Morphological aspects and the effectiveness of photodynamic inactivation against Rhizopus oryzae in different life cycles.

Mucormycosis is an extremely aggressive fungal disease with a high mortality rate, especially in people with compromised immune systems. Most cases of mucormycosis are caused by the fungus Rhizopus oryzae. The treatments used are based on high doses of antifungals, associated with surgical resections, when it is possible. However, even with this aggressive treatment, the estimated attributable mortality rate is high. There is therefore a need to develop adjuvant treatments. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) may be an auxiliary therapeutic option for mucormycosis. Due to the lack of reports in the literature on the morphology and photodynamic inactivation of R. oryzae, characterization of the fungus using Confocal Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy, and different protocols using Photodithazine® (PDZ), a chlorin e6 compound, as a photosensitizer, were performed. The fungus growth rate under different concentrations and incubation times of the photosensitizer and its association with the surfactant Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) was evaluated. For the hyphae, both in the light and dark phases, in the protocols using only PDZ, no effective photodynamic response was observed. Meanwhile with the combination of SDS 0.05% and PDZ, inhibition growth rates of 98% and 72% were achieved for the white and black phase, respectively. In the conidia phase, only a 1.7 log10 reduction of the infective spores was observed. High concentration of melanin and the complex and resistant structures, especially at the black phase, results in a high limitation of the PDI inactivation response. The combined use of the SDS resulted in an improved response, when compared to the one obtained with the amphotericin B treatment.

Lumbosacral pain in a patient with psoriatic arthritis: when the rheumatic disease is innocent.

Lumbar pain is a very common symptom that derives from benign musculoskeletal conditions, rheumatic inflammatory diseases, neoplasms, and referred and/or nociplastic pain. A 70-year-old man with psoriatic arthritis presented with early-onset lumbosacral pain without evident red flags. Symptomatic treatment was unhelpful. Radiographic imaging showed subtle signs of a disease that could easily be missed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a massive prostatic malignancy with bone (sacral and iliopubic) metastasis. Awareness must be given not to disregard every lumbar pain as part of the preexisting rheumatic inflammatory disease (spondyloarthropathy in this case) or a common muscle/ligament/articular disarrangement. Persistence of pain, albeit not inflam-matory nor sharp in nature, despite adequate treatment might be just as important as an acute red flag and requires proper follow-up.

Ethnic differences in normal electrocardiographic findings in elite brazilian football players: b-pro foot ECG pilot study

INTRODUCTION: The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG-12) is a useful tool in the assessment of athletes. The prevalence of normal electrocardiographic findings in elite Brazilian football players (EBFP) of different ethnicities is not well described. PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of normal ECG-12 findings in Caucasian, Mixed-race (MR), and Afro-Brazilian (AB) EBFP. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with exams performed on EBFP as a pre-participation assessment from February 18, 2002, through October 20, 2022. RESULTS: 4,363 EBFP from 51 professional clubs (from all five regions of Brazil; 15 states, and 21 cities), aged 15-35 years (median: 19 years; IQR: 16-23) were evaluated. 2,027 were Caucasians, 1,324 were MRs, and 1,012 were ABs. In general, we recorded 4,155 ECG-12 with normal variations (95.2%). Positive Sokolow-Lyon criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy was more prevalent in ABs (41.8%) than in Caucasians (33.4%), or MRs (32.7%). The prevalence of early repolarization in ABs (41.5%) was higher than in Caucasians (34.6%), or MRs (35.5%). The PR interval was longer in ABs (157.1 ms) than in Caucasians (151.4 ms), or MRs (153.3 ms), and the first-degree atrioventricular block was more frequent in ABs compared to MRs (4.2% vs. 2.3%, respectively). On the other hand, Caucasians had a higher prevalence of incomplete right bundle branch block (14.2%) than MRs (11.2%), or ABs (9.7%). In our sample, only three EBFP showed second-degree atrioventricular block Mobitz type I (0.07%; one Caucasian and two AB athletes). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large study to compare the prevalence of ECG-12 findings in EBFP from different ethnic groups. Those of AB origin have a significantly higher prevalence of ECG-12 findings compatible with the athlete's heart than Caucasians and MRs.

