Strategic restoration planning for land birds in the Colorado River Delta, Mexico.

Ecological restoration is an essential strategy for mitigating the current biodiversity crisis, yet restoration actions are costly. We used systematic conservation planning principles to design an approach that prioritizes restoration sites for birds and tested it in a riparian forest restoration program in the Colorado River Delta. Restoration goals were to maximize the abundance and diversity of 15 priority birds with a variety of habitat preferences. We built abundance models for priority birds based on the current landscape, and predicted bird distributions and relative abundances under a scenario of complete riparian forest restoration throughout our study area. Then, we used Zonation conservation planning software to rank this restored landscape based on core areas for all priority birds. The locations with the highest ranks represented the highest priorities for restoration and were located throughout the river reach. We optimized how much of the available landscape to restore by simulating restoration of the top 10-90% of ranked sites in 10% intervals. We found that total diversity was maximized when 40% of the landscape was restored, and mean relative abundance was maximized when 80% of the landscape was restored. The results suggest that complete restoration is not optimal for this community of priority birds and restoration of approximately 60% of the landscape would provide a balance between maximum relative abundance and diversity. Subsequent planning efforts will combine our results with an assessment of restoration costs to provide further decision support for the restoration-siting process. Our approach can be applied to any landscape-scale restoration program to improve the return on investment of limited economic resources for restoration.

Results in mediastinal lymph node staging of surgical lung cancer: Data from the prospective cohort of the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of combined computerised tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) in mediastinal staging of surgical lung cancer based on data obtained from the prospective cohort of the Spanish Group for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (GEVATS). METHODS: A total of 2782 patients underwent surgery for primary lung carcinoma. We analysed diagnostic success in mediastinal lymph node staging (cN2) using CT and PET. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed of the factors involved in this success. The risk of unexpected pN2 disease was analysed for cases in which an invasive testing is recommended: cN1, the tumour centrally located or the tumour diameter >3 cm. RESULTS: The overall success of CT together with PET was 82.9% with a positive predictive value of 0.21 and negative predictive value of 0.93. If the tumour was larger than 3 cm and for each unit increase in mediastinal SUVmax, the probability of success was lower with OR 0.59 (0.44-0.79) and 0.71 (0.66-0.75), respectively. In the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach, the probability of success was higher with OR 2.04 (1.52-2.73). The risk of unexpected pN2 increased with the risk factors cN1, the tumour centrally located or the tumour diameter >3 cm: from 4.5% (0 factors) to 18.8% (3 factors) but did not differ significantly as a function of whether invasive testing was performed. CONCLUSIONS: CT and PET together have a high negative predictive value. The overall success of the staging is lower in the case of tumours >3 cm and high mediastinal SUVmax, and it is higher when VATS is performed. The risk of unexpected pN2 is higher if the disease is cN1, the tumour centrally located or the tumour diameter >3 cm but does not vary significantly as a function of whether patients have undergone invasive testing.

Experimental investigation on composites incorporating rice husk nanoparticles for environmental noise management.

Environmental noise characteristics are determined by factors besides its source. One such factor is reverberation time, which in city canyons tends to be high due to the reflective characteristics of materials commonly used in building facades. Incorporating sound absorbing materials into building facades can help improve urban environments. This research evaluates different facade materials (concrete mix, mortar mix, vinyl spackling, and epoxy resin) incorporated with rice husk nanoparticles (NPs). Rice husk, in addition to presenting good properties for acoustic absorption, is one of the main agricultural wastes worldwide. Additionally, the characteristic of rice husk nanoparticles is correlated with milling time (longer grinding times enhance production of rice husk NPs). Sound absorption coefficients levels increase for compounds with a greater amount of rice husk NPs.

