Evaluation of the Joining Response of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid (PLA) from Fused Deposition Modeling by Infrared Laser Irradiation.

The development of high-complexity geometry parts is one of the main goals of additive manufacturing technology. However, the failure of printed structures and the joining of different parts to create complex assemblies represents a real challenge in the research of efficient and sustainability techniques for the permanent assembly of polymers. Laser welding processes have been used as a single-step method to join metals for years. Nowadays, the growing trend in the use of thermoplastics for additive manufacturing has led to the need to adapt this technique to materials with a very specific nature and which are more sensitive to thermal effects. In addition, the possibility of transmitting the laser beam through transparent polymer layers allows to us focus the energy supply on internal sections of the assembled components. In this research, an infrared laser marking system was used to join two different samples of polylactic acid manufactured by fused deposited modeling technology. In order to increase the effectiveness of the bonding process, a transparent and a dark sample have been used as assembly material, focusing the laser beam on the interface area of the two parts. By means of tensile tests, dimensional measurement and the use of optical microscopy techniques, a basis was established that links the supplied energy by laser to the joining performance.

Effect of Polyvalence on the Antibacterial Activity of a Synthetic Peptide Derived from Bovine Lactoferricin against Healthcare-Associated Infectious Pathogens.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gaining interest as potential therapeutic agents. Peptides derived from bovine lactoferricin B (LfcinB) have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity, and the LfcinB RRWQWR sequence is the smallest known motif that exhibits antibacterial and cytotoxic activity. Our goal was to examine the effect of multicopy arrangements of the RRWQWR motif, on its antibacterial activity against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Linear and branched peptides containing the RRWQWR motif were generated using solid phase peptide synthesis-Fmoc/tBu methodology, purified, and characterized using reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. For each peptide, the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923 and 33591 strains) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883 and 700603 strains) was assessed by measuring the minimum inhibitory and the minimum bactericidal concentrations, in the exponential phase. Cells were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the hemolytic activity of the peptides was assessed. The overall results demonstrate that, compared to linear analogues, polyvalent presentation of the RRWQWR motif enhances its antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria even on resistant strain.

Negative metacognitive beliefs moderate the influence of perceived stress and anxiety in long-term anxiety.

Metacognitive theory of emotional disorders (Matthews and Wells, 1994; Wells, 2009) suggests that metacognitive beliefs can play a causal role in the development and maintenance of anxiety symptoms. In this prospective study, we examine the relationships between metacognitive beliefs, perceived stress and anxiety in a non-clinical sample. Participants were 135 undergraduate students who completed a battery of questionnaire at two time points (3- months apart). Results revealed metacognitive beliefs do not predict long-term anxiety independently. However, moderation analyses demonstrated negative beliefs about uncontrollability and danger prospectively moderated the relationship between perceived stress and Time 2 anxiety. Negative metacognitive beliefs also interacted with baseline anxiety to predict the change in anxiety symptoms. The results confirm metacognitions play a causal role in anxiety and have implications for cognitive models and the treatment of anxiety.

Validity and reliability of the Spanish versión of the displaced aggression questionnaire / Adaptación y validación al castellano del Cuestionario de Agresión Desplazada: un estudio piloto

BACKGROUND: The Displaced Aggression Questionnaire (DAQ) is an instrument that assesses personality differences in the tendency to displace aggression. This scale is composed of three factors: angry rumination (as affective dimension), revenge planning (as cognitive dimension), and general tendency to engage in displaced aggression (as a behavioral dimension). The present study examined the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the DAQ. METHOD: The sample consisted of 429 student and non-student participants. RESULTS: The results showed good psychometric properties, and factor analyses revealed a clear three-factor structure. Further, preliminary data about associations between DAQ scores and indirect aggression and emotion regulation strategies are shown. CONCLUSIONS: The scale presents adequate evidence for potential use in a Spanish population. We discuss its utility for research on different types of aggression (e.g., domestic abuse)

