Creation of forest edges has a global impact on forest vertebrates.

Forest edges influence more than half of the world's forests and contribute to worldwide declines in biodiversity and ecosystem functions. However, predicting these declines is challenging in heterogeneous fragmented landscapes. Here we assembled a global dataset on species responses to fragmentation and developed a statistical approach for quantifying edge impacts in heterogeneous landscapes to quantify edge-determined changes in abundance of 1,673 vertebrate species. We show that the abundances of 85% of species are affected, either positively or negatively, by forest edges. Species that live in the centre of the forest (forest core), that were more likely to be listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), reached peak abundances only at sites farther than 200-400 m from sharp high-contrast forest edges. Smaller-bodied amphibians, larger reptiles and medium-sized non-volant mammals experienced a larger reduction in suitable habitat than other forest-core species. Our results highlight the pervasive ability of forest edges to restructure ecological communities on a global scale.

Lactic acid bacteria biofilms and their ability to mitigate Escherichia coli O157:H7 surface colonization.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exert antagonistic activities against diverse microorganisms, including pathogens. In this work, we aimed to investigate the ability of LAB strains isolated from food to produce biofilms and to inhibit growth and surface colonization of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 at 10°C. The ability of 100 isolated LAB to inhibit EHEC O157:H7 NCTC12900 growth was evaluated in agar diffusion assays. Thirty-seven LAB strains showed strong growth inhibitory effect on EHEC. The highest inhibitory activities corresponded to LAB strains belonging to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici and Pediococcus pentosaceus species. Eighteen out of the 37 strains that showed growth inhibitory effects on EHEC also had the ability to form biofilms on polystyrene surfaces at 10°C and 30°C. Pre-established biofilms on polystyrene of four of these LAB strains were able to reduce significantly surface colonization by EHEC at low temperature (10°C). Among these four strains, Lact. plantarum CRL 1075 not only inhibited EHEC but also was able to grow in the presence of the enteric pathogen. Therefore, this strain proved to be a good candidate for further technological studies oriented to its application in food-processing environments to mitigate undesirable surface contaminations of E. coli.

The anti-thrombotic effects of vitamin D and their possible relationship with antiphospholipid syndrome.

The importance of the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D has recently been associated with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the development of autoimmune conditions. Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by thrombotic events and obstetric complications in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. Current data show that patients with antiphospholipid syndrome have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency even without classic risk factors. Several studies have suggested vitamin D may have anti-thrombotic functions. In antiphospholipid syndrome, low vitamin D serum levels have been associated with thrombotic manifestations, suggesting a possible protective role of vitamin D in antiphospholipid syndrome. This literature review presents current evidence on the haemostatic functions of vitamin D and their possible relationship with the clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in select countries - volume 2.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver related morbidity and mortality. In many countries, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data that are crucial in implementing disease control measures as new treatment options become available. Published literature, unpublished data and expert consensus were used to determine key parameters, including prevalence, viremia, genotype and the number of patients diagnosed and treated. In this study of 15 countries, viremic prevalence ranged from 0.13% in the Netherlands to 2.91% in Russia. The largest viremic populations were in India (8 666 000 cases) and Russia (4 162 000 cases). In most countries, males had a higher rate of infections, likely due to higher rates of injection drug use (IDU). Estimates characterizing the infected population are critical to focus screening and treatment efforts as new therapeutic options become available.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection disease burden - volume 2.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 15 countries, and the relative impact of two scenarios was considered: (i) increased treatment efficacy while holding the treated population constant and (ii) increased treatment efficacy and increased annual treated population. Increasing levels of diagnosis and treatment, in combination with improved treatment efficacy, were critical for achieving substantial reductions in disease burden. In most countries, the annual treated population had to increase several fold to achieve the largest reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality. This suggests that increased capacity for screening and treatment will be critical in many countries. Birth cohort screening is a helpful tool for maximizing resources. In most of the studied countries, the majority of patients were born between 1945 and 1985.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections with today's treatment paradigm - volume 2.

Morbidity and mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are increasing in many countries as the infected population ages. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viremic population, as well as estimate the number of new infections and HCV related deaths from 2013 to 2030. Expert consensus was used to determine current treatment levels and outcomes in each country. In most countries, viremic prevalence has already peaked. In every country studied, prevalence begins to decline before 2030, when current treatment levels were held constant. In contrast, cases of advanced liver disease and liver related deaths will continue to increase through 2030 in most countries. The current treatment paradigm is inadequate if large reductions in HCV related morbidity and mortality are to be achieved.

