Estimation of Reference Evapotranspiration in a Semi-Arid Region of Mexico.

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is the first step in calculating crop irrigation demand, and numerous methods have been proposed to estimate this parameter. FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PM) is the only standard method for defining and calculating ET0. However, it requires radiation, air temperature, atmospheric humidity, and wind speed data, limiting its application in regions where these data are unavailable; therefore, new alternatives are required. This study compared the accuracy of ET0 calculated with the Blaney-Criddle (BC) and Hargreaves-Samani (HS) methods versus PM using information from an automated weather station (AWS) and the NASA-POWER platform (NP) for different periods. The information collected corresponds to Module XII of the Lagunera Region Irrigation District 017, a semi-arid region in the North of Mexico. The HS method underestimated the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) by 5.5% compared to the PM method considering the total ET0 of the study period (26 February to 9 August 2021) and yielded the best fit in the different evaluation periods (daily, 5-day mean, and 5-day cumulative); the latter showed the best values of inferential parameters. The information about maximum and minimum temperatures from the NP platform was suitable for estimating ET0 using the HS equation. This data source is a suitable alternative, particularly in semi-arid regions with limited climatological data from weather stations.

Quality of life in patients with epilepsy or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and the contribution of psychiatric comorbidities.

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is an important differential diagnosis. Psychiatric comorbidities are prevalent among people with epilepsy (PWE). Additionally, lower quality of life (QoL) in people with PNES compared with PWE was reported with higher rates of general psychiatric comorbidity. Although there are previous studies evaluating the QoL in patients with epilepsy, this study is unique and compelling because it represents a study comparing PNES and PWE on QoL, depression, and anxiety in a Spanish-speaking group of Argentine patients. The aim of this study was to analyze self-reported anxiety and depression in PWE and PNES and to establish the impact on QoL. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study; QoL was measured using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31). To study anxiety and depression, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered. Clinical and complementary data were recorded. RESULTS: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures scored significantly higher in anxiety and depression and with lower levels of QoL compared with PWE. Anxiety and depression had a negative correlation with QoL. CONCLUSION: Nonepileptic seizures have an even greater impact on QoL than epileptic seizures, and this could be influenced by psychiatric comorbidities. These findings corroborate what other studies in English-speaking nations that have found regarding the impact of psychopathology on QoL in those with PNES and further support the importance of assessing for psychiatric comorbidities to tailor treatment.

Synthesis and molecular docking studies of imines as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors.

Imine functionality is found in many compounds with important biological activity. Thus, the development of novel synthetic approaches for imines is important. In this work, it is propose an easy, eco-friendly and straightforward synthesis pathway of aryl imines under microwave irradiation catalyzed by Alumina-sulfuric acid. In addition, the in vitro enzymatic inhibition, antioxidant activity and molecular docking studies were performed. The aryl imines were isolated with yields in the range of 37-94%. All aryl imines synthesized were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes and the results exhibited that the most of the compounds displayed inhibitory activity against both enzymes. The (E)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-N-(pyridin-2-yl)methanimine (3d) was 1.15-fold more active than acarbose against α-amylase whilst the (E)-1-phenyl-N-(pyridin-2-yl)methanimine (3c) displayed similar activity that acarbose against α-glucosidase. The molecular docking studies in α-glucosidase and α-amylase reveal that aryl imines mainly establish an H-bond with the R2-subtituent and hydrophobic interactions with the R1-subtituent. The docking analysis reveals these synthetic aryl imines 3d-i interact in same active site than acarbose drug in both enzymes.

