Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) levels as potential early biomarker of cardiovascular disease in a Mexican population.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. In recent years, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been proposed as an emerging potential clinical biomarker of CVD, since its concentration is upregulated in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of FSTL1 levels and classic biomarkers with the risk of CVD in Mexican population. A case-control study was carried out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), arterial hypertension, but not CVD (cardiovascular risk factor-CRF), and healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcys), serum amyloid A (SAA), FSTL1 concentration, PON1 concentration and activities [Arylesterase (ARE), and Lactonase (LAC)] were evaluated. High levels of FSTL1 were found in the CRF group and a positive association of FSTL1 (OR = 4.55; 95% CI 1.29-16.04, p = 0.02) with the presence of arterial hypertension, as well as Hcys (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.23-7.76, p = 0.02) and SAA (OR, 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p < 0.01) with the presence of CVD. LAC activity (OR, 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.94, p = 0.04) and PON1 concentration (OR, 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.62, p = 0.01) were associated with a decrease in OR belonging to the group with CVD. Our results suggest that FSTL1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate how FSTL1 could influence the association of PON1 activity and Hcys with CVD.

Endometrial cancer patients understanding and interest in weight loss surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia (EH), endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), and early type 1 endometrial cancer (EC) in 70%-90% of patients and is often a significant contributor to overall morbidity and mortality due to comorbidities. In 2011, bariatric surgery (BS) with lifestyle modification was identified as an intervention for reduction in overall mortality as well as risk for gynecologic cancers (Tsui et al., 2021). Our aim was to assess awareness of obesity as a risk factor and understanding of BS in an underinsured obese patient population with EC or EH. METHOD: This IRB-approved survey was distributed to patients with type I EC or EH within the past 5 years and a BMI >30. Questions addressed demographics, health habits, cancer and obesity awareness, as well as benefits and concerns about undergoing BS. Information was provided about dietary requirements after BS, and then interest in BS was surveyed. RESULTS: 61.2% of surveyed patients were interested in bariatric surgery for weight loss after receiving education about the procedure. Interest in bariatric surgery was correlated with higher BMI, higher ideal and comfortable weight loss in pounds and higher estimated weight loss that could be obtained with bariatric surgery. Additionally, patients who were interested in BS had better understanding of the risks of obesity with cancer overall. CONCLUSION: Obese patients with history of EC/EIN/EH are aware of hazards associated with excess weight and understand the relationship between EC/EIN/EH diagnosis and obesity, and overall are very interested in BS as a modality to improve their health.

Complete genome sequence of a novel polerovirus infecting chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

The complete genome sequence of a novel polerovirus identified in chickpea (C. arietinum L.) is presented. Its sequence was assembled using small RNA sequencing and assembly (sRSA) and confirmed by RT-PCR, 5' and 3' RACE, and Sanger sequencing. According to the current ICTV sequence demarcation criterion of greater than 10% amino acid (aa) sequence divergence in all gene products when compared to other poleroviruses, the newly identified polerovirus should be classified as a member of a new species, and we propose the name "chickpea leafroll virus" (CpLRV) for this virus. The genome of CpLRV is 5,770 nucleotides (nt) long and is organized into seven open reading frames (ORFs), designated as ORF0, ORF1, ORF2, ORF3a, ORF3, ORF4, and ORF5, which code for putative P0, P1, P1-P2, P3a, P3, P4, and P3-P5 proteins, respectively. The 5' untranslated region (UTR) consists of 27 nt, starting with the conserved sequence 5'-ACAAAA-3', which is typical of poleroviruses, while the 3' UTR consists of 229 nt. Phylogenetic analysis based on the aa sequences of P0, P1, P1-P2, P3, P4, and P3-P5 showed that CpLRV clustered with members of the genus Polerovirus and is closely related to chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV) and faba bean polerovirus 1 (FBPV1). Recombination analysis suggested that CpLRV is a recombinant of two unknown viruses that share the highest nucleotide sequence similarity with FBPV1 (76.9% identity) and suakwa aphid-borne yellows virus (SAbYV) (64.8% identity). The putative recombination event was identified in the 5' region of the CpLRV genome, the region that encodes proteins P0, P1, and P1-P2. This is the first report of a polerovirus infecting chickpea in Mexico.

