Children having children: early motherhood and offspring human capital in India.

Using panel data from India, this paper investigates the effect of early maternal age on offspring human capital, contributing to the scarce evidence on this phenomenon, especially in the context of a developing country. The analysis relies on mother fixed effects to allow for unobserved differences between mothers and employs a variety of empirical strategies to address remaining sibling-specific concerns. Our results indicate that children born to young mothers are shorter for their age, with stronger effects for girls born to very young mothers. We also find some evidence suggesting that children born to very young mothers perform worse in math. By exploring the evolution of effects over time for the first time in the literature, we find that the height effect weakens as children age. Further analysis suggests both biological and behavioral factors as transmission channels. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00148-023-00946-0.

Non-Woven Fabrics Based on Nanocomposite Nylon 6/ZnO Obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extrusion for Improved Antimicrobial and Adsorption Methylene Blue Dye Properties.

Approximately 200,000 tons of water contaminated with dyes are discharged into effluents annually, which in addition to infectious diseases constitute problems that afflict the population worldwide. This study evaluated the mechanical properties, surface structure, antimicrobial performance, and methylene blue dye-contaminant adsorption using the non-woven fabrics manufactured by melt-blowing. The non-woven fabrics are composed of nylon 6 (Ny 6) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The polymer nanocomposites were previously fabricated using variable frequency ultrasound assisted-melt-extrusion to be used in melt-blowing. Energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images showed a homogeneous dispersion of the ZnO nanoparticles in nylon 6. The mechanical properties of the composites increased by adding ZnO compared to the nylon 6 matrix, and sample Ny/ZnO 0.5 showed the best mechanical performance. All fabric samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and fungus C. albicans, and the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles significantly improved this property compared to pure nylon 6. The absorption efficiency of methylene blue (MB), during 60 min, for the samples Ny/ZnO 0.05 and Ny/ZnO 0.25 wt%, were 93% and 65%, respectively. The adsorption equilibrium data obeyed the Langmuir isotherm.

Graphene Nanoplatelets Modified with Amino-Groups by Ultrasonic Radiation of Variable Frequency for Potential Adsorption of Uremic Toxins.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. In stages III and IV of CKD, uremic toxins must be removed from the patient by absorption, through a treatment commonly called hemodialysis. Aiming to improve the absorption of uremic toxins, we have studied its absorption in chemically modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). This study involved the reaction between GNPs and diamines with reaction times of 30, 45 and 60 min using ultrasound waves of different amplitudes and frequencies. Functionalized GNPs were analyzed by Fourier Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersitive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the GNPs by reactions of diamines with carboxylic acids and epoxides. Adsorption of uremic toxins was determined using equilibrium isotherms, where the maximum percentage of removal of uremic toxins was 97%. Dispersion of modified graphene nanoplatelets was evaluated in water, ethanol and hexane, as a result of this treatment was achieved a good and effective dispersion of diamines-modified graphene nanoplatelets in ethanol and hexane. Finally, the results of hemolysis assays of the modified graphene with amine demonstrated that it was not cytotoxic when using 500 mg/mL. The samples of modified graphene demonstrated low degree of hemolysis (<2%), so this material can be used for in vivo applications such as hemodialysis.

Melt-Mixed Thermoplastic Nanocomposite Containing Carbon Nanotubes and Titanium Dioxide for Flame Retardancy Applications.

The study of polymeric nanocomposites is a possible alternative to conventional flame retardants. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of carbon-nanotubes (CNT) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the thermo-mechanical, flammability, and electrical properties of polypropylene (PP). In this work, PP-TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were obtained with TiO2/CNT mixtures (ratio 1:2) through the melt extrusion process, with different weight percentage of nanoparticles (1, 5, and 10 wt %). The PP-TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were characterized by DSC, TGA, MFI, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. It was possible to determine that the thermal stability of the PP increases when increasing the content of NPs. A contrary situation is observed in the degree of crystallinity and thermo-oxidative degradation, which decreased with respect to pure PP. The TiO2 NPs undergo coalition and increase their size at a lower viscosity of the nanocomposite (1 and 5 wt %). The mechanical properties decreased slightly, however, the Young's modulus presented an improvement of 10% as well as electrical conductivity, this behavior was noted in nanocomposites of 10 wt % of NPs. Flammability properties were measured with a cone calorimeter, and a reduction in the peak heat release rate was observed in nanocomposites with contents of nanoparticles of 5 and 10 wt.