Impact in granular matter: Force at the base of a container made with one movable wall.

In geotechnics as well as in planetary science, it is important to find a means by which to protect a base from impacts of micrometeoroids. In the moon, for example, covering a moon base with regolith, and housing such regolith by movable bounding walls, could work as a stress-leaking shield. Using a numerical model, by performing impacts on a granular material housed in a rectangular container made with one movable sidewall, it is found that such wall mobility serves as a good means for controlling the maximum force exerted at the container's base. We show that the force exerted at the container's base decreases as the movable wall decreases in mass, and it follows a Janssen-like trend. Moreover, by making use of a dynamically defined redirecting coefficient K(X), proposed by Windows-Yule et al. [Phys. Rev. E 100, 022902 (2019)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.100.022902], which depends on the container's width X, we propose a model for predicting the maxima measured at the container's base. The model depends on the projectile and granulate properties, and the container's geometry.

Janssen effect in dynamic particulate systems.

The Janssen model of stress redistribution within laterally bounded particulate assemblies is a longstanding and valuable theoretical framework, widely used in the design of industrial systems. However, the model relies on the assumption of a static packing of particles and has never been tested in a truly dynamic regime nor for a constraining system whose geometry is dynamically altered. In this paper, we explore the pressure distributions of granular beds housed within a container possessing a laterally mobile sidewall, allowing the depth, height, and cross-sectional areas of the systems studied to be dynamically altered, thus, inducing particle rearrangements and flow in the particulate system constrained thereby. We demonstrate that the systems studied can be successfully described by the Janssen model across a wide range of system expansion rates, including those for which liquidlike flow is clearly observed and propose an extension to the model allowing for an improved characterization of constrained dynamic systems.

Electrical tuning of helical edge states in topological multilayers.

Mainstream among topological insulators, GaSb/InAs quantum wells present a broken gap alignment for the energy bands which supports the quantum spin Hall insulator phase and forms an important building block in the search of exotic states of matter. Such structures allow the band-gap inversion with electrons and holes confined in adjacent layers, providing a fertile ground to tune the corresponding topological properties. Using a full 3D eight-band [Formula: see text] method we investigate the inverted band structure of GaSb/InAs/GaSb and InAs/GaSb/InAs multilayers and the behavior of the helical edge states, under the influence of an electric field applied along the growth direction. By tuning the electric field modulus, we induce the change of the energy levels of both conduction and valence bands, resulting in a quantum spin Hall insulator phase where the helical edge states are predominantly confined in the GaSb layer. In particular, we found that InAs/GaSb/InAs has a large hybridization gap of about [Formula: see text] and, therefore, are promising to observe massless Dirac fermions with a large Fermi velocity. Our comprehensive characterization of GaSb/InAs multilayers creates a basis platform upon which further optimization of III-V heterostructures can be contrasted.

Type A ganglion cysts of the radiocapitellar joint may involve compression of the superficial radial nerve.