A new focal model resembling features of cortical pathology of the progressive forms of multiple sclerosis: Influence of innate immunity.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of unknown aetiology that causes neurological disabilities in young adults. MS displays different clinical patterns, including recurrent episodes with remission periods ("relapsing-remitting MS" (RRMS)), which can progress over several years to a secondary progressive form (SPMS). However, 10% of patients display persistent progression at the onset of disease ("primary progressive MS" (PPMS)). Currently, no specific therapeutic agents are available for the progressive forms, mainly because the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not clear and because no animal models have been specifically developed for these forms. The development of MS animal models is required to clarify the pathological mechanisms and to test novel therapeutic agents. In the present work, we overexpressed interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) in the cortex to develop an animal model reflecting the main pathological hallmarks of MS. The treated animals presented with neuroinflammation, demyelination, glial activation, and neurodegeneration along with cognitive symptoms and MRI images consistent with MS pathology. We also demonstrated the presence of meningeal inflammation close to cortical lesions, with characteristics similar to those described in MS patients. Systemic pro-inflammatory stimulation caused a flare-up of the cortical lesions and behavioural symptoms, including impairment of working memory and the appearance of anxiety-like symptoms. Our work demonstrated induced cortical lesions, reflecting the main histopathological hallmarks and cognitive impairments characterizing the cortical pathology described in MS patients with progressive forms of the disease.

[Progressive myoclonic epilepsy secondary to Lafora's body disease]. / Epilepsia mioclónica progresiva secundaria a enfermedad por cuerpos de Lafora.

Lafora's disease is infrequent. However, it is one of the most common causes of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. We present the case of a 19-year-old woman, without comorbidities and normal development that started at 8 years with seizures and that from 15 years, had progressive cognitive deterioration. She was admitted to our institution with a diagnosis of super refractory status epilepticus. The diagnosis of Lafora's disease was made through pathological anatomy, later a genetic test was performed that reported a pathogenic variant of the EPM2A gene, confirming the diagnosis. We present a cause of progressive myoclonic epilepsy, with an ominous prognosis and a treatment oriented to palliative measures, so it is important to analyze the differential diagnoses with other entities, in order to establish a prognosis, offer better quality of life, adequate medical care and provide genetic counseling to family members.

Design of a Computerised Flight Mill Device to Measure the Flight Potential of Different Insects.

Several insect species pose a serious threat to different plant species, sometimes becoming a pest that produces significant damage to the landscape, biodiversity, and/or the economy. This is the case of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), Semanotus laurasii Lucas (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which have become serious threats to ornamental and productive trees all over the world such as palm trees, cypresses, and pines. Knowledge about their flight potential is very important for designing and applying measures targeted to reduce the negative effects from these pests. Studying the flight capability and behaviour of some insects is difficult due to their small size and the large area wherein they can fly, so we wondered how we could obtain information about their flight capabilities in a controlled environment. The answer came with the design of flight mills. Relevant data about the flight potential of these insects may be recorded and analysed by means of a flight mill. Once an insect is attached to the flight mill, it is able to fly in a circular direction without hitting walls or objects. By adding sensors to the flight mill, it is possible to record the number of revolutions and flight time. This paper presents a full description of a computer monitored flight mill. The description covers both the mechanical and the electronic parts in detail. The mill was designed to easily adapt to the anatomy of different insects and was successfully tested with individuals from three species R. ferrugineus, S. laurasii, and M. galloprovincialis.

A High-Speed Acoustic Echo Canceller Based on Grey Wolf Optimization and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms.

Currently, the use of acoustic echo cancellers (AECs) plays a crucial role in IoT applications, such as voice control appliances, hands-free telephony and intelligent voice control devices, among others. Therefore, these IoT devices are mostly controlled by voice commands. However, the performance of these devices is significantly affected by echo noise in real acoustic environments. Despite good results being achieved in terms of echo noise reductions using conventional adaptive filtering based on gradient optimization algorithms, recently, the use of bio-inspired algorithms has attracted significant attention in the science community, since these algorithms exhibit a faster convergence rate when compared with gradient optimization algorithms. To date, several authors have tried to develop high-performance AEC systems to offer high-quality and realistic sound. In this work, we present a new AEC system based on the grey wolf optimization (GWO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms to guarantee a higher convergence speed compared with previously reported solutions. This improvement potentially allows for high tracking capabilities. This aspect has special relevance in real acoustic environments since it indicates the rate at which noise is reduced.