ANTECEDENTES: el Cuestionario de Agresión Desplazada (CAD) es un instrumento diseñado para evaluar las diferencias individuales en la tendencia a mostrar una conducta agresiva, producto de una provocación inicial, dirigida a hacer daño hacia una persona distinta de la fuente responsable de tal provocación. El CAD está compuesto por tres dimensiones: rumiación de la ira (dimensión afectiva), planificación de venganza (dimensión cognitiva) y agresión desplazada (dimensión conductual). El objetivo del presente estudio fue la adaptación y validación al castellano del DAC. MÉTODO: el objetivo del presente estudio fue la adaptación y validación al castellano del DAC en una muestra de 429 adultos compuesta por estudiantes universitarios y población general. RESULTADOS: el DAC mostró buenas propiedades psicométricas y una estructura de tres factores idéntica a la versión original. Por otra parte, se aportaron datos de relaciones entre variables no analizadas hasta la fecha, mostrando la asociación del CAD con la agresión indirecta y diferentes estrategias de regulación emocional. CONCLUSIONES: este estudio aporta evidencia del potencial uso del CAD en población española. Se discute la utilidad de esta escala y su relación con otros tipos de comportamientos agresivos como la violencia doméstica

Validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Displaced Aggression Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND:  The Displaced Aggression Questionnaire (DAQ) is an instrument that assesses personality differences in the tendency to displace aggression. This scale is composed of three factors: angry rumination (as affective dimension), revenge planning (as cognitive dimension), and general tendency to engage in displaced aggression (as a behavioral dimension). The present study examined the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the DAQ.  METHOD: The sample consisted of 429 student and non-student participants. RESULTS: The results showed good psychometric properties, and factor analyses revealed a clear three-factor structure. Further, preliminary data about associations between DAQ scores and indirect aggression and emotion regulation strategies are shown. CONCLUSIONS: The scale presents adequate evidence for potential use in a Spanish population. We discuss its utility for research on different types of aggression (e.g., domestic abuse).

Emotional intelligence and psychological maladjustment in adolescence: a systematic review.

The study of emotional intelligence (EI) and its association with psychological maladjustment in adolescence is a new and active area of research. However, the diverse range of EI measurements and aspects of psychological maladjustment examined make it difficult to synthesize the findings and apply them to practice. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the relationship between EI and adolescents' emotional problems, eating disorder symptoms, addictions, and maladaptive coping. Using English and Spanish keywords, we identified 32 studies that found a negative association between EI and internalizing problems, depression, and anxiety. EI was also associated with less substance abuse and with better coping strategies. These associations differed slightly depending on whether EI was evaluated based on self-reporting or by testing maximum performance. We highlight methodological limitations in the literature on EI and adolescence, and we discuss potentially important areas for future research.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine protects against inhaled sulfur mustard poisoning in the large swine.

CONTEXT: Sulfur mustard is a blister agent that can cause death by pulmonary damage. There is currently no effective treatment. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) has mucolytic and antioxidant actions and is an important pre-cursor of cellular glutathione synthesis. These actions may have potential to reduce mustard-induced lung injury. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of nebulised NAC as a post-exposure treatment for inhaled sulfur mustard in a large animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen anesthetized, surgically prepared pigs were exposed to sulfur mustard vapor (100 µg.kg⁻¹), 10 min) and monitored, spontaneously breathing, to 12 h. Control animals had no further intervention (n = 6). Animals in the treatment group were administered multiple inhaled doses of NAC (1 ml of 200 mg.ml⁻¹ Mucomyst™ at + 30 min, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h post-exposure, n = 8). Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were recorded. Arterial blood was collected for blood gas analysis while blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected for hematology and inflammatory cell analysis. Urine was collected to detect a sulfur mustard breakdown product. Lung tissue samples were taken for histopathological and post-experimental analyses. RESULTS: Five of six sulfur mustard-exposed animals survived to 12 h. Arterial blood oxygenation (PaO2) and saturation levels were significantly decreased at 12 h. Arterial blood carbon dioxide (PaCO2) significantly increased, and arterial blood pH and bicarbonate (HCO3⁻) significantly decreased at 12 h. Shunt fraction was significantly increased at 12 h. In the NAC-treated group all animals survived to 12 h (n = 8). There was significantly improved arterial blood oxygen saturation, HCO3⁻ levels, and shunt fraction compared to those of the sulfur mustard controls. There were significantly fewer neutrophils and lower concentrations of protein in lavage compared to sulfur mustard controls. DISCUSSION: NAC's mucolytic and antioxidant properties may be responsible for the beneficial effects seen, improving clinically relevant physiological indices affected by sulfur mustard exposure. CONCLUSION: Beneficial effects of nebulized NAC were apparent following inhaled sulfur mustard exposure. Further therapeutic benefit may result from a combination therapy approach.