INTRODUCTION: Two types of ganglion cysts at the elbow have been described depending on their anatomic location. Type A ganglion cyst is located proximal to the arcade of Frohse, and type B distal to it. Compressive neuropathies of the radial nerve at the level of the radial tunnel may lead to two different clinical entities with different clinical manifestations. These different conditions depend on which branch is involved. Although compression of the deep motor branch due to a ganglion cyst has been previously described, affection of the superficial sensory branch is considered much rarer. The aim of this study was to describe a series of patients in which painful and dysesthetic symptoms arose from superficial radial nerve compression due to type A ganglion cysts coming from the radiocapitellar joint. METHODS: A review of currently available literature about the disease was carried out. The clinical, histological and radiological records of a series of eight cases (seven patients) with compression of the superficial radial nerve diagnosed and treated between 2008 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients complained of pain and dysesthesia at the lateral aspect of the elbow. All patients were initially diagnosed and managed as lateral epicondylitis. Persistence of the symptoms was evidenced in all patients after a course of six months of non-operative management. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed and revealed the presence of a mass compatible with a ganglion cyst coming from the radiocapitellar joint, pushing up the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve and compressing it against the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Surgical excision was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ganglion cysts. Histological findings consisted of dense fibrous tissue, with no synovial or epithelial lining and mucoid material with foamy macrophages. The mean follow-up after surgical excision was 28months (range 24-30). The symptoms subsided in all cases. No complications were registered during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Type A ganglion cysts of the radiocapitellar joint may involve compression of the superficial radial nerve. Our series of eight cases may suggest that this pathology might not be as rare as it was thought before. This evidence may be useful for the orthopaedic population, who may have another differential diagnosis when managing cases of painful symptoms located in the lateral aspect of the elbow. TYPE OF STUDY: Therapeutic study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint injuries treatment: Arthroscopic non-rigid coracoclavicular fixation provides better quality of life outcomes than hook plate ORIF.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries with metal hardware alters the biomechanics of the ACJ, implying a second surgery for hardware removal. The period during which the plate is present involves functional limitations, pain and a risk factor for the development of hardware-related-injuries. Arthroscopy-assisted procedures compared to open-metal hardware techniques offer: less morbidity, the possibility to treat associated lesions and no need for a second operation. The aim was to compare the Quality of life (QoL) of patients with acute high-grade ACJ injuries (Rockwood grade III-V), managed arthroscopically with a non-rigid coracoclavicular (CC) fixation versus the QoL of patients managed with a hook plate, 24 months or more after their shoulder injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective revision of high-grade ACJ injuries managed in three institutions was performed. Patients treated by means of an arthroscopy-assisted CC fixation or by means of a hook plate were included. The inclusion period was between 2008 and 2012. The QoL was evaluated at the last follow-up visit by means of the SF36, the visual analog scale (VAS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Constant score and the global satisfaction (scale from 0 to 10). The presence of scapular dyskinesis and remaining vertical instability were evaluated. Comparison between groups was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included: 20 arthroscopy-group (ARTH group: 3 Rockwood III, 3 IV and 14 V) and 11 hook plate-group (HOOK group: 5 Rockwood III and 6 V). The mean age was 36 [25-52] year-old for the ARTH group and 41 [19-55] for the HOOK group (P=0.185). The mean results of the questionnaires were: (1) physical SF36 score (ARTH group 58.24±2.16 and HOOK group 53.70±4.33, P<0.001); (2) mental SF36 score (ARTH group 56.15±2.21 and HOOK group 53.06±6.10, P=0.049); (3) VAS (ARTH group 0.40±0.50 and HOOK group 1.45±1.51, P=0.007); (4) DASH (ARTH group 2.98±2.03 and HOOK group 4.79±5.60, P=0.200); (5) Constant score (ARTH group 95.30±2.45 and HOOK group 91.36±6.84, P=0.026); (6) global satisfaction (ARTH group 8.85±0.93 and HOOK group 8.00±1.18, P=0.035). There was evidence of scapular dyskinesis in 15% (3/20) of the patients of the ARTH group and in 18% (2/11) of the patients of the HOOK group (P=1.000). Remaining vertical ACJ instability was observed in 40% (8/20) of the patients of the ARTH group and in 36.36% (4/11) of the patients of the HOOK group (P=1.000). CONCLUSION: Patients with acute high-grade ACJ injuries managed arthroscopically with a non-rigid CC fixation seem to have a better QoL than patients managed with a hook plate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV therapeutic; retrospective comparative study.

