Demographic change and urban health: Towards a novel agenda for delivering sustainable and healthy cities for all.

The focus is on the demographic drivers and demographic implications of urban health and wellbeing in towns and cities across the globe. The aim is to identify key linkages between demographic change and urban health - subjects of two largely disparate fields of research and practice - with a view to informing arguments and advocacy for urban health while identifying research gaps and priorities. The core arguments are threefold. First, urban health advocates should express a globalized perspective on demographic processes, encompassing age-structural shifts in addition to population growth and decrease, and acknowledging their uneven spatial distributions within and between urban settings in different contexts. Second, advocates should recognize the dynamic and transformational effects that demographic forces will exert on economic and political systems in all urban settings. While demographic forces underpin the production of (intra)urban inequities in health, they also present opportunities to address those inequities. Third, a demographic perspective may help to extend urban health thinking and intervention beyond a biomedical model of disease, highlighting the need for a multi-generational view of the changing societal bases for urban health, and enjoining significant advances in how interested parties collect, manage, analyse, and use demographic data. Accordingly, opportunities are identified to increase the availability of granular and accurate data to enable evidence-informed action on the demographic/health nexus.

Chaos and thermalization in a classical chain of dipoles.

We explore the connection between chaos, thermalization, and ergodicity in a linear chain of N interacting dipoles. Starting from the ground state, and considering chains of different numbers of dipoles, we introduce single site excitations with excess energy ΔK. The time evolution of the chaoticity of the system and the energy localization along the chain is analyzed by computing, up to a very long time, the statistical average of the finite-time Lyapunov exponent λ(t) and the participation ratio Π(t). For small ΔK, the evolution of λ(t) and Π(t) indicates that the system becomes chaotic at approximately the same time as Π(t) reaches a steady state. For the largest considered values of ΔK the system becomes chaotic at an extremely early stage in comparison with the energy relaxation times. We find that this fact is due to the presence of chaotic breathers that keep the system far from equipartition and ergodicity. Finally, we show numerically and analytically that the asymptotic values attained by the participation ratio Π(t) fairly correspond to thermal equilibrium.

First Leptophobic Dark Matter Search from the Coherent-CAPTAIN-Mills Liquid Argon Detector.

We report the first results of a search for leptophobic dark matter (DM) from the Coherent-CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) liquid argon (LAr) detector. An engineering run with 120 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and 17.9×10^{20} protons on target (POT) was performed in fall 2019 to study the characteristics of the CCM detector. The operation of this 10-ton detector was strictly light based with a threshold of 50 keV and used coherent elastic scattering off argon nuclei to detect DM. Despite only 1.5 months of accumulated luminosity, contaminated LAr, and nonoptimized shielding, CCM's first engineering run has already achieved sensitivity to previously unexplored parameter space of light dark matter models with a baryonic vector portal. With an expected background of 115 005 events, we observe 115 005+16.5 events which is compatible with background expectations. For a benchmark mediator-to-DM mass ratio of m_{V_{B}}/m_{χ}=2.1, DM masses within the range 9 MeV≲m_{χ}≲50 MeV are excluded at 90% C. L. in the leptophobic model after applying the Feldman-Cousins test statistic. CCM's upgraded run with 200 PMTs, filtered LAr, improved shielding, and 10 times more POT will be able to exclude the remaining thermal relic density parameter space of this model, as well as probe new parameter space of other leptophobic DM models.

La Final 4 de balonmano: análisis del juego combinativo masculino y femenino mediante coordenadas polares / Handebol Final 4: análise do jogo combinatório masculino e feminino por meio de coordenadas polares / Handball Final 4: analysis of the male and female combinatorial game using polar coordinates