Anaerobic treatment of residual lemon pulp in digesters with semi-continuous feed.

Lemon growing areas in the north of Argentina have industries that produce concentrated juice, peel and essential oil and generate a significant amount of liquid and solid waste as lemon pulp. In Argentina, despite the potential applications that the pulp has as animal feed and human and industrial raw material, only 10% is used for these purposes and the rest is discarded into the environment causing many ecological and economic problems. There is little information in the literature on biotechnologies for the treatment of this industrial waste. This paper shows that lemon pulp is a suitable substrate to be treated by anaerobic digestion. We obtained 86 and 92% reduction of chemical oxygen demand in a digester with a semi-continuous feed and retention time of 10 and 20 days respectively and a productivity of 0.406 g CH(4)/g VS h. Comparative tests showed that pre-digesting the pulp improved the process of digestion and increased biogas generation by 20%.

Trajectory and predictors of depression in a 12-month prospective study after the Madrid March 11 terrorist attacks.

BACKGROUND: Few longitudinal studies have examined the trajectory of and the risk factors for depression in a representative sample of the population exposed to terrorism. A 12 month prospective study was conducted among a sample of Madrid city residents after the March 11, 2004 terrorist attacks. We aimed to document the trajectories of depressive symptoms and determine the risk factors associated with these trajectories. METHODS: We conducted telephone surveys among a representative sample of Madrid citizens (N = 1589) to recruit baseline respondents approximately 1 month after the March 11 terrorist attacks. Participants were re-contacted at 6 and 12 months after baseline for further telephone interviews. RESULTS: Findings reveal heterogeneity in the longitudinal trajectories of depression ranging from the absence of depressive symptoms over time, to transient or chronic depression. Life and recent stressors, experiencing direct exposure to the attacks, personality traits, poor physical health and other psychological disorders were principally associated with a worse trajectory of depression after this event. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with a stress diathesis model, ongoing stressors and intense event exposure are key drivers of a chronic depression trajectory after a mass traumatic event.

Complicaciones agudas inusuales de la infección por el virus de Epstein-Barr / Unusual acute complications of Epstein-Barr virus infection

La infección por el virus de Epstein-Barr es muy prevalente en la infancia y, aunque en la mayoría de los casos el diagnóstico es sencillo y su evolución favorable, hay casos como el que presentamos que pueden tener un amplio espectro clínico y complicaciones agudas que dificultan el diagnóstico y pueden ensombrecer el pronóstico. Se han descrito muchas complicaciones agudas que afectan a todos los sistemas y aparatos. Presentamos un caso que presenta complicaciones respiratorias, neurológicas y hepáticas (AU)

The infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is very common in childhood. In most cases the diagnosis is easy and its evolution of the illness is favourable, but there are some patients in whom the infectious mononucleosis can have a large clinical spectrum with acute complications that make the diagnosis difficult. We report a patient who had respiratory, neurological and hepatic complications (AU)

Enfermedad de Kawasaki refractaria con aneurismas coronarios tratada con infliximab / Refractory Kawasaki disease with coronary aneurysms treated with infliximab

