33 research outputs found

    Carreteras y red eléctrica en Colombia, 1945-1990

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    Este trabajo busca explicar por qué en Colombia hubo una divergencia entre la expansión de la red eléctrica y la red de carreteras después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y hasta 1990. Durante este período el país adoptó el modelo de industrialización por sustitución de importaciones (ISI), que consideraba a ambos sectores como estratégicos para el crecimiento económico. A partir de una revisión de documentos oficiales, se analiza la dinámica de inversión en cada sector y su relevancia relativa frente al modelo de crecimiento económico. Se concluye que, si bien se le dio a ambos sectores una importancia similar al inicio del período, en la práctica se focalizó en la electricidad por ser considerada insumo para la industria y necesidad para los hogares. Las carreteras, por su parte, tenían una importancia secundaria en la política de conservar, más que construir nuevas vías.gráficos.Incluye referencias bibliográficas (páginas 33-36)

    Colostrum Quality in Different Goat Breeds Reared in Northern Italy

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    This study aimed to characterize the colostrum quality in three different local goat breeds of Northern Italy (i.e., Frisa Valtellinese, Orobica, and Lariana) and a cosmopolitan one (i.e., Camosciata delle Alpi) (n = 30 per breed), reared under traditional semi-extensive and intensive systems, respectively. Lariana showed the highest percentage of fat (10.18 ± 3.14%) and total solids (30.73 ± 4.89%) but the lowest percentage of lactose (1.87 ± 0.82%; p < 0.05); Orobica had the lowest percentage of fat (7.13 ± 2.48%), total solids (24.11 ± 5.48%), and protein (10.77 ± 4.53%) but the highest percentage of lactose (3.16 ± 0.73%; p < 0.05). This suggests that breeds which have a more pronounced meat aptitude (i.e., Frisa and Lariana) have a higher concentration of components than breeds with more dairy aptitude (i.e., Orobica and Camosciata). Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that IgG is the parameter that best differentiates local breeds from cosmopolitan ones (p < 0.01). Colostrum from Frisa goats showed the highest IgG concentration (100.90 ± 8.11 mg/mL), while the lowest concentration was in the Camosciata breed (74.75 ± 20.16 mg/mL). Finally, the highest lactoferrin concentration was in Frisa (1781.3 ± 892.6 μg/mL) and the lowest in Camosciata and Lariana (763.1 ± 357.9 and 1148.0 ± 858.6 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.05). Differences between Camosciata and local breeds could be due to the different farming systems, in addition to the genetic characteristics. The higher quality of colostrum produced by some local goats could be an adaptive characteristic that helps the growth and survival of the kids

    Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

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    : The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

    Infected pancreatic necrosis: outcomes and clinical predictors of mortality. A post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study

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    : The identification of high-risk patients in the early stages of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is critical, because it could help the clinicians to adopt more effective management strategies. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study to assess the association between clinical risk factors and mortality among adult patients with IPN. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of mortality. We identified 247 consecutive patients with IPN hospitalised between January 2019 and December 2020. History of uncontrolled arterial hypertension (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.135-15.882; aOR 4.245), qSOFA (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.359-5.879; aOR 2.828), renal failure (p = 0.022; 95% CI 1.138-5.442; aOR 2.489), and haemodynamic failure (p = 0.018; 95% CI 1.184-5.978; aOR 2.661), were identified as independent predictors of mortality in IPN patients. Cholangitis (p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.598-9.930; aOR 3.983), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.090-6.967; aOR 2.735), and gastrointestinal/intra-abdominal bleeding (p = 0.009; 95% CI 1.286-5.712; aOR 2.710) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. Upfront open surgical necrosectomy was strongly associated with the risk of mortality (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.912-7.442; aOR 3.772), whereas endoscopic drainage of pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.018; 95% CI 0.138-0.834; aOR 0.339) and enteral nutrition (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.143-0.716; aOR 0.320) were found as protective factors. Organ failure, acute cholangitis, and upfront open surgical necrosectomy were the most significant predictors of mortality. Our study confirmed that, even in a subgroup of particularly ill patients such as those with IPN, upfront open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Study protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov (I.D. Number NCT04747990)