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar mediante el análisis de Coordenadas Polares la eficacia de las conductas que se muestran durante el juego combinativo ofensivo en el balonmano de élite masculino y femenino a nivel internacional. Se realizaron 16 sesiones de observación a los 8 equipos, 4 masculinos y 4 femeninos, participantes en la Final Four de la Liga de Campeones de balonmano del año 2019, para ello se utilizó una herramienta de observación que fue diseñada ad hoc y que estaba formada por 12 criterios y 62 categorías. Con un diseño observacional Nomotético/Puntual/Multidimensional, se seleccionaron tres conductas focales para el análisis de Coordenadas Polares: los medios tácticos colectivos simples, la combinación de los medios tácticos y las transformaciones. Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias en el flujo de comportamientos entre el juego femenino y masculino. Destaca que en la categoría femenina las jugadoras logran el desequilibrio mediante los medios tácticos colectivos simples y sus combinaciones. Sin embargo, en categoría masculina se logra el desequilibrio e incluso la obtención de situaciones de lanzamiento ventajoso mediante las transformaciones. El juego masculino se asocia con la combinación de medios tácticos en desventaja en el marcador, mientras que en la categoría femenina se asocia con los medios tácticos simples. Ambas categorías muestran mayor utilización de los medios tácticos colectivos simples en los primeros minutos de juego, y las combinaciones de medios tácticos en los últimos. Las diferencias sugieren intervenir en la preparación de ambas categorías con una orientación específica hacia las mejoras en el desempeño del juego táctico colectivo ofensivo mediante la aportación activa de cada puesto específico y la adaptación eficiente a cambios en los sistemas de ataque en función de las necesidades del juego. (AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the behaviors shown during the offensive combinatorial game in elite male and female handball at an international level through the analysis of Polar Coordinates. 16 observation sessions were carried out on the 8 teams, 4 male and 4 female, participants in the Final Four of the Handball Champions League in 2019, for this an observation tool was used that was designed ad hoc and that was formed by 12 criteria and 62 categories. Three focal behaviors were selected forthe analysis of Polar Coordinates: simple collective tactical means, the combination of tactical means and transformations with a Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design. The results showed differences in the flow of behaviors between the female and male game. It stands out that in the female category the players achieve imbalance through simple collective tactical means and their combinations. However, in the male category, the imbalance is achieved and even the obtaining of advantageouslaunch situations through the transformations. The men's game is associated with the combination of tactical means at a disadvantage on the scoreboard, while in the female category it is associated with simple tactical means. Both categories show greater use of simple collective tactical means in the first minutes of play, and combinations of tactical means in the last minutes. The differences suggest intervening in the preparation of both categories with a specific orientation towards improvements in the performance of the offensive collective tactical game through the active contribution of each specific position and the efficient adaptation to changes in the attack systems depending on the needs of the team play. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar, por meio da análise de Coordenadas Polares, a eficácia dos comportamentos demonstrados durante o jogo combinativo ofensivo no handebol de elite masculino efeminino em nível internacional. Foram realizadas 16 sessões de observação nas 8 equipas, 4 masculinas e 4 femininas, participantes nas Quartas Finais da Liga dos Campeões de Andebol em 2019, para isso foi utilizado um instrumento de observação que foi desenhado ad hoc e que foi formado por 12 critérios e 62 categorias. Com um desenho observacional Nomotético/Pontual/Multidimensional, três comportamentos focais foram selecionados para a análise das Coordenadas Polares: os meios táticos coletivos simples, acombinação dos meios táticos e as transformações. Os resultados mostraram diferenças no fluxo de comportamentos entre o jogo feminino e o masculino. Destaca-se que na categoria feminina as jogadoras alcançam o desequilíbrio por meio de simples meios táticos coletivos e suas combinações. Porém, na categoria masculina, o desequilíbrio é alcançado e até mesmo a obtenção de situações vantajosas de lançamento através das transformações. O jogo masculino está associado à combinação de meios táticos em desvantagem no placar, enquanto no feminino está associado a meios táticos simples. Ambasas categorias apresentam maior utilização de meios táticos coletivos simples nos primeiros minutos de jogo e combinações de meios táticos nos últimos minutos. As diferenças sugerem intervir na preparação de ambas as categorias com uma orientação específica para melhorias no desempenho do jogo tático coletivo ofensivo através da contribuição ativa de cada posição específica e da adaptação eficiente às mudanças nos sistemas de ataque em função das necessidades da equipe jogar. (AU)