Impacto medioambiental y socioeconómico en la salud generado por la minería artesanal del oro en Colombia

Introducción: Este artículo de revisión sistemática describe el impacto medioambiental y socioeconómico en salud generado por la minería artesanal del oro en Colombia. Para el estudio se tuvieron en cuenta artículos publicados entre 2010 y 2019. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica fue describir el impacto medioambiental y socioeconómico en la salud generado por la minería artesanal del oro en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Trabajo construido mediante revisión sistemática, usando los siguientes descriptores: minería, sector informal, riesgo a la salud, condiciones de salud. Para esta búsqueda se utilizaron las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Publindex, así como la normatividad colombiana. Resultados: Se desarrollan las categorías ambientales, socioeconómico y salud. En la categoría ambiental se detalla información sobre sostenibilidad ambiental, manejo de vertimientos, pruebas fisicoquímicas y control gubernamental; En la categoría socioeconómica se describen los dilemas entre minería y medio ambiente, el dilema entre pequeña minería o artesanal y minería a gran escala o industrializada, y el conflicto social y económico. En la categoría salud se analizan las afectaciones y la percepción de la población sobre los daños en la salud, la protección laboral, la innovación social y las oportunidades de cambio para una producción más limpia y saludable. Conclusiones: Los estudios realizados se concentran principalmente en el departamento de Antioquia evidenciando la necesidad de realizar investigaciones en otras zonas del país. A pesar de que en Colombia existe legislación minera, se requiere que el gobierno establezca medidas efectivas de control, capacite y socialice a los mineros sobre métodos adecuados de procesamiento del oro, garantizado el desarrollo ambiental, social y protección laboral.

Introduction: This systematic review article describes the environmental and socioeconomic impact on health generated by handmade gold mining in Colombia. For this study articles published between 2010 and 2019 were considered. The objective of this bibliographic review is to describe the environmental and socioeconomic impact on health generated by gold mining in Colombia. Materials and methods: Work constructed through systematic review, using the following descriptors: mining, informal sector, health risk, health conditions. For this search, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Publindex databases were used, as well as Colombian regulations. Results: The environmental, socioeconomic, and health categories were developed. In the environmental category, information on environmental sustainability, management of discharges, physicochemical tests, and government control is detailed. In the socioeconomic category, the dilemmas between mining and the environment are described, the dilemma between small or artisanal mining and large-scale or industrialized mining, and the social and economic conflict. In the third category, health, the effects and perception of the population regarding health damage, labor protection, social innovation, and opportunities for change for cleaner and healthier production are analyzed. Conclusions: The studies carried out are mainly concentrated in the department of Antioquia, showing the need to carry out research in other areas of the country. Although there is mining legislation in Colombia, the government is required to establish effective control measures, train, and socialize the miners on adequate gold processing methods, guaranteeing the environmental and social development and protection of its miners.

Application of udder surface temperature by infrared thermography for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in Holstein cows located in tropical highlands.

Several reports have indicated that udder surface temperature (UST) can be a useful indicator of subclinical mastitis (SCM). The objective was to evaluate UST by infrared thermography (IRT) as a diagnostic tool for SCM and intramammary infection (IMI), and to assess the influence of environmental conditions in the potential diagnosis of this disease in dairy cows located at high-altitude tropical regions. A total of 105 cows (397 quarters) from 3 dairy farms with mechanical and manual milking methods were enrolled in the study. Subclinical mastitis was diagnosed when quarter samples had a somatic cell count (SCC) ≥200 × 103 cells/mL, microbial growth (MG) was defined when a major pathogen (≥1 cfu/plate) or Corynebacterium spp. (≥10 cfu/plate) was isolated, and IMI was defined as the presence of MG and SCC ≥100 × 103 cells/mL. Infrared images were taken with a thermal camera placed 1 m away from the udder, and shots of the rear and left and right lateral view were made during the morning milking, before any manipulation of the udder and employing dark cardboard on the contralateral side to avoid artifacts in the background. A multilevel mixed effects linear regression model clustered within cows and herd was performed to evaluate the associations with UST. Clinical performance was evaluated using the Youden index to establish the optimum UST thresholds, which were set at 32.6°C for any case definition when milking was by hand, at 33.7°C for MG, and at 34°C for SCM and IMI in machine-milked quarters. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), area under curve (AUC), and positive likelihood ratio (+LR) were also assessed. Test agreement was assessed by kappa coefficient (κ). The UST of healthy quarters ranged between (95% CI) 32.4 and 32.6°C, lower than SCM quarters (n = 88) at 32.9°C (95% CI: 32.7-33.1 °C), MG quarters (n = 56) at 33.5°C (95% CI: 33.3-33.7°C), and IMI quarters (n = 50) at 33.5°C (95% CI: 33.2-33.7 °C). The UST was also related to the milking method: higher temperatures were observed for hand milking (n = 90) compared with machine milking (n = 185). No relation between environmental conditions such as wind speed, atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, and temperature-humidity index and UST were observed during this study. For hand milking, the optimal UST threshold was 32.6°C; for SCM, Se = 0.53, Sp = 0.89, AUC = 0.71, κ = 0.4; for MG, Se = 0.83, Sp = 0.93, AUC = 0.88, κ = 0.77; and for IMI, Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.92, AUC = 0.87, κ = 0.74. The machine milking threshold for SCM resulted in Se = 0.42, Sp = 0.97, AUC = 0.70, κ = 0.47; for MG, Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.89, AUC = 0.85, κ = 0.60; and for IMI, Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.98, AUC = 0.90, κ = 0.79. These findings suggest that UST determined by IRT is higher in machine-milked cows and in quarters with MG and IMI than in healthy quarters; therefore, UST by IRT is a reliable, clinically useful method for MG and IMI diagnosis.