Prevalence of bovine mastitis-related pathogens, identified by mass spectrometry in flies (Insecta, Diptera) captured in the milking environment.

Diptera (Insecta) are able to transmit approximately 200 pathogenic microorganisms to humans and animals, causing more than 65 diseases, including bovine mastitis, which constitutes a major cause of economic losses in the dairy industry. In this scenario, 217 adult specimens of Diptera were collected from nine farms and identified to the family and/or species level. Of the 11 families recorded, Muscidae was the most prevalent (152 out of 217; 70%). All Diptera specimens were subjected to microbiological culture using conventional and selective media, and isolates were then identified at the species level by mass spectrometry. In total, 275 microorganisms were identified, with a predominance of pathogens related to environmental bovine mastitis (166/275 = 60·4%), that is, Enterococcus species (70/275 = 25·4%) and Escherichia coli (49/275 = 17·8%). Nontraditional agents related to bovine mastitis (called miscellaneous) were detected in 28% (77/275), as well as microorganisms with well-known zoonotic behaviour (e.g. Bacillus cereus). This is study contributes with knowledge of diversity of microorganisms carried by Diptera in the dairy environment, including pathogens associated with environmental and contagious bovine mastitis, and agents with human relevance. To our knowledge, a three-part chromogenic selective medium used to microbial culture of milk on farms was used for the first time to identification of pathogens in Diptera.

Species diversity and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Enterococcus spp. isolated from mastitis cases, milking machine and the environment of dairy cows.

The objectives were to study the diversity of Enterococcus spp. isolated from mastitis cases, milking equipment and the environment of dairy cows; and to determine in vitro resistance of isolates to antimicrobials that are relevant to human and animal health. Ten dairy farms were visited to collect samples from mastitis cases, faeces, bedding, aisles, water and milking equipment. Identification of Enterococcus at the species level and antimicrobial resistance testing was performed by MALDI-TOF and the disk-diffusion method, respectively. Of 365 isolates, Enterococcus hirae was the most prevalent, being more likely to be isolated from faeces than from milk (odds ratio (OR) = 39·2), liners (OR = 5·4) or bedding (OR = 2·2). Enterococcus saccharolyticus was the most prevalent in milk samples. The chances of isolating Enterococcus faecalis from milk were higher than from aisles (OR = 12·5), faeces (OR = 5·3), bedding (OR = 3·6) or liners (OR = 3·0). The odds of isolating Enterococcus faecium from faeces were higher than from liners (OR = 7·3), bedding (OR = 2·5) or aisles (OR = 2·4). Of 360 tested isolates, 1·9, 0·3 and 0·6% were resistant to penicillin, vancomycin and teicoplanin, respectively. Our results suggest that Enterococcus species can occupy specific ecological niches on dairy farms and pose a risk to public and animal health.

Preliminary evaluation of a non-invasive device for monitoring intracranial pressure waveforms in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare waveforms obtained with a new device for the non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) in dogs with and without neurological disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on both neurologically normal dogs and dogs with neurological diseases. First, non-invasive ICP waveforms were recorded in normal dogs using the Braincare® BcMM 2000 monitor while the dogs were under general anaesthesia induced for procedures unrelated to this study. The dogs were positioned in lateral recumbency, and the sensor was placed over the skin of the parietal region. Secondly, non-invasive ICP waveforms were monitored in dogs with brain and spinal disease until waveforms with characteristic peaks were acquired. All the recorded signals were amplified, filtered and digitalized, by the device, and then transferred to a computer for analysis. RESULTS: Normal pulse waveforms indicating normal brain complacency were observed in eight neurologically normal dogs. In six dogs with brain disease, abnormal pulse waveforms were observed suggesting increased ICP and decreased brain complacency. Four dogs with spinal disease undergoing myelography, had normal waveforms before contrast medium injection and abnormal pulse waveforms during contrast medium injection, indicating a potential increase in ICP. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on these preliminary observations, this method was capable of detecting abnormal pulse waveforms that suggested increased ICP.