    <scp>ReSurveyEurope</scp>: A database of resurveyed vegetation plots in Europe

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    AbstractAimsWe introduce ReSurveyEurope — a new data source of resurveyed vegetation plots in Europe, compiled by a collaborative network of vegetation scientists. We describe the scope of this initiative, provide an overview of currently available data, governance, data contribution rules, and accessibility. In addition, we outline further steps, including potential research questions.ResultsReSurveyEurope includes resurveyed vegetation plots from all habitats. Version 1.0 of ReSurveyEurope contains 283,135 observations (i.e., individual surveys of each plot) from 79,190 plots sampled in 449 independent resurvey projects. Of these, 62,139 (78%) are permanent plots, that is, marked in situ, or located with GPS, which allow for high spatial accuracy in resurvey. The remaining 17,051 (22%) plots are from studies in which plots from the initial survey could not be exactly relocated. Four data sets, which together account for 28,470 (36%) plots, provide only presence/absence information on plant species, while the remaining 50,720 (64%) plots contain abundance information (e.g., percentage cover or cover–abundance classes such as variants of the Braun‐Blanquet scale). The oldest plots were sampled in 1911 in the Swiss Alps, while most plots were sampled between 1950 and 2020.ConclusionsReSurveyEurope is a new resource to address a wide range of research questions on fine‐scale changes in European vegetation. The initiative is devoted to an inclusive and transparent governance and data usage approach, based on slightly adapted rules of the well‐established European Vegetation Archive (EVA). ReSurveyEurope data are ready for use, and proposals for analyses of the data set can be submitted at any time to the coordinators. Still, further data contributions are highly welcome.</jats:sec

    Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Cardiac Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

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    Abstract Increased apoptosis has been reported in the heart of rats with spontaneous hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between apoptosis and hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes from the left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In addition, we evaluated whether the development of cardiomyocyte apoptosis is related to blood pressure or to the activity of the local angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in SHR. The study was performed in 16-week-old SHR, 30-week-old untreated SHR, and 30-week-old SHR treated with quinapril (10 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) during 14 weeks before they were killed. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was assessed by direct immunoperoxidase detection of digoxigenin-labeled 3′-hydroxyl ends of DNA. Nuclear polyploidization measured by DNA flow cytometry was used to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Compared with 16-week-old normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats, 16-week-old SHR exhibited increased blood pressure ( P <.001), increased rate of tetraploidy ( P <.05), and similar levels of ACE activity and apoptosis. Compared with 30-week-old Wistar-Kyoto rats, 30-week-old SHR showed increased blood pressure ( P <.001), increased ACE activity ( P <.05), increased rate of tetraploidy ( P <.01), and increased apoptosis ( P <.01). Untreated 30-week-old SHR exhibited similar values of blood pressure and tetraploidy and higher ACE activity ( P <.05) and apoptosis ( P <.001) than 16-week-old SHR. A direct correlation ( P <.01) was found between ACE activity and the apoptotic index in untreated 30-week-old SHR. The long-term administration of quinapril was associated with the normalization of ACE activity and apoptosis in treated SHR. These results suggest that the timing and mechanisms responsible for apoptosis and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes are different in SHR. Whereas hypertrophy seems to be an earlier alteration that develops in parallel with hypertension, apoptosis develops later in association with overactivity of the local ACE. Our data suggest that cell death dysregulation may be a novel target for antihypertensive agents that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension

    Versatile Functional Microstructured Polystyrene-Based Platforms for Protein Patterning and Recognition