A zinc-doped endodontic cement facilitates functional mineralization and stress dissipation at the dentin surface.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nanohardness and viscoelastic behavior of dentin surfaces treated with two canal sealer cements for dentin remineralization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dentin surfaces were subjected to: i) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) or ii) 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) conditioning prior to the application of two experimental hydroxyapatite-based cements, containing sodium hydroxide (calcypatite) or zinc oxide (oxipatite), respectively. Samples were stored in simulated body fluid during 24 h or 21 d. The intertubular and peritubular dentin were evaluated using a nanoindenter to assess nanohardness (Hi). The load/displacement responses were used for the nano-dynamic mechanical analysis to estimate complex modulus (E*) and tan delta (δ). The modulus mapping was obtained by imposing a quasistatic force setpoint to which a sinusoidal force was superimposed. AFM imaging and FESEM analysis were performed. RESULTS: After 21 d of storage, dentin surfaces treated with EDTA+calcypatite, PA+calcypatite and EDTA+oxipatite showed viscoelastic discrepancies between peritubular and intertubular dentin, meaning a risk for cracking and breakdown of the surface. At both 24 h and 21 d, tan δ values at intertubular dentin treated with the four treatments performed similar. At 21 d time point, intertubular dentin treated with PA+oxipatite achieved the highest complex modulus and nanohardness, i.e., highest resistance to deformation and functional mineralization, among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intertubular and peritubular dentin treated with PA+oxipatite showed similar values of tan δ after 21 d of storage. This produced a favorable dissipation of energy with minimal energy concentration, preserving the structural integrity at the dentin surface.

Exposición al humo ambiental del tabaco en la infancia y su relación con las infecciones respiratorias y ORL durante los tres primeros años de vida / Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and its relationship with respiratory infections and ORL during the first three years of life

Objetivo. Analizar la relación entre infecciones respiratorias de vías altas y bajas en niños y su exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco (HAT) en su núcleo familiar. Pacientes y método. Estudio transversal de 150 niños entre 0 y 3 años a partir de la información de la historia clínica y encuesta telefónica a los padres sobre su hábito tabáquico en un Centro de Salud de Madrid. Las variables estudiadas fueron las infecciones respiratorias (número y gravedad) y la exposición al humo de tabaco en los niños. Otras variables fueron el número de ingresos y de derivaciones, y la asistencia a guardería. Resultados. El 43,3% de los niños estaban expuestos al HAT, el 56% de ellos por padre fumador, el 27,8% por madre fumadora y hasta un 15% por cuidador principal. La media total de episodios fue de 9,0 (DS: 6,5) y la media de consultas fue de 11,8 (DS: 9,3), siendo mayor en los niños expuestos. Asimismo, la media total de derivaciones y de ingresos hospitalarios también fue superior en los niños expuestos (p <0,05). Conclusiones. Existe un elevado porcentaje de fumadores en hogares con niños. Los niños expuestos al tabaco en casa presentan mayor número de infecciones, tanto de vías altas como bajas, y un mayor número de consultas y de ingresos hospitalarios (AU)

Objective. To analyze the relation between upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the family circle. Patients and methods. Cross-sectional study of 150 children aged 0 to 3 years based on the medical record and telephone survey to their parents on their smoking habit in a Health Center of Madrid. The variables studied were respiratory infection (number and seriousness) and exposure to tobacco smoke in the children. Other variables were number of admissions and referrals, and attendance to nursery school. Results. A total of 43.3% of the children were exposed to ETS, 56% of them by a father who smoked, 27.8% by the mother smoking and up to 15% by the principal caregiver. The total mean episodes were 9.0 (SD: 6.5%) and mean visits were 11.8 (SD: 9.3), this being greater in the children exposed. Furthermore, the total mean of referrals and hospital admissions was also greater in the children exposed (p < 0.05). Conclusions. There is a high percentage of smokes in homes with children. Children exposed to tobacco smoke at home have a greater number of infections, both of the upper and lower tracts, and a greater number of medical visits and hospital admission (AU)

A zinc oxide-modified hydroxyapatite-based cement facilitated new crystalline-stoichiometric and amorphous apatite precipitation on dentine.

AIM: To evaluate the remineralization ability of two endodontic sealer cements. METHODOLOGY: Mid-coronal dentine surfaces were subjected to: (i) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) or (ii) 0.5 mol L-1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) conditioning prior to the application of two experimental hydroxyapatite-based cements, containing sodium hydroxide (calcypatite) or zinc oxide oxiapatite respectively. Samples were stored in simulated body fluid for 24 h or 21 days. Remineralization of the dentine surfaces were studied by Raman spectroscopy (mapping with K-means cluster and hierarchical cluster analysis) was undertaken. Nanoroughness and collagen fibril width measurements were performed with an atomic force microscopy. ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test were performed (α=0.05). RESULTS: Phosphoric acid+oxiapatite promoted both the highest dentine mineralization (P < 0.05) and crystallographic maturity at the dentine surface. Noncrystalline amorphous-like apatites were also formed. Dentine treated with PA+calcypatite attained the roughest surface (P < 0.05) with minimal fibril width (P < 0.05). Cross-linking of collagen only became greater in the group PA+oxiapatite after 21 days. The maximum relative mineral concentration and structure of collagen linked to the amide I and ratio amide III/AGEs was obtained after using PA+calcypatite at 21-days time-point (P < 0.05). EDTA produced a lower stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (P < 0.05) with decreased maturity, at the expense of carbonate band widening, although it favoured the nucleation of carbonated calcium phosphate. CONCLUSIONS: Dentine surfaces treated with PA+oxiapatite attained the highest dentine remineralization with both crystalline-stoichiometric and amorphous apatites, at 21 days. EDTA conditioning facilitated amorphous-bulk mineral precipitation. The amorphization was more intense after using oxiapatite and provided an ion-rich environment favouring in situ dentine remineralization.

Historical dimensions of population structure in a continuously distributed marine species: The case of the endemic Chilean dolphin.

The complementarity of historical and contemporary processes contributes to understanding the genetic structure of continuously distributed marine species with high dispersal capabilities. Cephalorhynchus eutropia, has a continuous coastal distribution with strong genetic differentiation identified by nuclear DNA markers. We explored the historical dimension of this genetic differentiation between northern and southern populations to evaluate phylogeographic structure. Additionally, we conducted mtDNA and microsatellite analyses to detect past and recent demographic changes. The southern population was characterized by lower genetic diversity with a signal of population expansion, likely associated with ice retreat and habitat extension after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). In contrast, structure within the northern population was more consistent with stable historical population size. Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses suggested that during the LGM, C. eutropia persisted in the northern area; while the south was colonized by dispersal ~11,000 years ago followed by population expansion. This study shows that Chilean dolphin population structure is consistent with predictions from the Expansion-Contraction biogeographic model, with a poleward post-glacial shift revealed in current genetic structure. The results also confirm the validity of the population units previously identified, demonstrating their historical origin and highlighting the utility of integrating genetic markers with different temporal scale resolutions.

An Exploration of the Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the 'Voice and You' (VAY): A Scale for Measuring the Relationship with Voices.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to adapt the 'Voice and You' Scale (VAY) (Hayward, Denney, Vaughan, & Fowler, 2008) to Spanish and explore its psychometric properties for measuring the perceived relationship with voices. A sample of 50 psychiatric patients with verbal auditory hallucinations (48 had a psychotic disorder and two a borderline personality disorder) was used. Its reliability was calculated using the Cronbach's α and test-retest, and concurrent validity by the Pearson correlation coefficient of the VAY with the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales. The results showed that internal consistency of the Spanish version of the VAY ranged from 0.74 to 0.84 on the various subscales, and test-retest reliability varied from 0.74 to 0.83 on three subscales (voice 'dominance', 'intrusiveness' and hearer 'dependence'), and was lower (0.68) on the hearer 'distance' subscale. Concurrent validity was acceptable as significant associations were found with the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales subscales. It is concluded that the Spanish version of the VAY is a reliable and valid instrument that can assist the exploration of voices within relational frameworks across research and clinical domains. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: The Spanish version of the VAY is a reliable, valid instrument for evaluating the perception a person can have about his or her relationship with the voices and how the person relates to them. Voices that are perceived as relating dominantly and intrusively, and from whom distance is sought, seem to be distressing and cause disturbance. Voices that are related to dependently are perceived as having benevolent intent and are engaged with. Benevolent or neutral voices may be considered as intrusive because of the intensity and frequency with which they are experienced.