Linfangioma retroperitoneal neonatal: presentación de dos casos

RESUMEN Los linfangiomas abdominales son tumores quísticos poco frecuentes en pediatría, representan el 1% de todos los casos de linfangiomas; los síntomas clínicos no son específicos, se descubren de forma incidental; actualmente el manejo quirúrgico es de primera elección, pero se deben valorar otras posibilidades terapéuticas como los agentes esclerosantes que, dependiendo del tamaño, la ausencia o no de sintomatología y las comorbilidades del paciente se convierte en otra opción terapéutica menos invasivo con el cual se logran buenos resultados; se describe los casos clínicos de dos neonatos con diagnóstico de linfangioma retroperitoneal, manejados con agentes esclerosantes (caso 1) y cirugía (caso 2), mostrando las diferentes opciones terapéuticas.

ABSTRACT Abdominal lymphangiomas are infrequent cystic tumors in pediatric patients, they represent 1% of all cases of lymphangiomas; clinical symptoms are not specific, they are usually discovered incidentally; Surgical management is currently the first-line treatment, but other therapeutic possibilities, such as sclerosing agents, must be evaluated. Depending on the size, the presence or not of symptoms and the patient's comorbidities, these alternatives become another less-invasive therapeutic option, with which good results may be achieved. Two clinical cases of neonates diagnosed with retroperitoneal lymphangioma are described, one was managed with sclerosing agents and the other with surgery, exemplifying different therapeutic options.

Looking Inside a Prototype Compact X-Ray Tube Comprising CNT-Based Cold Cathode and Transmission-Type Anode.

In this article, we offer a look inside our prototype compact X-ray tube by reporting on our findings when we experimentally studied it. We studied the prototype experimentally to characterize its primary components, i.e., carbon nanotube (CNT)-based cold cathode, electrostatic lens and transmission-type anode, and to validate our previous simulation studies. We characterized the CNT-based cold cathode by studying the relationship between the electron emission current and its control parameter, electron extraction voltage. This relationship, commonly known as the current-voltage characteristic, showed an exponential-like nature that is expected from the Fowler-Nordheim model for field emission. Next, we characterized the electrostatic lens by studying the effects of lens voltage on the focal spot size. Their relationship showed a "V" trend and corroborated that we can control the focal spot size by controlling the lens voltage. We then characterized the transmission-type anode of the prototype by studying its output X-ray energy spectra at different anode voltages. We could control the highest and the mean X-ray energies generated from the transmission-type anode using the anode voltage. For the same anode voltage and aluminum filtration, when we compared the Xray energy spectrum generated from the transmission-type anode with that of the conventional reflection-type anode, we observed that the two energy spectra agreed with each other.

Effects of delaying measurements of concentration using neutron activation analysis on explosive taggants.

A nuclear barcode has been proposed to identify taggants added to explosives, which encodes identifying information by adding a unique combination of taggant elements at different concentration levels. Testing was conducted on two single element solutions at three concentrations to determine minimum detection concentration levels. The effect of delaying the time to obtain measurements and its effect on uncertainty over approximately four half-lives (5 days) was tested on five 1 part per million holmium solutions.

