Detection of pollution transport events southeast of Mexico City using ground-based visible spectroscopy measurements of nitrogen dioxide

This work presents ground based differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) during the MILAGRO field campaign in March 2006 at the Tenango del Aire research site located to the southeast of Mexico City. The DOAS NO<sub>2</sub> column density measurements are used in conjunction with ceilometer, meteorological and surface nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen oxides (NO<sub>x</sub>) and total reactive nitrogen (NO<sub>y</sub>) measurements to analyze pollution transport events to the southeast of Mexico City during the MILARGO field campaign. The study divides the data set into three case study pollution transport events that occurred at the Tenango del Aire research site. The unique data set is then used to provide an in depth analysis of example days of each of the pollution transport events. An in depth analysis of 13 March 2006, a Case One day, shows the transport of several air pollution plumes during the morning through the Tenango del Aire research site when southerly winds are present and demonstrates how DOAS tropospheric NO<sub>2</sub> vertical column densities (VCD), surface NO<sub>2</sub> mixing ratios and ceilometer data are used to determine the vertical homogeneity of the pollution layer. The analysis of 18 March 2006, a Case Two day, shows that when northerly winds are present for the entire day, the air at the Tenango del Aire research site is relatively clean and no major pollution plumes are detected. Case 3 days are characterized by relatively clean air throughout the morning with large DOAS NO<sub>2</sub> enhancements detected in the afternoon. The analysis of 28 March 2006 show the DOAS NO<sub>2</sub> enhancements are likely due to lightning activity and demonstrate how suitable ground-based DOAS measruements are for monitoring anthropogenic and natural pollution sources that reside above the mixing layer

Pregnancy In Women Undergoing Hemodialysis: Case Series In A Southeast Brazilian Reference Center [gestação Em Mulheres Em Tratamento Hemodialítico: Série De Casos Em Um Centro De Referência Do Sudeste Do Brasil]