A Real-Time FPGA-Based Metaheuristic Processor to Efficiently Simulate a New Variant of the PSO Algorithm.

Nowadays, high-performance audio communication devices demand superior audio quality. To improve the audio quality, several authors have developed acoustic echo cancellers based on particle swarm optimization algorithms (PSO). However, its performance is reduced significantly since the PSO algorithm suffers from premature convergence. To overcome this issue, we propose a new variant of the PSO algorithm based on the Markovian switching technique. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm has a mechanism to dynamically adjust the population size over the filtering process. In this way, the proposed algorithm exhibits great performance by reducing its computational cost significantly. To adequately implement the proposed algorithm in a Stratix IV GX EP4SGX530 FPGA, we present for the first time, the development of a parallel metaheuristic processor, in which each processing core simulates the different number of particles by using the time-multiplexing technique. In this way, the variation of the size of the population can be effective. Therefore, the properties of the proposed algorithm along with the proposed parallel hardware architecture potentially allow the development of high-performance acoustic echo canceller (AEC) systems.

Confidentiality in medical images through a genetic-based steganography algorithm in artificial intelligence.

Nowadays, image steganography has an important role in hiding information in advanced applications, such as medical image communication, confidential communication and secret data storing, protection of data alteration, access control system for digital content distribution and media database systems. In these applications, one of the most important aspects is to hide information in a cover image whithout suffering any alteration. Currently, all existing approaches used to hide a secret message in a cover image produce some level of distortion in this image. Although these levels of distortion present acceptable PSNR values, this causes minimal visual degradation that can be detected by steganalysis techniques. In this work, we propose a steganographic method based on a genetic algorithm to improve the PSNR level reduction. To achieve this aim, the proposed algorithm requires a private key composed of two values. The first value serves as a seed to generate the random values required on the genetic algorithm, and the second value represents the sequence of bit locations of the secret medical image within the cover image. At least the seed must be shared by a secure communication channel. The results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits higher capacity in terms of PNSR level compared with existing works.

A biologically inspired spiking neural P system in selective visual attention for efficient feature extraction from human motion.

Nowadays, human action recognition has become an essential task in health care and other fields. During the last decade, several authors have developed algorithms for human activity detection and recognition by exploiting at the maximum the high-performance computing devices to improve the quality and efficiency of their results. However, in real-time and practical human action recognition applications, the simulation of these algorithms exceed the capacity of current computer systems by considering several factors, such as camera movement, complex scene and occlusion. One potential solution to decrease the computational complexity in the human action detection and recognition can be found in the nature of the human visual perception. Specifically, this process is called selective visual attention. Inspired by this neural phenomena, we propose for the first time a spiking neural P system for efficient feature extraction from human motion. Specifically, we propose this neural structure to carry out a pre-processing stage since many studies have revealed that an analysis of visual information of the human brain proceeds in a sequence of operations, in which each one is applied to a specific location or locations. In this way, this specialized processing have allowed to focus the recognition of the objects in a simpler manner. To create a compact and high speed spiking neural P system, we use their cutting-edge variants, such as rules on the synapses, communication on request and astrocyte-like control. Our results have demonstrated that the use of the proposed neural P system increases significantly the performance of low-computational complexity neural classifiers up to more 97% in the human action recognition.

