A laser spectroscopy system with combined absorption, polarization rotation and fluorescence detection to study two photon transitions in atomic rubidium

AbstractThe design and construction of an experimental system for studying two photon spectroscopy processes in atomic rubidium is presented. It is designed to measure absorption and polarization rotation induced by any of the two laser beams and also the visible fluorescence that results from decay of the excited states. Two home-built diode lasers are used to produce the optical fields that later interact with room temperature rubidium atoms. Using counterpropagating beams allows velocity selection of the groups of atoms that interact with both laser beams. The system was tested in the 5 S→5 P3/2→5 Dj ladder energy level configuration of atomic rubidium. Blue fluorescence (420nm) that results from decay of the intermediate 6Pj states is filtered and then measured with a photomultiplier tube. Absorption and fluorescence spectra provide mutually complementary information about the interaction between the rubidium atoms and the two optical fields

Detection and Molecular Diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in the Endangered Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus), Spain

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are the main non-viral causes of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals globally. Comparatively, much less information is currently available in free-ranging carnivore species in general and in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in particular. Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were investigated with molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods in individual faecal DNA samples of free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes from the main population nuclei in Spain. Overall, Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were detected in 2.4% (6/251) and 27.9% (70/251) of the animals examined, respectively. Positive animals to at least one of them were detected in each of the analysed population nuclei. The analysis of partial ssu rRNA gene sequences revealed the presence of rodent-adapted C. alticolis (n = 1) and C. occultus (n = 1), leporid-adapted C. cuniculus (n = 2), and zoonotic C. parvum (n = 2) within Cryptosporidium, and zoonotic assemblages A (n = 5) and B (n = 3) within G. duodenalis. Subgenotyping analyses allowed for the identification of genotype VaA19 in C. cuniculus (gp60 locus) and sub-assemblages AI and BIII/BIV in G. duodenalis (gdh, bg, and tpi loci). This study represents the first molecular description of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in the Iberian lynx in Spain. The presence of rodent/leporid-adapted Cryptosporidium species in the surveyed animals suggests spurious infections associated to the Iberian lynx's diet. The Iberian lynx seems a suitable host for zoonotic genetic variants of Cryptosporidium (C. parvum) and G. duodenalis (assemblages A and B), although the potential risk of human transmission is regarded as limited due to light parasite burdens and suspected low excretion of infective (oo)cysts to the environment by infected animals. More research should be conducted to ascertain the true impact of these protozoan parasites in the health status of the endangered Iberian lynx.This article is based upon work from project LIFE 19NAT/ES001055 LYNXCONNECT ‘Creating a genetically and demographically functional Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) metapopulation (2020–2025)’ supported by the European Commission. J.C.-G. was supported by the Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CB21/13/00083), Health Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Science and Innovation and European Union-Next Generation EU. S.C.-S. was supported by an FPU grant (FPU19/06026) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Universities. D.J.-M. holds a PhD contract granted by Own Research Plan of the University of Córdoba. D.G.-B. is the recipient of a Sara Borrell research contract (CD19CIII/00011) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. A.D. is the recipient of a PFIS contract (FI20CIII/00002) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. We thank all the veterinarians and animal keepers of ex situ and in situ conservation programs involved in the sampling as well as all the members of the CAD centre for their assistance in the collection of samples and epidemiological information. We also gratefully acknowledge Junta de Andalucía and Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha.S

Fluoride Consumption and Its Impact on Oral Health

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate caries and dental fluorosis among Mexican preschoolers and school-aged children in a non-endemic zone for fluorosis and to measure its biological indicators. Methods. DMFT, DMFS, dmft, dmfs, and CDI indexes were applied. Fluoride urinary excretion and fluoride concentrations in home water, table salt, bottled water, bottled drinks, and toothpaste were determined. Results. Schoolchildren presented fluorosis (CDI = 0.96) and dental caries (DMFT = 2.64 and DMFS = 3.97). Preschoolers presented dmft = 4.85 and dmfs = 8.80. DMFT and DMFS were lower in children with mild to moderate dental fluorosis (DF). Variable fluoride concentrations were found in the analyzed products (home water = 0.18–0.44 ppm F, table salt = 0–485 ppm F, bottled water = 0.18–0.47 ppm F, juices = 0.08–1.42 ppm F, nectars = 0.07–1.30 ppm F, bottled drinks = 0.10–1.70 ppm F, toothpaste = 0–2,053 ppm F). Mean daily fluoride excretion was 422 ± 176 µg/24 h for schoolchildren and 367 ± 150 µg/24 h for preschoolers. Conclusions. Data from our study show that, despite values of excretion within an optimal fluoride intake range, the prevalence of caries was significant in both groups, and 60% of the 11- to 12-year-old children presented with dental fluorosis. In addition, variable fluoride concentrations in products frequently consumed by children were found

Truncating FLNC Mutations Are Associated With High-Risk Dilated and Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathies

BACKGROUND: Filamin C (encoded by the FLNC gene) is essential for sarcomere attachment to the plasmatic membrane. FLNC mutations have been associated with myofibrillar myopathies, and cardiac involvement has been reported in some carriers. Accordingly, since 2012, the authors have included FLNC in the genetic screening of patients with inherited cardiomyopathies and sudden death. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between truncating mutations in FLNC and the development of high-risk dilated and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. METHODS: FLNC was studied using next-generation sequencing in 2,877 patients with inherited cardiovascular diseases. A characteristic phenotype was identified in probands with truncating mutations in FLNC. Clinical and genetic evaluation of 28 affected families was performed. Localization of filamin C in cardiac tissue was analyzed in patients with truncating FLNC mutations using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Twenty-three truncating mutations were identified in 28 probands previously diagnosed with dilated, arrhythmogenic, or restrictive cardiomyopathies. Truncating FLNC mutations were absent in patients with other phenotypes, including 1,078 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Fifty-four mutation carriers were identified among 121 screened relatives. The phenotype consisted of left ventricular dilation (68%), systolic dysfunction (46%), and myocardial fibrosis (67%); inferolateral negative T waves and low QRS voltages on electrocardiography (33%); ventricular arrhythmias (82%); and frequent sudden cardiac death (40 cases in 21 of 28 families). Clinical skeletal myopathy was not observed. Penetrance was >97% in carriers older than 40 years. Truncating mutations in FLNC cosegregated with this phenotype with a dominant inheritance pattern (combined logarithm of the odds score: 9.5). Immunohistochemical staining of myocardial tissue showed no abnormal filamin C aggregates in patients with truncating FLNC mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Truncating mutations in FLNC caused an overlapping phenotype of dilated and left-dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies complicated by frequent premature sudden death. Prompt implantation of a cardiac defibrillator should be considered in affected patients harboring truncating mutations in FLNC.Instituto de Salud Carlos III [PI11/0699, PI14/0967, PI14/01477, RD012/0042/0029, RD012/0042/0049, RD012/0042/0066, RD12/0042/0069]; Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [SAF2015-71863-REDT]; Plan Nacional de I+D+I; Plan Estatalde I+D+I, European Regional Development Fund; Health in Code SLS

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

La Escuela Freinet de Barcelona

El 1937, a Barcelona i en plena guerra, va néixer l’Escola Freinet de Barcelona. L’esdeveniment va ser impulsat per l’inspector escolar Herminio Almendros. Ja havien passat els temps de la Cooperativa Espanyola de la Tècnica Freinet. Els nens d’aquesta escola van fer textos lliures amb llur impremta, els van il·lustrar, els van imprimir, van fer-ne quaderns i van tenir intercanvi amb altres escoles; principalment amb l’escola regentada per Freinet a Vença, França. Aquests textos van quedar agrupats en els quaderns «tibidabo» i «Petits», dels nois de primària i els de parvulari. Amb aquests textos lliures els nens, sense proposar-s’ho ells ni els seus mestres, es van convertir en veritables historiadors que permeten conèixer els successos d’una escola en temps de guerra. Aquest text recull informació sobre aquesta escola, els seus mestres i nens. També parla de la presència de l’inspector Almendros. Recupera, a més, l’assumpte de l’intercanvi amb escolars de França. El text es basa en els textos d’aquests quaderns i en l’entrevista que l’autor va fer a un dels directors de l’escola.Paraules clau: educació Freinet; Barcelona; Tibidabo; impremta escolar; textlliure, Guerra Civil.The Freinet School of Barcelona was set up in the city at the height of the Civil War in 1937, promoted by schools inspector Herminio Almendros. The time of the Spanish Cooperative for the Freinet Technique had come to a close. The children at this school produced free texts on their press, illustrated them, printed them into books and exchanged them with other schools, mainly with the school run by Freinet in Vence, France. These texts were grouped into the books «tibidabo» and «Petits» for primary and nursey schoolchildren. In these free texts, and without themselves or their teachers setting out with this purpose, the children became true historians, enabling us to uncover what took place during wartime schooling. This article brings together information about the school, its teachers and pupils. It also looks at the figure of Inspector Almendros. Furthermore, it recoups the exchanges made with schoolchildren in France. The article is based on the texts from these books and on an interview carried out by the author with one of the school’s head teachers.Key words: Freinet education; Barcelona; Tibidabo; School Press; Free Text; Civil War.En 1937, en Barcelona y en plena guerra, nació la Escuela Freinet de Barcelona. El acontecimiento fue impulsado por el inspector escolar Herminio Almendros. Ya habían pasado los tiempos de la Cooperativa Española de la Técnica Freinet. Los niños de esa escuela hicieron textos libres con su imprenta, los ilustraron, imprimieron, formaron cuadernos y tuvieron intercambio con otras escuelas; principalmente con la escuela regentada por Freinet en Vance, Francia. Esos textos quedaron agrupados en los cuadernos «tibidabo» y «Petits», de los chicos de primaria y los de parvulario. Con esos textos libres los niños, sin proponérselo ellos ni sus maestros, se convirtieron en verdaderos historiadores que permiten conocer los sucesos de una escuela en tiempos de guerra. Este texto recoge información sobre esa escuela, sus maestros y chicos. También habla de la presencia del inspector Almendros. Recupera además el asunto del intercambio con escolares de Francia. El texto se basa en los textos de esos cuadernos y en la entrevista que el autor hizo a uno de los directores de la escuela.Palabras clave: educación Freinet; Barcelona; Tibidabo; Imprenta Escolar; TextoLibre; Guerra Civil