PURPOSE: To describe maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women undergoing hemodialysis in a referral center in Brazilian Southeast side. METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study, with chart review of all pregnancies undergoing hemodialysis that were followed-up at an outpatient clinic of high- risk prenatal care in Southeast Brazil. RESULTS: Among the 16 women identified, 2 were excluded due to follow-up loss. In 14 women described, hypertension was the most frequent cause of chronic renal failure (half of cases). The majority (71.4%) had performed hemodialysis treatment for more than one year and all of them underwent 5 to 6 hemodialysis sessions per week. Eleven participants had chronic hypertension, 1 of which was also diabetic, and 6 of them were smokers. Regarding pregnancy complications, 1 of the hypertensive women developed malignant hypertension (with fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery at 29 weeks), 2 had acute pulmonary edema and 2 had abruption placenta. The mode of delivery was cesarean section in 9 women (64.3%). All neonates had Apgar score at five minutes above 7. CONCLUSIONS: To improve perinatal and maternal outcomes of women undergoing hemodialysis, it is important to ensure multidisciplinary approach in referral center, strict control of serum urea, hemoglobin and maternal blood pressure, as well as close monitoring of fetal well-being and maternal morbidities. Another important strategy is suitable guidance for contraception in these women.37159Bramham, K., Lightstone, L., Pre-pregnancy counseling for women with chronic kidney disease (2012) J Nephrol, 25 (4), pp. 450-459Hou, S., Pregnancy in chronic renal insufficiency and end-stage renal disease (1999) Am J Kidney Dis, 33 (2), pp. 235-252Shemin, D., Dialysis in pregnant women with chronic kidney disease (2003) Semin Dial, 16 (5), pp. 379-383Pipili, C., Grapsa, E., Koutsobasili, A., Sorvinou, P., Poirazlar, E., Kiosses, D., Pregnancy in dialysis-dependent women--the importance of frequent dialysis and collaborative care: A case report (2011) Hemodial Int, 15 (3), pp. 306-311Podymow, T., August, P., Akbari, A., Management of renal disease in pregnancy (2010) Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 37 (2), pp. 195-210Siviero, P., Machado, C.J., Cherchiglia, M.L., Chronic kidney failure by means of multiple causes of death in Brazil (2014) Cad Saúde Coletiva, 22 (1), pp. 75-85Furaz-Czerpak, K.R., Fernández-Juárez, G., Moreno-De La Higuera, M.A., Corchete-Prats, E., Puente-García, A., Martín-Hernández, R., Pregnancy in women on chronic dialysis: A review (2012) Nefrologia, 32 (3), pp. 287-294Hou, S.H., Pregnancy in women on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (1994) Baillieres Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 8 (2), pp. 481-500Chao, A.S., Huang, J.Y., Lien, R., Kung, F.T., Chen, P.J., Hsieh, P.C., Pregnancy in women who undergo long-term hemodialysis (2002) Am J Obstet Gynecol, 187 (1), pp. 152-156Reddy, S.S., Holley, J.L., Management of the pregnant chronic dialysis patient (2007) Adv Chronic Kidney Dis, 14 (2), pp. 146-155Piccoli, G.B., Cabiddu, G., Daidone, G., Guzzo, G., Maxia, S., Ciniglio, I., The children of dialysis: Live-born babies from on-dialysis mothers in Italy--an epidemiological perspective comparing dialysis, kidney transplantation and the overall population (2014) Nephrol Dial Transplant, 29 (8), pp. 1578-1586Shahir, A.K., Briggs, N., Katsoulis, J., Levidiotis, V., An observational outcomes study from 1966-2008, examining pregnancy and neonatal outcomes from dialysed women using data from the ANZDATA Registry (2013) Nephrology (Carlton), 18 (4), pp. 276-284Silva, G.B., Jr., Monteiro, F.A., Mota, R.M., Paiva, J.G., Correia, J.W., Bezerra Filho, J.G., Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis in obstetric patients: A series of 55 cases in Brazil (2009) Arch Gynecol Obstet, 279 (2), pp. 131-137Castellano, G., Losappio, V., Gesualdo, L., Update on pregnancy in chronic kidney disease (2011) Kidney Blood Press Res, 34 (4), pp. 253-260Hladunewich, M., Hercz, A.E., Keunen, J., Chan, C., Pierratos, A., Pregnancy in end stage renal disease (2011) Semin Dial, 24 (6), pp. 634-639Espinoza, F., Romeo, R., Ursu, M., Tapia, A., Vukusich, A., Pregnancy during dialysis: Experience in six patients (2013) Rev Med Chil, 141 (8), pp. 1003-1009Hladunewich, M.A., Hou, S., Odutayo, A., Cornelis, T., Pierratos, A., Goldstein, M., Intensive hemodialysis associates with improved pregnancy outcomes: A Canadian and United States cohort comparison (2014) J am Soc Nephrol, 25 (5), pp. 1103-110

Analysis of Physical–Cognitive Tasks Including Feedback-Based Technology for Alzheimer’s Disorder in a Randomized Experimental Pilot Study

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease causes great changes, with the prefrontal cortex being the most frequently damaged zone; these changes affect physical and cognitive behavior and compromise autonomy. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical–cognitive tasks on memory, attention, balance, gait, and risk of falling in Alzheimer’s by using feedback-based technology. Methods: Forty patients with Alzheimer’s were recruited from an Alzheimer’s Association; of these, 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the pilot RCT (eight in the control group; seven in the experimental group). Assessment tools: The Cognitive Mini-Examination Scale, Oddball Test and Attention Network, Berg Scale, Tinetti, Timed Up and Go, and Geriatric Deterioration Scale. The experimental group was treated with physical–cognitive tasks by using combined feedback-based technology (visual, acoustic, simultaneous, immediate, and terminal feedback, as well as knowledge of the results and performance) under the supervision of physiotherapists twice per week for 16 thirty-minute sessions. The control group underwent their usual care (pharmacological treatment, mobility exercises, and cognitive stimulation sessions). Result: In the experimental group, the contrast tests showed differences for the re-test (except in attention), with the significative Timed Up and Go test being significant (p = 0.020). The interaction between groups showed significant differences for the experimental group according to the MEC (p = 0.029; d = 0.14) and Tinetti (p = 0.029; d = 0.68). Discussion/Conclusion: Memory, balance, gait, and risk of falling improved in the Alzheimer’s patients through the use of physical–cognitive tasks involving combined feedback-based technology. The effects on attention were inconclusive. The outcomes should be treated with caution due to the sample. This can promote intergenerational bonds, use at home, and adherence to treatment