Understanding the role of the blood brain barrier and peripheral inflammation on behavior and pathology on ongoing confined cortical lesions.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation in the Central Nervous System (CNS) is associated with blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown during the early stages of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), indicating a facilitated entry of waves of inflammatory cells from the circulation to the CNS. In the progressive forms of MS, as the lesion becomes chronic, the inflammation remains trapped within the CNS compartment forming the slow evolving lesion, characterized by low inflammation and microglia activation at the lesions edges. The chronic expression of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) in the cortex induces BBB breakdown, demyelination, neurodegeneration, microglial/macrophage activation and impaired cognitive performance. The latter can be improved, as long as the BBB recovers and the lesion presents low inflammation. Here, we study the effects of peripheral inflammation on cortical central lesions after the restoration of the BBB, in order to elucidate the role of the peripheral inflammation on these lesions with intact BBB, as it occurs in the progressive forms of MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cortical lesions and peripheral inflammation were induced by the chronic expression of IL-1ß using an adenovector. We performed histological, immunohistochemistry on brain tissue and behavioural analyses. RESULTS: The effects of the chronic expression of IL-1ß in the cortex resolved within 56 days. However, peripheral and sustained inflammation re-opened the BBB, allowing the reappearance of the neuroinflammatory processes within the cortical lesions, increased demyelination and neurodegeneration, and an increase of the behavioral symptoms, such as cognitive impairment and anxiety-like symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The early treatment of peripheral inflammatory processes should be considered in order to protect the brain from exacerbation of the ongoing neurodegenerative process.

Usefulness of a new semiological classification for characterizing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

BACKGROUND: Nonepileptic events misdiagnosed as epilepsy lead to a risk of iatrogenic morbidity, which increases health costs. Among the patients affected by nonepileptic events, 11-46% are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of the semiological classification of PNESs among patients diagnosed by means of video electroencephalograms (vEEGs). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the medical records of patients admitted to the adult vEEG unit between April 2007 and December 2016, who were diagnosed with PNES that was confirmed through vEEG. Analysis on demographic and clinical data and classification of PNESs according to the Magaudda classification were performed. RESULTS: We identified 143 patients, among whom 31.5% had also epilepsy. According to the Magaudda classification, the events were: hypermotor (58%); subjective symptoms (21.7%); akinetic (14.7%) and focal motor (5.6%). Hypermotor predominated in both genders, followed by subjective symptoms in women (23.9%) and akinetic in men (19.2%). The mean number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) prescribed per patient was 2.3. Thirty-two patients (22.4%) required at least one hospitalization for PNESs. 48.3% of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities. CONCLUSION: The proposed semiological classification of PNESs is a relevant tool that general neurologists can use to characterize these events in their daily practice. Correct use of this classification, together with vEEG and appropriate clinical suspicion, makes it possible to reach an accurate early diagnosis, thus reducing morbidity and, possibly, the high costs associated with PNESs.

Structural characterization of nanoemulsions stabilized with sodium caseinate and of the hydrogels prepared from them by acid-induced gelation.

Hydrogels obtained by acidification with glucono-δ-lactone (GDL), starting from nanoemulsions formulated with different concentrations of sodium caseinate (1-4 wt%) or 4 wt% sodium caseinate and sucrose (2-8 wt%), were prepared with the aim of quantifying structural parameters of both, initial nanoemulsions and hydrogels after 2.5 h of GDL addition, using the Guinier-Porod (GP) or the generalized GP models. Gelation process was followed by performing in situ temperature-controlled X-ray small angle scattering experiments (SAXS) using synchrotron radiation. In nanoemulsions, the calculated radius of gyration for oil nanodroplets (Rg oil ) decreased with increasing protein concentration and for the 4 wt% protein nanoemulsion, with increasing sucrose content. Calculated values of Rg oil were validated correlating them with experimental Z-average values as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). For hydrogels, radii of gyration for the sphere equivalent to the hydrogel scattering object (R gsph ) were close to 3 nm while correlation distances among building blocks (R g2 ) were dependent on formulation. They increased with increasing contents of sodium caseinate and sucrose. R g2 parameter linearly correlated with hydrogel strength (G' ∞ ): a more connected nanostructure led to a stronger hydrogel.

[Cerebral structural changes in generalized idiopathic epilepsy identified by automated magnetic resonance imaging analysis]. / Cambios estructurales cerebrales en epilepsia generalizada idiopática identificados por análisis de imágenes de resonancia magnética automatizados.

