Abstract The Bay of Campeche is located in a region of moderate to high seismic activity related to the active triple junction between the North American, Caribbean, and Cocos plate boundaries. Therefore, the fixed offshore platforms and subsea structures in the Bay of Campeche must be designed against earthquake loading. A database was developed of classification and index properties tests, in situ measurements of shear wave velocity (Vs) using downhole P-S suspension seismic velocity logging, in situ piezocone penetration tests, resonant column tests to characterize the shear modulus and material damping ratio at small shear strains (10−5 % to about 0.1 %), and strain-controlled cyclic direct simple shear tests to evaluate the decrease of shear modulus and the increase of material damping ratio at large shear strains (0.1 % to about 10 %) performed on sand from the Bay of Campeche, including sands with no carbonate content to 100 % carbonate content, retrieved from the seafloor to a penetration depth of 120 m below seafloor. The database was tailored specifically to develop empirical correlations for the Bay of Campeche sand to determine Vs when in situ measurements of Vs are not available and to develop numerical modeling to predict the variation of the normalized shear modulus (G/Gmax) and material damping ratio (D) as a function of shear strains (g) when dynamic test results are unavailable for all the sand layers. The equations developed to calculate Vs and the curves of G/Gmax-γ and D-γ of Bay of Campeche sands are recommended for preliminary or perhaps even final seismic site response evaluations.

Resumen La Bahía de Campeche se encuentra en una región de moderada a alta actividad sísmica relacionada con la triple unión activa entre los límites de las placas de América del Norte, el Caribe y la de Cocos. Por lo tanto, las plataformas fijas en alta mar y las estructuras submarinas en la Bahía de Campeche deben diseñarse contra la carga sísmica. Una base de datos de pruebas de clasificación y propiedades índice, mediciones in situ de la velocidad de la onda de corte Vs utilizando la sonda suspendida, pruebas in situ de piezocono penetrómetro (PCPT), pruebas de columna resonante para caracterizar el módulo de rigidez y la relación de amortiguación del material a bajas deformaciones angulares (10-5% a aproximadamente 0.1 %) y pruebas cíclicas de corte simple directo (DSS) con deformación controlada para evaluar la disminución del módulo de rigidez y el aumento de la relación de amortiguación del material a deformaciones angulares altas (0.1 % a aproximadamente 10 %) realizados en la arena de la Bahía de Campeche incluyendo arenas sin contenido de carbonato hasta el 100% del contenido de carbonato recuperados desde el fondo marino y hasta a una profundidad de 120 m por debajo del fondo marino. La base de datos fue diseñada específicamente para desarrollar para las arenas de la Bahía de Campeche correlaciones empíricas para determinar Vs, cuando no se dispone de mediciones in situ de Vs, y modelos numéricos para predecir la variación del módulo de rigidez normalizado (G/Gmax) y la relación de amortiguamiento (D) de materiales en función de la deformación angular (γ) cuando no hay resultados de pruebas dinámicas disponibles para todas las capas de arena. Las ecuaciones desarrolladas para calcular Vs, y las curvas de G/Gmax-γ y D-γ de las arenas de la Bahía de Campeche se recomiendan para evaluaciones preliminares o tal vez incluso finales de respuesta sísmica del sitio.

Abstract The Bay of Campeche is located in a region of moderate to high seismic activity related to the active triple junction between the North American, Caribbean, and Cocos plate boundaries. Therefore, the fixed offshore platforms and subsea structures in the Bay of Campeche must be designed against earthquake loading. A database was developed of classification and index properties tests, in situ measurements of shear wave velocity using downhole P-S suspension seismic velocity logging, in situ piezocone penetration tests, resonant column tests to characterize the shear modulus and material damping ratio at small shear strains (10−5 % to about 0.1 %), and strain-controlled cyclic direct simple shear tests to evaluate the decrease of shear modulus and the increase of material damping ratio at large shear strains (0.1 % to about 10 %) performed on clays from the Bay of Campeche, including clays with no carbonate content to 100 % carbonate content, retrieved from the seafloor to a penetration depth of 120 m below seafloor. The database was tailored specifically to develop empirical correlations for the Bay of Campeche clay to determine Vs when in situ measurements of Vs are not available and to develop numerical modeling to predict the variation of the normalized shear modulus (G/Gmax) and material damping ratio as a function of shear strains (g) when dynamic test results are unavailable for all the clay layers. The equations developed to calculate Vs and the curves of G/Gmax-γ and D-γ of Bay of Campeche clays are recommended for preliminary or perhaps even final seismic site response evaluations.