Differences in the presentation and treatment of primary liver tumors at a hepatology center and an oncology center.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Primary liver cancer is a public health problem in Mexico and the world. Liver transplantation (LT) is the ideal treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with HCC and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) at two centers and identify transplantation candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Hepatology Center (HC) and the University Center Against Cancer (UCAC), within the time frame of 2012-2018. HCC or intrahepatic CC was confirmed in 109 patients. Staging classifications, transplant selection models, and a predictive model for post-LT recurrence were applied to the HCC patients. RESULTS: Of the total population, 93% (n=102) presented with cirrhosis, 86% (n=94) had HCC (HC: 58%, UCAC: 42%), and 14% (n=15) had intrahepatic CC (HC: 40%, UCAC: 60%). Of the HC patients with HCC, Okuda I-II, BCLC A-B, and AFP levels <100ng/m predominated, whereas Okuda II-III, BCLC C-D, and AFP levels >1000ng/mL predominated in the UCAC patients. Half of the HC population with HCC met the criteria for LT, in contrast to 23% of the UCAC patients. Fifteen patients were evaluated for LT, and at present, six have undergone transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent primary liver tumor was HCC. Patients from the HC presented with earlier-stage disease and a high number of them met the criteria for LT. Only patients from the HC underwent transplantation.

Associations of presidential voting preference and gubernatorial control with county-level COVID-19 case and death rates in the continental United States.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations of state gubernatorial party control and 2016 county-level presidential election preference on COVID-19 case and death rates in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of publicly available data. METHODS: Data including county-level COVID-19 case and death counts through February 9, 2021, 2020 gubernatorial data, and county-level US Census Bureau data, Broadstreet area deprivation index, and 2016 presidential voting tallies were included. Negative binomial regression estimated the adjusted impact of each variable on COVID-19 case and death rates. RESULTS: A total of 3102 counties in the 48 continental United States plus Washington DC were included. County-level case and death rates were higher (12% and 22%, respectively) in Republican vs Democrat controlled states. Case and death rates were higher in counties voting Republican vs Democrat in 2016 and were modified by counties with median ages ≥ 50 years (54% increase in case rate and 91% increase in death rate). CONCLUSIONS: These data further support the need for prevention efforts to focus on public health while extricating guidance and prevention from political agendas.

Differences in the presentation and treatment of primary liver tumors at a hepatology center and an oncology center. / Diferencias de la presentación y tratamiento en las neoplasias primarias de hígado en un centro de hepatología y un centro oncológico.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Primary liver cancer is a public health problem in Mexico and the world. Liver transplantation (LT) is the ideal treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with HCC and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) at two centers and identify transplantation candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Hepatology Center (HC) and the University Center Against Cancer (UCAC), within the time frame of 2012-2018. HCC or intrahepatic CC was confirmed in 109 patients. Staging classifications, transplant selection models, and a predictive model for post-LT recurrence were applied to the HCC patients. RESULTS: Of the total population, 93% (n = 102) presented with cirrhosis, 86% (n = 94) had HCC (HC: 58%, UCAC: 42%), and 14% (n = 15) had intrahepatic CC (HC: 40%, UCAC: 60%). Of the HC patients with HCC, Okuda I-II, BCLC A-B, and AFP levels < 100 ng/m predominated, whereas Okuda II-III, BCLC C-D, and AFP levels > 1,000 ng/mL predominated in the UCAC patients. Half of the HC population with HCC met the criteria for LT, in contrast to 23% of the UCAC patients. Fifteen patients were evaluated for LT, and at present, six have undergone transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent primary liver tumor was HCC. Patients from the HC presented with earlier-stage disease and a high number of them met the criteria for LT. Only patients from the HC underwent transplantation.