Rapid Phenotype-Driven Gene Sequencing with the NeoSeq Panel: A Diagnostic Tool for Critically Ill Newborns with Suspected Genetic Disease

New genomic sequencing techniques have shown considerable promise in the field of neonatology, increasing the diagnostic rate and reducing time to diagnosis. However, several obstacles have hindered the incorporation of this technology into routine clinical practice. We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic rate and diagnostic turnaround time achieved in newborns with suspected genetic diseases using a rapid phenotype-driven gene panel (NeoSeq) containing 1870 genes implicated in congenital malformations and neurological and metabolic disorders of early onset (<2 months of age). Of the 33 newborns recruited, a genomic diagnosis was established for 13 (39.4%) patients (median diagnostic turnaround time, 7.5 days), resulting in clinical management changes in 10 (76.9%) patients. An analysis of 12 previous prospective massive sequencing studies (whole genome (WGS), whole exome (WES), and clinical exome (CES) sequencing) in newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with suspected genetic disorders revealed a comparable median diagnostic rate (37.2%), but a higher median diagnostic turnaround time (22.3 days) than that obtained with NeoSeq. Our phenotype-driven gene panel, which is specific for genetic diseases in critically ill newborns is an affordable alternative to WGS and WES that offers comparable diagnostic efficacy, supporting its implementation as a first-tier genetic test in NICUs

Genes of the antioxidant system of the honey bee: annotation and phylogeny

Antioxidant enzymes perform a variety of vital functions including the reduction of life-shortening oxidative damage. We used the honey bee genome sequence to identify the major components of the honey bee antioxidant system. A comparative analysis of honey bee with Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae shows that although the basic components of the antioxidant system are conserved, there are important species differences in the number of paralogs. These include the duplication of thioredoxin reductase and the expansion of the thioredoxin family in fly; lack of expansion of the Theta, Delta and Omega GST classes in bee and no expansion of the Sigma class in dipteran species. The differential expansion of antioxidant gene families among honey bees and dipteran species might reflect the marked differences in life history and ecological niches between social and solitary species

Potential role of new anticoagulants for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Low molecular weight heparins are the preferred option for anticoagulation in cancer patients according to current clinical practice guidelines. Fondaparinux may also have a place in prevention of VTE in hospitalized cancer patients with additional risk factors and for initial treatment of VTE. Although low molecular weight heparins and fondaparinux are effective and safe, they require daily subcutaneous administration, which may be problematic for many patients, particularly if long-term treatment is needed. Studying anticoagulant therapy in oncology patients is challenging because this patient group has an increased risk of VTE and bleeding during anticoagulant therapy compared with the population without cancer. Risk factors for increased VTE and bleeding risk in these patients include concomitant treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, placement of central venous catheters, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, antiplatelet drugs), supportive therapies (ie, steroids, blood transfusion, white blood cell growth factors, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents), and tumor-related factors (local vessel damage and invasion, abnormalities in platelet function, and number). New anticoagulants in development for prophylaxis and treatment of VTE include parenteral compounds for once-daily administration (ie, semuloparin) or once-weekly dosing (ie, idraparinux and idrabiotaparinux), as well as orally active compounds (ie, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, betrixaban). In the present review, we discuss the pharmacology of the new anticoagulants, the results of clinical trials testing these new compounds in VTE, with special emphasis on studies that included cancer patients, and their potential advantages and drawbacks compared with existing therapies