Comparison of atazanavir with lopinavir/ritonavir in patients with prior protease inhibitor failure: a randomized multinational trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare change from baseline in HIV RNA and fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in protease inhibitor (PI)-experienced patients receiving unboosted atazanavir 400 mg once daily versus lopinavir 400 mg boosted with ritonavir 100 mg twice daily, with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Secondary objectives included virologic response, CD4 cell count changes, other lipid changes, safety, and tolerability. METHODS: Randomized, open-label, multinational, 48-week study in patients with one PI-regimen failure, HIV RNA > or = 1000 copies/mL, and CD4 count > or = 50 cells/mm3. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were randomized; 290 treated (144 atazanavir, 146 lopinavir/ritonavir). Lopinavir/ritonavir resulted in a significantly greater reduction in HIV RNA than unboosted atazanavir (-2.02 vs -1.59 log10 copies/mL, p < 0.001) at week 48. Secondary efficacy endpoints also favored lopinavir/ritonavir; the differences in efficacy between regimens were also observed in secondary analyses comparing those subjects who were susceptible and those subjects who were resistant to their respective PIs at baseline. However, both regimens were equally effective in subjects who had no baseline NRTI mutations. From baseline to week 48, atazanavir resulted in either no change or decreases in fasting LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and fasting triglycerides (-6%, -2%, and +1%), whereas lopinavir/ritonavir resulted in increases (+3%, +12%, and +53%) (p < 0.05, all between-treatment comparisons). Fewer patients were administered lipid-lowering therapy in the atazanavir arm (6% vs 20% for lopinavir/ritonavir). Both regimens were safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: While both treatments demonstrated good antiviral efficacy, relatively greater antiviral suppression was observed with lopinavir/ritonavir. In those patients with no NRTI mutations at baseline, both regimens demonstrated comparable virologic suppression. Atazanavir-treated patients demonstrated a superior lipid profile and required less frequent lipid-lowering treatment.

[Treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint instability]. / Tratamiento de la inestabilidad acromioclavicular crónica.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the results obtained with the arthroscopy-assisted surgical technique for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint instability (CACJI), based on non-rigid coracoclavicular (CC) fixation and anatomical CC reconstruction with a tendinous allograft. Patients with CACJI who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2012 were included in the study. Clinical assessments included SF36, VAS and DASH, applied at the preoperative visit (POV) and at the last follow-up visit (LFUV). The Constant score and the General Satisfaction Score (0-10) were applied at the last follow-up visit. Occurrence of secondary subluxations was assessed. Ten patients were included; mean age was 41 years (range 33-55). Mean follow-up was 25.50 months (range 24-30). Surgical treatment was indicated in all patients after failure of conservative treatment. Questionnaires applied at the POV and the LFUV showed the following results: 1. SF36: physical, POV = 29.60 ± 3.41 and LFUV = 59.58 ± 1.98 (p = 0.000); 2. SF36 mental, POV = 46.57 ± 3.80 and LFUV = 56.62 ± 1.89 (p = 0.000); 3. VAS: POV = 5.17 ± 2.40 and LFUV: 1.67 ± 2.07 (p = 0.022); and 4. DASH: POV = 63.33 ± 23.56 and LFUV = 2.61 ± 1.79 (p = 0.000). The Constant score and the general satisfaction at the LFUV were 95.56 ± 3.28 and 9.22 ± 0.67, respectively. There were no secondary subluxations. Treatment of CACJI with a CC suspension device and arthroscopically-assisted anatomical reconstruction of CC ligaments may provide a significant quality of life improvement to patients. It is a strategy that, upon considering primary mechanical CC fixation, may minimize the chance of failure and occurrence of secondary subluxations.

Information transfer and nontrivial collective behavior in chaotic coupled map networks.

The emergence of nontrivial collective behavior in networks of coupled chaotic maps is investigated by means of a nonlinear mutual prediction method. The resulting prediction error is used to measure the amount of information that a local unit possesses about the collective dynamics. Applications to locally and globally coupled map systems are considered. The prediction error exhibits phase transitions at critical values of the coupling for the onset of ordered collective behavior in these networks. This information measure may be used as an order parameter for the characterization of complex behavior in extended chaotic systems.

Induction of encystation of Entamoeba invadens by removal of glucose from the culture medium.

A procedure has been developed for the effective induction of axenic encystation of Entamoeba invadens strain IP-1. Low concentrations of glucose in Diamond's axenic growth medium cause stimulation of the differentiative process. The time course of encystation depended on the density of inoculum. While a culture with an inoculum of 5 X 10(4) cells/ml required about 3 days to initiate encystment, a culture with an inoculum of 1 X 10(6) cells/ml required only 8 hr. Cyst yield was optimal (70%) when a density of 5 X 10(5) cells/ml was employed for the inoculum. Under above conditions it was found that serum is absolutely required while vitamins are not. It was found that encystation could be triggered without change in the osmolarity of the medium and that oxygen does not influence this process.

Adiabatic calorimetric decomposition studies of 50 wt.% hydroxylamine/water.

