Supersymmetry, T-duality and heterotic α′-corrections

Higher-derivative interactions and transformation rules of the fields in the effective field theories of the massless string states are strongly constrained by space-time symmetries and dualities. Here we use an exact formulation of ten dimensional N = 1 supergravity coupled to Yang-Mills with manifest T-duality symmetry to construct the first order α′-corrections of the heterotic string effective action. The theory contains a supersymmetric and T-duality covariant generalization of the Green-Schwarz mechanism that determines the modifications to the leading order supersymmetry transformation rules of the fields. We compute the resulting field-dependent deformations of the coefficients in the supersymmetry algebra and construct the invariant action, with up to and including four-derivative terms of all the massless bosonic and fermionic fields of the heterotic string spectrum.Fil: Lescano, Eric Yair. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; ArgentinaFil: Nuñez, Carmen Alicia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Física; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, Jesús A.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Física; Argentin

Simulador de Técnicas de Depuração Extra-Renal/Hemofiltração: Uso da Simulação para Treino no Manuseamento deste Dispositivo

Introdução: A simulação possibilita o ensino e treino de técnicas de suporte de vida complexas sem riscos para o doente. Até ao momento, as únicas opções de treino no manuseamento de terapêuticas de depuração extra-renal contínua (TDEC) eram a aprendizagem directa em doentes submetidos a esta técnica ou mediante observação dos efeitos da manipulação do circuito não conectado ao doente. Por este motivo foi elaborado um simulador de TDEC, usado em cursos de simulação realizados para treino de equipas de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). Objectivos: Analisar a performance e utilidade de um novo simulador que possibilita o controlo externo do dispositivo de TDEC, simulando "in situ" cenários que mimetizam condições de doentes tratados com TDEC. Métodos: Foi criado um dispositivo que, uma vez conectado ao aparelho de TDEC, permite o controlo em tempo real de todas as pressões de hemofiltração, de acordo com as condições clínicas e acções dos participantes. Foram simulados diversos cenários e complicações possíveis em doentes submetidos a estas técnicas e avaliada a performance deste dispositivo "in vitro". A satisfação dos participantes foi avaliada mediante a aplicação de um inquérito. Resultados: Foram realizados 4 cursos de TDEC de Maio de 2009 a Março de 2012. Incluídos 60 participantes, todos com experiência clínica prévia em UCIP. Realizados 32 cenários, abrangendo complicações relacionados com o cateter, coagulação dos filtros e ajuste inadequado dos parâmetros de hemofiltração. Nos cenários simulados, o dispositivo simulador permitiu, em tempo real, mudanças simples e rápidas nas pressões do monitor de TDEC e em resposta às atitudes tomadas pelos participantes para a sua resolução. Não foram registadas intercorrências relacionadas com disfunção do dispositivo. Os participantes consideraram-no muito útil como ferramenta de aprendizagem activa, permitindo uma gestão realista das condições clínicas simuladas, com potencial impacto sobre a sua futura prática diária. Os instrutores consideraram-no fácil de manusear e realista. Conclusões: Este simulador permite uma simulação mais fidedigna dos cenários de TDEC, resolvendo o problema da interferência do instrutor no cenário simulado. Este poderia melhorar as capacidades dos simuladores de alta fidelidade disponíveis e utilizar-se como uma ferramenta docente na formação de profissionais de saúde

Effect of habitat structure on the most frequent echinoderm species inhabiting coral reef communities at Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico)

The spatial distribution and abundance of the seven most abundant species of echinoderms (Diadema mexicanum, Centrostephanus coronatus, Eucidaris thouarsii, Isostichopus fuscus, Pharia pyramidatus, Phataria unifascialis and Acanthaster ellisii) were evaluated in coral communities of Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico). Biological (corals and other benthic groups) and physical (rocks and boulders) structural elements of the habitat were evaluated to determine their relationship to these species. Our results show that species composition and abundance varied among sampling sites and between seasons. Also were obtained significant differences in the echinoderm assemblage among sites across seasons. Similar results were detected for the environmental variables related to benthic habitat structure. D. mexicanum, P. unifascialis, E. thouarsii and C. coronatus were the main contributors to the species abundance and distribution in Isla Isabel. Most echinoderm species were positively related to the coverage of different coral species, algae and various types of benthic organisms as well as to physical benthic variables. These outcomes suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of these echinoderms are explained by the habitat structure, which should be used to design conservation and management strategies for coral communities