Calibration of the Gamma-RAy Polarimeter Experiment (GRAPE) at a Polarized Hard X-Ray Beam

The Gamma-RAy Polarimeter Experiment (GRAPE) is a concept for an astronomical hard X-ray Compton polarimeter operating in the 50 - 500 keV energy band. The instrument has been optimized for wide-field polarization measurements of transient outbursts from energetic astrophysical objects such as gamma-ray bursts and solar flares. The GRAPE instrument is composed of identical modules, each of which consists of an array of scintillator elements read out by a multi-anode photomultiplier tube (MAPMT). Incident photons Compton scatter in plastic scintillator elements and are subsequently absorbed in inorganic scintillator elements; a net polarization signal is revealed by a characteristic asymmetry in the azimuthal scattering angles. We have constructed a prototype GRAPE module containing a single CsI(Na) calorimeter element, at the center of the MAPMT, surrounded by 60 plastic elements. The prototype has been combined with custom readout electronics and software to create a complete "engineering model" of the GRAPE instrument. This engineering model has been calibrated using a nearly 100% polarized hard X-ray beam at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. We find modulation factors of 0.46 +/- 0.06 and 0.48 +/- 0.03 at 69.5 keV and 129.5 keV, respectively, in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. In this paper we present details of the beam test, data analysis, and simulations, and discuss the implications of our results for the further development of the GRAPE concept.Comment: 35 pages, 14 figures, accepted for publication in NIM-

X-Ray Polarization of Solar Flares Measured with Rhessi

The degree of linear polarization in solar flares has not yet been precisely determined despite multiple attempts to measure it with different missions. The high energy range in particular has very rarely been explored, due to its greater instrumental difficulties. We approached the subject using the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) satellite to study 6 X-class and 1 M-class flares in the energy range between 100 keV and 350 keV. Using RHESSI as a polarimeter requires the application of strict cuts to the event list in order to extract those photons that are Compton scattered between two detectors. Our measurements show polarization values between 2% and 54%, with errors ranging from 10% to 26% in 1 sigma level. In view of the large uncertainties in both the magnitude and direction of the polarization vector, the results can only reject source models with extreme properties.Comment: 26 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication by Solar Physic

Partonic flow and ϕ\phi-meson production in Au+Au collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200 GeV

We present first measurements of the $\phi$-meson elliptic flow ($v_{2}(p_{T})$) and high statistics $p_{T}$ distributions for different centralities from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. In minimum bias collisions the $v_{2}$ of the $\phi$ meson is consistent with the trend observed for mesons. The ratio of the yields of the $\Omega$ to those of the $\phi$ as a function of transverse momentum is consistent with a model based on the recombination of thermal $s$ quarks up to $p_{T}\sim 4$ GeV/$c$, but disagrees at higher momenta. The nuclear modification factor ($R_{CP}$) of $\phi$ follows the trend observed in the $K^{0}_{S}$ mesons rather than in $\Lambda$ baryons, supporting baryon-meson scaling. Since $\phi$-mesons are made via coalescence of seemingly thermalized $s$ quarks in central Au+Au collisions, the observations imply hot and dense matter with partonic collectivity has been formed at RHIC.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, submit to PR

Measurement of Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetries for Di-Jet Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at s=200\sqrt{s} = 200 GeV

We report the first measurement of the opening angle distribution between pairs of jets produced in high-energy collisions of transversely polarized protons. The measurement probes (Sivers) correlations between the transverse spin orientation of a proton and the transverse momentum directions of its partons. With both beams polarized, the wide pseudorapidity ($-1 \leq \eta \leq +2$) coverage for jets permits separation of Sivers functions for the valence and sea regions. The resulting asymmetries are all consistent with zero and considerably smaller than Sivers effects observed in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). We discuss theoretical attempts to reconcile the new results with the sizable transverse spin effects seen in SIDIS and forward hadron production in pp collisions.Comment: 6 pages total, 1 Latex file, 3 PS files with figure