The purpose of this study was to combine two automated methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) structural analysis in order to identify structural changes in patients born in Argentina with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) compared to a healthy adult control group. Twenty-eight patients with IGE and 26 controls with no significant demographic differences were included. The analysis of the brain structures was conducted with two automated methods of magnetic resonance image analysis: voxelbased morphometry and FSL-integrated registration and segmentation toolbox (FSL-FIRST). FSL showed volume decrease in both thalamus in patients with IGE compared to the control group (left: 8092 mm3 control group vs. 7424 mm3 IGE, p = 0.0015; right: 7951 mm3 control group vs. 7247 mm3 IGE, p = 0.0016). A reduction in the volume of both caudate nuclei was also seen (left: 3612 mm3 control group vs. 3376 mm3 IGE, p = 0.01; right: 3683 mm3 control group vs. 3459 mm3 IGE, p = 0.04). Voxel-based-morphometry showed a volume decrease in both caudate nuclei in patients with IGE compared to the control group. The other cerebral structures analyzed did not show significant differences between the groups. In conclusion, this study shows the reduction in volume in the subcortical, thalamic, and caudate nuclei structures in patients with IGE in comparison to control group. This study conducted in our country delves into the analysis of brain structural changes in patients with EGI compared to healthy subjects.

El objetivo de este estudio fue combinar dos métodos automatizados de análisis estructural de imágenes de resonancia magnética para identificar cambios estructurales en pacientes nacidos en Argentina con epilepsia generalizada idiopática (EGI) en comparación con un grupo control de adultos sanos. Fueron incluidos 28 pacientes con EGI y 26 controles sin diferencias demográficas significativas. El análisis de las estructuras cerebrales se realizó con dos métodos automatizados de análisis de imágenes de resonancia magnética: la morfometría basada en vóxel y con la herramienta de segmentación y registro integrada FSL (FSL-FIRST). FSL mostró una disminución del volumen en ambos tálamos en EGI en comparación con el grupo control (tálamo izquierdo: 8092 mm3 grupo control vs. 7424 mm3 EGI, p = 0.0015; tálamo derecho: 7951 mm3 grupo control vs. 7247 mm3 EGI, p = 0.0016). Se observó una reducción en el volumen de ambos núcleos caudados (izquierdo: 3612 mm3 grupo control vs. 3376 mm3 EGI, p = 0.01; derecho 3683 mm3 grupo control vs. 3459 mm3 EGI, p = 0.04). La morfometría basada en vóxel mostró una disminución del volumen en ambos núcleos caudados en EGI en comparación con el grupo control. Las otras estructuras cerebrales analizadas no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Este estudio muestra la reducción en el volumen en las estructuras subcortical, tálamos y núcleos caudados en pacientes con EGI comparado con un grupo control.

Relationship between nano/micro structure and physical properties of TiO2-sodium caseinate composite films.

Films obtained by casting, starting from conventional emulsions (CE), nanoemulsions (NE) or their gels, which led to different structures, with the aim of explore the relationship between structure and physical properties, were prepared. Sodium caseinate was used as the matrix, glycerol as plasticizer, glucono-delta-lactone as acidulant to form the gels, and TiO2 nanoparticles as reinforcement to improve physical behavior. Structural characterization was performed by SAXS and WAXS (Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering, respectively), combined with confocal and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of the lipid phase does not notably modify the mechanical properties of the films compared to solution films. Films from NE were more stable against oil release than those from CE. Incorporation of TiO2 improved mechanical properties as measured by dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and uniaxial tensile tests. TiO2 macroscopic spatial distribution homogeneity and the nanostructure character of NE films were confirmed by mapping the q-dependent scattering intensity in scanning SAXS experiments. SAXS microscopies indicated a higher intrinsic homogeneity of NE films compared to CE films, independently of the TiO2 load. NE-films containing structures with smaller and more homogeneously distributed building blocks showed greater potential for food applications than the films prepared from sodium caseinate solutions, which are the best known films.

Enhanced Working Memory Binding by Direct Electrical Stimulation of the Parietal Cortex.

Recent works evince the critical role of visual short-term memory (STM) binding deficits as a clinical and preclinical marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These studies suggest a potential role of posterior brain regions in both the neurocognitive deficits of Alzheimer's patients and STM binding in general. Thereupon, we surmised that stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) might be a successful approach to tackle working memory deficits in this condition, especially at early stages. To date, no causal evidence exists of the role of the parietal cortex in STM binding. A unique approach to assess this issue is afforded by single-subject direct intracranial electrical stimulation of specific brain regions during a relevant cognitive task. Electrical stimulation has been used both for clinical purposes and to causally probe brain mechanisms. Previous evidence of electrical currents spreading through white matter along well defined functional circuits indicates that visual working memory mechanisms are subserved by a specific widely distributed network. Here, we stimulated the parietal cortex of a subject with intracranial electrodes as he performed the visual STM task. We compared the ensuing results to those from a non-stimulated condition and to the performance of a matched control group. In brief, direct stimulation of the parietal cortex induced a selective improvement in STM. These results, together with previous studies, provide very preliminary but promising ground to examine behavioral changes upon parietal stimulation in AD. We discuss our results regarding: (a) the usefulness of the task to target prodromal stages of AD; (b) the role of a posterior network in STM binding and in AD; and

Usefulness of a new semiological classification for characterizing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures / Utilidad de una nueva clasificación semiológica para caracterización de eventos paroxísticos no epilépticos de origen psicógeno

ABSTRACT Background: Nonepileptic events misdiagnosed as epilepsy lead to a risk of iatrogenic morbidity, which increases health costs. Among the patients affected by nonepileptic events, 11-46% are psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs). Objective: To investigate the usefulness of the semiological classification of PNESs among patients diagnosed by means of video electroencephalograms (vEEGs). Methods: This was a retrospective review of the medical records of patients admitted to the adult vEEG unit between April 2007 and December 2016, who were diagnosed with PNES that was confirmed through vEEG. Analysis on demographic and clinical data and classification of PNESs according to the Magaudda classification were performed. Results: We identified 143 patients, among whom 31.5% had also epilepsy. According to the Magaudda classification, the events were: hypermotor (58%); subjective symptoms (21.7%); akinetic (14.7%) and focal motor (5.6%). Hypermotor predominated in both genders, followed by subjective symptoms in women (23.9%) and akinetic in men (19.2%). The mean number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) prescribed per patient was 2.3. Thirty-two patients (22.4%) required at least one hospitalization for PNESs. 48.3% of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities. Conclusion: The proposed semiological classification of PNESs is a relevant tool that general neurologists can use to characterize these events in their daily practice. Correct use of this classification, together with vEEG and appropriate clinical suspicion, makes it possible to reach an accurate early diagnosis, thus reducing morbidity and, possibly, the high costs associated with PNESs

RESUMEN Introducción: Los eventos no epilépticos diagnosticados erróneamente como epilepsia conducen a un riesgo de morbilidad iatrogénica que aumenta los costes en salud. Entre los pacientes afectados por eventos no epilépticos, un 11-46% son de origen psicógeno (PNES). Objetivos: Evaluar la utilidad de la clasificación semiológica de PNES en pacientes diagnosticados por video electroencefalograma (vEEG). Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los registros médicos de pacientes ingresados en la unidad de adultos de vEEG entre 04-2007 y 12-2016, que fueron diagnosticados con PNES confirmado por vEEG. Se realizó un análisis de los datos demográficos y clínicos, y la clasificación de los PNES según la clasificación de Magaudda. Resultados: Identificamos 143 pacientes, el 31,5% de los cuales también tenía epilepsia. Según la clasificación de Magaudda, los eventos fueron: hipermotor 58%; síntomas subjetivos 21,7%; akinética 14,7% y motor focal 5,6%. El hipermotor predominó en ambos los sexos, seguido de síntomas subjetivos en las mujeres (23,9%) y akinéticos en los hombres (19,2%). La cantidad media de fármacos antiepilépticos (FAE) recetados por paciente fue 2.3. Un total de 32 pacientes (22.4%) requirieron al menos una hospitalización por PNES. El 48,3% de los pacientes tenía comorbilidad psiquiátrica. Conclusión: La clasificación semiológica de los PNES propuesta es una herramienta relevante que los neurólogos generales pueden usar para caracterizar esos eventos en su práctica diaria. El uso correcto de esta clasificación, vEEG y una sospecha clínica adecuada permite llegar a un diagnóstico preciso y temprano, reduciendo así la morbilidad y, posiblemente, los altos costes asociados con las PNES.

