Asymptotically Lifshitz wormholes and black holes for Lovelock gravity in vacuum

Static asymptotically Lifshitz wormholes and black holes in vacuum are shown to exist for a class of Lovelock theories in d=2n+1>7 dimensions, selected by requiring that all but one of their n maximally symmetric vacua are AdS of radius l and degenerate. The wormhole geometry is regular everywhere and connects two Lifshitz spacetimes with a nontrivial geometry at the boundary. The dynamical exponent z is determined by the quotient of the curvature radii of the maximally symmetric vacua according to n(z^2-1)+1=(l/L)^2, where L corresponds to the curvature radius of the nondegenerate vacuum. Light signals are able to connect both asymptotic regions in finite time, and the gravitational field pulls towards a fixed surface located at some arbitrary proper distance to the neck. The asymptotically Lifshitz black hole possesses the same dynamical exponent and a fixed Hawking temperature given by T=z/(2^z pi l). Further analytic solutions, including pure Lifshitz spacetimes with a nontrivial geometry at the spacelike boundary, and wormholes that interpolate between asymptotically Lifshitz spacetimes with different dynamical exponents are also found.Comment: 19 pages, 1 figur

Role of Klotho and AGE/RAGE-Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway on the development of cardiac and renal fibrosis in diabetes

Fibrosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of long-term diabetic complications and contributes to the development of cardiac and renal dysfunction. The aim of this experimental study, performed in a long-term rat model, which resembles type 1 diabetes mellitus, was to investigate the role of soluble Klotho (sKlotho), advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/receptor for AGEs (RAGE), fibrotic Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and pro-fibrotic pathways in kidney and heart. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Glycaemia was maintained by insulin administration for 24 weeks. Serum and urine sKlotho, AGEs, soluble RAGE (sRAGE) and biochemical markers were studied. The levels of Klotho, RAGEs, ADAM10, markers of fibrosis (collagen deposition, fibronectin, TGF-β1, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway), hypertrophy of the kidney and/or heart were analysed. At the end of study, diabetic rats showed higher levels of urinary sKlotho, AGEs and sRAGE and lower serum sKlotho compared with controls without differences in the renal Klotho expression. A significant positive correlation was found between urinary sKlotho and AGEs and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR). Fibrosis and RAGE levels were significantly higher in the heart without differences in the kidney of diabetic rats compared to controls. The results also suggest the increase in sKlotho and sRAGE excretion may be due to polyuria in the diabetic rats

Fractal diagnosis of severe cardiac dysfunction Fractal dynamic of the left coronary branching

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: la geometría fractal evalúa la irregularidad de los objetos naturales, permitiendo caracterizar de forma imparcial la totalidad de la ramifi cación coronaria izquierda a diferencia de la metodología actual que evalúa únicamente partes de ésta. Con base en esta medida se generalizó una nueva metodología diagnóstica para detectar cualquier tipo de disfunción cardiaca severa. MÉTODOS: estudio de concordancia diagnóstica en el que se utilizó el método de box counting para medir dimensiones fractales de imágenes consecutivas entre sístole y diástole de la ramifi cación coronaria izquierda en proyección oblicua derecha anterior de angiografías de ocho pacientes con enfermedad arterial oclusiva leve. Así mismo, se evaluaron sus cambios por medio de los conceptos de variabilidad y diferencia neta y se compararon estos resultados con pacientes sin enfermedad arterial oclusiva, con enfermedad arterial oclusiva moderada y severa evaluados previamente de igual forma, para obtener una metodología matemática que evalúa el impacto de cualquier patología en la dinámica cardiaca. RESULTADOS: los casos que presentan diferencias netas de cero corresponden a pacientes con disfunciones cardiacas severas, independientemente del grado o ausencia de enfermedad arterial oclusiva diagnosticada. CONCLUSIONES: se generalizó una nueva metodología diagnóstica de aplicación clínica que detecta disfunciones cardiacas severas sub-diagnosticadas con las metodologías actuales, mediante la caracterización de la dinámica total de la ramifi cación coronaria izquierda.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: fractal geometry evaluates the irregularity of natural objects, allowing impartially characterize the entire left coronary branching unlike the current methodology which evaluates only parts of it. Based on this measure, a new diagnostic method was generalized to detect any type of severe cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: Concordance study using the box counting method to measure fractal dimensions of consecutive images between systole and diastole of the left coronary branch in right anterior oblique projection in angiograms of eight patients with mild arterial occlusive disease. Likewise, we evaluated its changes through the concepts of variability and net difference and compared these results with patients without occlusive arterial disease, with moderate to severe arterial occlusive disease previously and similarly evaluated, to obtain a mathematical methodology to assess the impact of any pathology in cardiac dynamics.RESULTS: The cases with zero net differences occur in patients with severe cardiac dysfunction, regardless of the degree or absence of diagnosed occlusive arterial disease. CONCLUSIONS: a new diagnostic methodology of clinical application to detect sub-diagnosed severe heart dysfunction was generalized with current methodologies, through the characterization of the total dynamics of the left coronary branch