Ciclo de vida y enemigos naturales de Mechanitis menapis (Lepidoptera: Ithomiini)

Las mariposas de la tribu Ithomiini son uno de los modelos biológicos más estudiados en años recientes en trabajos de biogeografía, taxonomía y evolución. Sin embargo, aun cuando la biología y distribución de sus especies es mejor conocida que la de otros grupos de mariposas, existen aspectos de la historia natural poco estudiados que permitirían un mejor entendimiento del comportamiento de sus poblaciones y las interacciones con su ambiente. En este trabajo, se estudió la historia natural de la mariposa, Mechanitis menapis mantineus Hewitson (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini) y sus enemigos naturales en el oeste de Ecuador. Para ello, se realizó la identificación de las plantas hospederas, se estudió el ciclo de vida y los factores de mortalidad de los estados inmaduros. Adicionalmente, se identificaron los parasitoides asociados a la especie en la zona de estudio. Se identificaron tres plantas hospederas, las cuales son nuevos registros para la especie en la región. Asimismo, se describió la morfología de los estados inmaduros y su tiempo de desarrollo. Finalmente, se identificaron los principales enemigos naturales y se describieron aspectos de la historia natural y comportamiento de Hyposoter sp. (Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae), principal parasitoide de larvas. Los resultados de este trabajo, proporcionan información esencial para la revisión taxonómica del género Mechanitis F. y para continuar el estudio de la interacción de esta especie con sus plantas hospederas y enemigos naturales.

Life cycle and natural enemies of Mechanitis menapis (Lepidoptera: Ithomiini). The butterflies of the Ithomiini tribe are one of the most-studied biological models of recent years in terms of biogeography, taxonomy, and evolution. However, even though their biology and distribution is better known than many other groups of butterflies, there are unknown aspects of their natural history that would improve our understanding of their behavior, population dynamics, and interactions with their environment. In this work, we studied the natural history of the butterfly Mechanitis menapis mantineus Hewitson (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini), and its natural enemies, in Western Ecuador. We identified three host plants, which are new records for the species in this region. We documented the life cycle and described the morphology of the immature stages, their development time, and studied the factors associated with mortality of these immature stages. Additionally, we identified the parasitoids associated with the species in the study area. In particular, we documented aspects of the natural history and behavior of Hyposoter sp. (Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae), the main parasitoid of the larvae. The results of this work provide essential information for the taxonomic revision of the genus Mechanitis F. as well as the continued study of the interactions between the butterfly, its host plants, and natural enemies.

Los parámetros espermáticos funcionales como factor pronóstico en ICSI: Experiencia de la ciudad de Medellín / Functional Seminal Parameters as a Prognostic Factor in ICSI: Medellín City Experience

Introducción La infertilidad por factor masculino afecta al 30% de las parejas infértiles y la evaluación seminal es crítica en las determinaciones que conllevan a un posible tratamiento con el fin de tener un resultado exitoso. Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación que existe entre los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales, con las tasas de fecundación, desarrollo embrionario y embarazo obtenidas después de inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI). Métodos 36 muestras seminales de parejas que se sometieron a ICSI (18 usando oocitos propios y 18 de donante), fueron evaluadas de manera convencional, posteriormente se seleccionaron los espermatozoides, se realizó ICSI y una alícuota se utilizó para cuantificar las siguientes pruebas funcionales: potencial de membrana mitocondrial, integridad de la membrana, detección de especies reactivas de oxígeno e índice de fragmentación del ADN. Resultados No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a los parámetros convencionales y funcionales en los dos grupos, como tampoco se encontró una relación significativa entre los parámetros evaluados y los resultados de ICSI. Sólo se observó que la tasa de embarazo fue mayor en el grupo de oocitos donados (p < 0,0001). Conclusiones Los datos obtenidos en este estudio sugieren que no existe correlación entre los parámetros evaluados y los resultados de ICSI. Eso se debe probablemente, a que la selección de los espermatozoides tanto por gradientes de densidad como la posterior selección durante el procedimiento del ICSI, tiene un bajo poder predictivo sumado a la capacidad que tiene el oocito de reparar los daños presentes en el espermatozoide.

Background Male infertility affects 30% of infertile couples and seminal evaluation is critical in the determinations that lead to a possible treatment in order to have a successful outcome. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between conventional and functional seminal parameters, with the rates of fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy obtained after ICSI. Methods 36 semen samples of couples that underwent ICSI (18 using own oocytes and 18 from donors) were conventionally evaluated, spermatozoa were subsequently selected, ICSI was performed and an aliquot was used to quantify the following functional tests: mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species detection and DNA fragmentation index. Results There were no significant differences in the conventional and functional parameters in the two groups, nor was there a significant relationship between the parameters evaluated and the ICSI results. It was only observed that the pregnancy rate was higher in the group of donated oocytes (p < 0.0001). Conclusions The data obtained in this study suggest that there is no correlation between the parameters evaluated and the ICSI outcome. This is probably because the selection of spermatozoa by density gradients in addition to the subsequent selection during ICSI has a low predictive power and also the ability of the oocyte to repair the damage present in the spermatozoa.