Photoacoustic for thermal diffusivity determination of fish scale: A methodology for environmental integrity monitoring.

In this work the thermal diffusivity (D) of Astyanax lacustris fish scale is investigated aiming to use it for environmental integrity certification. The D values were obtained by a relatively simple procedure by a photoacoustic method. The chosen fish species is from wide occurrence in Brasil's basins. It has short migration, and it has also been used as environmental bioindicator. The results obtained in 195 scales sampled from three different streams in the Midwest region in Brazil gives an average value of D ~ 4 × 10-3 cm2/s. ANCOVA analysis demonstrated that D values are able to differentiate among the three basins and indicates that it is dependent on the scales thickness and water conductivity. This last one is strongly affected by biotic and abiotic actions, so that D values measured by photoacoustic method can be used for interpreting the environmental integrity from where the fishes were sampled.

Co-administration of cannabidiol and ketamine induces antidepressant-like effects devoid of hyperlocomotor side-effects.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although useful as a rapid-acting antidepressant drug, ketamine is known to induce psychotomimetic effects, which may interfere with its therapeutic use. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychostimulant compound from Cannabis sativa, which has shown promising antidepressant effects without inducing hyperlocomotion. AMPA receptor activation is involved in the antidepressant effect induced by ketamine, but its relevance for the effects of CBD is not known. Moreover, given that CBD has antipsychotic and antidepressant properties, it is unknown whether adding CBD to ketamine could potentiate the antidepressant properties of ketamine while also attenuating its psychostimulant effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: S-Ketamine (2.5, 3, 5, 10, 30 mg/kg) and cannabidiol (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) were administered alone or in combination to male Swiss mice. Independent groups received NBQX (AMPA receptor antagonist) 5 min before administration of CBD or S-ketamine. The antidepressant-like effect was assessed in the forced swimming test (FST), and the open field test (OFT) evaluated the psychostimulant effect. KEY RESULTS: CBD induced significant dose-dependent antidepressant effects without causing hyperlocomotion in the OFT. S-ketamine produced an antidepressant effect associated with hyperlocomotion in the higher dose. NBQX inhibited the antidepressant effect of both ketamine and CBD. Pretreatment with CBD (10 mg/kg) attenuated the ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion while preserving its antidepressant effect. CONCLUSION: AND IMPLICATIONS: Similar to ketamine, the antidepressant-like effect elicited by CBD involves AMPA receptor activation. Additionally, CBD prevents the hyperlocomotion induced by S-ketamine without affecting its antidepressant-like effect. Our findings suggest that CBD and ketamine's combined administration can be a promising therapeutic strategy for achieving an appropriate antidepressant effect without unwanted side-effects. This article is part of the special issue on 'Cannabinoids'.

Association of the length of time using computers and mobile devices with low back, neck and mid-back pains: findings from a birth cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Neck and low back pains are the leading causes of years lived with disability, and using computers or mobile devices in excess could be risk factors for back pain. Our aim was to evaluate the association of the length of time using computers and mobile devices with neck, mid-back and low back pains and the number of regions with pain. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study nested in the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort with young adults aged 22 years. METHODS: Outcomes analyzed were neck, mid-back and low back pains and the number of regions with pain. Exposures were the number of daily hours using computers and mobile devices. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed to estimate prevalence ratios using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Almost half of the sample reported having back pain, the low back pain being the most prevalent. Compared with individuals using mobile devices for less than one hour, the prevalence of neck pain was 1.41 and 1.81 times higher among individuals using mobile devices from three to seven hours and for seven or more hours per day, respectively. Neck pain prevalence was 1.47 times higher among individuals using computers for more than two hours than among those not using computers. Using mobile devices for seven hours or more was associated to 1.19 times higher prevalence of low back pain. CONCLUSION: Using mobile devices in excess was associated to neck and low back pains, while the use of computers in excess was associated only to neck pain. It is important that guidelines are developed to recommend the adequate length of time that computers and mobile devices should be used to prevent back pain.