Hacia una metodología estandarizada para el muestreo de escarabajos peloteros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) en el Neotrópico: Una revisión crítica

Introducción: La estandarización de los protocolos de muestreo es imprescindible para el estudio robusto de cualquier grupo taxonómico. Los métodos replicables permiten la comparación de datos entre diferentes estudios espaciales y temporales. En el caso de los escarabajos coprófagos, uno de los grupos indicadores mejor estudiados en los análisis de perturbaciones ambientales, se utiliza una amplia gama de metodologías de recolección, desde trampas de caída básicas hasta métodos más complejos o complementarios, como el extractor mini-Winkler. Además, en los estudios de escarabajos coprófagos se utilizan diferentes tipos de cebos atractivos, esfuerzos de muestreo, duraciones y diseños. Las variaciones en los enfoques metodológicos se notan particularmente en el Neotrópico, lo que puede estar relacionado con la gran cantidad de estrategias biológicas y el comportamiento de los escarabajos coprófagos que habitan esta región. La falta de unificación metodológica para la región Neotropical imposibilita un análisis transversal de la información. Métodos: Realizamos una recopilación y revisión analítica de la literatura existente para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, discutiendo las metodologías más utilizadas, sus ventajas y desventajas, y casos específicos en los que modelos particulares son más eficientes. Resultados: Las trampas Pitfall cebadas con excremento humano son el método de muestreo más común, pero existe una amplia gama de modelos y variaciones en la estructura de esta trampa. El efecto complementario generado por las trampas de interceptación de vuelos, las trampas de luz y las colecciones directas, particularmente dentro de los microhábitats, es emocionante por el potencial de encontrar nuevas especies. Algunas metodologías, como mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, o cebos muy específicos, se utilizan con poca frecuencia. Discusión: Hubo una falta de inclusión de la variación espacial y temporal entre los estudios. Por lo tanto, es necesario considerar ventanas de muestreo más amplias, que incluyan diferentes escalas espaciales, estaciones y años. Finalmente, proponemos un protocolo estándar para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, dependiendo de cada objetivo, e incluyendo una metodología básica para la obtención de inventarios locales completos. Copyright © 2023 Mora-Aguilar, Arriaga-Jiménez, Correa, da Silva, Korasaki, López-Bedoya, Hernández, Pablo-Cea, Salomão, Valencia, Vulinec, Edwards, Edwards, Halffter y Noriega. Proponemos un protocolo estándar para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, dependiendo de cada objetivo, e incluyendo una metodología básica para la obtención de inventarios locales completos. Copyright © 2023 Mora-Aguilar, Arriaga-Jiménez, Correa, da Silva, Korasaki, López-Bedoya, Hernández, Pablo-Cea, Salomão, Valencia, Vulinec, Edwards, Edwards, Halffter y Noriega. Proponemos un protocolo estándar para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, dependiendo de cada objetivo, e incluyendo una metodología básica para la obtención de inventarios locales completos.Introduction: The standardization of sampling protocols is imperative for robustly studying any taxonomic group. Replicable methods allow the comparison of data between different spatial and temporal studies. In the case of dung beetles, one of the best-studied indicator groups in analyses of environmental disturbance, a wide range of collection methodologies are used, from basic pitfall traps to more complex or complementary methods such as mini-Winkler extractor. Also, different types of attractive baits, sampling effort, durations, and designs are used in dung beetle studies. Variations in methodological approaches are particularly noted in the Neotropics, which may be related to the vast number of biological strategies and behavior of dung beetles that inhabit this region. A lack of methodological unification for the Neotropical region makes a cross-sectional analysis of the information impossible. Methods: We performed a compilation and analytical review of the existing literature for dung beetle sampling in the Neotropics, discussing the most used methodologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and specific cases in which particular models are more efficient. Results: Pitfall traps baited with human excrement are the most common sampling method, but there is a wide range of models and variations in the structure of this trap. The complementary effect generated by flight interception traps, light traps, and direct collections, particularly within microhabitats, is exciting for the potential of finding new species. Some methodologies, such as mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, or very specific baits, are infrequently used. Discussion: There was a lack of inclusion of spatial and temporal variation among studies. Therefore, it is necessary to consider broader sampling windows, which include different spatial scales, seasons, and years. Finally, we propose a standard protocol for sampling dung beetles in the Neotropics, depending on each objective, and including a basic methodology for obtaining complete local inventories

Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov State in Heavy Fermion Superconductors

The Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state is a novel superconducting state in a strong magnetic field characterized by the formation of Cooper pairs with nonzero total momentum (k \uparrow, -k+q \downarrow), instead of the ordinary BCS pairs (k \uparrow, -k \downarrow). A fascinating aspect of the FFLO state is that it exhibits inhomogeneous superconducting phases with a spatially oscillating order parameter and spin polarization. The FFLO state has been of interest in various research fields, not only in superconductors in solid state physics, but also in neutral Fermion superfluid of ultracold atomic gases and in color superconductivity in high energy physics. In spite of extensive studies of various superconductors, there has been no undisputed experimental verification of the FFLO state, mainly because of the very stringent conditions required of the superconducting materials. Among several classes of materials, certain heavy fermion and organic superconductors are believed to provide conditions that are favorable to the formation of the FFLO state. This review presents recent experimental and theoretical developments of the FFLO state mainly in heavy fermion superconductors. In particular we address the recently discovered quasi-two-dimensional superconductor CeCoIn_5, which is a strong candidate for the formation of the FFLO state.Comment: 17 pages, 12 figures with jpsf2.cls, to be published in J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. (Special Topics - Frontiers of Novel Superconductivity in Heavy Fermion Compounds