Halo effect of a Mediterranean-lifestyle weight-loss intervention on untreated family members' weight and physical activity: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is subject to strong family clustering. The relatives of participants in weight-loss interventions may also modify their lifestyle and lose weight. The aim of this study was to examine the presence and magnitude of a halo effect in untreated family members of participants enrolled in a randomized, multi-component, lifestyle intervention. METHODS: A total of 148 untreated adult family members of participants in an intensive weight-loss lifestyle intervention (the PREDIMED-Plus study) were included. Changes at 1 and 2 years in body weight, physical activity, and adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) were measured. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess whether the change differed between family members of the intervention group compared to the control. RESULTS: Untreated family members from the intervention group displayed a greater weight loss than those from the control after 1 and 2 years: adjusted 2-year weight change difference between groups was -3.98 (SE 1.10) kg (p < 0.001). There was a halo effect with regard to adherence to the MedDiet at one year which was sustained at two years: 2-year adjusted difference in MedDiet score change +3.25 (SE 0.46) (p < 0.001). In contrast, no halo effect was observed with regard to physical activity, as the untreated family members did not substantially modify their physical activity levels in either group, and the adjusted difference at two years between the 2 groups was -272 (SE 624) METs.min/week (p = 0.665). CONCLUSIONS: In the first prospective study to assess the influence on untreated family members of a diet and physical activity weight-loss intervention, we found evidence of a halo effect in relatives on weight loss and improvement in adherence to a MedDiet, but not on physical activity. The expansion of MedDiet changes from individuals involved in a weight-loss intervention to their family members can be a facilitator for obesity prevention.

Programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA): análisis de indicadores basados en el consumo / Antimicrobial stewardship programs: analysis of indicators of antimicrobial agents based on consumption

Objetivos: Implantar un programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA) para intervenir en el uso de antimicrobianos. Analizar el impacto de las intervenciones mediante indicadores basados en el consumo.Métodos: Fase 1. Creación equipo PROA: nombramiento; asesoramiento externo; formación; desarrollo programa informático. Fase 2. Análisis indicadores de consumo: estudio retrospectivo de intervención cuasi-experimental con evaluación pre-post: se evaluaron los indicadores del uso de antimicrobianos basados en el consumo en fase no-intervención y en fase intervención. El programa PROA consistió en un modelo de intervención no restrictivo.Resultados: Se formó e implantó el equipo PROA como órgano estructural y organizativo para la consulta, intervención y vigilancia del uso de antimicrobianos. Durante la fase intervención se realizaron 134 recomendaciones: terapia secuencial (12,69%), cambio de antimicrobiano/desescalada terapéutica (31,34%), suspensión de tratamiento antimicrobiano (55,97%); el grado de aceptación fue del 67,16%. Se analizaron 13 indicadores. En 11 de ellos se observó mejoría: consumo global antibacterianos (-2,26%), consumo global antifúngicos sistémicos (-40,60%), consumo carbapenémicos (-22,63%), consumo fluoroquinolonas (-16,52%), ratio macrólidos i.v./fluoroquinolonas respiratorias i.v. (17,49%), ratio metronidazol/carbapenémicos + piperacilina-tazobactam (15,82%), consumo fosfomicina (69,21%), ratio agentes anti-SASM/agentes anti-SARM (45,14%), ratio amoxicilina-clavulánico/piperacilina-tazobactam (24,38%), diversificación betalactámicos antipseudomónicos (7,61%), ratio fluconazol/equinocandinas (8,74%). Los indicadores en los que se obtuvo resultado negativo fueron: terapia secuencial (-8,89%), ratio amoxicilina/amoxicilina-clavulánico (-4,03%). ... (AU)

Objectives: Implementation of a program for optimizing the use of antibiotics (PROA) to manage the use of antimicrobials. Analyse the impact through indicators based on consumption.Methods: Phase 1. Creation of PROA: appointment; external advice; training; software development. Phase 2. Consumption indicators analysis: interventional, quasi-experimental, retrospective study with pre-post evaluation: indicators based on consumption were evaluated in non-intervention phase and in intervention phase. PROA consisted of a non-restrictive intervention model.Results: PROA was formed and implemented as a structural and managing body for the advice, intervention and monitoring of the use of antimicrobials. During the intervention phase, 134 recommendations related to sequential therapy IV/PO (12.69%), change of antimicrobial/de-escalation (31.34%), discontinuation of antimicrobial treatment (55.97%) were made; the degree of acceptance was 67.16%. 13 indicators based on consumption were analysed. 11 of them led to an improvement: antibacterials global consumption (-2.26%), systemic antifungals global consumption (-40.60%), carbapenems consumption (-22.63%), fluoroquinolones consumption (-16.52%), macrolide IV/ respiratory fluoroquinolones IV ratio (17.49%), metronidazole/carbapenem + piperacillin-tazobactam ratio (15.82%), fosfomycin consumption (69.21%), anti-MSSA agents/anti-MRSA agents ratio (45.14%), amoxicillin-clavulanic/piperacillin-tazobactam ratio (24.38%), diversification antipseudomonic beta-lactam (7.61%), fluconazole/echinocandins ratio (8.74%). Indicators with negative result were: sequential therapy IV/PO (-8.89%), amoxicillin/amoxicillin-clavulanic ratio (-4.03%). ... (AU)