El tratamiento clásico de la enfermedad de Kawasaki con inmunoglobulina y ácido acetil salicílico consigue una respuesta favorable en hasta el 90% de los pacientes disminuyendo significativamente el riesgo de afectación coronaria. En los pacientes que no responden, no está consensuado el tratamiento a seguir como terapia de segunda línea: nuevas dosis de inmunoglobulina, corticoides o infliximab entre otros. Sin embargo aún son escasos los estudios y casos clínicos publicados con este último fármaco. Presentamos el caso de un lactante de 5 meses de edad, con enfermedad de Kawasaki refractaria y desarrollo de aneurismas coronarios, no respondedor a dos dosis de inmunoglobulina y tres megapulsos de corticoides, que se trata definitivamente con una dosis de infliximab, con buena respuesta clínica posterior (AU)

The classic treatment of Kawasaki disease with immunoglobulin and acetyl salicylic acid obtains a good response in 90% of patients, decreasing the risk of coronary involvement. However, in patients that do not respond to immunoglobulin, it is not clear which therapy should be used: other doses of immunoglobulin, corticosteroids or infliximab. Infliximab is becoming an important second line treatment for Kawasaki refractory to immunoglobulin, although there are few studies and clinical reports with this drug. We present a 5 months-old infant with refractory Kawasaki disease who developed coronary aneurysms despite two immunoglobulin doses and three intravenous pulses-doses of corticosteroids. The infant was finally treated with a single dose of infliximab with good clinical progress (AU)

[Refractory Kawasaki disease with coronary aneurysms treated with infliximab]. / Enfermedad de Kawasaki refractaria con aneurismas coronarios tratada con infliximab.

The classic treatment of Kawasaki disease with immunoglobulin and acetyl salicylic acid obtains a good response in 90% of patients, decreasing the risk of coronary involvement. However, in patients that do not respond to immunoglobulin, it is not clear which therapy should be used: other doses of immunoglobulin, corticosteroids or infliximab. Infliximab is becoming an important second line treatment for Kawasaki refractory to immunoglobulin, although there are few studies and clinical reports with this drug. We present a 5 months-old infant with refractory Kawasaki disease who developed coronary aneurysms despite two immunoglobulin doses and three intravenous pulses-doses of corticosteroids. The infant was finally treated with a single dose of infliximab with good clinical progress.

Lupus neonatal: manifestaciones cutáneas asociadas con trombopenia neonatal / No disponible

El lupus neonatal es un síndrome raro que afecta a recién nacidos y lactantes, que se define por la presencia e autoanticuerpos maternos y características clínicas, como lesiones cutáneas típicas, bloqueo cardíaco completo, miocardiopatía, alteraciones hematológicas y hepatobiliares. Presentamos un lactante de 5 semanas derivado desde Atención Primaria por lesiones cutáneas anulares en tronco, cuero cabelludo y cara. Como antecedentes destaca en la mare afecta de síndrome Overlap (esclerosis sistémica, lupus y miositis). Se inicia estudio confirmándose el diagnóstico de lupus neonatal mediante punch biopsia y ANA moteado positivo con anti SSA-Ro y anti RNP positivos (AU)

Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus is a rare disroder that affects newborns and infants and it is caused by mother´s autoantibodies and several clinical features as typical skin rash, congenital complete heart block, miocardiapathies, haematoligical and hepatobiliary diseases. We attended a 5 weeks male infant, who was derived from the primary care center because of an annular skin rash on trunk, scalp and face. There was maternal history of Overlap syndrome (systemic sclerosis, lupus and myosistis). Diagnosis of neonatal Lupus was made by the skin biopsy and an ANAs with autoantibodies against Ro and U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) (AU)

Inteligencia emocional y sugestionabilidad. Efectos sobre el nivel de ansiedad en una muestra de mujeres universitarias / Emotional intelligence and suggestibility: effects on anxiety in female undergraduates