El tabaquismo como causante de infecciones respiratorias / Smoking as cause of respiratory infections

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[Choroidal metastasis from a breast carcinoma. Diagnosis and follow-up with optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography and autofluorescence with HRA-II (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph)]. / Metástasis coroideas de carcinoma de mama. Diagnóstico y seguimiento mediante tomografía de coherencia óptica y angiofluoresceingrafía y autofluorescencia con HRA-II (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph).

CLINICAL CASE: A 69-year-old woman developed choroidal metastasis from a breast carcinoma 2 years after the initial diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy. After treatment with palliative chemotherapy and external radiotherapy, we used fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the resolution of the serous retinal detachment, as well as a later relapse in the optic nerve. DISCUSSION: OCT is useful in the follow-up of choroidal metastasis after treatment. However, OCT imaging is limited by the initial choroidal location of metastasis. The autofluorescence can detect exudative tumoral activity even without obvious changes in OCT or FA.

Coalescence phenomena in 1D silver nanostructures.

Different coalescence processes on 1D silver nanostructures synthesized by a PVP assisted reaction in ethylene glycol at 160 °C were studied experimentally and theoretically. Analysis by TEM and HRTEM shows different defects found on the body of these materials, suggesting that they were induced by previous coalescence processes in the synthesis stage. TEM observations showed that irradiation with the electron beam eliminates the boundaries formed near the edges of the structures, suggesting that this process can be carried out by the application of other means of energy (i.e. thermal). These results were also confirmed by theoretical calculations by Monte Carlo simulations using a Sutton-Chen potential. A theoretical study by molecular dynamics simulation of the different coalescence processes on 1D silver nanostructures is presented, showing a surface energy driven sequence followed to form the final coalesced structure. Calculations were made at 1000-1300 K, which is near the melting temperature of silver (1234 K). Based on these results, it is proposed that 1D nanostructures can grow through a secondary mechanism based on coalescence, without losing their dimensionality.

[Combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium diagnosed by retinal angiography and optical coherence tomography]. / Hamartoma combinado de retina y epitelio pigmentario retiniano. Diagnóstico mediante tomografía de coherencia óptica y angiofluoresceingrafía.

CLINICAL CASE: This report is based on the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium in her right eye. The diagnosis was determined based on the fundus examination: hyperplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium cells, tortuosity of the vessels and epiretinal membrane. DISCUSSION: Optical coherence tomography and retinal angiography are important to rule out malignant melanoma of the choroid and retinoblastoma. Regular follow-up is essential because reduction in visual acuity can be related to an epiretinal membrane, neovascular membrane or vitreous hemorrhage.

Isolation of chick retina cones and study of their diversity based on oil droplet colour and nucleus position.

The chick retina has four morphological cone types that differ not only in shape, but also in the visual pigment in the outer segment, in the colour of the oil droplet in the inner segment and in synaptic connectivity. Neither the type of droplet nor the visual pigment has been definitively established for the four cone types. The main aim of the present work has been the isolation of entire live photoreceptors in order to study the oil droplet colour in each cone type and to quantify each type. We have improved an earlier retinal cell isolation method and obtained large numbers of entire cones. Principal cones (27% of the cones) possess a yellow or colourless droplet. Accessory cones (27% of the cones) all contain a small pale green droplet. Straight cones (44% of the cones) have a red, orange, yellow, or colourless droplet. Oblique cones (1.66% of the cones) all have a colourless droplet. We have found that straight cones with a red, orange, or yellow droplet differ in terms of the position of the nucleus and their percentage and conclude that they are distributed in three rows in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of the central retina. Our study of 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-stained retinal sections has revealed three rows of nuclei instead of the two currently thought to form the ONL. Together, our results show a larger cone diversity than previously known, suggest a larger functional diversity and provide an efficient method for isolating entire chick photoreceptors.