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

American palm ethnomedicine: A meta-analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Many recent papers have documented the phytochemical and pharmacological bases for the use of palms (<it>Arecaceae</it>) in ethnomedicine. Early publications were based almost entirely on interviews that solicited local knowledge. More recently, ethnobotanically guided searches for new medicinal plants have proven more successful than random sampling for identifying plants that contain biodynamic ingredients. However, limited laboratory time and the high cost of clinical trials make it difficult to test all potential medicinal plants in the search for new drug candidates. The purpose of this study was to summarize and analyze previous studies on the medicinal uses of American palms in order to narrow down the search for new palm-derived medicines.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Relevant literature was surveyed and data was extracted and organized into medicinal use categories. We focused on more recent literature than that considered in a review published 25 years ago. We included phytochemical and pharmacological research that explored the importance of American palms in ethnomedicine.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 730 species of American palms, we found evidence that 106 species had known medicinal uses, ranging from treatments for diabetes and leishmaniasis to prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, the number of American palm species with known uses had increased from 48 to 106 over the last quarter of a century. Furthermore, the pharmacological bases for many of the effects are now understood.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Palms are important in American ethnomedicine. Some, like <it>Serenoa repens </it>and <it>Roystonea regia</it>, are the sources of drugs that have been approved for medicinal uses. In contrast, recent ethnopharmacological studies suggested that many of the reported uses of several other palms do not appear to have a strong physiological basis. This study has provided a useful assessment of the ethnobotanical and pharmacological data available on palms.</p

Sarilumab in patients admitted to hospital with severe or critical COVID-19: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

Background: Elevated proinflammatory cytokines are associated with greater COVID-19 severity. We aimed to assess safety and efficacy of sarilumab, an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor, in patients with severe (requiring supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask) or critical (requiring greater supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal support) COVID-19. Methods: We did a 60-day, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational phase 3 trial at 45 hospitals in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Russia, and Spain. We included adults (≥18 years) admitted to hospital with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and pneumonia, who required oxygen supplementation or intensive care. Patients were randomly assigned (2:2:1 with permuted blocks of five) to receive intravenous sarilumab 400 mg, sarilumab 200 mg, or placebo. Patients, care providers, outcome assessors, and investigators remained masked to assigned intervention throughout the course of the study. The primary endpoint was time to clinical improvement of two or more points (seven point scale ranging from 1 [death] to 7 [discharged from hospital]) in the modified intention-to-treat population. The key secondary endpoint was proportion of patients alive at day 29. Safety outcomes included adverse events and laboratory assessments. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04327388; EudraCT, 2020-001162-12; and WHO, U1111-1249-6021. Findings: Between March 28 and July 3, 2020, of 431 patients who were screened, 420 patients were randomly assigned and 416 received placebo (n=84 [20%]), sarilumab 200 mg (n=159 [38%]), or sarilumab 400 mg (n=173 [42%]). At day 29, no significant differences were seen in median time to an improvement of two or more points between placebo (12·0 days [95% CI 9·0 to 15·0]) and sarilumab 200 mg (10·0 days [9·0 to 12·0]; hazard ratio [HR] 1·03 [95% CI 0·75 to 1·40]; log-rank p=0·96) or sarilumab 400 mg (10·0 days [9·0 to 13·0]; HR 1·14 [95% CI 0·84 to 1·54]; log-rank p=0·34), or in proportions of patients alive (77 [92%] of 84 patients in the placebo group; 143 [90%] of 159 patients in the sarilumab 200 mg group; difference −1·7 [−9·3 to 5·8]; p=0·63 vs placebo; and 159 [92%] of 173 patients in the sarilumab 400 mg group; difference 0·2 [−6·9 to 7·4]; p=0·85 vs placebo). At day 29, there were numerical, non-significant survival differences between sarilumab 400 mg (88%) and placebo (79%; difference +8·9% [95% CI −7·7 to 25·5]; p=0·25) for patients who had critical disease. No unexpected safety signals were seen. The rates of treatment-emergent adverse events were 65% (55 of 84) in the placebo group, 65% (103 of 159) in the sarilumab 200 mg group, and 70% (121 of 173) in the sarilumab 400 mg group, and of those leading to death 11% (nine of 84) were in the placebo group, 11% (17 of 159) were in the sarilumab 200 mg group, and 10% (18 of 173) were in the sarilumab 400 mg group. Interpretation: This trial did not show efficacy of sarilumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and receiving supplemental oxygen. Adequately powered trials of targeted immunomodulatory therapies assessing survival as a primary endpoint are suggested in patients with critical COVID-19. Funding: Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals