Genomic-wide analysis approach revealed genomic similarity for environmental Mexican S. Oranienburg genomes.

As the human population grows, an increase in food trade is needed. This elevates the risk of epidemiological outbreaks. One of the prevalent pathogens associated with food production in Mexico has been Salmonella Oranienburg. Effective surveillance systems require microbial genetic knowledge. The objective of this work is to describe the genetic composition of Mexican S. Oranienburg genomes. For that, 53 strains from different environmental sources were isolated and sequenced. Additionally, 109 S. Oranienburg genomes were downloaded. Bioinformatic analyses were used to explore the clonal complex and genomic relatedness. A major clonal group formed by ST23 was identified comprising four STs. 202 SNPs were found the maximum difference among isolates. Virulence genes for host invasion and colonization as rpoS, fimbria type 1, and, T3SS were found common for all isolates. This study suggests that Mexican S. Oranienburg strains are potential pathogens circulating continuously in the region between host and non-host environments.

Influencia de la pandemia COVID-19 en la tasa de vacunación antigripal / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the flu vaccination

Introducción: En la temporada 2020-2021 se realizaron campañas mayores de vacunación antigripal, primordialmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos y sus convivientes. Objetivos: Principal: determinar el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en la tasa de vacunación antigripal en la temporada 2020-2021 en pacientes con patologías con carácter inmunosupresor, pacientes pertenecientes a grupos de riesgo y las personas convivientes. Secundarios: porcentaje de vacunas administradas, incidencia de infección del virus de la gripe y la influencia del Servicio de Farmacia sobre la decisión de los pacientes a vacunarse. Metodología: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, de ocho meses de duración, realizado en un hospital comarcal de 125 camas, en pacientes con patologías con carácter inmunosupresor y pacientes que solicitaban la vacunación y estaban incluidos en los grupos de riesgo. Resultados: En la campaña de vacunación 2020-2021 hubo un aumento de pacientes vacunados en un 44,1% (89) con respecto a la vacunación 2019-2020. En el 2019-2020 el 5,3% (6/113) presentaron cuadro de gripe y de los que no recibieron la vacuna el 7,9% (7/89). En la campaña 2020-2021 ningún paciente presentó cuadro de gripe, el 56,4% (114/202) de los pacientes refirieron que fueron influenciados por el servicio de farmacia para vacunarse. Conclusiones: La pandemia por COVID-19 aumentó las tasas de vacunación antigripal en la temporada 2020-2021 ayudando a disminuir la mortalidad en pacientes que sufrieron la enfermedad por la COVID-19. El Servicio de Farmacia influyó positivamente en la tasa de vacunación. (AU)

Introduction: In the 2020-2021 season larger vaccination campaigns were carried out, primarily in immunocompromised patients and their partners. Objectives: Primary end point: determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the influenza vaccination rate in the 2020-2021 season, in patients with immunosuppressive pathologies, people living with risk groups and patients who requested it and belonged to risk groups. Secondary end point: percentage of vaccines administered, incidence of influenza virus infection and the influence of the Pharmacy Service on the decision of patients to be vaccinated. Methodology: An eight-month prospective, observational study conducted in a 125-bed regional hospital in patients with immunosuppressive pathologies and patients who requested vaccination and were included in risk groups. Results: In the 2020-2021 vaccination campaign, there was an increase in vaccinated patients by 44.1% (89 patients) compared to the 2019-2020 vaccination. In 2019-2020 5.3% (6/113) presented flu symptoms and of those who did not receive the vaccine 7.9% (7/89). In the 2020-2021 campaign, no patient had flu symptoms, 56.4% (114/202) of the patients reported that their decision to get vaccinated was because it was offered at the hospital pharmacy. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic increased flu vaccination rates in the 2020-2021 season, causing lower mortality in patients who suffered from the COVID-19 disease. The Pharmacy Service positively influenced the vaccination rate. (AU)

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Colletotrichum araujiae on leaves, stems and fruits of Araujia hortorum. Australia, Agaricus pateritonsus on soil, Curvularia fraserae on dying leaf of Bothriochloa insculpta, Curvularia millisiae from yellowing leaf tips of Cyperus aromaticus, Marasmius brunneolorobustus on well-rotted wood, Nigrospora cooperae from necrotic leaf of Heteropogon contortus, Penicillium tealii from the body of a dead spider, Pseudocercospora robertsiorum from leaf spots of Senna tora, Talaromyces atkinsoniae from gills of Marasmius crinis-equi and Zasmidium pearceae from leaf spots of Smilaxglyciphylla. Brazil, Preussia bezerrensis from air. Chile, Paraconiothyrium kelleni from the rhizosphere of Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis. Finland, Inocybe udicola on soil in mixed forest with Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Picea abies and Alnus incana. France, Myrmecridium normannianum on dead culm of unidentified Poaceae. Germany, Vexillomyces fraxinicola from symptomless stem wood of Fraxinus excelsior. India, Diaporthe limoniae on infected fruit of Limonia acidissima, Didymella naikii on leaves of Cajanus cajan, and Fulvifomes mangroviensis on basal trunk of Aegiceras corniculatum. Indonesia, Penicillium ezekielii from Zea mays kernels. Namibia, Neocamarosporium calicoremae and Neocladosporium calicoremae on stems of Calicorema capitata, and Pleiochaeta adenolobi on symptomatic leaves of Adenolobus pechuelii. Netherlands, Chalara pteridii on stems of Pteridium aquilinum, Neomackenziella juncicola (incl. Neomackenziella gen. nov.) and Sporidesmiella junci from dead culms of Juncus effusus. Pakistan, Inocybe longistipitata on soil in a Quercus forest. Poland, Phytophthora viadrina from rhizosphere soil of Quercus robur, and Septoria krystynae on leaf spots of Viscum album. Portugal (Azores), Acrogenospora stellata on dead wood or bark. South Africa, Phyllactinia greyiae on leaves of Greyia sutherlandii and Punctelia anae on bark of Vachellia karroo. Spain, Anteaglonium lusitanicum on decaying wood of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica, Hawksworthiomyces riparius from fluvial sediments, Lophiostoma carabassense endophytic in roots of Limbarda crithmoides, and Tuber mohedanoi from calcareus soils. Spain (Canary Islands), Mycena laurisilvae on stumps and woody debris. Sweden, Elaphomyces geminus from soil under Quercus robur. Thailand, Lactifluus chiangraiensis on soil under Pinus merkusii, Lactifluus nakhonphanomensis and Xerocomus sisongkhramensis on soil under Dipterocarpus trees. Ukraine, Valsonectria robiniae on dead twigs of Robinia hispida. USA, Spiralomyces americanus (incl. Spiralomyces gen. nov.) from office air. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Tan YP, Bishop-Hurley SL, Shivas RG, et al. 2022. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477. Persoonia 49: 261-350. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.08.

Genomic signatures of adaptation to natural settings in non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica Serovars Saintpaul, Thompson and Weltevreden.

Salmonella enterica is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for intestinal illness and systemic diseases such as typhoid and paratyphoid fevers. Among clinical manifestation classification, non-typhoidal Salmonella is mainly known as foodborne pathogen associated with the consumption of fecal contaminated food and water. Even though Salmonella hosts include humans and warm-blooded animals, it has been found in non-host environments as river water where the bacteria use different strategies to fitness the environment persisting and establishment. Now with the availability of WGS and bioinformatics tools, we can explore bacterial genomes with higher resolution to increase our understanding of specific genetic signatures among environmental and clinical isolates, being the goal of this work. Pangenome construction allowed the detection of specific environmental and clinical gene clusters related to metabolism and secretion systems as the main signature respectively. Specifically, D-galactonate degradation pathway was observed mainly in environmental genomes while T3SS and flagellum genes were detected for all clinical but not for all environmental isolates. Gene duplication and pseudogenes accumulation were detected as the main adaptation strategy for environmental isolates; thus, isolation source may play an important role in genome plasticity, conferring a selective advantage to survive and persist for environmental Salmonella isolates. Intact prophage sequences with cargo genes were observable for both isolation sources playing an important role in virulence contribution.

Coronary heart disease mortality is decreasing in Argentina, and Colombia, but keeps increasing in Mexico: a time trend study.