Vimentin isoform expression in the human retina characterized with the monoclonal antibody 3CB2.

The antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody 3CB2 (3CB2-Ag and 3CB2 mAb) is expressed by radial glia and astrocytes in the developing and adult vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates as well as in neural stem cells. Here we identified the 3CB2-Ag as vimentin by proteomic analysis of human glial cell line U-87 extracts (derived from a malignant astrocytoma). Indeed, the 3CB2 mAb recognized three vimentin isoforms in glial cell lines. In the human retina, 3CB2-Ag was expressed in Müller cells, astrocytes, some blood vessels, and cells in the horizontal cell layer, as determined by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Three populations of astrocytes were distinguishable by double-labeling immunohistochemistry: vimentin+/GFAP+, vimentin-/GFAP+, and vimentin+/GFAP-. Hence, we conclude that 1) the 3CB2-Ag is vimentin; 2) vimentin isoforms are differentially expressed in normal and transformed astrocytes; 3) human retinal astrocytes display molecular heterogeneity; and 4) the 3CB2 mAb is a valuable tool to study vimentin expression and its function in the human retina.

Retinopatía asociada a interferón pegilado / Pegylated interferon-associated retinopathy

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The role of meta-cognitions and thought control techniques in predisposition to auditory and visual hallucinations.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between a predisposition to hallucinations and meta-cognitive variables and thought-control techniques, controlling for the possible effect of anxiety. In order to do so, we start out with the hypothesis that anxiety does not, in itself, explain the association between meta-cognitions and a predisposition to auditory and visual hallucinations. DESIGN: A within-participants correlational design was employed. METHODS: Four psychometric tests relating to predisposition to hallucinations, anxiety, meta-cognitions and thought-control techniques were administered to 150 participants. RESULTS: It was found that, after controlling for participants' anxiety levels, the 'loss of cognitive confidence' factor predicted the score on the scale of predisposition to both auditory and visual hallucinations. Thought-control strategies based on worry were also found to be predictive of a greater predisposition to hallucinations, regardless of whether or not participants' anxiety level was controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-cognitive variables of cognitive confidence and thought control through worry are positively associated with a predisposition to hallucinations. LIMITATIONS: The correlational nature of the design does not allow inferences about causal relationships.

[Short- and medium-term intraocular pressure lowering effects of combined phacoemulsification and non-penetrating deep sclerectomy without scleral implant or antifibrotics]. / Control tensional a corto y medio plazo de facoesclerectomía profunda no perforante sin implante escleral ni antimetabolito.

PURPOSE: To examine the short- and medium-term intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects of combined phacoemulsification and non-penetrating deep sclerectomy without the use of scleral implant or antifibrotics in open-angle glaucoma (primary and pseudoexfoliative) and coexisting cataract in eyes with no known risk factors for bleb failure. METHODS: Retrospective study of 15 eyes of 12 patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma treated with two or more drugs and coexisting cataract with no known risk factors for glaucoma surgery failure. All patients received combined phacoemulsification and non-penetrating deep sclerectomy without scleral implant or antifibrotics performed by the same surgeon. Nd-YAG perforation of the trabeculodescemetic membrane and/or needling with mitomycin-C was performed postoperatively for IOP control. Main outcome measures were postoperative IOP, percentage of eyes with IOP < 17 mmHg, complications and final visual acuity (VA). Median follow-up was 12.0 months (SD: 0.6) and ranged from 1 to 30 months. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP with medical treatment was 21.80 mmHg (SD: 5.14) and decreased to 14.42 mmHg (SD: 2.15) at 12-month visit. Mean antiglaucoma medication preoperative was 1.93 (SD: 0.70) and was reduced to 0.13 (DE: 0.35) postoperative. At 12-month visit, 80% had an IOP lower than 17 mmHg with a mean VA gain of 2.50 Snellen lines. Conjuntival wound leakage was the most frequent complication (20%; 3/15). CONCLUSIONS: Primary combined phacoemulsification and non-penetrating deep sclerectomy without collagen implant or antifibrotics in primary open-angle glaucoma with coexisting cataract, significantly lowers IOP in the short- and medium term in low-risk cases for glaucoma surgery failure, allowing for rapid visual improvement with a low complication rate.