Reconstrucción de precipitación y temperatura con anillos de crecimiento anual del ciprés Taxodium mucronatum (Taxodiaceae) en Coahuila, México / Reconstruction of precipitation and temperature with annual growth rings of the cypress Taxodium mucronatum (Taxodiaceae) in Coahuila, Mexico

Introducción: La determinación del clima en cuencas productoras de agua, como la del río Sabinas, Coahuila, donde no existe información de su variabilidad, se puede estimar mediante anillos de crecimiento de ahuehuete (Taxodium mucronatum Ten.), especie longeva con anillos bien definidos, presente en las zonas ribereñas, constituye un "proxy" o método indirecto de la variabilidad climática interanual y multianual. Objetivo: Desarrollar una reconstrucción estacional de precipitación y temperatura máxima y analizar la influencia que ejercen fenómenos de circulación global en el crecimiento de la especie. Métodos: Los núcleos de crecimiento de T. mucronatum fueron datados a través de técnicas dendrocronológicas para producir una serie de ancho de anillo. Se utilizaron datos de mallas del clima de dos bases de datos para desarrollar el análisis de la función de respuesta con fines de reconstrucción climática. Resultados: Una cronología de anillo total de 218 años (1808-2018) se desarrolló con especímenes de T. mucronatum en parajes del Río Sabinas, con la que se generó una reconstrucción estacional de precipitación abril-junio y de temperatura máxima junio-julio. El periodo detectado más seco se presentó de 1815 a 1818 con una precipitación de 27.39 mm y una temperatura máxima de 41.16 °C; mientras que el año más húmedo fue 1828 con 393.72 mm. La cronología de anillo total se correlacionó con los índices de sequía SPEI y PDSI, y con índices de fenómenos atmosféricos como El Niño Oscilación del Sur, a través del Índice de Oscilación del Sur (SOI) y el índice Multivariado (MEI); Oscilación Decadal del Pacífico (PDO) y Oscilación Multidecadal del Atlántico (AMO). La relación entre el índice de anillo total y el del Índice Estandarizado de Precipitación Evaporación (SPEI) mostró significancia en el mes de junio (r = 0.52, P < 0.01), al igual que el Índice de Severidad de Sequía del Palmer (PDSI), PDSI anual (r = 0.38, P < 0.05). El SOI reconstruido noviembre-febrero, se asoció significativamente con la serie dendrocronológica (r = -0.41, P < 0.01). La Oscilación Decadal del Pacífico y la Oscilación Multidecadal del Atlántico, no mostraron significancia. Conclusiones: En este estudio, desarrollamos una función de respuesta climática y reconstruimos variables climáticas estacionales (precipitación, temperatura máxima) de importancia para desarrollar estrategias de manejo para la conservación de T. mucronatum en esta cuenca, e implementar acciones de mitigación para la presencia de eventos climáticos extremos que se pueden presentar en los próximos años.