Resumen La Bahía de Campeche se encuentra en una región de moderada a alta actividad sísmica relacionada con la triple unión activa entre los límites de las placas de América del Norte, el Caribe y la de Cocos. Por lo tanto, las plataformas fijas en alta mar y las estructuras submarinas en la Bahía de Campeche deben diseñarse contra la carga sísmica. Una base de datos de pruebas de clasificación y propiedades índice, mediciones in situ de la velocidad de la onda de corte Vs utilizando la sonda suspendida, pruebas in situ de piezocono penetrómetro (PCPT), pruebas de columna resonante para caracterizar el módulo de rigidez y la relación de amortiguación del material a bajas deformaciones angulares (10-5% a aproximadamente 0.1 %) y pruebas cíclicas de corte simple directo (DSS) con deformación controlada para evaluar la disminución del módulo de rigidez y el aumento de la relación de amortiguación del material a deformaciones angulares altas (0.1 % a aproximadamente 10 %) realizados en arcillas de la Bahía de Campeche incluyendo arcillas sin contenido de carbonato hasta el 100% del contenido de carbonato recuperados desde el fondo marino y hasta a una profundidad de 120 m por debajo del fondo marino. La base de datos fue diseñada específicamente para desarrollar para las arcillas de la Bahía de Campeche correlaciones empíricas para determinar Vs, cuando no se dispone de mediciones in situ de Vs, y modelos numéricos para predecir la variación del módulo de rigidez normalizado (G/Gmax) y la relación de amortiguamiento de materiales en función de la deformación angular (g) cuando no hay resultados de pruebas dinámicas disponibles para todas las capas de arcilla. Las ecuaciones desarrolladas para calcular Vs, y las curvas de G/Gmax-γ y D-γ de las arcillas de la Bahía de Campeche se recomiendan para evaluaciones preliminares o tal vez incluso finales de respuesta sísmica del sitio.

Abstract Objectives This study was to compare the effects of different local analgesia protocols on osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Medical records of 148 osteoarthritis patients who underwent unilateral TKA between October 2016 and October 2017 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All these patients were divided into three groups according to the pain management protocol (morphine, morphine + cocktail [100 mg ropivacaine, 10 mg morphine, and 30 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution containing 2 mL betamethasone (4 mg)], or cocktail). The postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, muscle strength, and complications were compared between the groups. Results At 6 and 12 hours post-operation, the VAS score in group C was significantly higher than that in group A or group B. In addition, the muscle (quadriceps femoris) strength score of group C (3.7 ± 2.8) was significantly higher than that in groups A and B at 6 and 12 hours post-operation. The VAS score and muscle strength score showed no significant differences among the three groups at 24 and 36 hours post-operation. The time of postoperative first void of group C was significantly shorter than that of groups A and B. Groups A or B had a significantly higher incidence of nausea and emesis compared with group C. The incidence of pruritus was higher in groups A or B than that in group C. Conclusion Epidural anesthesia combined with local analgesic cocktail injection is a preferable effective multimodal analgesia for TKA.

Abstract Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mivacurium in the application of fast-track anesthesia for transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in children. Methods: The data of 108 children who underwent transthoracic device closure of VSDs from December 2018 to June 2020 were recorded and analyzed. All children were divided into group M (mivacurium group, n=55) and group C (cisatracurium group, n=53) according to the different muscle relaxant drug used. Results: No statistically significant differences in general preoperative data, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, or the incidence of adverse reactions were noted between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the intubation condition rating of children in group M was better than that in group C. The onset time, duration of clinical action and recovery index of the muscle relaxant, postoperative mechanical ventilation duration, and length of intensive care unit stay in group M were significantly lower than those in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is safe and feasible to use mivacurium as a muscle relaxant in children undergoing fast-track cardiac anesthesia during transthoracic device closure of VSDs.