Components of interprofessional education programs in neonatal medicine: A focused BEME review: BEME Guide No. 73.

BACKGROUND: Care delivery in neonatology is dependent on an interprofessional team. Collaborative learning and education amongst professionals can lead to successful management of critically ill patients. This focused BEME review synthesized the components, outcomes, and impact of such interprofessional education (IPE) programs in neonatal medicine. METHODS: The authors systematically searched four online databases and hand-searched MedEdPublish up to 10 September 2020. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts, full-texts, performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment related to study methodology and reporting. Discrepancies were resolved by a third author. We reported our findings based on BEME guidance and the STORIES (STructured apprOach to the Reporting in health education of Evidence Synthesis) statement. RESULTS: We included 17 studies on IPE in neonatal medicine. Most studies were from North America with varying learners, objectives, instruction, and observed outcomes. Learners represented nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatal nurse practitioners, patient care technicians, parents, early interventionists, physicians, and medical trainees amongst others. Risk of bias assessment in reporting revealed poor reporting of resources and instructor training. Bias assessment for study methodology noted moderate quality evidence with validity evidence as the weakest domain. IPE instruction strategies included simulation with debriefing, didactics, and online instruction. Most studies reported level 1 Kirkpatrick outcomes (76%) and few reported level 3 or 4 outcomes (23%). Challenges include buy-in from leadership and the negative influence of hierarchy amongst learners. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights IPE program components within neonatal medicine and exemplary practices including a multimodal instructional approach, asynchronous instruction, an emphasis on teamwork, and elimination of hierarchy amongst learners. We identified a lack of reporting on program development and instructor training. Future work should address long term knowledge and skill retention and impact on patient outcomes and organizations.

PON1 status and homocysteine levels as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. The mainly risks factors for CVD are diabetes, hypertension and high levels of homocysteine (Hcys), among others. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been proposed as an antiatherogenic target for its ability to hydrolyzing oxi-Low-Density-Lipoproteins (LDL) and Hcys-thiolactone. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of Hcys levels, and the activities and concentration of PON1, as well as vitamin B from the diet with a risk for CVD. METHODS: A case-control study was carry out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Arterial hypertension, but not CVD (AH), and in healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, intake of vitamin B, Hcys, serum amyloid A (SAA), PON1 concentration, and PON1 activities (Arylesterase activity (ARE), Lactonase activity (LAC), and CMPA activity (CMPA)) were evaluated. RESULTS: The CVD group had the highest concentration of Hcys and SAA than in the AH and control groups (p < 0.01). ARE, LAC, and CMPA activities and PON1 concentration were lowest in the CVD group. A positive-independent association between Hcys levels and CVD was found (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.69-2.56) and this increase when it was adjusted by age, BMI, ApoA1, vitamin B intake, SAA, and PON1 (OR = 14.41; 95% CI: 1.75-118.71). LAC and CMPA, as well as PON1 concentration, were inversely associated with CVD. CONCLUSION: LAC activity, PON1 concentration, and Hcys levels might be good biomarkers for CVD and their association could be modified by the intake of vitamin B.

Cacalol Acetate, a Sesquiterpene from Psacalium decompositum, Exerts an Anti-inflammatory Effect through LPS/NF-KB Signaling in Raw 264.7 Macrophages.