Detection of icaA, icaD, and bap genes and biofilm production in Staphylococcus aureus and non-aureus staphylococci isolated from subclinical and clinical bovine mastitis / Detecção dos genes icaA, icaD e bap e produção de biofilme por Staphylococcus aureus e estafilococos não-aureus isolados de mastite clínica e subclínica bovina

Algumas espécies de Staphylococcus causam infecções crônicas intramamárias e podem levar à formação de biofilme. No presente estudo, levantou-se a hipótese de que as espécies de Staphylococcus isolados da mastite bovina são capazes de formar biofilme in vitro associado à presença dos genes icaA, icaD ou bap. Um total de 200 isolados de Staphylococcus, sendo 100 Staphylococcus aureus de casos de mastite subclínica e 100 estafilococos não aureus (ENA) de casos de mastite subclínica e clínica, obtidos em duas fazendas leiteiras, no estado de São Paulo, foram avaliados quanto à capacidade de produzir biofilmes in vitro. A presença de icaA, icaD e bap foi confirmada por PCR, e a produção de biofilme em ágar vermelho congo (Congo Red Agar - CRA) e em teste de microplaca (Microtiter Plate - MtP) foi avaliada nos isolados de S. aureus e ENA. Os resultados mostraram a presença dos genes icaA, icaD e bap em S. aureus, mas não em ENA. A produção de biofilme pode estar associada à presença de outros fatores ou genes que estimulam a produção de biofilme in vitro. O ensaio de MtP serve como um modelo quantitativo para o estudo da aderência de espécies de estafilococos associados à mastite bovina.(AU)

Influence of pathogens causing clinical mastitis on reproductive variables of dairy cows.

In dairy cattle, mastitis is a disease of the mammary gland caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. Mastitis causes economic losses to dairy farms as well as public health concerns. The reproductive efficiency of commercial dairy herds has important implications for the economic success of dairy operations and is strongly associated with the health status of cows. Mastitis has previously been linked with decreased fertility of dairy cows, but the effect of specific pathogens on the severity of fertility reduction is still unclear. In this study, cows diagnosed with mastitis caused by major pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Mycoplasma spp., and environmental Streptococcus) needed more artificial inseminations (AI) than did cows with mastitis caused by minor pathogens (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium spp.) and healthy cows. Cows diagnosed with mastitis, independent of what pathogen was causing mastitis, had more days open compared with nonmastitic cows. The percentage of cows that successfully established pregnancy at first AI was greater for the control group than for the major pathogens group but not significantly different from the minor pathogens group. Pregnancy loss was lower in the control group than in the major pathogens group; however, there was no difference compared with the minor pathogen group. Mastitis caused by gram-negative bacteria decreased the percentage of pregnancy per first AI and increased days open and pregnancy loss compared with the control group. Cows with mastitis caused by gram-positive bacteria also had increased days open compared with control cows. This study shows that different mastitis-causing bacteria can affect the fertility of cows differently. Mastitis events caused by major pathogens and gram-negative bacteria were associated with the greatest decrease in reproductive efficiency.

Comentario sobre «Fisioterapia respiratoria en la unidad de cuidados intensivos: Revisión bibliográfica» / Comment on «Respiratory physiotherapy in intensive care unit: Bibliographic review»

No disponible

Emerging evidence for the antidepressant effect of cannabidiol and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Significant limitations with the currently available antidepressant treatment strategies have inspired research on finding new and more efficient drugs to treat depression. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic component of Cannabis sativa, and emerges in this regard as a promising compound. In 2010, we were the first laboratory to demonstrate that CBD is effective in animal models of predictive of antidepressant effect, a finding now confirmed by several other groups. Recent evidence suggests that CBD promotes both a rapid and a sustained antidepressant effect in animal models. CBD has a complex pharmacology, with the ability to interact with multiple neurotransmitter systems involved in depression, including the serotonergic, glutamatergic, and endocannabinoid systems. Moreover, CBD induces cellular and molecular changes in brain regions related to depression neurobiology, such as increased Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels and synaptogenesis in the medial prefrontal cortex, as well as it increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus. This review presents a comprehensive critical overview of the current literature related to the antidepressant effects of CBD, with focus at the possible mechanisms. Finally, challenges and perspectives for future research are discussed.