Characterization of the acyl-ACP thioesterases from Koelreuteria paniculata reveals a new type of FatB thioesterase.

Koelreuteria paniculata is a deciduous tree, popular in temperate regions for its ornamental value, which accumulates unusual cyanolipids in its seeds. The seed oil of this plant is rich in the unusual cis-11-eicosenoic fatty acid (20:1, or gondoic acid), a monounsaturated oil of interest to the oleochemical industry. In higher plants, de novo fatty acid biosynthesis takes place in the plastids, a process that is terminated by hydrolysis of the thioester bond between the acyl moiety and the ACP by acyl-ACP thioesterases. The specificity of acyl-ACP thioesterases is fundamental in controlling the fatty acid composition of seed oil. To determine the mechanisms involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in K. paniculata seeds, we isolated, cloned and sequenced two cDNAs encoding acyl-ACP thioesterases in this plant, KpFatA and KpFatB. Both of them were expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli and characterized with different acyl-ACP substrates. The K. paniculata FatB2 displayed unusual substrate specificity, so that unlike most FatB2 type enzymes, it displayed preference for oleoyl-ACP instead of palmitoyl-ACP. This specificity was consistent with the changes in E. coli and N. benthamiana fatty acid composition following heterologous expression of this enzyme. KpFatB also showed certain genetic divergence relative to other FatB-type thioesterases and when modelled, its structure revealed differences at the active site. Together, these results suggest that this thioesterase could be a new class of FatB not described previously.

State of health in the European Union: A European Health Index.

INTRODUCTION: In this paper we propose an index to measure the state of health of the 28 countries of the European Union. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the Principal Components Analysis method, we construct the European Health Index as a combination of six dimensions: (1) Working conditions, (2) General state of health, (3) Health system, (4) Quality of Life, (5) Mental health and drug abuse, and (6) Risk health factors, that are in turn made up of 29 distinct variables. RESULTS: We find the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland in the first four positions, and Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Bulgaria at the end of the ranking. Within the European Union, two blocks stand out above the rest, the ex-soviet countries and northern Europe. CONCLUSION: The European Health Index could be used to assist public policies designed to improve health perception in regions where it is needed.

Evaluation of oxidative DNA damage in pigeon erythrocytes using DNA breakage detection-fluorescence in situ hybridization (DBD-FISH).

DNA breakage detection-fluorescence in situ hybridization (DBD-FISH) enables detection and quantification of DNA breakage in the entire genome or within specific DNA sequences in single cells. We used this method to visualize and evaluate DNA damage in pigeon erythrocytes that were induced by elevated temperature and hydrogen peroxide. We also examined morphological changes in the cell nuclei. DBD-FISH demonstrated a significant increase of DNA damage in a temperature dependent manner, which resulted in nuclear abnormalities associated with apoptotic cells. These cells gave strong nuclear fluorescent signals that indicated cell death.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Ensiled Devil Fish and Staphylococcus saprophyticus on Equine Fecal Greenhouse Gases Production.