Inflammatory diseases remain critical health problems worldwide. The search for anti-inflammatory drugs is a primary activity in the pharmaceutical industry. Cacalol is a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory potential that is isolated from Psacalium decompositum, a medicinal plant with several scientific reports supporting its anti-inflammatory activity. Cacalol acetate (CA) is the most stable form. Nevertheless, the participation of CA in the main signaling pathway associated with inflammation is unknown. Our aim was to study the anti-inflammatory effect of CA and to determine its participation in NF-κB signaling. In TPA-induced edema in mice, CA produced 70.3% inhibition. To elucidate the influence of CA on the NF-κB pathway, RAW 264.7 macrophages were pretreated with CA and then stimulated with LPS, evaluating NF-ΚB activation, IKK phosphorylation, IΚB-α, p65, cytokine expression, and COX-2 release and activity. CA inhibited NF-κB activation and its upstream signaling, decreasing phosphorylation IKB-α and p65 levels. CA also reduced expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Additionally, it decreased the activity and expression of COX-2 mRNA. These data support that CA regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway, which might explain, at least in part, its anti-inflammatory effect. CA is a bioactive molecule useful for the development of anti-inflammatory agents with innovative mechanisms of action.

Real-time reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy of GaAs homoepitaxy.

Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) is a highly sensitive optical probe for the real-time study of the epitaxial growth of zincblende semiconductors. Here we report on (1) non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired in real time during the homoepitaxial growth of GaAs, and (2) RAS spectra for GaAs surfaces under equilibrium with several arsenic overpressures. We show that in both cases RAS spectra can be decomposed into two basic components, each with a characteristic line shape. We further show that both dynamic and equilibrium RAS spectra are described by the same pair of basic components. We conclude that the time evolution of non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired during the epitaxial growth can be described in terms of RAS spectra for equilibrium surfaces. The results reported here should be useful for the interpretation of the physics underlying the rapid time evolution of dynamic RAS spectra during the first monolayer growth. Thus, we show that RAS constitutes a valuable tool for the study of epitaxial growth mechanisms.

Temperature-dependent infrared ellipsometry of Mo-doped VO2 thin films across the insulator to metal transition.

We present a spectroscopic ellipsometry study of Mo-doped VO2 thin films deposited on silicon substrates for the mid-infrared range. The dielectric functions and conductivity were extracted from analytical fittings of Ψ and Δ ellipsometric angles showing a strong dependence on the dopant concentration and the temperature. Insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) temperature is found to decrease linearly with increasing doping level. A correction to the classical Drude model (termed Drude-Smith) has been shown to provide excellent fits to the experimental measurements of dielectric constants of doped/undoped films and the extracted parameters offer an adequate explanation for the IMT based on the carriers backscattering across the percolation transition. The smoother IMT observed in the hysteresis loops as the doping concentration is increased, is explained by charge density accumulation, which we quantify through the integral of optical conductivity. In addition, we describe the physics behind a localized Fano resonance that has not yet been demonstrated and explained in the literature for doped/undoped VO2 films.

Complete genome sequence of a novel comovirus infecting common bean.

The complete genome sequence of a novel comovirus identified in Guanajuato, Mexico, in a common bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) coinfected with Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus 1 (PvEV-1) and Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus 2 (PvEV-2) is presented. According to the current ICTV taxonomic criteria, this comovirus corresponds to a new species, and the name "Phaseolus vulgaris severe mosaic virus" (PvSMV) is proposed for this virus based on the observed symptoms of "severe mosaic" syndrome caused by comoviruses in common bean. PvSMV is closely related to bean pod mosaic virus (BPMV), and its genome consists of two polyadenylated RNAs. RNA-1 (GenBank accession number MN837498) is 5969 nucleotides (nt) long and encodes a single polyprotein of 1856 amino acids (aa), with an estimated molecular weight (MW) of 210 kDa, that contains putative proteins responsible for viral replication and proteolytic processing. RNA-2 (GenBank accession number MN837499) is 3762 nt long and encodes a single polyprotein of 1024 aa, with an estimated MW of 114 kDa, that contains putative movement and coat proteins. Cleavage sites were predicted based on similarities in size and homology to aa sequences of other comoviruses available in the GenBank database. Symptoms associated with PvSMV include mosaic, local necrotic lesions, and apical necrosis. This is the first report of a comovirus infecting common bean in Mexico.