Calorimetric data can provide a basis for determining potential hazards in reactions, storage, and transportation of process chemicals. This work provides calorimetric data for the thermal decomposition behavior in air of 50wt.% hydroxylamine/water (HA), both with and without added stabilizers, which was measured in closed cells with an automatic pressure tracking adiabatic calorimeter (APTAC). Among the data provided are onset temperatures, reaction order, activation energies, pressures of noncondensable products, thermal stability at 100 degrees C, and the effect of HA storage time. Discussed also are the catalytic effects of carbon steel, stainless steel, stainless steel with silica coating, inconel, titanium, and titanium with silica coating on the reaction self-heat rates and onset temperatures. In borosilicate glass cells, HA was relatively stable at temperatures up to 133 degrees C, where the HA decomposition self-heat rate reached 0.05 degrees C/min. The added stabilizers appeared to reduce HA decomposition rates in glass cells and at ambient temperatures. The tested metals and metal surfaces coated with silica acted as catalysts to lower the onset temperatures and increase the self-heat rates.

[Ultrasonography in diagnosis and monitoring the progress of dissection of cervicocerebral arteries]. / La ecografía en el diagnóstico y control evolutivo de las disecciones de arterias cervicocerebrales.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography has become part of the arsenal of diagnostic methods available for examining the dissection of cerebral blood vessels (DCV). AIMS: To analyse the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and monitoring of DCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a consecutive study of 67 patients with a history and clinical picture compatible with DCV; all of them had been given confirmation of their diagnosis by another reference method (digital angiography or MR angiography) during the 48 hours prior to or following the ultrasound study. The ultrasonography was carried out on the neck and skull as per the usual system using continuous Doppler, neck duplex and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Diagnosis of the dissection was based on direct and indirect signs, in the absence of an atheroma plaque. The following were considered to be direct signs: haematoma in the wall of the vessel, flap, local increase in the flow velocity and echograms with split systole. Indirect signs were: haemodynamic alterations proximal to the dissection, a pattern of slow flow and high resistance. The transcranial Doppler showed the findings lying distal to the dissection to be a lowered mean velocity and pulsatility. RESULTS: The ultrasonography of the series revealed direct signs in 46 patients (69%) and indirect signs in 21 (31%). Ultrasonography was used as the primary diagnostic method in 29 (43%) patients; in the other 38 (57%) it was employed to verify the diagnosis or for the follow up. All the ultrasound diagnoses were confirmed using digital angiography (21 cases) or magnetic resonance angiography (46 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Due to its harmlessness, ultrasonography should be the first examination used to establish a probable diagnosis of DCV.

[Chronic diarrhea and Cryptosporidium in diabetic patients with normal lymphocyte subpopulation. 2 case reports]. / Diarrea crónica y Cryptosporidium en pacientes diabéticos con subpoblación linfocitaria normal. Informe de dos casos.

Two cases of diabetic patients with normal TCD4+ cell count with chronic diarrhoea and Cryptosporidium are described herein. In both cases serologic tests for HIV were negative. The fact that these patients developed a pathology usually seen in presence of low TCD4+ cell counts suggests that some immune defect other than cellular might be involved in the pathogenesis of this infection. Authors concluded that intentional search for Cryptosporidium should be considered in the study of the diabetic patient with chronic diarrhoea.

[Tranexamic acid in orthopedic surgery]. / Ácido tranexámico en cirugía ortopédica.

Perioperative bleeding may require blood transfusions, which are sometimes not without complications and risks, with the subsequent increase in health care costs. Among other prevention methods, treatment with tranexamic acid (ATX) has shown to be effective in reducing surgical blood loss, especially in the immediate postoperative period. In this regard, studies evaluating ATX in orthopedic surgery show that it is effective and safe when administered intravenously or intra-articularly. The usual evaluated intravenous doses range between 10mg/Kg and 20mg/kg or a fixed dose of 1g to 2g; while intra-articularly, it varies between 250 mg and 3g. ATX, as an anti-fibrinolytic has a potential thrombotic effect, thus it is contraindicated in those patients at risk or with a history of thrombosis. Its topical administration may be safer, but studies are needed to confirm this.

[Fenton syndrome]. / Síndrome de Fenton.

Scaphocapitate, or Fenton syndrome, is a rare injury. This article presents three new cases that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with miniscrews, obtaining good results at 16 months follow-up.