RESUMO A função e proteção das glândulas paratireoidianas é um tópico de pesquisa cada vez mais popular. Coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia são o modelo animal mais comumente usada para isquemia da paratireóide. Porém, informação sobre a vasculatura de suas glândulas paratireóides é limitada. Foram usados 94 coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia saudáveis, com 3-4 meses de idade, 2-3kg de peso, para exploração das glândulas paratireóides, que foram coradas com hematoxilina e eosina (HE) após a remoção. Os seguintes tipos foram classificados de acordo com a relação entre a posição da glândula paratireoidiana inferior e a tireoide: Tipo A, Tipo Próximo, Tipo B e Tipo Distante. Houve 188 casos, 4 em que as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas próximas ao lado dorsal da tireoide (2.13%), 8 onde as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas superiores ao polo superior da tireoide (4.26%), 20 onde as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas paralelo à tireoide (10.64%) e 155 casos em que as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas inferiores ao polo inferior da tireoide (82.45%). A identificação da localização e a classificação da vasculatura das glândulas paratireóides em coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia fornecerão um modelo anatômico para auxiliar em pesquisas futuras.

ABSTRACT The function and protection of the parathyroid glands are increasingly popular research topics. New Zealand white rabbits are the most commonly used animal model of parathyroid ischemia. However, information on the vasculature of their parathyroid glands is limited. We used 94 healthy New Zealand white rabbits, 3-4 months of age and 2-3kg in weight, for exploration of the parathyroid glands, which were stained using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) after removal. The following types were classified according to the relationship between the position of the inferior parathyroid gland and the thyroid: Type A, Close Type, Type B, and Distant Type. There were 188 cases, 4 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located near the dorsal side of thyroid (2.13%), 8 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located superior to the upper pole of the thyroid (4.26%), 20 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located parallel to the thyroid (10.64%), and 155 cases where the inferior parathyroid glands were located inferior to the lower pole of thyroid (82.45%). Identifying the location and classifying the vasculature of the parathyroid glands in New Zealand white rabbits will provide an anatomical model to assist in future research.

Abstract Cordyceps militaris 202 is a potential fungus for biotransformation zein, due to its various proteases, high tolerance and viability in nature. In this article, single factor experiment and response surface methodology were applied to optimize the liquid fermentation conditions and improve the ability of biotransformation zein. The optimized fermentation conditions were as follows: inoculum concentration of 19%, volume of liquor of 130 mL/500 mL and pH of 4.7. Under this condition, the degree of hydrolysis (DH) was 27.31%. The zein hydrolysates from fungi fermentation maintained a high thermal stability. Compared to the original zein, the zein hydrolysates were found to have high solubility, which most likely results in improved foaming and emulsifying properties. Overall, this research demonstrates that hydrolysis of zein by C. militaris 202 is a potential method for improving the functional properties of zein, and the zein hydrolysates can be used as functional ingredients with an increased antioxidant effect in both food and non-food applications.

The effect of particle size on the flotation kinetics of a low-rank coal was compared using air bubbles and oily bubbles. Five kinetic models were applied to the data from the tests to derive the relationships between the flotation rate constant, the ultimate recovery, and the particle size fraction. The results show that oily bubble flotation (OBF) resulted in a lower ash content and higher combustible recovery than air bubble flotation (ABF), especially for the -125 μm size fraction. It was found that the flotation of a low-rank coal in individual size fractions using air bubbles and oily bubbles can be best described by a first-order model with rectangular distribution of tendency to float and the classical first-order model respectively. OBF yielded higher ultimate combustible and ultimate ash recoveries. The flotation rate constants for OBF were higher in all the models except for the fully mixed reactor model. The ultimate recovery values and modified rate constants first increased and then decreased as the size fraction decreased. The trend of the flotation rate constants as a function of the size fraction was similar in all the models except for the fully mixed reactor model.