Carbohydrate binding modules enhance cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis by increasing access of cellulases to the substrate.

Plant biomass is a low-cost and abundant source of carbohydrates for production of fuels, "green" chemicals and materials. Currently, biochemical conversion of the biomass into sugars via enzymatic hydrolysis is the most viable technology. Here, the role of carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) in the disruption of insoluble polysaccharide structures and their capacity to enhance cellulase-promoted lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis was investigated. We show that CBM addition promotes generation of additional reducing ends in the insoluble substrate by cellulases. On the contrary, bovine serum albumin (BSA), widely used in prevention of a non-specific protein binding, causes an increase in soluble reducing-end production, when applied jointly with cellulases. We demonstrate that binding of CBMs to cellulose is non-homogeneous, irreversible and leads to its amorphisation. Our results also reveal effects of CBM-promoted amorphogenesis on cellulose hydrolysis by cellulases.

Tempering aversive/traumatic memories with cannabinoids: a review of evidence from animal and human studies.

RATIONALE: Aversive learning and memory are essential to cope with dangerous and stressful stimuli present in an ever-changing environment. When this process is dysfunctional, however, it is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has been implicated in synaptic plasticity associated with physiological and pathological aversive learning and memory. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to review and discuss evidence on how and where in the brain genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting the eCB system would attenuate aversive/traumatic memories through extinction facilitation in laboratory animals and humans. The effect size of the experimental intervention under investigation was also calculated. RESULTS: Currently available data indicate that direct or indirect activation of cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor facilitates the extinction of aversive/traumatic memories. Activating CB1 receptors around the formation of aversive/traumatic memories or their reminders can potentiate their subsequent extinction. In most cases, the effect size has been large (Cohen's d ≥ 1.0). The brain areas responsible for the abovementioned effects include the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and/or hippocampus. The potential role of cannabinoid type-2 (CB2) receptors in extinction learning is now under investigation. CONCLUSION: Drugs augmenting the brain eCB activity can temper the impact of aversive/traumatic experiences by diverse mechanisms depending on the moment of their administration. Considering the pivotal role the extinction process plays in PTSD, the therapeutic potential of these drugs is evident. The sparse number of clinical trials testing these compounds in stress-related disorders is a gap in the literature that needs to be addressed.

Versión chilena de la Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit: traducción y adaptación transcultural / Chilean version of the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit: a translation and cross-cultural adaptation

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) es un instrumento válido y confiable para medir funcionamiento físico en unida-des de cuidados intensivos. Sin embargo, la traducción y adaptación trans-cultural de la FSS-ICU en Chile no ha sido publicada. OBJETIVO: Traducir y adaptar transculturalmente todos los documentos asociados de la FSS-ICU original para Chile. MÉTODO: Se utilizó como punto de partida la versión en español de la FSS-ICU, disponible en www.ImproveLTO.com. Esta versión se tradujo previamente junto a los desarrolladores originales de la FSS-ICU, siguiendo las recomen-daciones establecidas para este proceso. La versión de bolsillo chilena se desarrolló recientemente en base a la versión original en inglés. Se realizaron entrevistas cognitivas a kinesiólogos de la unidad de cuidados intensivos para evaluar la comprensión de la FSS-ICU y versión de bolsillo. Las adaptaciones se realizaron cuando el acuerdo entre los kinesiólogos fue inferior al 80%. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron las entrevistas cognitivas de la FSS-ICU en español (85 ítems) y versión de bolsillo (18 ítems) en 30 kinesiólogos chilenos provenientes de 18 diferentes hospitales (14 públicos y 4 privados). Durante las entrevistas se realizaron adaptaciones principalmente en las guías generales e instrucciones específicas para tres ítems de la FSS-ICU y dos ítems de la versión de bolsillo. Finalmente, se desarrollaron las preguntas frecuentes, la versión de bolsillo y la versión completa de la FSS-ICU. Todas las adaptaciones fueron aceptadas por los desarrolladores originales. CONCLUSIONES: La versión chilena de la FSS-ICU fue fácil de entender por los kinesiólogos. La FSS-ICU está disponible gratis para uso clínico e investigación no comercial en Chile.