Association between heavy metals and metalloids in topsoil and mental health in the adult population of Spain

Despite the biological plausibility of the association between heavy metal exposure and mental health disorders, epidemiological evidence remains scarce. The objective was to estimate the association between heavy metals and metalloids in soil and the prevalence of mental disorders in the adult population of Spain. Methods Individual data came from the Spanish National Health Survey 2011–2012, 18,073 individuals residing in 1772 census sections. Mental health was measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The concentration estimates of heavy metal and metalloid levels in topsoil (upper soil horizon) came from the Geochemical Atlas of Spain based on 13,317 soil samples. Levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) were estimated in each census section by “ordinary Kriging”. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by multilevel logistic regression models. Results Compared with the lowest Pb concentration levels quartile, the OR for the second quartile was 1.29 (95%CI: 1.11–1.50), increasing progressively to 1.37 (95%CI: 1.17–1.60) and 1.51 (95%CI: 1.27–1.79) in the third and fourth quartiles, respectively. For As, the association was observed in the third and fourth quartiles: 1.21 (95%CI: 1.04–1.41) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.21–1.65), respectively. Cd was associated also following a gradient from the second quartile: 1.34 (95%CI: 1.15–1.57) through the fourth: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.56–2.15). In contrast, Mn only showed a positive association at the second quartile. Additionally, individuals consuming vegetables > once a day the OR for the fourth quartile of Pb concentration, vs. the first, increased to 2.93 (95%CI: 1.97–4.36); similarly for As: 3.00 (95%CI: 2.08–4.31), and for Cd: 3.49 (95%CI: 2.33–5.22). Conclusions Living in areas with a higher concentration of heavy metals and metalloids in soil was associated with an increased probability of having a mental disorder. These relationships were strengthened in individuals reporting consuming vegetables > once a dayThis work was supported by the Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Science Innovation and Universities [grant number PI15CIII/00034, PI14CIII/00065 and PI17CIII/00040

Epidemiological Algorithm for Early Detection of COVID-19 Cases in a Mexican Oncologic Center

An early detection tool for latent COVID-19 infections in oncology staff and patients is essential to prevent outbreaks in a cancer center. (1) Background: In this study, we developed and implemented two early detection tools for the radiotherapy area to identify COVID-19 cases opportunely. (2) Methods: Staff and patients answered a questionnaire (electronic and paper surveys, respectively) with clinical and epidemiological information. The data were collected through two online survey tools: Real-Time Tracking (R-Track) and Summary of Factors (S-Facts). Cut-off values were established according to the algorithm models. SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR tests confirmed the positive algorithms individuals. (3) Results: Oncology staff members (n = 142) were tested, and 14% (n = 20) were positives for the R-Track algorithm; 75% (n = 15) were qRT-PCR positive. The S-Facts Algorithm identified 7.75% (n = 11) positive oncology staff members, and 81.82% (n = 9) were qRT-PCR positive. Oncology patients (n = 369) were evaluated, and 1.36% (n = 5) were positive for the Algorithm used. The five patients (100%) were confirmed by qRT-PCR. (4) Conclusions: The proposed early detection tools have proved to be a low-cost and efficient tool in a country where qRT-PCR tests and vaccines are insufficient for the population. View Full-Tex

Community-based screening enhances hepatitis B virus linkage to care among West African migrants in Spain