The modes of occurrence of arsenic and the effects of low-intensity leaching-flotation on arsenic removal from coal slime from the Tanggongta Plant, Inner Mongolia, China were investigated. The coal slime was examined using hydride generation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and X-ray diffraction to obtain the content of elements and the major minerals. The modes of occurrence of arsenic in minerals were determined using selective leaching, float-and-sink analysis, and polarized light microscopy. The results indicate that pyrite is the dominant carrier of arsenic in the coal slime, which predominantly exists in association with clay. Significant proportion of the arsenic is removed by a low-intensity leaching-flotation process, consistent with the data from selective leaching and flotation of gangue. The results show that low intensity leaching-alkali washing-flotation is more efficient than direct flotation and low-intensity leaching-flotation.

Chemotherapy response rates in patients with cholangiocarcinoma remain low, primarily due to the development of drug resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells is widely accepted to be important for metastasis and progression, but it has also been linked to the development of chemoresistance. Salinomycin (an antibiotic) has shown some potential as a chemotherapeutic agent as it selectively kills cancer stem cells, and has been hypothesized to block the EMT process. In this study, we investigated whether salinomycin could reverse the chemoresistance of cholangiocarcinoma cells to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. We found that combined salinomycin with doxorubicin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability compared with doxorubicin or salinomycin treatment alone in two cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (RBE and Huh-28). The dosages of both drugs that were required to produce a cytotoxic effect decreased, indicating that these two drugs have a synergistic effect. In terms of mechanism, salinomycin reversed doxorubicin-induced EMT of cholangiocarcinoma cells, as shown morphologically and through the detection of EMT markers. Moreover, we showed that salinomycin treatment downregulated the AMP-activated protein kinase family member 5 (ARK5) expression, which regulates the EMT process of cholangiocarcinoma. Our results indicated that salinomycin reversed the EMT process in cholangiocarcinoma cells by inhibiting ARK5 expression and enhanced the chemosensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma cells to doxorubicin. Therefore, a combined treatment of salinomycin with doxorubicin could be used to enhance doxorubicin sensitivity in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT In 1981, Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) and C. largillierti (Philippi, 1844) were recorded at the Río de la Plata River. During the 1980’s, C. largillierti was found on a continuous fringe in the shore of that river, while C. fluminea was only found North of Buenos Aires’ harbor. Ten years later, C. fluminea spread to Punta Indio, while C. largillierti remained restricted to tributary streams. The density and size frequency distribution of both species were compared with previous data from samples performed in the same area in 1985-1989. The aim of this research was to determine whether the densities of both species decreased; whether C. fluminea is still more abundant than C. largillierti; and whether the size frequency distributions indicate different population structures from those observed in the end of the 1980’s. Nine localities from the river shore were sampled, and each individual was identified and measured. The size of C. fluminea varied between 2 and 39 mm, showing the highest frequency of individuals between 20 and 25 mm; furthermore the density decreased 90% in 2015/2016. No specimens of C. largillierti were found. In conclusion, the populations of Corbicula inhabiting the Río de la Plata River are retracting.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor 5-year survival rate of 5%. Biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is elevated in the tissues and plasma of patients with PDAC. However, no studies systemically report prognostic significance of plasma TGF-β1 levels in PDAC. In the present study, we assessed the prognostic significance of serum TGF-β levels in patients with PDAC. TGF-β levels were determined in serum from 146 PDAC patients, and 58 patients with benign pancreatic conditions. Regression models were used to correlate TGF-β levels to gender, age, stage, class, and metastasis. Survival analyses were performed using multivariate Cox models. Serum levels of TGF-β1 distinguished PDAC from benign pancreatic conditions (P<0.001) and healthy control subjects (P<0.001). Serum levels of TGF-β also distinguished tumor stage (P=0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). High serum levels of TGF-β1 were significantly correlated with reduced patient survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that TGF-β1, lymph node metastasis and tumor stage were independent factors for PDAC survival. Our results indicate that serum TGF-β1 may be used as a potential prognostic marker for PDAC.