BACKGROUND: Mortality rates due to coronary heart disease (CHD) have decreased in most countries, but increased in low and middle-income countries. Few studies have analyzed the trends of coronary heart disease mortality in Latin America, specifically the trends in young-adults and the effect of correcting these comparisons for nonspecific causes of death (garbage codes). The objective of this study was to describe and compare standardized, age-specific, and garbage-code corrected mortality trends for coronary heart disease from 1985 to 2015 in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. METHODS: Deaths from coronary heart disease were grouped by country, year of registration, sex, and 10-year age bands to calculate age-adjusted and age and sex-specific rates for adults aged ≥25. We corrected for garbage-codes using the methodology proposed by the Global Burden of Disease. Finally, we fitted Joinpoint regression models. RESULTS: In 1985, age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 population were 136.6 in Argentina, 160.6 in Colombia, and 87.51 in Mexico; by 2015 rates decreased 51% in Argentina and 6.5% in Colombia, yet increased by 61% in Mexico, where an upward trend in mortality was observed in young adults. Garbage-code corrections produced increases in mortality rates, particularly in Argentina with approximately 80 additional deaths per 100,000, 14 in Colombia and 13 in Mexico. CONCLUSIONS: Latin American countries are at different stages of the cardiovascular disease epidemic. Garbage code correction produce large changes in the mortality rates in Argentina, yet smaller in Mexico and Colombia, suggesting garbage code corrections may be needed for specific countries. While coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality is falling in Argentina, modest falls in Colombia and substantial increases in Mexico highlight the need for the region to propose and implement population-wide prevention policies.

Norovirus and human adenovirus occurrence and diversity in recreational water in a karst aquifer in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

AIMS: To determine the seasonal occurrence and diversity of norovirus (NoV) and human adenovirus (HAdV) in groundwater from sinkholes, and brackish water used for recreational activities in the karst aquifer of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hollow fibre ultrafiltration was used to concentrate viruses and standard plaque assay methods were used to enumerate somatic and F+ specific coliphages as viral indicators. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were used to estimate the number of genome copies for NoV strains GI, and GII, and HAdVs. The predominant NoV genotypes and HAdV serotypes were identified by comparative sequence analysis. Somatic and male F+ specific coliphages were detected at concentrations up to 94 and 60 plaque-forming units per 100 ml respectively. The NoV genogroup I (GI) was associated with 50% of the sampled sites during the rainy season only, at concentrations ranging from 120 to 1600 genome copies per litre (GC l-1 ). The NoV genogroup II (GII) was detected in 30 and 40% of the sampled sites during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 290 GC l-1 . During the rainy and dry seasons, HAdVs were detected in 20% of the sites, at concentrations ranging from 24 to 690 GC l-1 . Identification of viral types revealed the presence of NoV GI.2, GII.Pe, GII.P16 and GII.P17, and HAdV F serotypes 40 and 41. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that NoVs and HAdVs are prevalent as virus contaminants in the karst aquifer, representing potential health risks particularly during the rainy season, in one of the most important areas used for tourism in Mexico. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is one of the few studies conducted in karst aquifers that provide a foundational baseline of the distribution, concentrations and diversity of NoVs and HadVs in these particular environments.

Closed Genome Sequences of Three Salmonella enterica Strains Belonging to Serovars Saintpaul, Weltevreden, and Thompson, Isolated from Mexico.

Here, we report the genome sequences of three Salmonella enterica strains belonging to serovars Weltevreden (CFSAN047349), Saintpaul (CFSAN047351), and Thompson (CFSAN047352), isolated from river water in Sinaloa, Mexico. The genomes were closed by a combination of long-read and short-read sequencing. The strain sequence types (STs) are ST365, ST50, and ST26, respectively.

Discriminant Functional Learning of Color Features for the Recognition of Facial Action Units and Their Intensities.

Color is a fundamental image feature of facial expressions. For example, when we furrow our eyebrows in anger, blood rushes in, turning some face areas red; or when one goes white in fear as a result of the drainage of blood from the face. Surprisingly, these image properties have not been exploited to recognize the facial action units (AUs) associated with these expressions. Herein, we present the first system to do recognition of AUs and their intensities using these functional color changes. These color features are shown to be robust to changes in identity, gender, race, ethnicity, and skin color. Specifically, we identify the chromaticity changes defining the transition of an AU from inactive to active and use an innovative Gabor transform-based algorithm to gain invariance to the timing of these changes. Because these image changes are given by functions rather than vectors, we use functional classifiers to identify the most discriminant color features of an AU and its intensities. We demonstrate that, using these discriminant color features, one can achieve results superior to those of the state-of-the-art. Finally, we define an algorithm that allows us to use the learned functional color representation in still images. This is done by learning the mapping between images and the identified functional color features in videos. Our algorithm works in realtime, i.e., 30 frames/second/CPU thread.