BACKGROUND: The Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) is a valid and reliable instrument to measure physical functioning in the intensive care unit setting. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation in Chile has not been published for the FSS-ICU. AIM: To translate and cross-culturally adapt all associated documents of the original FSS-ICU for Chile. METHOD: The Spanish version of FSS-ICU, available at www.ImproveLTO.com, was used as the starting point. This version was previously translated, with the original FSS-ICU developers, following established guidelines for this process. The Chilean pocket card version was newly developed based on the English version at www.ImproveLTO.com. Cognitive interviews were conducted for the adaptation of the FSS-ICU and pocket card version to assess understanding of relevant stakeholders (i.e., Chilean intensive care unit physiotherapists). Adaptations to the translation were made when agreement among the physiotherapists was less than 80%. RESULTS: Cognitive interviews of the Chilean FSS-ICU (85 items) and pocket card version (18 items) were performed with 30 Chilean physiotherapists from 18 hospitals (14 public and 4 private). During the interviews, modest adaptations mainly made in the general guidelines and specific instructions for three items of the FSS-ICU and two items of the pocket card. Finally, the frequently asked questions, pocket card and full version of the FSS-ICU were developed. The original developers accepted all adaptations. CONCLUSIONS: The Chilean version of the FSS-ICU was easy to understand by the physiotherapists. The FSS-ICU is freely available for non-commercial clinical and research use by Chilean Spanish-speakers.

FIA-coupled spectrophotometric method for determination of Cr (VI) traces in natural waters: application of in-line dissolution of 1,5-diphenylcarbazide after heat treatment and activated alumina as adsorbent for preconcentration.

This work proposes the quantification of Cr (VI) ions in natural waters in trace level, using activated alumina (Al2O3) as preconcentration support, controlled in-line dissolution of the solidified chromophore diphenylcarbazide after heat treatment and spectrophotometric detection. The manifold ensures high sensitivity of analytical response, good repeatability, and stability. In this work, optimization of experimental conditions of a flow injection system was chosen as the parameters for greater sensitivity and better selectivity. The selected optimized conditions were 0.30 mol L-1 for H2SO4 concentration, system flow rate as 0.40 mL min-1, sample injection volume of 192.50 µL, 2 min for preconcentration time, and 0.10 mol L-1 for eluent concentration. The analytical curves obtained for real sample analysis show linear range from 0.192 to 0.961 µM, linear correlation coefficient R = 0.9997 and LOD = 0.024 µM. The preconcentration factor of about four times was obtained through the passage of 800 µL of a standard solution containing 0.961 µM of Cr (VI) through mini-column of preconcentration followed by elution at 192.5 µL of NH4OH 0.1 mol L-1 solution. The solid chromogenic reagent presented high durability (weeks in daily use with mass of 0.0993 g) and good reproducibility in analytical signal. The reactivation of the mini-column of alumina should be executed after ten injections of eluent, using 800 µL of HCl 0.02 mol L-1 solution in flow through the same. Each cycle of injection and elution of the sample takes about 5 min on the proposed terms. Despite the length of each cycle still be high, low concentrations can be detected using a technique of relatively low cost. This is due in part, the association dissolution of the chromogenic reagent directly in the line and the preconcentration step. Another important factor is the economy of reagent chromogenic, low generation of reject contributing to better quality of the environment, and the high potential for applications to work in field.