El presente trabajo muestra los resultados de dos estudios empíricos En el primero de ellos se explora la relación entre sugestionabilidad (Inventario de Sugestionabilidad, IS; González-Ordi & Miguel – Tobal, 1999) e Inteligencia Emocional Percibida (IEP) (TRait Meta-Mood Scale, TMMS; Salovey, Mayer, Goldman, Turvey & Palfai, 1995) en una muestra de mujeres universitarias. A partir de estos resultados, un segundo estudio examina la capacidad predictiva e incremental de los componentes de la IEP en la explicación del nivel de ansiedad (ISRA; Miguel-Tobal & Cano-Vindel, 1986) tras controlar la varianza explicada por la sugestionabilidad. Los resultados obtenidos muestran la existencia de un claro patrón de relaciones entre la IEP y la sugestionabilidad, así el nivel de sugestionabilidad se relaciona con mayores niveles de atención emocional y menores niveles de claridad y reparación. Además, los resultados del segundo estudio añaden evidencia sobre la validez incremental de la IEP en la explicación del nivel de ansiedad. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados y se proponen hipótesis acerca de las bases que subyacen a la relación entre sugestionabilidad e IEP y a su efecto negativo sobre el ajuste emocional (AU)

The present paper presents two empirical studies. The first one aims to explore the possible relationship between suggestibility (measured by the Inventory of Suggestibility, IS; González – Ordi & Miguel – Tobal, 1999) and perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) (Trait Meta-Mood Scale, TMMS; Salovey, Mayer, Goldman, Turvey & Palfai, 1995) in a sample of female undergraduate students. Based on the results of the first study, the second one examines the predictive and incremtnl capacity of PEI to explain anxiety levels (ISRA; Miguel- Tobal & Cano- Vindel, 1986) after controlling for explained variance associated with suggestibility. Results show that there is a clear relationship between suggestibility and perceived emotional intelligence in the sense that higher levels of suggestibility are more related with higher levels of emotional attention and lower levels of emotional clarity and repair. Moreover, such results add evidence to the incremental validity of PEI when explaining levels of anxiety. Finally, several hypotheses on the underlying basis of the relationship between suggestibility and PEI and its negative effect on emotional adjustment are proposed and results are discussed (AU)

Granulomatous enteritis and lymphadenitis in Iberian pigs naturally infected with Lawsonia intracellularis.

Intestinal samples and/or lymph nodes of two Iberian pigs from two different farms were submitted for histopathologic examination. Both pigs had proliferation of ileal and/or cecal crypts with almost complete absence of goblet cells. Infection by Lawsonia intracellularis was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction assay. The mesenteric lymph node of one pig had moderate lymphocyte depletion with granulomatous inflammation of the lymph node parenchyma. Histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells from the lymph node of one pig contained L. intracellularis antigen within the cytoplasm. This pig had also porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) infection, but nucleic acid and antigen of this virus were not demonstrated in the lymph node. The second pig had lymphocyte depletion and marked granulomatous inflammation in Peyer's patches. Histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells in areas of granulomatous inflammation contained L. intracellularis antigen; no PCV-2 nucleic acid or antigen was detected in the tissues of this pig. This is the first description of granulomatous ileitis and lymphadenitis associated with L. intracellularis infection.

Microbial study of farmhouse ewe cheese during storage in olive oil.

The effect of storing farmhouse ewe cheese in oil and in vacuo over long periods of time on physicochemical properties (water activity and pH) and the microbiota of the cheese was investigated. The storage conditions were found to scarcely influence the sample pH. Also, the initial water activity (a(w) = 0.961) and its value after 9 months of storage (0.927) were both very similar to those for naturally ripened cheese. The incidence of pathogenic microbial groups was found to decrease with storage time (counts fell below 1 log CFU/g). The flora that effects proteolytic changes in cheese consisted of lactic microorganisms (viz. lactococci and lactobacilli), in addition, after 6 months of storage, of enterococci. The last are responsible for the formation of large amounts of soluble nitrogen (SN), non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and aminoacid nitrogen (NH2-N), which provide this type of cheese with very special sensory features while preventing dehydration and thus lengthening its shelf life.