State space reconstruction of spatially extended systems and of time delayed systems from the time series of a scalar variable.

The space-time representation of high-dimensional dynamical systems that have a well defined characteristic time scale has proven to be very useful to deepen the understanding of such systems and to uncover hidden features in their output signals. By using the space-time representation many analogies between one-dimensional spatially extended systems (1D SESs) and time delayed systems (TDSs) have been found, including similar pattern formation and propagation of localized structures. An open question is whether such analogies are limited to the space-time representation, or it is also possible to recover similar evolutions in a low-dimensional pseudo-space. To address this issue, we analyze a 1D SES (a bistable reaction-diffusion system), a scalar TDS (a bistable system with delayed feedback), and a non-scalar TDS (a model of two delay-coupled lasers). In these three examples, we show that we can reconstruct the dynamics in a three-dimensional phase space, where the evolution is governed by the same polynomial potential. We also discuss the limitations of the analogy between 1D SESs and TDSs.

Experimental study of modulation waveforms for entraining the spikes emitted by a semiconductor laser with optical feedback.

The entrainment phenomenon, by which an oscillator adjusts its natural rhythm to an external periodic signal, has been observed in many natural systems. Recently, attention has focused on which are the optimal conditions for achieving entrainment. Here we use a semiconductor laser with optical feedback, operating in the low-frequency fluctuations (LFFs) regime, as a testbed for a controlled entrainment experiment. In the LFF regime the laser intensity displays abrupt spikes, which can be entrained to a weak periodic signal that directly modulates the laser pump current. We compare the performance of three modulation waveforms for producing 1:1 locking (one spike is emitted in each modulation cycle), as well as higher order locking regimes. We characterize the parameter regions where high-quality locking occurs, and those where the laser emits spikes which are not entrained to the external signal. The role of the modulation amplitude and frequency, and the role of the dc value of the laser pump current (that controls the natural spike frequency) in the entrainment quality are discussed.

Experimental characterization of the transition to coherence collapse in a semiconductor laser with optical feedback.

Semiconductor lasers with time-delayed optical feedback display a wide range of dynamical regimes, which have found various practical applications. They also provide excellent testbeds for data analysis tools for characterizing complex signals. Recently, several of us have analyzed experimental intensity time-traces and quantitatively identified the onset of different dynamical regimes, as the laser current increases. Specifically, we identified the onset of low-frequency fluctuations (LFFs), where the laser intensity displays abrupt dropouts, and the onset of coherence collapse (CC), where the intensity fluctuations are highly irregular. Here we map these regimes when both, the laser current and the feedback strength vary. We show that the shape of the distribution of intensity fluctuations (characterized by the standard deviation, the skewness, and the kurtosis) allows to distinguish among noise, LFFs and CC, and to quantitatively determine (in spite of the gradual nature of the transitions) the boundaries of the three regimes. Ordinal analysis of the inter-dropout time intervals consistently identifies the three regimes occurring in the same parameter regions as the analysis of the intensity distribution. Simulations of the well-known time-delayed Lang-Kobayashi model are in good qualitative agreement with the observations.

Análisis de los espectros de absorción de las películas radiocrómicas EBT2 y EBT3 / Analysis of the absorption spectra of EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los espectros de absorción neta de las películas radiocrómicas EBT2 y EBT3 para describir su influencia en el comportamiento de las curvas de dosis-respuesta. Metodología: Las películas se irradiaron en un acelerador lineal de 6 MV. La obtención de los espectros de absorción neta se realizó con espectrofotómetro UV/VIS. Las curvas de dosis-respuesta se obtuvieron con un escáner, un láser He-Ne y un espectrofotómetro. Resultados: El espectro de absorción de las EBT2 muestra tres bandas de absorción centradas que conservan la posición y aumentan su intensidad en función de la dosis, sin embargo, este comportamiento no se observa en las películas EBT3. La curva dosis-respuesta muestra la máxima sensibilidad utilizando el espectrofotómetro, pero no muestra un comportamiento definido. Implicaciones: Generación de nuevos conocimientos para la creación de nuevos sistemas ópticos capaces de amplificar la sensibilidad de la respuesta de las películas. Originalidad: Mostrar la correlación entre los espectros de absorción neta y su influencia en las curvas dosis-respuesta en tres diferentes sistemas ópticos. Conclusiones: El comportamiento de los espectros de absorción aunado al comportamiento de las curvas dosis-respuesta nos ayuda a descartar el uso de sistemas ópticos que no garanticen un uso clínico confiable.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the net absorption spectra of EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films to describe their influence on the behavior of dose-response curves. Methodology: The films were irradiated in a linear accelerator of 6 MV. The net absorption spectra were obtained with a UV / VIS spectrophotometer. Dose-response curves were obtained with a scanner, a He-Ne laser and a spectrophotometer. Results: The absorption spectrum of the EBT2 shows three focused absorption bands that retain position and increase their intensity as a function of dose, however, this behavior is not observed in EBT3 films. The dose-response curve shows maximum sensitivity using the spectrophotometer, but does not show a defined behavior. Implications: Generation of new knowledge for the creation of new optical systems capable of amplifying the responsiveness of the films. Originality: Show the correlation between net absorption spectra and their influence on dose-response curves in three different optical systems. Conclusions: The behavior of absorption spectra combined with the behavior of the dose-response curves helps to discard the use of optical systems that do not guarantee a reliable clinical use.

Molecular sequence typing reveals genotypic diversity among Escherichia coli isolates recovered from a cantaloupe packinghouse in Northwestern Mexico.

The increase in the consumption of fresh produce has correlated with a rise in the number of reported foodborne illnesses. To identify potential risk factors associated with postharvest practices, the present study employed multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for the genotypic classification of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from three sources sampled at seven operational stages in a cantaloupe packinghouse in Northwestern Mexico. The MLST analysis results indicated that the E. coli isolates were classified into 18 different sequence types (ST), and 11 of these STs were found to be novel. ST-171 was the predominant type and was found in 19% (7/36) of the recovered isolates. Interestingly, the novel ST-827 was found to be significantly associated with isolates recovered from workers' hands, sampled during final postwash stages. Further phylogenetic analyses to examine the relatedness of the STs revealed genetic heterogeneity. Fourteen of the identified STs were assigned to known clonal groups, while the remaining four novel STs were distinct and did not cluster with any clonal group. The present study has provided the first evidence indicating that several sources from distinct operational stages in a cantaloupe packinghouse may contribute to a genotypic and phylogenetic diverse set of E. coli isolates. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Packinghouses can be considered as a potential source of microbial contamination. Using multilocus sequence typing, this study identified a genotypic and phylogenetic diverse set of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from the surfaces of cantaloupes, workers' hands and processing equipment at a cantaloupe packinghouse. A total of 61% of the sequence types identified were novel, and a distinct sequence type, ST-827, was significantly associated with worker's hands, sampled during the final postwash operational stages in the packinghouse. These findings serve as a baseline to identify potential sources of microbial contamination at distinct operational stages in a cantaloupe packinghouse.

Quantitative identification of dynamical transitions in a semiconductor laser with optical feedback.

Identifying transitions to complex dynamical regimes is a fundamental open problem with many practical applications. Semi- conductor lasers with optical feedback are excellent testbeds for studying such transitions, as they can generate a rich variety of output signals. Here we apply three analysis tools to quantify various aspects of the dynamical transitions that occur as the laser pump current increases. These tools allow to quantitatively detect the onset of two different regimes, low-frequency fluctuations and coherence collapse, and can be used for identifying the operating conditions that result in specific dynamical properties of the laser output. These tools can also be valuable for analyzing regime transitions in other complex systems.

The not face: A grammaticalization of facial expressions of emotion.

Facial expressions of emotion are thought to have evolved from the development of facial muscles used in sensory regulation and later adapted to express moral judgment. Negative moral judgment includes the expressions of anger, disgust and contempt. Here, we study the hypothesis that these facial expressions of negative moral judgment have further evolved into a facial expression of negation regularly used as a grammatical marker in human language. Specifically, we show that people from different cultures expressing negation use the same facial muscles as those employed to express negative moral judgment. We then show that this nonverbal signal is used as a co-articulator in speech and that, in American Sign Language, it has been grammaticalized as a non-manual marker. Furthermore, this facial expression of negation exhibits the theta oscillation (3-8 Hz) universally seen in syllable and mouthing production in speech and signing. These results provide evidence for the hypothesis that some components of human language have evolved from facial expressions of emotion, and suggest an evolutionary route for the emergence of grammatical markers.