The present context was designed to investigate the efficacy of devil fish (DF; Plecostomus sp.) silage and Staphylococcus saprophyticus on fermentation characteristics as well as greenhouse gases production mitigation attributes in horses. Four levels of ensiled DF at 0 (control DF0), 6 (DF6), 12 (DF12), and 18 (DF18) % were added into the diet. Moreover, three doses of S. saprophyticus (0, 1, and 3 mL/g dry matter [DM]) were used for in vitro fecal fermentation. The use of ensiled DF resulted in increased (P < .0001) pH during fermentation. The asymptotic gas production was the highest (P < .0001) in DF6, whereas other supplementation caused lower production than that of control. Lag time for the asymptotic gas production decreased (P < .05) with increasing dietary DF doses. Inclusion of S. saprophyticus resulted in the lowest (P < .05) gas production and mL/0.5 g DM incubated and thus, the reduced gas production up to 23.17% than that of control. The interaction of DF × S. saprophyticus showed the lowest gas production at DF18, whereas the highest production was estimated at DF6 without S. saprophyticus after 48 hours. The lowest emission of CO2 (P < .0001) was observed in DF18 inclusion, which was 15.25% lower than that of control at 48 hours of fermentation. In contrast, the lowest hydrogen (H2) production was estimated in DF0, whereas DF18 exhibited the highest. Inclusion of DF12 and DF18 reduced (P < .05) methane (CH4) emission by 58.24% and 59.33%, respectively. However, DF, S. saprophyticus, and DF × S. saprophyticus interaction had no significant effect (P > .05) on CH4 production. In conclusion, ensiled DF and S. saprophyticus could be supplemented in equine diet as promising alternatives to corn for mitigating the emission of greenhouse gases effectively.

The GnRH analogue dephereline given in a fixed-time AI protocol improves ovulation and embryo survival in dairy cows.

This study compares the fertility effects of inducing ovulation using the GnRH analogue, dephereline, versus natural GnRH at the end of a 5-day progesterone(P4)-based protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in in heat-stressed and non-heat stressed lactating dairy cows. Cows were given GnRH (GnRH group, n = 369) or dephereline (DEPH group, n = 379) and were inseminated 14-20 h later. Dephereline treatment increased corpus luteum (CL) size on Day 7 post-AI compared with GnRH (P < .0001) while a one-mm increase in CL size was found to give rise to a 1.1-fold increase in the pregnancy rate at FTAI (P = .001). Based on odds ratios, the interaction between treatment and heat stress had a significant effect on the ovulation failure rate (P < .01). This meant that relative to non-heat-stressed GnRH-treated cows, ovulation failure was 2.9 times more likely in heat-stressed GnRH-treated cows (P = .001), 0.3 times less likely in non-heat-stressed DEPH-treated cows (P = .04) and was similar in heat-stressed DEPH-treated cows. Further, non-heat-stressed DEPH-treated cows were more likely to conceive by a factor of 1.6 than the remaining cows (P = .03). Finally, GnRH-treated multiparous cows were 9.9 times more likely to suffer pregnancy loss than the remaining cows (P = .03). Our results indicate that, compared to treatment with GnRH, dephereline reduced the risk of ovulation failure and consequently increased the pregnancy rate under heat stress conditions. In multiparous cows, dephereline treatment also reduced the negative age effect on pregnancy maintenance.

Energy transfer mechanisms in a dipole chain: From energy equipartition to the formation of breathers.

We study the energy transfer in a classical dipole chain of N interacting rigid rotating dipoles. The underlying high-dimensional potential energy landscape is analyzed in particular by determining the equilibrium points and their stability in the common plane of rotation. Starting from the minimal energy configuration, the response of the chain to excitation of a single dipole is investigated. Using both the linearized and the exact Hamiltonian of the dipole chain, we detect an approximate excitation energy threshold between a weakly and a strongly nonlinear dynamics. In the weakly nonlinear regime, the chain approaches in the course of time the expected energy equipartition among the dipoles. For excitations of higher energy, strongly localized excitations appear whose trajectories in time are either periodic or irregular, relating to the well-known discrete or chaotic breathers, respectively. The phenomenon of spontaneous formation of domains of opposite polarization and phase locking is found to commonly accompany the time evolution of the chaotic breathers. Finally, the sensitivity of the dipole chain dynamics to the initial conditions is studied as a function of the initial excitation energy by computing a fast chaos indicator. The results of this study confirm the aforementioned approximate threshold value for the initial excitation energy, below which the dynamics of the dipole chain is regular and above which it is chaotic.

Prenatal malnutrition and adult cognitive impairment: a natural experiment from the 1959-1961 Chinese famine.