Equine suspensory ligament and tendon explants cultured with platelet-rich gel supernatants release different anti-inflammatory and anabolic mediators.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory as well as anabolic mediators stimulated by a leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich gel supernatant (Lr-PRGS) and a leukocyte-reduced plasma supernatant (Lr-PL) at two concentrations (25 and 50%) on normal equine suspensory ligament explants (SLEs) and tendon explants (TEs). SLEs and TEs from six horses were independently incubated for 48 h with Lr-PRGS and Lr-PL at concentrations of 25 and 50%, respectively. Samples were collected from the incubated tissues at 1 h and 48 h, which were employed for ELISA determination of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), platelet-derived growth factor isoform BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1, and hyaluronic acid (HA). Overall, 50% Lr-PRGS induced significantly less IL-1ß release than the other hemoderivatives in both tissues. At 48 h, both Lr-PRGS and 25% Lr-PL induced significantly higher TNF-α concentrations in SLEs when compared to TEs, whereas both Lr-PRGS concentrations induced significantly higher IL-4 concentrations in SLEs in comparison to TEs. IL-1ra release was not different between tissues. However, this cytokine was significantly higher in tissue explants cultured with both Lr-PRGS concentrations. HA concentration was lower in tissue explants cultured with all hemoderivatives at two concentrations when compared to the control group. The positive effects observed for ligaments and tendons treated with Lr-PRGS may be mediated by the inhibition of IL-1ß release of and increased release of IL-4 and IL-1ra. Furthermore, PDGF-BB could be a polypeptide responsible for mediating the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines in SLEs and TEs incubated with Lr-PRGS.

Direct Synthesis of Radioactive Gold Nanoparticles Using a Research Nuclear Reactor.

We report the single-step synthesis of radioactive gold nanoparticles with an activity and size appropriate for potential use in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Methods: A solution of 2 mM gold chloride (HAuCl4⋅3H2O), 1 mM polyvinylpyrrolidone (molecular weight, 360,000), and 60 mM 2-propanol was prepared in deionized water. Seven different samples of the solution were irradiated in a neutron flux of 7.45 × 1012 n/cm2⋅s in a research reactor for 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, 30, or 60 min. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized for morphology and chemical composition using a transmission electron microscope and ImageJ. Results: The obtained nanoparticles were 3-450 nm in size. The average size depended on the length of irradiation, with a longer irradiation producing smaller nanoparticles. Irradiation for 10 min produced nanoparticles with characteristics suitable for potential cancer treatment and diagnosis (average size, 50 nm; activity, 6.85 MBq/mL). Conclusion: Direct production of chemically stable radioactive gold nanoparticles was successfully accomplished using the Missouri University of Science and Technology reactor. The nanoparticles had physical and radioactive characteristics potentially useful for cancer treatment and diagnosis.

Contrasting patterns of Andean diversification among three diverse clades of Neotropical clearwing butterflies.

The Neotropical region is the most biodiverse on Earth, in a large part due to the highly diverse tropical Andean biota. The Andes are a potentially important driver of diversification within the mountains and for neighboring regions. We compared the role of the Andes in diversification among three subtribes of Ithomiini butterflies endemic to the Neotropics, Dircennina, Oleriina, and Godyridina. The diversification patterns of Godyridina have been studied previously. Here, we generate the first time-calibrated phylogeny for the largest ithomiine subtribe, Dircennina, and we reanalyze a published phylogeny of Oleriina to test different biogeographic scenarios involving the Andes within an identical framework. We found common diversification patterns across the three subtribes, as well as major differences. In Dircennina and Oleriina, our results reveal a congruent pattern of diversification related to the Andes with an Andean origin, which contrasts with the Amazonian origin and multiple Andean colonizations of Godyridina. In each of the three subtribes, a clade diversified in the Northern Andes at a faster rate. Diversification within Amazonia occurred in Oleriina and Godyridina, while virtually no speciation occurred in Dircennina in this region. Dircennina was therefore characterized by higher diversification rates within the Andes compared to non-Andean regions, while in Oleriina and Godyridina, we found no difference between these regions. Our results and discussion highlight the importance of comparative approaches in biogeographic studies.

Study of a Two-Step Centrifugation Protocol for Concentrating Cells and Growth Factors in Bovine Platelet-Rich Plasma.

There is a lack of information about the methods used for bovine platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/platelet-rich gel (PRG) procurement, including information on platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC) in PRP, and growth factor release from PRG supernatants. The aims of this study were to compare and to correlate the PLT, WBC, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1), and platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) concentrations in bovine whole blood, plasma, and four PRP layers and their respective PRG supernatants: A and B (obtained by a single centrifugation tube method at 720g/5 min) and C and D (obtained by a double centrifugation tube method, by using two centrifugation episodes at 720g/5 min). PLT and WBC counts were significantly higher in PRP-C, followed by whole blood, PRP-A, PRP-B, and PRP-D. TGF-ß1 concentrations were significantly higher in PRG-B supernatants and its correspondent PRP-B lysate when compared to the other PRG supernatants and plasma. Supernatants from PRG-A, PRG-B, and PRG-D had equivalent TGF-ß1 concentrations. PDGF-BB concentrations were not statistically different between the hemoderivatives. Significant Pearson correlations were noted between PLT counts and WBC counts (0.8) and between PLT counts and PLT distribution width (0.6). Further studies should be performed to assess the potential clinical applications of these PRPs.

Demonstration and Methodology of Structural Monitoring of Stringer Runs out Composite Areas by Embedded Optical Fiber Sensors and Connectors Integrated during Production in a Composite Plant.

Embedding optical fibers sensors into composite structures for Structural Health Monitoring purposes is not just one of the most attractive solutions contributing to smart structures, but also the optimum integration approach that insures maximum protection and integrity of the fibers. Nevertheless this intended integration level still remains an industrial challenge since today there is no mature integration process in composite plants matching all necessary requirements. This article describes the process developed to integrate optical fiber sensors in the Production cycle of a test specimen. The sensors, Bragg gratings, were integrated into the laminate during automatic tape lay-up and also by a secondary bonding process, both in the Airbus Composite Plant. The test specimen, completely representative of the root joint of the lower wing cover of a real aircraft, is comprised of a structural skin panel with the associated stringer run out. The ingress-egress was achieved through the precise design and integration of miniaturized optical connectors compatible with the manufacturing conditions and operational test requirements. After production, the specimen was trimmed, assembled and bolted to metallic plates to represent the real triform and buttstrap, and eventually installed into the structural test rig. The interrogation of the sensors proves the effectiveness of the integration process; the analysis of the strain results demonstrate the good correlation between fiber sensors and electrical gauges in those locations where they are installed nearby, and the curvature and load transfer analysis in the bolted stringer run out area enable demonstration of the consistency of the fiber sensors measurements. In conclusion, this work presents strong evidence of the performance of embedded optical sensors for structural health monitoring purposes, where in addition and most importantly, the fibers were integrated in a real production environment and the ingress-egress issue was solved by the design and integration of miniaturized connectors compatible with the manufacturing and structural test phases.

Long-term cytokine and growth factor release from equine platelet-rich fibrin clots obtained with two different centrifugation protocols.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the temporal release (over three weeks) of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1) from two platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) preparations from equine blood obtained at either 240g/8min or 416g/10min. METHODS: Whole blood from 10 horses was used to obtain PRF clots by two different centrifugation protocols. After 1h of rest, PRF clots were deposited in wells with culture medium, which was changed at 6h, 24h and then every 48h to 21days. Cytokines and GFs were measured by ELISA at 1h (serum supernatants from PRF clots) and all time points of culture medium change. A negative control (plasma) and a positive control (blood lysate) were also included. RESULTS: There were no relevant differences between the two protocols for the temporal release of proteins. However, a significant (p=0.01) effect of time was noted. All cytokines were detected after 6h of PRF clot culture until day 21. GF were detected at 1h until day 21. The concentrations for these proteins diminished gradually over time. A highly significant (p=0.01) correlation was noticed between all the proteins evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Leukocytes enmeshed in PRF clots were able to produce cytokines, TGF-ß1 and PDGF-BB. These findings demonstrate a paramount role of leukocytes in wound healing induced or modified by PRF clots in mammals.

