread implementation of protocols for their management. The project coordinator convened a multidisciplinary group of 8 experienced professionals to develop perioperative anemia management algorithms, based on a series of key points (KPs) related to its prevalence, consequences, diagnosis and treatment. These KPs were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, from "strongly disagree [1]" to "strongly agree [5]". For each KP, consensus was reached when receiving a score of 4 or 5 from at least 7 participants (>75%). Based on the 36 KPs agreed upon, diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms were developed that we believe can facilitate the implementation of programs for early identification and adequate management of perioperative anemia, adapted to the characteristics of the different institutions in our country.

The stigma of intellectual disability in Spain: a nationally representative survey.

BACKGROUND: Stigma towards people with intellectual disability affects various aspects of their lives, including access to employment, housing, health and social care services. Furthermore, this stigma reduces their social opportunities and is even reflected in laws that diminish their autonomy. Due to the practical significance of this issue, the aim of this research is to explore for the first time the social stigma associated with intellectual disability in a representative sample of the Spanish population. METHOD: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted, involving a representative sample of the population (N = 2746). The study includes descriptive analyses and hierarchical regressions to examine various dimensions of stigma, such as attitudes, attributions, and intentions of social distance. RESULTS: Medium levels of stigma are found regarding attitudes and attributions towards people with intellectual disability, while levels are medium-low concerning the intention of social distance. The most reliable indicators of stigma across its various dimensions encompass attitudes, attributions, and the intention of social distance. Factors that contribute to lower stigma include knowing someone with an intellectual disability, being willing to discuss intellectual disability with an acquaintance who has it and having a progressive political ideology. People with intellectual disability show more negative attributions towards themselves. Living with a person with an intellectual disability is another predictor of more stigmatising attitudes, but less intention of social distance. Results are mixed regarding age, gender, and educational level. CONCLUSION: Combating the stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities must include comprehensive actions to address attitudes, attributions and behavioural intentions. Public policies, such as national campaigns and programmes, should include contact with and open conversations about intellectual disability, and sensitivity to sociodemographic variables.

Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced HF was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel Index). RESULTS: Using the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to HF patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, Interquartile Range; 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (p < 0.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition, [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.97 (95% Confidence interval 0.96; 0.98) and OR 0.98 (95% Confidence interval, 0.96; 0.99)], respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk, OR 1.05 (95% Confidence interval, 1.02; 1.09. Adjusted multivariate logistic model found that malnutrition was significantly associated with poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on daily activities and self-care. CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling older patients with advanced HF, malnutrition was associated with worse patient reported outcome measures related to poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on self-care and daily activities. Nutritional status must be systematically addressed by primary care nurses and family doctors to improve survival rates in these patients. It would be helpful the incorporation of expert professionals in nutrition in the primary health care centres.

First measurements of an imaging heavy ion beam probe at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak.

The imaging heavy ion beam probe (i-HIBP) diagnostic has been successfully commissioned at ASDEX Upgrade. The i-HIBP injects a primary neutral beam into the plasma, where it is ionized, leading to a fan of secondary (charged) beams. These are deflected by the magnetic field of the tokamak and collected by a scintillator detector, generating a strike-line light pattern that encodes information on the density, electrostatic potential, and magnetic field of the plasma edge. The first measurements have been made, demonstrating the proof-of-principle of this diagnostic technique. A primary beam of 85/87Rb has been used with energies ranging between 60 and 72 keV and extracted currents up to 1.5 mA. The first signals have been obtained in experiments covering a wide range of parameter spaces, with plasma currents (Ip) between 0.2 and 0.8 MA and on-axis toroidal magnetic field (Bt) between 1.9 and 2.7 T. Low densities appear to be critical for the performance of the diagnostic, as signals are typically observed only when the line integrated density is below 2.0-3.0 × 1019 m-2 in the central interferometer chord, depending on the plasma shape. The strike line moves as expected when Ip is ramped, indicating that current measurements are possible. Additionally, clear dynamics in the intensity of the strike line are often observed, which might be linked to changes in the edge profile structure. However, the signal-to-background ratio of the signals is hampered by stray light, and the image guide degradation is due to neutron irradiation. Finally, simulations have been carried out to investigate the sensitivity of the expected signals to plasma density and temperature. The results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental observations, suggesting that the diagnostic is almost insensitive to fluctuations in the temperature profile, while the signal level is highly determined by the density profile due to the beam attenuation.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols in long term care facilities and other indoor spaces with known COVID-19 outbreaks.

Coronavirus outbreaks are likely to occur in crowded and congregate indoor spaces, and their effects are most severe in vulnerable long term care facilities (LTCFs) residents. Public health officers benefit from tools that allow them to control COVID-19 outbreaks in vulnerable settings such as LTCFs, but which could be translated in the future to control other known and future virus outbreaks. This study aims to develop and test a methodology based on detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol samples collected with personal pumps that could be easily implemented by public health officers. The proposed methodology was used to investigate the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol in indoor settings, mainly focusing on LTCFs, suffering COVID-19 outbreaks, or in the presence of known COVID-19 cases, and targeting the initial days after diagnosis. Aerosol samples (N = 18) were collected between November 2020 and March 2022 in Castelló (Spain) from LTCFs, merchant ships and a private home with recently infected COVID-19 cases. Sampling was performed for 24-h, onto 47 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and quartz filters, connected to personal pumps at 2 and 4 L/min respectively. RNA from filters was extracted and SARS-CoV-2 was determined by detection of regions N1 and N2 of the nucleocapsid gene alongside the E gene using RT-PCR technique. SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was detected in 87.5% samples. Concentrations ranged ND-19,525 gc/m3 (gene E). No genetic traces were detected in rooms from contacts that were isolated as a preventative measure. Very high levels were also measured at locations with poor ventilation. Aerosol measurement conducted with the proposed methodology provided useful information to public health officers and contributed to manage and control 12 different COVID-19 outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in aerosol samples collected during outbreaks in congregate spaces. Indoor aerosol sampling is a useful tool in the early detection and management of COVID-19 outbreaks and supports epidemiological investigations.

Gamification and neurological motor rehabilitation in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Gamification consists of the use of games in non-playful contexts. It is widely employed in the motor rehabilitation of neurological diseases, but mainly in adult patients. The objective of this review was to describe the use of gamification in the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with neuromotor impairment. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of clinical trials published to date on the MEDLINE (PubMed), Scielo, SCOPUS, Dialnet, CINAHL, and PEDro databases, following the PRISMA protocol. The methodological quality of the studies identified was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: From a total of 469 studies, 11 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. We analysed the gamification systems used as part of the rehabilitation treatment of different neuromotor conditions in children and adolescents. Cerebral palsy was the most frequently studied condition (6 studies), followed by developmental coordination disorder (3), neurological gait disorders (1), and neurological impairment of balance and coordination (1). CONCLUSION: The use of gamification in rehabilitation is helpful in the conventional treatment of neuromotor disorders in children and adolescents, with increased motivation and therapeutic adherence being the benefits with the greatest consensus among authors. While strength, balance, functional status, and coordination also appear to improve, future research should aim to determine an optimal dosage.