Introduction: Dendroclimatic reconstructions in water-yield basins lacking hydroclimatic data, such as the Rio Sabinas is important to analyze its interannual and multiannual climatic variability. One of the species useful for this purpose is the Montezuma baldcypress (Taxodium mucronatum Ten.), a long-lived species with well-defined annual rings, present along the riparian zone of the Rio Sabinas that constitutes a "proxy" of interannual and multiannual climate variability. Objective: Develop a seasonal precipitation and maximum temperature reconstructions, and to analyze the influence of global circulatory modes on the species annual radial increase. Methods: Increment cores of the Montezuma baldcypress specimens were dated through dendrochronological techniques to produce a ring-width series. Climate gridded data from two databases were used to develop a response function analysis for climate reconstruction purposes. Results: A ring-width chronology extending from 1808 to 2018 (211 years) was developed and used to develop a seasonal April-June precipitation and a mean June-July maximum temperature reconstruction. The driest period detected on the rainfall reconstruction occurred from 1815 to 1818 with 27.4 mm and a maximum temperature of 41.2 °C; while the wettest year was 1828 with 393.72 mm. The ring-width chronology was correlated with the Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI) and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), and with indices of atmospheric phenomena such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), through the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the Multivariate Index (MEI); Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The relationship between the ring-width series and drought indices (SPEI, PDSI) was significant in June (r = 0.52, P < 0.01), and June-August (r = 0.38, P < 0.05) for the SPEI and reconstructed PDSI, respectively. It was found a significant association between the ring-width chronology and the reconstructed November-February SOI (r = -0.41, P < 0.01). The Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation were not significant. Conclusions: On this study, we developed a climatic response function and reconstructed seasonal climatic variables (precipitation, maximum temperature) of importance to develop management strategies for conservation of the Montezuma bald cypress on this basin, and to implement mitigation actions for the presence of extreme climatic events that may occur in coming years.

New insights about flocculation process in sodium caseinate-stabilized emulsions.

Flocculation process was studied in emulsions formulated with 10wt.% sunflower oil, 2, 5 or 7.5wt.% NaCas, and with or without addition of sucrose (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30wt.%). Two different processing conditions were used to prepare emulsions: ultraturrax homogenization or further homogenization by ultrasound. Emulsions with droplets with diameters above (coarse) or below (fine) 1µm were obtained. Emulsions were analyzed for droplet size distribution by static light scattering (SLS), stability by Turbiscan, and structure by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). SAXS data were fitted by a theoretical model that considered a system composed of poly dispersed spheres with repulsive interaction and presence of aggregates. Flocculation behavior was caused by the self-assembly properties of NaCas, but the process was more closely related to interfacial protein content than micelles concentration in the aqueous phase. The results indicated that casein aggregation was strongly affected by disaccharide addition, hydrophobic interaction of the emulsion droplets, and interactions among interfacial protein molecules. The structural changes detected in the protein micelles in different environments allowed understanding the macroscopic physical behavior observed in concentrated NaCas emulsions.

Guiding Classical Biological Control of an Invasive Mealybug Using Integrative Taxonomy.

Delottococcus aberiae De Lotto (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a mealybug of Southern African origin that has recently been introduced into Eastern Spain. It causes severe distortions on young citrus fruits and represents a growing threat to Mediterranean citrus production. So far, biological control has proven unsatisfactory due to the absence of efficient natural enemies in Spain. Hence, the management of this pest currently relies only on chemical control. The introduction of natural enemies of D. aberiae from the native area of the pest represents a sustainable and economically viable alternative to reduce the risks linked to pesticide applications. Since biological control of mealybugs has been traditionally challenged by taxonomic misidentification, an intensive survey of Delottococcus spp. and their associated parasitoids in South Africa was required as a first step towards a classical biological control programme. Combining morphological and molecular characterization (integrative taxonomy) a total of nine mealybug species were identified in this study, including three species of Delottococcus. Different populations of D. aberiae were found on wild olive trees, in citrus orchards and on plants of Chrysanthemoides monilifera, showing intra-specific divergences according to their host plants. Interestingly, the invasive mealybug populations from Spanish orchards clustered together with the population on citrus from Limpopo Province (South Africa), sharing COI haplotypes. This result pointed to an optimum location to collect natural enemies against the invasive mealybug. A total of 14 parasitoid species were recovered from Delottococcus spp. and identified to genus and species level, by integrating morphological and molecular data. A parasitoid belonging to the genus Anagyrus, collected from D. aberiae in citrus orchards in Limpopo, is proposed here as a good biological control agent to be introduced into Spain.