The current measures of cognitive functioning in adulthood do not indicate a long-term association with prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine. However, whether such association emerges in China is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the potential effect of prenatal exposure to the 1959-1961 Chinese famine on adult cognitive impairment. We obtained data from the Second National Sample Survey on Disability implemented in thirty-one provinces in 2006, and restricted our analysis to 387 093 individuals born in 1956-1965. Cognitive impairment was defined as intelligence quotient (IQ) score under 70 and IQ of adults was evaluated by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - China Revision. Famine severity was defined as excess death rate. The famine impact on adult cognitive impairment was estimated by difference-in-difference models, established by examining the variations of famine exposure across birth cohorts. Results show that compared with adults born in 1956-1958, those who were exposed to Chinese famine during gestation (born in 1959-1961) were at greater risk of cognitive impairment in the total sample. Stratified analyses showed that this effect was evident in males and females, but only in rural, not in urban areas. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to famine had an enduring deleterious effect on risk of cognitive impairment in rural adults.

Removal of emerging organic contaminants in a poplar vegetation filter.

Vegetation filters (VFs), a type of land application system, are a robust technology based on natural treatment mechanisms for the removal of wastewater contaminants. Their capacity to attenuate emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) has not yet been evaluated. The present study reports the results of a 2-year EOC monitoring carried out using a poplar VF receiving wastewater primarily treated by an Imhoff tank. The compounds selected included analgesics, a ß-adrenergic blocker, stimulants, an anticonvulsant, an anti-depressant, an anti-inflammatory, an antibiotic and analgesic and stimulant metabolites. EOCs were analysed in the Imhoff tank effluent, in the infiltrated water at a depth of 90cm and in the groundwater at a depth of 10m. The results demonstrated that EOC attenuation was more significant in the first 90cm than in the rest of the soil profile. The removal efficiency for all of the selected EOCs was higher than 90% with the exception of ketoprofen, which may pose a higher threat of groundwater contamination. The observed attenuation correlated with the hydrophobicity and charge state of the EOCs. The higher persistence of the metabolites 4-AAA and 4-FAA shows that progression in the degradation pathway does not always imply a mitigation of contamination.

In vitro leishmanicidal and trypanocidal evaluation and magnetic properties of 7-amino-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Cu(II) complexes.

Two triazolopyrimidine complexes have been obtained from reaction between 7-amino-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (7atp) and Cu (II) salts. Crystal structures of [Cu2(µ-7atp)4Cl2]Cl2·4H2O (1) and [Cu2(µ-7atp)4(H2O)2](NO3)4·H2O (2) have been studied by X-ray diffraction methods and characterized by spectroscopic and thermal analysis. Magnetic studies of these dinuclear complexes have revealed the existence of moderate antiferromagnetic interactions between the copper ions, with J values of -91.2 and -96.1cm-1 respectively. It must be highlighted that the antiparasitic activity of these new complexes has been studied in vitro against three different strains of leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, showing a higher efficacy than the 7atp ligand and the reference commercial drugs.

First report of anthelmintic resistance of equine cyathostomins in Cuba.

Anthelmintic resistance in equine cyathostomins has been described worldwide, with resistance to the benzimidazole class being particularly widespread. The status of anthelmintic efficacy in Cuba has been virtually unknown due to the lack of equine labelled products. One recent report documented suboptimal efficacy levels of extra-label albendazole products against cyathostomins, but it remains unknown to which extent benzimidazole resistance exists in the population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of two benzimidazole products labelled for equines, fenbendazole and oxibendazole. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was carried out on 132 horses aged 4 months to 18 years in 14 herds, belonging to six provinces. Ten herds exhibited signs of resistance to at least one of the benzimidazoles (mean FECRT<90%). Overall, oxibendazole exhibited higher efficacy than fenbendazole (p = 0.0062), and higher efficacy levels were found in horses never dewormed before compared to those treated within 3-12 months prior to the study (p = 0.0015). Pre-treatment larval cultures revealed the presence of large strongyles and cyathostomin larvae in all herds, while only cyathostomin larvae were detected post treatment. The present work is the first report of anthelmintic resistance in equine cyathostomins in Cuba, and suggests pre-selection for resistant strains by extra-label use of albendazole on the studied farms.