North Andean origin and diversification of the largest ithomiine butterfly genus.

The Neotropics harbour the most diverse flora and fauna on Earth. The Andes are a major centre of diversification and source of diversity for adjacent areas in plants and vertebrates, but studies on insects remain scarce, even though they constitute the largest fraction of terrestrial biodiversity. Here, we combine molecular and morphological characters to generate a dated phylogeny of the butterfly genus Pteronymia (Nymphalidae: Danainae), which we use to infer spatial, elevational and temporal diversification patterns. We first propose six taxonomic changes that raise the generic species total to 53, making Pteronymia the most diverse genus of the tribe Ithomiini. Our biogeographic reconstruction shows that Pteronymia originated in the Northern Andes, where it diversified extensively. Some lineages colonized lowlands and adjacent montane areas, but diversification in those areas remained scarce. The recent colonization of lowland areas was reflected by an increase in the rate of evolution of species' elevational ranges towards present. By contrast, speciation rate decelerated with time, with no extinction. The geological history of the Andes and adjacent regions have likely contributed to Pteronymia diversification by providing compartmentalized habitats and an array of biotic and abiotic conditions, and by limiting dispersal between some areas while promoting interchange across others.

Influence of calcium salts and bovine thrombin on growth factor release from equine platelet-rich gel supernatants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare five activation methods in equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by determination of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) concentrations in platelet-rich gel (PRG) supernatants. METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma from 20 horses was activated by calcium chloride (CC), calcium gluconate (CG), bovine thrombin (BT), and their combinations, BTCC and BTCG. Both growth factor concentrations in PRG supernatants were measured by ELISA and compared with plasma and platelet lysates (PL) over time. RESULTS: Growth factor concentrations were significantly lower in plasma and higher for all PRG supernatants. Platelet lysates contained a significantly lower concentration of PDGF-BB than PRG supernatants and a significantly higher concentration of TGF-ß1 than PRG supernatants. Clots from PRP activated with sodium salts were more stable over time and had significant growth factor release, whereas CC produced gross salt deposition. Significant correlations were noticed for platelet with leukocyte concentrations in PRP (rs: 0.76), platelet counts in PRP with TGF-ß1 concentrations in PRG supernatants (rs: 0.86), platelet counts in PRP with PDGF-BB concentrations in PRG supernatants (rs: 0.78), leukocyte counts in PRP with TGF-ß1 concentrations in PRG supernatants (rs: 0.76), and PDGF-BB concentrations with activating substances (rs: 0.72). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Calcium gluconate was the better substance to induce PRP activation. It induced growth factor release free from calcium precipitates in the clots. Use of BT alone or combined with calcium salts was not advantageous for growth factor release.

Into the Andes: multiple independent colonizations drive montane diversity in the Neotropical clearwing butterflies Godyridina.

Understanding why species richness peaks along the Andes is a fundamental question in the study of Neotropical biodiversity. Several biogeographic and diversification scenarios have been proposed in the literature, but there is confusion about the processes underlying each scenario, and assessing their relative contribution is not straightforward. Here, we propose to refine these scenarios into a framework which evaluates four evolutionary mechanisms: higher speciation rate in the Andes, lower extinction rates in the Andes, older colonization times and higher colonization rates of the Andes from adjacent areas. We apply this framework to a species-rich subtribe of Neotropical butterflies whose diversity peaks in the Andes, the Godyridina (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini). We generated a time-calibrated phylogeny of the Godyridina and fitted time-dependent diversification models. Using trait-dependent diversification models and ancestral state reconstruction methods we then compared different biogeographic scenarios. We found strong evidence that the rates of colonization into the Andes were higher than the other way round. Those colonizations and the subsequent local diversification at equal rates in the Andes and in non-Andean regions mechanically increased the species richness of Andean regions compared to that of non-Andean regions ('species-attractor' hypothesis). We also found support for increasing speciation rates associated with Andean lineages. Our work highlights the importance of the Andean slopes in repeatedly attracting non-Andean lineages, most likely as a result of the diversity of habitats and/or host plants. Applying this analytical framework to other clades will bring important insights into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the most species-rich biodiversity hotspot on the planet.