Hepatitis B virus; Community approach; Screening programsVirus de l'hepatitis B; Abordatge comunitari; Programes de deteccióVirus de la hepatitis B; Abordaje comunitario; Programas de detecciónBackground: Chronic infection with HBV is responsible for >50% of all hepatocellular cancer cases globally and disproportionately affects sub-Saharan African (sSA) countries. Migration from these countries to Europe has increased substantially in recent years, posing unique challenges to health systems. The aim of this study was to carry out a community-based intervention to increase HBV screening, vaccination, and linkage to care among sSA migrants in Catalonia, Spain. Methods:This was a prospective cohort study. Participants ≥18 years were offered community-based HBV screening between 20/11/20 and 21/01/22. Rapid HBV testing and blood sample collection utilizing plasma separation cards were carried out and linkage to care was offered to all participants. HBV vaccination and post-test counseling were performed at a second visit in the community. The main outcome was the odds of those with current HBV infection being successfully linked to hepatology. Rates of completing the care cascade of this model were analyzed. Results: In the present study, 444 people undergo screening, with 50.6% of participants showing evidence of past or current HBV infection, including an HBsAg prevalence of 9.2%. Migrants with current HBV infection exhibit 5.2 times higher odds of successful linkage to care compared to those in need of post-test counseling or vaccination. The study achieves a successful linkage to care rate of 72% for all participants, with specialist appointments arranged within 15.5 days.Conclusions:This community-based HBV screening program provides evidence of a successful model for identifying and providing care, including vaccination, to west African migrants at high risk of HBV infection who may otherwise not engage in care.Antecedents: La infecció crònica pel VHB és responsable del >50% de tots els casos de càncer hepatocel·lular a nivell mundial i afecta desproporcionadament els països de l'Àfrica subsahariana (SAS). La migració d'aquests països a Europa ha augmentat substancialment en els últims anys, plantejant reptes únics per als sistemes de salut. L'objectiu d'aquest estudi va ser dur a terme una intervenció basada en la comunitat per augmentar la detecció del VHB, la vacunació i la vinculació amb l'atenció entre els migrants de SSA a Catalunya, Espanya. Mètodes: Es tractava d'un estudi de cohort prospectiu. Als participants ≥18 anys se'ls va oferir un cribratge comunitari del VHB entre el 20/11/20 i el 21/01/22. Es van dur a terme proves ràpides de VHB i recollida de mostres de sang mitjançant targetes de separació de plasma i es va oferir vinculació a l'atenció a tots els participants. La vacunació contra el VHB i l'assessorament post-test es van realitzar en una segona visita a la comunitat. El resultat principal van ser les probabilitats que les persones amb infecció actual pel VHB estiguin vinculades amb èxit a l'hepatologia. Es van analitzar les taxes de completar la cascada assistencial d'aquest model. Resultats: En el present estudi, 444 persones se sotmeten a cribratge, amb el 50.6% dels participants que mostren evidència d'infecció passada o actual pel VHB, inclosa una prevalença de VHB del 9.2%. Els migrants amb infecció actual pel VHB presenten 5,2 vegades més probabilitats d'èxit en l'atenció en comparació amb aquells que necessiten assessorament o vacunació post-prova. L'estudi aconsegueix una taxa de vinculació reeixida a l'atenció del 72% per a tots els participants, amb cites amb especialistes concertades en un termini de 15,5 dies. Conclusions: Aquest programa de cribratge del VHB basat en la comunitat proporciona proves d'un model reeixit per identificar i proporcionar atenció, inclosa la vacunació, als migrants de l'Àfrica occidental amb alt risc d'infecció pel VHB que d'altra manera podrien no dedicar-se a l'atenció.C.A.P., J.V.L. and Lv.S. acknowledge support to ISGlobal from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the “Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2019-2023” Program (CEX2018-000806-S), and from the Government of Catalonia through the “CERCA Program”. C.A.P. acknowledges support from the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca de la Generalitat de Catalunya and the European Social Fund as an AGAUR-funded PhD fellow. E.M. thanks the CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya for their support to the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP). This study was carried out by ISGlobal with competitive funding through the Gilead Sciences global HBV-CARE program (IN-ES-988–5799)

Biorefinery of rice husk to obtain functionalized bioactive compounds

The biomass industrialization valorisation of grains and cereals is considered an opportunity for the countries where agro-industrial activity is one of its main economic activities, rendering new higher-value products with a concomitant solution to waste accumulation issues. To that end, in this work we describe and characterise bioactive compounds generation from rice husk by semisolid fermentation, obtained from 500 g of the material at room temperature and 60% humidity with mixed cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Gloeophyllum trabeum. The extract was evaluated in different situations: murine mammary tumour cells (4T1), normal cells (NIH 3T3) and in Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Trichoderma harzianum. The results exhibited that the extract inhibited 4T1 cells at concentrations higher than 20μg/mL, but did not inhibit normal cells, and displayed germicide activity after 3 days incubations. We propose that these functionalized compounds have a potential application in industry/agriculture/medicine obtained from rice husk waste