Chemical and microbiological characteristics of ewes' milk cheese manufactured with extracts from flowers of Cynara cardunculus and Cynara humilis as coagulants.

The chemical and microbial characteristics as well as the flavor and aroma of Los Pedroches cheese made using aqueous extracts of Cynara cardunculus L. flowers were compared with those of cheeses manufactured with extracts of Cynara humilis L. throughout ripening. The two thistle species assayed were found to have no appreciable effect on the moisture, fat, protein, and NaCl contents of the cheese or on its water activity, flavor, and aroma; however, the use of C. humilis resulted in reduced lactic acid content (p < 0.001) and higher pH values (p < 0.05) relative to those of cheese specimens produced with C. cardunculus. The protein breakdown of the cheeses was assessed in terms of soluble nitrogen (SN), nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), and amino acid nitrogen (AAN). Proteolysis was more marked and rapid in cheese containing C. cardunculus as coagulant, the SN and NPN contents of which were significantly higher (p < 0. 01) than those of the cheese obtained with the species C. humilis; AAN contents were similar in both species of Cynara throughout ripening. Although total viable, coliform, and lactobacilli counts were similar in cheeses produced with both types of plant coagulant throughout ripening, enterobacteria and yeasts counts (p < 0.01) and molds counts (p < 0.05) were higher in cheese produced with C. humilis than in cheese obtained with C. cardunculus.

Filamentous intranuclear inclusion bodies in psittacine birds. A structural and ultrastructural study.

This paper concerns a disease affecting a group of African grey parrots, which involves intranuclear inclusion bodies composed of filamentous material. The disease was characterized by either sudden death or death within 2-3 days from onset of non-specific symptoms. At necropsy, gross lesions included enlarged liver, mild hepatic congestion and focal necrosis. Samples from five birds were fixed in 10% formol and routinely processed for light and electron microscopy. In four birds, numerous hepatocytes displayed an enlarged nucleus, with peripheral margination of chromatin; the nucleus was partially or wholly filled by a basophilic inclusion body. In the remaining bird, inclusion bodies were acidophilic and completely filled the nucleus; nuclear enlargement was less evident than in the other birds. At ultrastructural examination, and in both types of IIB, nuclei contained looped filaments but no evidence of viral structures. However, virion-like structures were observed in the cytoplasm of some hepatocytes.

Intramedullary nailing and functional bracing of tibial shaft fractures: 167 cases followed for minimum 2 years.

We treated 167 diaphyseal tibial fractures without reaming and with intramedullary fixation, using an unlocked Küntscher nail. The patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The mean time to union was 16 weeks. There were no serious complications, but 1 case of nonunion, 1 case of deep infection and 2 cases of clinically relevant malalignment. Migration of the nail was observed in 11 cases. We conclude that this treatment is simple and gives satisfactory results in diaphyseal fractures after low- or mid-energy trauma.

Changes in water activity and some microbial groups during storage of pet feed.

The effect of exposure of different pet feed samples to the typical temperature and moisture conditions of many months of the year (9 degrees C and 80% RH) on water activity (aw), pH and growth of various microbial groups (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, fungi and yeasts) was studied. The storage conditions were found to scarcely influence the samples pH, with no significant changes relative to the initial values (the standard deviation was 0.04 and the coefficient of variation 0.85%). By effect of exposure to the temperature and moisture conditions tested, the initially stable feeds reached moisture contents close to 20% and aw values near those of equilibrium with the ambient relative humidity during storage. Microbial counts increased with increasing aw, with final means of 8.44, 9.16 and 8.71 log CFU/g for mesophilic aerobic bacteria, fungi and yeasts, respectively. The risk of mycotoxin production at these aw values is discussed. Careful control of moisture is recommended in order to preserve the quality of pet feed throughout its scheduled shelf life.