Corrosion Performance and Mechanical Strength in Aluminum 6061 Joints by Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding.

In this paper, the analysis of electrochemical corrosion performance and mechanical strength of weld joints of aluminum 6061 in two-heat treatment conditions was performed. The joints were produced by gas metal arc welding in pulsed mode. The original material exhibited precipitates of ß and ß" phases in a volume fraction (Vf) of 2.35%. When it was subjected to a solubilization process, these phases were present in a Vf = 2.97%. This increase is due to their change in shape and distribution in clusters within the aluminum matrix. After the welding process, the best sample in the solubilization condition reached 117 MPa, while the original material achieved 104 MPa, but all samples showed a fracture in the fusion zone. This is attributed to the heat input that produces high and low hardness zones along the heat-affected zone and the welding zone, respectively. Moreover, the change in microstructure and phase composition creates a galvanic couple, susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, which is more evident in the heat-affected zone than in the other weld regions, exhibiting uniform and localized corrosion, as was evident by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The heat from the welding process negatively affects the corrosion resistance, mainly in the heat-affected zone.

Association of HIV-1 Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy With Type 2 Diabetes in the Hispanic Population of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA.

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas has one of the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United States (US). We report for the first time the T2D prevalence in persons with HIV (PWH) in the RGV and the interrelationship between T2D, cardiometabolic risk factors, HIV-related indices, and antiretroviral therapies (ART). The PWH in this study received medical care at Valley AIDS Council (VAC) clinic sites located in Harlingen and McAllen, Texas. Henceforth, this cohort will be referred to as Valley AIDS Council Cohort (VACC). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using retrospective data obtained from 1,827 registries. It included demographic and anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic traits, and HIV-related virological and immunological indices. For descriptive statistics, we used mean values of the quantitative variables from unbalanced visits across 20 months. Robust regression methods were used to determine the associations. For comparisons, we used cardiometabolic trait data obtained from HIV-uninfected San Antonio Mexican American Family Studies (SAMAFS; N = 2,498), and the Mexican American population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES; N = 5,989). The prevalence of T2D in VACC was 51% compared to 27% in SAMAFS and 19% in HHANES, respectively. The PWH with T2D in VACC were younger (4.7 years) and had lower BMI (BMI 2.43 units less) when compared to SAMAFS individuals. In contrast, VACC individuals had increased blood pressure and dyslipidemia. The increased T2D prevalence in VACC was independent of BMI. Within the VACC, ART was associated with viral load and CD4+ T cell counts but not with metabolic dysfunction. Notably, we found that individuals with any INSTI combination had higher T2D risk: OR 2.08 (95%CI 1.67, 2.6; p < 0.001). In summary, our results suggest that VACC individuals may develop T2D at younger ages independent of obesity. The high burden of T2D in these individuals necessitates rigorously designed longitudinal studies to draw potential causal inferences and develop better treatment regimens.

Getting by with a Little Help from Our Friends: The Role of Social Support in Addressing HIV-related Mental Health Disparities among Sexual Minorities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

This study examines how social support and perceived discrimination influence depressive symptoms of sexual minorities (including, lesbian, gay, bisexual-identifying individuals, and others with same-sex sexual partners) relative to heterosexual peers, while considering the role of HIV-positive status. We surveyed low-income, predominantly Hispanic/Latino/as residents receiving STI-testing and/or HIV/AIDS care in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southernmost Texas. Respondents aged 18+ took a self-administered survey in English or Spanish in a clinic waiting room (N= 273). Based on OLS regression, HIV-positive status (OLS coefficient = 2.54, p< .01) and social support (OLS coefficient = -0.17, p< .001) were significant predictors of depressive symptoms among sexual minorities, but not those who identified as heterosexual. Perceived discrimination was uniquely associated with increased depressive symptoms among sexual minorities (interaction coefficient = 0.21, p< .05). Clinicians treating sexual minority patients for depression should consider developing and applying resources tailored to individuals' level of social support and ongoing experiences of social discrimination.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Two Medicinal Plants Cuphea aequipetala var. hispida (Cav.) Koehne and Eryngium comosum Delaroche F Against Bacteria Related to Equine Infections.

Functional biocompounds beneficial for animals and humans are in Mexican folk herbs. Cuphea and Eryngium species presented antimicrobial potential. Natural antibiotic uses by ethnoveterinary research with medicinal plants in equine infection or digestive diseases need more scientific evidence. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis are etiological agents in horses responsible for stable infections, abortions, fetal or perinatal deaths, and resistant intrahospital infections. The main objective of the present research was to evaluate the potential of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of two Mexican medicinal plants Cuphea aequipetala var. hispida (Cav.) Koehne and Eryngium comosum Delaroche F over Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Staphylococcus sp., E. coli ATCC 25922, and S. enterica serotype Enteritidis ATCC 13076 bacterium reference strains related to equine infections. Determination of total phenol, saponins, antioxidant activity (ABTS), and antimicrobial activity with diffusion-sensitive discs was performed in triplicate. All the strains were sensitive for both extracts except for E. coli strain that was inhibited only by C. aequipetala. Staphylococcus sp. and S. enterica strains were inhibited equally by both extracts. E. comosum extracts tested have shown the highest effect over L. monocytogenes. In summary, antimicrobial activity was similar to the reported activity of Eryngium species extracts with other different solvents. Present extracts are suggested as a potential alternative antibiotic; definitely, more specific equine pathogen inhibition tests are needed in feed additives for horse nutrition research. In conclusion, antimicrobial activities of Cuphea aequipetala var. hispida (Cav.) Koehne and Eryngium comosum Delaroche F over reference strains related to equine infections suggested these medicinal plants as potential antibiotic sources for horse diseases.

Social Determinants of Sexual Behavior and Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Among Low-Income HIV+ or STI At-Risk Hispanic Residents Receiving Care at the U.S.-Mexico Border.

U.S.-Mexico border communities are uniquely vulnerable to sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission given the economic and social challenges these communities face. This study examines how marginalized statuses of U.S. border residents are associated with STI awareness and sexual behaviors. We surveyed low-income residents receiving STI testing and/or HIV/AIDS care in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southernmost Texas. Respondents aged 18+ took a self-administered survey available in English or Spanish in a clinic waiting room (N = 282). Approximately 52% of respondents reported being HIV+, and 32% of respondents reported having a prior STI other than HIV. Although most respondents had heard of HPV (72%), awareness of the HPV vaccine was low across all subgroups (28%), including women (< 35%), reflecting previous findings that border residents are less knowledgeable about the HPV vaccine. Almost half of respondents reported always using a condom (45%), which is higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Male and non-Hispanic respondents had higher estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of lifetime partners [PR 1.39 (95% confidence interval 1.43-3.68), PR 1.88 (1.04-3.41), respectively] and sexual partners met online [PR 3.73 (1.00-14.06), PR 19.98 (5.70-70.10), respectively]. Sexual minority, non-Hispanic, and male respondents had higher adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of utilizing the internet to find sexual partners than their peers [AOR 2.45 (1.60-3.87), AOR 1.52 (1.11-2.07), AOR 1.97 (1.20-3.24), respectively], placing them at greater STI-transmission risk. We found diversity in dimensions of STI awareness and sexual behaviors in our sample. Results can help tailor public health interventions to the unique STI risks of marginalized groups in border communities.

Development of the renal sexual segment in immature snakes: effect of sex steroid hormones.

The renal sexual segment (RSS) of immature Northern and Diamondback Water Snakes and Red-Sided Garter Snakes exhibited varying responses to testosterone or 17beta-estradiol. In both male and female water snakes, kidney mass was not a reliable indicator of hormone treatment, whereas tubule diameter, epithelial height and number of sexual granules responded to hormone treatment. In male water snakes, either hormone initiated granule development by day 16; by day 23, only testosterone increased granule density. Female water snakes receiving either hormone exhibited a small number of granules by day 16; by day 23, granules increased only in Diamondback Water Snakes receiving testosterone. Hormones did not initiate RSS hypertrophy in female Red-Sided Garter Snakes. Tubule diameter and epithelial height of testosterone-treated males exhibited significant hypertrophy, while 17beta-estradiol initiated significant increases in tubule diameter. Garter snakes initiated sexual granule development in response to hormone treatment with males exhibiting a greater response than females and testosterone stimulating a greater response than 17beta-estradiol. Sex steroids appear to mimic sexual maturity in immature snakes initiating RSS development. Whereas the RSS of adult males respond to testosterone, our data suggest specific changes in the RSS of females during maturation effectively negates the effect of 17beta-estradiol evident in immature female RSS.

Declining trend of peritoneal dialysis: a single-center experience.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD), despite being advantageous to patient, physician, and society, has failed to show the growth it deserves. On the contrary, PD utilization has declined. Over the past several years, we have noticed a decline in the number of our home dialysis patients. When compared to the national trend, we find our trend to be not significantly different from other centers across the country. A similar trend has also been noticed in Canada. Although several reasons may exist for the decline, we intend to concentrate on local factors. In the first quarter of 1996, we had a total of 46 adult and pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on PD. That number decreased to 23 at the end of fourth quarter of the year 2001. The losses in our program far exceeded the gains. We lost our patients mainly to in-center hemodialysis (ICHD) and to transplantation. Peritonitis and membrane failure remained the major grounds for the loss to ICHD. In our center, geographic location and a lack of structured pre-ESRD education probably played a major role in the decline. Many of our patients are from distant counties that have a contract with University of Texas Medical Branch for providing health care to their indigent population. However, once those patients develop complications, the counties rely on the expertise of local physicians and nephrologists.

Costo de los síntomas somatoformes / Cost of somatoform symptoms

Se estudiaron 47 expedientes de pacientes con síntomas somatoformes (grupo A) y un grupo control de 60 expediantes de nacientes médico/quirúrgicos (grupo B) del Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, para comparar los gastos generados en cada grupo, de acuerdo con la hoja de costos unitarios proporcionada por el Departamento de Finanzas de este hospital. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la gráfica de distribución de frecuencia, media, mediana y la prueba de Pearson. Los pacientes del grupo B mantuvieron consistentemente costos más bajos. El número de pacientes con costos superiores a $ 40 000.00 fue mayor en el grupo A (somatizadores), quienes gastan más en el diagnóstico, mientras que el paciente médico/quirúrgico invierte más en el tratamiento