Size-Dependence and High Temperature Stability of Radial Vortex Magnetic Textures Imprinted by Superconductor Stray Fields.

Swirling spin textures, including topologically nontrivial states, such as skyrmions, chiral domain walls, and magnetic vortices, have garnered significant attention within the scientific community due to their appeal from both fundamental and applied points of view. However, their creation, controlled manipulation, and stability are typically constrained to certain systems with specific crystallographic symmetries, bulk or interface interactions, and/or a precise stacking sequence of materials. Recently, a new approach has shown potential for the imprint of magnetic radial vortices in soft ferromagnetic compounds making use of the stray field of YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconducting microstructures in ferromagnet/superconductor (FM/SC) hybrids at temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature (TC). Here, we explore the lower size limit for the imprint of magnetic radial vortices in square and disc shaped structures as well as the persistence of these spin textures above TC, with magnetic domains retaining partial memory. Structures with circular geometry and with FM patterned to smaller radius than the superconductor island facilitate the imprinting of magnetic radial vortices and improve their stability above TC, in contrast to square structures where the presence of magnetic domains increases the dipolar energy. Micromagnetic modeling coupled with a SC field model reveals that the stabilization mechanism above TC is mediated by microstructural defects. Superconducting control of swirling spin textures, and their stabilization above the superconducting transition temperature by means of defect engineering holds promising prospects for shaping superconducting spintronics based on magnetic textures.

Design of Promising Uranyl(VI) Complexes Thin Films with Potential Applications in Molecular Electronics.

In this work, it is proposed the development of organic semiconductors (OS) based on uranyl(VI) complexes. The above by means of the synthesis and the characterization of the complexes by Infrared spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Films of these complexes were deposited and subsequently, topographic and structural characterization was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Atomic Force Microscopy. Additionally, the nanomechanical evaluation was performed to know the stiffness of uranyl films using their modulus of elasticity. Also, the optical characterization took place in the devices and their bandgap value ranges between 2.40 and 2.93 eV being the minor for the film of the uranyl complex with the N on pyridine in position 4 (2 c). Finally, the electrical behavior of the uranyl(VI) films was evaluated, and important differences were obtained: the uranyl complex with the N on pyridine in position 2 (2 a) film is not influenced by changes in lighting and its current density is in the order of 10-3  A/cm2 . The film with uranyl complex with the N on pyridine in position 3 (2 b) and 2 c presents a greater current flow under lighting conditions and two orders of magnitude larger than in film 2 a. In these films 2 b and 2 c, ohmic behavior occurs at low voltages, while at high voltages the charge transport changes to space-charge limited current behavior.

Effects of different plyometric training frequencies on physical performance in youth male volleyball players: a randomized trial.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of plyometric training (PT) at different frequencies on jump performance, running sprint speed, and service speed in youth male volleyball players. The participants were randomly assigned to one PT session per week (Experimental Group 1, EG1, n = 15), two PT sessions per week (Experimental Group 2, EG2, n = 14), and a control group (CG, n = 13). The total weekly jumping ranged between 98 and 196 jumps (equalized between, EG1 and, EG2). The assessments performed were squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ-arms, drop jump (DJ), 5-m sprint, 10-m sprint, and service speed. The intragroup comparisons showed that, EG1 significantly (p < 0.001) improved SJ (Δ = 12.74%; d = 1.30), CMJ (Δ = 11.94%; d = 1.71), CMJ-arms (Δ = 12.02%; d = 1.47), DJ (Δ = 10.93%; d = 1.30), 5-m sprint (Δ = -4.61%; d = 0.29), 10-m sprint (Δ = -3.95%; d = 0.40) and service speed (Δ = 8.17%; d = 1.53). Similarly, EG2 significantly (p˂ 0.001) improved SJ (Δ = 11.52%; d = 1.25), CMJ (Δ = 11.29%; d = 1.38), CMJ-arms (Δ = 11.42%; d = 1.26), DJ (Δ = 13.90%; d = 2.17), 5-m sprint (Δ = -3.85%; d = 0.25), 10-m sprint (Δ = -2.73%; d = 0.25) and service speed (Δ = 6.77%; d = 1.44). The CG significantly (p < 0.05) improved SJ (Δ = 2.68; d = 0.28), CMJ-arms (Δ = 2.30; d = 0.35), 5-m sprint (Δ = -1.27; d = 0.10) and service speed (Δ = 1.42; d = 0.30). Intergroup comparisons revealed significantly greater improvements in all variables (p < 0.001) in, EG1 and, EG2 concerning to CG. However, no significant differences were found between, EG1 and, EG2. A moderate weekly PT volume, distributed in one or two sessions per week, seems equally effective.

Incorporation of Tb and Gd improves the diagnostic functionality of magnetotactic bacteria.

Magnetotactic bacteria are envisaged as potential theranostic agents. Their internal magnetic compass, chemical environment specificity and natural motility enable these microorganisms to behave as nanorobots, as they can be tracked and guided towards specific regions in the body and activated to generate a therapeutic response. Here we provide additional diagnostic functionalities to magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 while retaining their intrinsic capabilities. These additional functionalities are achieved by incorporating Tb or Gd in the bacteria by culturing them in Tb/Gd supplemented media. The incorporation of Tb provides luminescence properties, enabling potential applications of bacteria as biomarkers. The incorporation of Gd turns bacteria into dual contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, since Gd adds T1 contrast to the existing T2 contrast of unmodified bacteria. Given their potential clinical applications, the diagnostic ability of the modified MSR-1 has been successfully tested in vitro in two cell models, confirming their suitability as fluorescent markers (Tb-MSR-1) and dual contrast agents for MRI (Gd-MSR-1).

Enfermedad de Pompe: historia, epidemiología, fisiopatología y manifestaciones clínicas / Pompe's disease: History, epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations

Introducción: La enfermedad de Pompe o glucogenosis tipo II pertenece al grupo de las miopatías metabólicas y es producida por la deficiencia parcial o total de la enzima alfa glucosidasa ácida. La ausencia/ déficit de esta enzima genera un almacenamiento de glucógeno en el interior de los lisosomas en diversos tejidos, incluidos el músculo esquelético, el miocardio y las células del músculo liso. Se trata de una enfermedad multisistémica que puede tener un inicio temprano o tardío de los síntomas. Contenidos: En este artículo se describirán los aspectos históricos de la enfermedad, su fisiopatología y sus manifestaciones clínicas, con el énfasis puesto en su inicio temprano o tardío. Conclusiones: Es necesario reconocer la enfermedad de Pompe debido a que esta patología es susceptible de tratamiento.

Introduction: Pompe's disease or glucogenosis type II belongs to the group of metabolic myopathies and is caused by a partial or total deficiency of the acid alpha glucosidase enzyme. The lack/deficiency of this enzyme generates glycogen storage inside the lysosomes in various tissues including skeletal muscle, myocardium and smooth muscle cells. It is a multisystemic disease that can have an early onset or a late onset. Contents: In this article, the historical aspects, the pathophysiology and the clinical manifestations of the disease, will be described. Conclusions: It is necessary to recognize Pompe disease because this pathology is treatable.

Large Magnetoresistance of Isolated Domain Walls in La2/3 Sr1/3 MnO3 Nanowires.

Generation, manipulation, and sensing of magnetic domain walls are cornerstones in the design of efficient spintronic devices. Half-metals are amenable for this purpose as large low field magnetoresistance signals can be expected from spin accumulation at spin textures. Among half metals, La1- x Srx MnO3 (LSMO) manganites are considered as promising candidates for their robust half-metallic ground state, Curie temperature above room temperature (Tc = 360 K, for x = 1/3), and chemical stability. Yet domain wall magnetoresistance is poorly understood, with large discrepancies in the reported values and conflicting interpretation of experimental data due to the entanglement of various source of magnetoresistance, namely, spin accumulation, anisotropic magnetoresistance, and colossal magnetoresistance. In this work, the domain wall magnetoresistance is measured in LSMO cross-shape nanowires with single-domain walls nucleated across the current path. Magnetoresistance values above 10% are found to be originating at the spin accumulation caused by the mistracking effect of the spin texture of the domain wall by the conduction electrons. Fundamentally, this result shows the importance on non-adiabatic processes at spin textures despite the strong Hund coupling to the localized t2g electrons of the manganite. These large magnetoresistance values are high enough for encoding and reading magnetic bits in future oxide spintronic sensors.

Postoperative Outcomes of Analgesic Management with Erector Spine Plane Block at T5 Level in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Sternotomy: A Cohort Study.

Introduction: There is limited evidence on the impact of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as part of multimodal analgesia in pediatric population undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients under 18 years of age, who underwent cardiac surgery Risk Adjusted classification for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) ≤3 by sternotomy. The study aims to evaluate the effect of ESPB as part of multimodal analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery compared to conventional analgesia (CA) on relevant clinical outcomes: length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, opioid consumption, time to extubation, mortality, and postoperative complications. The participants included were treated in a reference hospital in Colombia from July 2019 to June 2022. Results: Eighty participants were included, 40 in the ESPB group and 40 in the CA group. There was a significant decrease (Log rank test p = 0.007) in days to length of hospital stay in ESPB group (median 6.5 days (IQR: 4-11)) compared to the CA group (median 10.5 days (IQR: 6-25)). Likewise, there was a higher probability of discharge from the ICU in the ESPB group (HR 1.71 (95% CI: 1.05-2.79)). The ESPB group had lower opioid consumption (p < 0.05). There were no differences in time to extubation, mortality, and postoperative complications. Conclusion: ESPB as part of multimodal analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery is feasible and associated with shorter hospital length of stay, faster ICU discharge and lower opioid consumption.

Hydrophilic versus non-hydrophilic catheters for clean intermittent catheterization: a meta-analysis to determine their capacity in reducing urinary tract infections.

INTRODUCTION: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTI), urethral trauma, urethral stenosis, hematuria, and pain. The first catheters were developed of polyvinyl carbon (PVC). Several types of catheters have been developed to reduce these complications, such as those with hydrophilic coating. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrophilic coated catheters compared to uncoated catheters on the rate of UTI in patients using CIC. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature search was performed in OVID, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and CENTRAL databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or randomized crossover trials comparing UTI and hematuria rates in patients using hydrophilic vs. non-hydrophilic catheters for CIC were identified. The selected trials were evaluated for risk of bias using the "Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2)." The results were expressed as a risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), under a random-effects model. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 525 patients in CIC were analyzed. Overall, the use of hydrophilic catheters had a lower risk of UTIs compared to uncoated catheters (RR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.62-0.97; I2 = 37%). Five of the studies include patients > 18 years, showing a reduction of UTIs with the use of hydrophilic catheters (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.74-0.93; I2 = 0%). There was no difference in UTI development when comparing single-use uncoated vs hydrophilic catheters. However, heterogeneity was high (RR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.59-1.00; I2 = 57%). Regarding hematuria risk reduction, we were unable to identify differences between the use of hydrophilic catheters compared to uncoated catheters (RR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.66-1.60). CONCLUSION: We found a risk reduction of UTIs associated with using hydrophilic catheters in adults, with low heterogeneity. Regarding hematuria, significant differences were not proved. We do not find a significant difference in UTI risk reduction in the pediatric population. Urethral trauma presence could not be meta-analyzed due to a lack of information reported.

Tuning the Magnetic Response of Magnetospirillum magneticum by Changing the Culture Medium: A Straightforward Approach to Improve Their Hyperthermia Efficiency.

Magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 have been cultured using three different media: magnetic spirillum growth medium with Wolfe's mineral solution (MSGM + W), magnetic spirillum growth medium without Wolfe's mineral solution (MSGM - W), and flask standard medium (FSM). The influence of the culture medium on the structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of the magnetosome chains biosynthesized by these bacteria has been investigated by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. All bacteria exhibit similar average size for magnetosomes, 40-45 nm, but FSM bacteria present slightly longer subchains. In MSGM + W bacteria, Co2+ ions present in the medium substitute Fe2+ ions in octahedral positions with a total Co doping around 4-5%. In addition, the magnetic response of these bacteria has been thoroughly studied as functions of both the temperature and the applied magnetic field. While MSGM - W and FSM bacteria exhibit similar magnetic behavior, in the case of MSGM + W, the incorporation of the Co ions affects the magnetic response, in particular suppressing the Verwey (∼105 K) and low temperature (∼40 K) transitions and increasing the coercivity and remanence. Moreover, simulations based on a Stoner-Wolhfarth model have allowed us to reproduce the experimentally obtained magnetization versus magnetic field loops, revealing clear changes in different anisotropy contributions for these bacteria depending on the employed culture medium. Finally, we have related how these magnetic changes affect their heating efficiency by using AC magnetometric measurements. The obtained AC hysteresis loops, measured with an AC magnetic field amplitude of up to 90 mT and a frequency, f, of 149 kHz, reveal the influence of the culture medium on the heating properties of these bacteria: below 35 mT, MSGM - W bacteria are the best heating mediators, but above 60 mT, FSM and MSGM + W bacteria give the best heating results, reaching a maximum heating efficiency or specific absorption rate (SAR) of SAR/f ≈ 12 W g-1 kHz-1.

Magnetic Anisotropy of Individual Nanomagnets Embedded in Biological Systems Determined by Axi-asymmetric X-ray Transmission Microscopy.

Over the past few years, the use of nanomagnets in biomedical applications has increased. Among others, magnetic nanostructures can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents in cardiovascular diseases, to locally destroy cancer cells, to deliver drugs at specific positions, and to guide (and track) stem cells to damaged body locations in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. All these applications rely on the magnetic properties of the nanomagnets which are mostly determined by their magnetic anisotropy. Despite its importance, the magnetic anisotropy of the individual magnetic nanostructures is unknown. Currently available magnetic sensitive microscopic methods are either limited in spatial resolution or in magnetic field strength or, more relevant, do not allow one to measure magnetic signals of nanomagnets embedded in biological systems. Hence, the use of nanomagnets in biomedical applications must rely on mean values obtained after averaging samples containing thousands of dissimilar entities. Here we present a hybrid experimental/theoretical method capable of working out the magnetic anisotropy constant and the magnetic easy axis of individual magnetic nanostructures embedded in biological systems. The method combines scanning transmission X-ray microscopy using an axi-asymmetric magnetic field with theoretical simulations based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth model. The validity of the method is demonstrated by determining the magnetic anisotropy constant and magnetic easy axis direction of 15 intracellular magnetite nanoparticles (50 nm in size) biosynthesized inside a magnetotactic bacterium.

Access to paediatric cardiac surgery in Colombia: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Globally congenital heart disease mortality is declining, yet the proportion of infant deaths attributable to heart disease rises in Colombia and other middle-sociodemographic countries. We aimed to assess the accessibility of paediatric cardiac surgery (PCS) to children <18 years of age in 2016 in the South American country of Colombia. METHODS: In Bogotá, Colombia, a multi-national team used cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study designs to adapt and evaluate 4 health system indicators at the national level: first, the population with timely geographic access to an institution providing PCS; second, the number of paediatric cardiac surgeons; third, this specialized procedure volume and its national distribution; and fourth, the 30-day perioperative mortality rate after PCS in Colombia. RESULTS: Geospatial mapping approximates 64% (n = 9 894 356) of the under-18 Colombian population lives within 2-h drivetime of an institution providing PCS. Twenty-eight cardiovascular surgeons report performing PCS, 82% (n = 23) with formal training. In 2016, 1281 PCS procedures were registered, 90% of whom were performed in 6 of the country's 32 departments. National non-risk-adjusted all-cause 30-day perioperative mortality rate after PCS was 2.73% (n = 35). CONCLUSIONS: Colombia's paediatric population had variable access to cardiac surgery in 2016, largely dependent upon geography. While the country may have the capacity to provide timely, high-quality care to those who need it, our study enables future comparative analyses to measure the impact of health system interventions facilitating healthcare equity for the underserved populations across Colombia and the Latin American region.

Nonreciprocal Transport in a Rashba Ferromagnet, Delafossite PdCoO2.

Rashba interfaces yield efficient spin-charge interconversion and give rise to nonreciprocal transport phenomena. Here, we report magnetotransport experiments in few-nanometer-thick films of PdCoO2, a delafossite oxide known to display a large Rashba splitting and surface ferromagnetism. By analyzing the angle dependence of the first- and second-harmonic longitudinal and transverse resistivities, we identify a Rashba-driven unidirectional magnetoresistance that competes with the anomalous Nernst effect below the Curie point. We estimate a Rashba coefficient of 0.75 ± 0.3 eV Å and argue that our results qualify delafossites as a new family of oxides for nanospintronics and spin-orbitronics, beyond perovskite materials.

Are we using the right method to estimate the number of COVID-19 cases?

The great concern stemming from the current COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for governments and international organizations around the world. Likewise, the diagnosis has played an important role in the prioritization processes, in particular, for the identification and follow-up of cases. In this context, PCR and serological tests have become the international standard; however, some limitations, as well as the scope of these techniques, must be understood in terms of population numbers. This comment seeks to clarify the interpretation of the results of these tests from a public health perspective.