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    We report the preparation of different functional surface patterns based on the optimization of the photo-cross-linking/degradation kinetics of polystyrene (PS) upon exposure to UV-light. We employed a PS-<i>b</i>-PGA (polystyrene-<i>block</i>-poly­(l-glutamic acid)) block copolymer that will, in addition to the surface pattern, provide functionality. By using short irradiation times, PS can be initially cross-linked, whereas an excess of the exposure time provokes the degradation of the material. As a result of the optimization of time of exposure, the use of an appropriate cover, or the incorporation of an appropriate amount of absorbing active species (photoinitiator), different tailor-made surface patterns can be obtained, from boxes to needles. Moreover, in addition to the surface pattern, we introduced changes on the chemical composition of the polystyrene using an amphiphilic block copolymer (for instance, we employ PS-<i>b</i>-PGA) that will provide functional surfaces with major advantages. In particular, the presence of carboxylic functional groups provides a unique opportunity to anchor, for instance polypeptide sequences. We describe the immobilization of polypeptide sequences in precise surface positions that allows the use of the surfaces for protein recognition purposes. The immobilization of the proteins evidence the success of the recognition and opens a new alternative for protein patterning on surfaces for many biotechnological and biomedical applications

    La atención sanitaria relacionada con el consumo de drogas en un contexto de crisis económica

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    [spa]El objetivo de este artículo es describir cómo la crisis económica influye sobre diversos aspectos relacionados con el consumo de drogas. La actual crisis ha producido un cambio en la tendencia del consumo. Igualmente se constata un incremento en la incidencia de trastornos mentales. Se ha demostrado que las actitudes, percepciones y conocimientos de las enfermeras influyen en la calidad de la atención a estos drogodependientes. Estas actitudes pueden verse modificadas o influenciadas por factores personales, ambientales. La mayoría de autores consideran que la formación y los conocimientos adquiridos pre o postgrado o por experiencia son un aspecto importante para modificar las actitudes del personal sanitario. Los recortes también repercuten en la formación e investigación de los profesionales sanitarios, influyendo a su vez en la calidad asistencial prestada. [eng]The aim of this article is to describe how the economic crisis influences on various aspects related to drugs use. The current crisis there has been a change in the trend of consumption. Similarly there is an increase of incidence of mental disorders. It has been shown that attitudes, perceptions and knowledge of nurses have an impact on the quality of the care of these drug-dependent. These attitudes may be changed or influenced by factors, personal and environment. It should be noted that most authors believe that the undergraduate and postgraduate training and knowledge or practical experience are an important aspect to modify the attitudes of health personnel. The cuts will also have an impact on the training and research of health care professionals, influencing in turn the quality of care provided

    On the Mechanism of Action of Dragmacidins I and J, Two New Representatives of a New Class of Protein Phosphatase 1 and 2A Inhibitors

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    Two new brominated bis­(indole) alkaloids, dragmacidins I (1) and J (2), showing low micromolar cytostatic activity, along with three known congeners were isolated from the Tanzanian sponge Dragmacidon sp. and their structures determined by the analysis of their NMR and MS data. From the study of their mechanism of action, it can be concluded that the mitotic arrest at metaphase in treated tumor cells, mediated by inhibition of PP1 and/or PP2A phosphatases is involved in the observed antiproliferative activity. Differences in their bioactivities were rationalized, and a plausible binding mode is proposed on the basis of computational simulations

    A Chemistry Laboratory Miniature Model: A Window to Science

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    The construction and educational applications of a meticulously rendered model diorama, scaled at 1:5, depicting a multidisciplinary chemical laboratory is described. The project blends the realms of Art and Chemistry, providing a glimpse into laboratory work within this scientific discipline. The model features a combination of 3D-printed and handcrafted miniature laboratory equipment alongside hand-blown chemical glassware, effectively illustrating a spectrum of chemical laboratory practices spanning both basic and advanced techniques. The educational aspects of the model are supported by an Infographic and QR codes associated with online instructional videos. These videos, accessible at any time on the YouTube platform, provide detailed insights into commonly used laboratory equipment and techniques. Through interactive activities centered on the model diorama, the model aids students in becoming familiar with the functions of standard chemistry laboratory glassware and equipment. Consequently, the model emerges as a visually appealing educational tool that provides support for chemistry instruction
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