PON1 lactonase activity and its association with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is important in the development of atherosclerosis, and it has become the subject of intensive research. Our aim was to evaluate the association of serum PON1 activity and polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease (CVD) using four different substrates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Activity of PON1-related to arylesterase (AREase and 4-CMPAse), paraoxonase (PONase), and lactonase (LACase), and polymorphisms (A-162G, T-108C, L55M, and Q192R) were evaluated in subjects with CVD, cardiovascular risk factor (CFR), and controls. An ordered logistic-regression analysis of PON1 phenotypes was performed in the CVD group with respect to the control group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Logistic-regression analysis showed that CC-108 genotype was associated with CRF and CVD. The CVD group had the lowest activities of PON1. The LACase might be a better biomarker for CVD (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.44-0.61) followed by CMPAse (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.86), AREase (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99) and PONase (OR, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.99-0.99). Logistic regression of PON1 phenotypes by haplotypes showed that LACase activity was not influenced by the polymorphisms and that it could be a new potential biomarker in the development of CVD. Larger scale longitudinal studies are required.

[Congenital radial head dislocation: report of two cases]. / Luxación congénita de cabeza radial: reporte de dos casos.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital dislocation of the Radial head is a condition that has been described in a few cases in the international literature, the anterior and lateral dislocation were the less frequent forms of presentation with 15% of cases, each, and the posterior dislocation the most frequent with 70% of the total cases reported. However, this pathology is considered the most frequent congenital pathology of the elbow in children. The present study describes the case of a patient with congenital dislocation of elbow anterior variety and another case with dislocation lateral variety, both diagnosed at an early age, in which it has been decided for conservative management and an annual follow-up. A bibliographic review of the subject is also carried out. DISCUSSION: The congenital elbow dislocation usually has a benign evolution, being painless and not very limiting for the patient, so it can be managed conservatively. Pain and limited movement are indicative of surgical treatment. There are multiple surgical treatments for this entity, however they are not widely accepted due to the complications and poor results presented by them.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La luxación congénita de cabeza radial es un padecimiento que se ha descrito en contados casos en la literatura internacional, siendo la luxación anterior y lateral las formas de presentación menos frecuentes con 15% de los casos cada una y la luxación posterior la más frecuente con 70% del total de los casos reportados. Sin embargo, esta patología es considerada la patología congénita más frecuente del codo en el niño. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con luxación congénita de codo variedad anterior y otro caso con luxación variedad lateral, ambos diagnosticados a temprana edad, en los que se decidió realizar un manejo conservador y un seguimiento anual. Asimismo, se hizo una revisión bibliográfica del tema. DISCUSIÓN: La luxación congénita de codo tiene por lo general una evolución benigna, siendo indolora y poco limitante para el paciente, por lo que puede ser manejada de manera conservadora. El dolor y la limitación de movimientos son indicativos de un tratamiento quirúrgico; sin embargo, no son ampliamente aceptados debido a las complicaciones y resultados deficientes que presentan.

[Orthopedic management of localized linear scleroderma in children: a case report]. / Manejo ortopédico de la esclerodermia lineal localizada en niños: reporte de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Localized scleroderma is the most common form of sclerosis in children; it has an incidence of 2.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, with a predilection for the Caucasian and female races of 2.4 to 4.1 per male. The common denominator is the connective tissue-level condition, causing a variety of clinical presentation ranging from localized sclerotic circumscribed plaques affecting the skin, to deeper conditions that attack muscle and bone tissue, leaving aesthetic consequences and/or disabling deformities in the patient. OBJECTIVE: Case presentation and surgical management. The data presented were obtained from the physical and electronic clinical record, direct interview with patients and family members and monitoring and evaluation of radiographic studies, from January 2012 to November 2017. DISCUSSION: Surgical treatment is indicated when deformities and contractures condition incapacity in the patient. The best results will be obtained once the disease has stopped progressing.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerodermia localizada es la forma de presentación de esclerosis más frecuente en niños; tiene una incidencia de 2.7 por cada 100,000 habitantes, con predilección por la raza caucásica y el sexo femenino con relación de 2.4 a 4.1 por cada varón. El común denominador es la afección a nivel de tejido conectivo, genera una variedad de presentación clínica que va desde placas escleróticas localizadas circunscritas que afectan la piel hasta afecciones más profundas que atacan al tejido muscular y óseo, dejando secuelas estéticas y/o deformidades incapacitantes en el paciente. OBJETIVO: Presentación de caso y su manejo quirúrgico. Los datos expuestos se obtuvieron del expediente clínico físico y electrónico, entrevista directa con paciente y familiares y seguimiento y valoración de estudios radiográficos, desde Enero de 2012 hasta Noviembre de 2017. DISCUSIÓN: El tratamiento quirúrgico está indicado cuando las deformidades y contracturas condicionan incapacidad en el paciente. Los mejores resultados se obtendrán una vez que la enfermedad haya dejado de progresar.

[Installed Capacity Perception Survey for the Training of Residents Program in Orthopedics and Care Needs in Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pathology in Mexico]. / Encuesta de Percepción en Capacidad Instalada para la Formación de Médicos Residentes en Ortopedia (Traumatología) y Necesidades de la Atención en Patología Musculoesquelética Aguda y Crónica en México. Primera Parte.

INTRODUCTION: It is essential that orthopaedic resident physicians be highly proficient in all aspects, considering the balance between supply, demand, need and context. Fundamental to identify the capacity and quality installed for their training in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational Study, transverse, non-probabilistic sampling-conglomerates, in two phases. The instrument has 8 domains, 57 variables and 4,867 items. 60 graduate professors of 20 states, 50 hospital sites, 22 university programs. RESULTS: 1,038 years of experience (collective intelligence), 17 years of experience/teacher (01 to 50 years). Identified: acute pathology 30 (2 to 90%), chronic pathology 30 (5 to 96%), patients 15 years, 10 (3 to 30%), patients between 15 and 65 years, 47 (2 to 78%), patients 65 years, 20 (2 to 60%), number of beds/seat 20 (2 to 510), number of clinics 3 (1 to 48), number of surgical procedures/headquarters per year at the national level, was 960 (50 to 24,650). The national average per resident doctor is 362 surgeries/year with 1,450 surgical times/year. CONCLUSIONS: The needs and resources for the training of physicians specializing in orthopedics/traumatology are highly heterogeneous, so it should be adapted to the epidemiological needs of the region of influence, in an area of epidemiological transition. 62.2% expressed not having or have bad academic and scientific infrastructure at its headquarters, more than 50% without rotation overseas and 90% without regular scientific production.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Es fundamental que los médicos residentes de ortopedia (traumatología) sean altamente competentes en todos los aspectos, considerando el equilibrio entre la oferta, demanda, necesidad y contexto. Es primordial identificar la capacidad y calidad instalada para su formación en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, transversal, muestreo no probabilístico-conglomerados, en dos fases. El instrumento tiene ocho dominios, 57 variables y 4,867 ítems. Sesenta profesores de postgrado de 20 estados, 50 sedes hospitalarias, 22 programas universitarios. RESULTADOS: 1,038 años de experiencia (inteligencia colectiva), 17 años de experiencia/profesor (01 a 50 años). Se identificó: patología aguda 30 (2 a 90%), patología crónica 30 (5 a 96%), pacientes 15 años, 10 (3 a 30%), pacientes entre 15 y 65 años, 47 (2 a 78%), pacientes 65 años, 20 (2 a 60%), número de camas/sede 20 (2 a 510), número de consultorios 3 (1 a 48), el número de procedimientos quirúrgicos/sede al año a nivel nacional fue de 960 (50 a 24,650). La media nacional por médico residente es de 362 cirugías/año con 1,450 momentos quirúrgicos/año. CONCLUSIONES: Las necesidades y recursos para la formación de médicos especialistas en ortopedia/traumatología son en alto grado heterogéneos, por lo cual se debería adaptar a las necesidades epidemiológicas de la región de influencia, en un ámbito de transición epidemiológica. Sesenta y dos punto dos por ciento expresó no tener o tener deficiente infraestructura académica y científica en su sede, más de 50% sin rotación al extranjero y 90% sin producción científica regular.

[Congenital Analgesia: report of 2 cases]. / Analgesia congénita: reporte de dos casos.

Congenital analgesia is a rare condition, reporting in the international literature in rare cases since 1932, when it was first described. Its cause has been the subject of development of multiple theories and studies through the years. Currently various studies and experiments as its origin point mutation in the gene encoding SC9NA sodium channels, which have an important role in nociceptive transmission signals in the human body. The purpose of this study is to present two cases that were valued in the department of pediatric orthopedics at UMAE HTYOLV, patients whose insensitivity to pain has produced significant injuries that were once cause for valuation of the hospital.

La analgesia congénita es un padecimiento poco frecuente, en la literatura internacional se ha reportado en contados casos desde 1932, año en el que fue descrita por primera vez. Su causa ha sido motivo del desarrollo de múltiples teorías y numerosos estudios a través de los años. Actualmente diversos estudios y experimentos apuntan como origen la mutación en el gen SCN9A que codifica para los canales de sodio, los cuales tienen un papel muy importante en la transmisión de señales nociceptivas en el cuerpo humano. El motivo del presente estudio es dar a conocer dos casos que fueron valorados en el servicio de ortopedia pediátrica de la UMAE HTYOLV, pacientes en quienes la falta de sensibilidad al dolor ha producido lesiones importantes que fueron en su momento motivo de valoración por parte del hospital.

Fermented non-digestible fraction from combined nixtamalized corn (Zea mays L.)/cooked common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) chips modulate anti-inflammatory markers on RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are low-level inflammation processes affected by several factors including diet. It has been reported that mixed whole grain and legume consumption, e.g. corn and common bean, might be a beneficial combination due to its content of bioactive compounds. A considerable amount would be retained in the non-digestible fraction (NDF), reaching the colon, where microbiota produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and phenolic compounds (PC) with known anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to estimate the anti-inflammatory potential of fermented-NDF of corn-bean chips (FNDFC) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. After 24 h, FNDFC produced SCFAs (0.156-0.222 mmol/l), inhibited nitric oxide production > 80% and H2O2 > 30%, up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (I-TAC, TIMP-1) > 2-fold, and produced angiostatic and protective factors against vascular/tissue damage, and amelioration of tumor necrosis factor signalling and inflammatory bowel disease. These results confirm the anti-inflammatory potential derived from healthy corn-bean chips.

Iris metastasis as a first manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma. / Metástasis a iris como primera manifestación de adenocarcinoma pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of lung adenocarcinoma for which the first clinical manifestation was an iris metastasis. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old male patient came for consultation referring a «pinkish speck¼ on his right eye. On biomicroscopy examination, a mass was found on the iris of the right eye. Subsequent systemic work-up of the patient revealed a left lung adenocarcinoma. DISCUSSION: Although uncommon, iris metastasis secondary to lung cancer should be part of differential diagnosis in iris tumours.

Charge-Induced Force Noise on Free-Falling Test Masses: Results from LISA Pathfinder.

We report on electrostatic measurements made on board the European Space Agency mission LISA Pathfinder. Detailed measurements of the charge-induced electrostatic forces exerted on free-falling test masses (TMs) inside the capacitive gravitational reference sensor are the first made in a relevant environment for a space-based gravitational wave detector. Employing a combination of charge control and electric-field compensation, we show that the level of charge-induced acceleration noise on a single TM can be maintained at a level close to 1.0 fm s^{-2} Hz^{-1/2} across the 0.1-100 mHz frequency band that is crucial to an observatory such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Using dedicated measurements that detect these effects in the differential acceleration between the two test masses, we resolve the stochastic nature of the TM charge buildup due to interplanetary cosmic rays and the TM charge-to-force coupling through stray electric fields in the sensor. All our measurements are in good agreement with predictions based on a relatively simple electrostatic model of the LISA Pathfinder instrument.

The effect of carbon nanofillers on the performance of electromechanical polyaniline-based composite actuators.

Different types of crystalline carbon nanomaterials were used to reinforce polyaniline for use in electromechanical bilayer bending actuators. The objective is to analyze how the different graphitic structures of the nanocarbons affect and improve the in situ polymerized polyaniline composites and their subsequent actuator behavior. The nanocarbons investigated were multiwalled carbon nanotubes, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, helical-ribbon carbon nanofibers and graphene oxide, each one presenting different shape and structural characteristics. Films of nanocarbon-PAni composite were tested in a liquid electrolyte cell system. Experimental design was used to select the type of nanocarbon filler and composite loadings, and yielded a good balance of electromechanical properties. Raman spectroscopy suggests good interaction between PAni and the nanocarbon fillers. Electron microscopy showed that graphene oxide dispersed the best, followed by multiwall carbon nanotubes, while nitrogen-doped nanotube composites showed dispersion problems and thus poor performance. Multiwall carbon nanotube composite actuators showed the best performance based on the combination of bending angle, bending velocity and maximum working cycles, while graphene oxide attained similarly good performance due to its best dispersion. This parallel testing of a broad set of nanocarbon fillers on PAni-composite actuators is unprecedented to the best of our knowledge and shows that the type and properties of the carbon nanomaterial are critical to the performance of electromechanical devices with other conditions remaining equal.

One Health in Practice: A Pilot Project for Integrated Care of Zoonotic Infections in Immunocompromised Children and Their Pets in Chile.

Although pets provide physiological and psychological benefits to their owners, they are a potential source of zoonotic infections, especially for vulnerable individuals such as immunocompromised patients. During 1 year, we therefore performed a pilot project, which included 32 immunocompromised Chilean children and their family pets (35 dogs and 9 cats) with the aim of detecting, treating and preventing zoonotic infections. Children were examined by Infectious Diseases paediatricians and demographical and clinical information related to zoonotic infections were recorded. Pets were examined and sampled by veterinarians, who also administered missing routine vaccines and anti-parasitics. During family visits, all members were informed and educated about zoonoses and a satisfaction survey was performed. Visits also included vector control and indoor residual spraying with pyrethroids. Children were re-examined and re-tested according to the findings of their pets, and all detected zoonotic infections were treated both in children and pets. Physical examination revealed abnormalities in 18 dogs (51.4%) and three cats (33.3%). Twenty-eight (63.6%) of the pets were diagnosed with a zoonotic pathogen, and seven (15.9%) with a facultative pathogen. Most zoonotic agents were isolated from the pet's external ear and intestine. Bacteria with the highest pathogenic potential were Campylobacter jejuni and Brucella canis. In two children and their respective pets, the same zoonotic diseases were diagnosed (toxocariasis and giardiasis). Arthropods serving as potential vectors of zoonotic infections were found in 49% of dogs and 44% of cats. The pilot project was positively evaluated by the participating families. Our pilot project confirmed that pets are reservoir for various zoonotic agents in Chile and that the implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary programme was a valuable tool to prevent, diagnose and treat such zoonotic infections in vulnerable patients such as immunocompromised children.