Gerontecnología: rapid review y tendencias mundiales / Gerontechnology: rapid review and global trends

La actual transición demográfica y epidemiológica por la que atraviesan varias regiones en el mundo, incluyendo México, están desafiando la sustentabilidad de los sistemas de salud, conduciendo al desarrollo de nuevos enfoques de atención para la población de adultos mayores (AM). La estrategia central está enfocada en un envejecimiento saludable donde el aumento de la esperanza de vida sea libre de discapacidad. La gerontecnología pretende contribuir a la disminución de los problemas de los AM que conllevan las transiciones del envejecimiento apoyando el cumplimiento de la estrategia central. La realización de rapid review en gerontecnología demuestra que Holanda y E.U.A. encabezan la lista de países promotores de investigaciones y desarrollos gerontecnológicos a nivel mundial, con 14 y 10 publicaciones respectivamente. México aporta a la generación de conocimientos en el campo con una publicación. A nivel mundial la tendencia es la generación de grupos multidisciplinarios con profesionales de las ciencias de Sociología, Demografía (Gerontología) en conjunto con profesionales de las áreas de Comunicación e Informática (Tecnología); teniendo como principal objetivo el Apoyo y Organización en los cuidados de los adultos mayores en los dominios de Vivienda y Actividades de la Vida Diaria.

Current demographic and epidemiological transitions being experienced by several regions in the world, including Mexico, are challenging the sustainability of health systems, leading to the development of new approaches to care for the elderly population. The core strategy is focused on healthy aging where increased life expectancy is free of disability. Gerontechnology intended to help reduce the problems of seniors that involve transitions of aging by supporting the implementation of the core strategy. Conducting rapid review in gerontechnology shows that the Netherlands and United States top the list of countries promoting research and gerontechnologic developments worldwide, with 14 and 10 publications respectively. Mexico contributes to the generation of knowledge in the field with one publication. Worldwide the trend is the generation of multidisciplinary groups with science professionals on Sociology, Demography (Gerontology) in conjunction with professionals in the areas of Communication and Information Technology (Technology); having as main objective the support and organization in care of the elderly in the domains of Housing and Activities of Daily Living.

Effects of periodic forcing on the temporally correlated spikes of a semiconductor laser with feedback.

Optical excitable devices that mimic neuronal behavior can be building-blocks of novel, brain-inspired information processing systems. A relevant issue is to understand how such systems represent, via correlated spikes, the information of a weak external input. Semiconductor lasers with optical feedback operating in the low frequency fluctuations regime have been shown to display optical spikes with intrinsic temporal correlations similar to those of biological neurons. Here we investigate how the spiking laser output represents a weak periodic input that is implemented via direct modulation of the laser pump current. We focus on understanding the influence of the modulation frequency. Experimental sequences of inter-spike-intervals (ISIs) are recorded and analyzed by using the ordinal symbolic methodology that identifies and characterizes serial correlations in datasets. The change in the statistics of the various symbols with the modulation frequency is empirically shown to be related to specific changes in the ISI distribution, which arise due to different phase-locking regimes. A good qualitative agreement is also found between simulations of the Lang and Kobayashi model and observations. This methodology is an efficient way to detect subtle changes in noisy correlated ISI sequences and may be applied to investigate other optical excitable devices.

Value of repeat biopsy in lupus nephritis flares.

OBJECTIVES: Renal flares are common in lupus nephritis (LN), and class switch is thought to be characteristic. There is no agreement on indications for performing a repeat renal biopsy. Our objective was to retrospectively review patients who had more than one renal biopsy performed on clinical indications, and analyse clinical, pathological and treatment changes after successive biopsies. METHODS: Forty-five patients with LN and one or more repeat renal biopsies were included, with a total of 116 biopsies. RESULTS: Of the 71 repeat biopsies, pathological transition occurred in 39 (54.9%). When having a previous biopsy with a proliferative lesion, class switch occurred in 55.6%, with 24.4% evolving into non-proliferative classes. When previous biopsy was class V, transition to other classes occurred in 58.3% and changes were all into proliferative classes. Conversion from one pure proliferative form to another (class III to class IV or vice versa) happened in 11.3% of the rebiopsies, with 62 rebiopsies (87.3%) leading to a change in the treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Histological transformations were common, and they occurred when the previous biopsy had non-proliferative lesions as well as when lesions were proliferative. Treatments were modified after repeat renal biopsy in the majority of patients. In this experience, kidney repeat biopsies were useful in guiding treatment of LN flares.