The objective of this research is to reflect on the risks and benefits of the contraceptive pill and the need for women to be informed by qualified health care providers including nurse midwives and nurse practitioners based on scientific evidence. Since its commercialization in the 60's, a lot of information has been published about the risks of the pill by both scientists and the social media and yet the benefits have been little known. The combined pill is one of the most effective reversible methods of preventing pregnancy. It is associated with increased risk factors for venous thromboembolism and it has non-contraceptive benefits not related to menstruation, fertility, bone mass, acne, and it reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Nursing professionals, like all other health care team professionals should address the right to inform the population based on scientific data as well as get involved in family planning counseling to improve maternal and child health, promoting unintended pregnancies and the right to decide the number of children and the time interval be respected.

El propósito de este trabajo es hacer una revisión sobre los riesgos y beneficios de la píldora anticonceptiva y la necesidad de informar desde las consultas de enfermeras/os y de matronas con base en la evidencia científica. Desde su comercialización en los años 60, se ha publicado una gran cantidad de información sobre los riesgos de la píldora , tanto en el ámbito científico como en los medios de comunicación social y sin embargo, los beneficios han sido poco difundidos. La píldora combinada es uno de los métodos anticonceptivos reversibles con mayor eficacia para evitar el embarazo. Se asocia a un aumento de riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso y presenta efectos beneficiosos no anticonceptivos relacionados con la menstruación, la fertilidad, la masa ósea, el acné, y reduce el riesgo de cáncer de ovario y de endometrio. Los profesionales de enfermería, al igual que el resto de profesionales del equipo de salud, deben abordar el derecho a la información de la población basada en datos científicos y deben implicarse en funciones de orientación en planificación familiar para mejorar la salud materno-infantil, promoviendo los embarazos deseados y que el derecho a tener el número de hijos e intervalo entre ellos sea respetado.

Peixes eurihalinos suportam águas com diferentes concentrações de sal. Contudo, muitos estudos têm mostrado que a salinidade pode afetar o desenvolvimento do peixe. Portanto, o efeito da mudança de salinidade de 20 para 5 e 35 na taxa de sobrevivência, peso, comprimento, morfologia das células de cloreto branquiais e atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase foram avaliadas no Centropomus parallelus após curto (6, 24 e 96 horas) e longo tempo de exposição (30 e 60 dias). A salinidade não afetou a sobrevivência, o peso e comprimento final do robalo-peva. A quantidade de células de cloreto aumentou visivelmente nas salinidades 5 e 35, exibindo morfologias típicas de células que absorvem e secretam sal, respectivamente. A atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase nas brânquias do C. parallelus foi significativamente maior na salinidade 5 do que nas salinidades 20 ou 35 após 96 horas, mas não após 30 e 60 dias. Esses resultados indicam que a mudança de alta para baixa salinidade provoca adaptações nas células de cloreto e na atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase branquial em curto prazo. Contudo, após longa exposição na salinidade 5, a alta atividade da Na+, K+ ATPase branquial não é mais necessária. O aumento de salinidade para 35 não induz mudanças significativas nas brânquias. Portanto, juvenis de C. parallelus possuem a capacidade de aclimatação nas salinidades de 5 a 35 semefeitos significativos no desenvolvimento após 60 dias.

Eurihaline fish support waters with different salt concentration. However, numerous studies have shown that salinity can affect fish development. Thus, the effect of salinity change from 20 to 5 and 35 on survival, weight, length, gill chloride cell ultrastructure and gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity was evaluated in Centropomus parallelus following short-term (6, 24 and 96 hours) and long-term exposure (30 and 60 days). Salinity did not affect C. parallelus survival, final weight and length. The quantity of chloride cells increased visibly at salinities of 5 and 35, with the cells exhibiting the typical features of uptake and secretory cells, respectively. Na+, K+ ATPase activity in the gill of the C. parallelus was significantly greater at a salinity of 5 than at a salinity of 20 or 35 after 96 hours, but not after 30 or 60 days. These results indicate that salinity change from high to low salt water induces gill chloride cell and Na+, K+ ATPase activity adaptations after short-term exposure. However, after long-term exposure at salinity 5, gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity is no more necessary at high levels. The increase in salinity to 35 does not induce significant change in gills. Juveniles of C. parallelus may thus be capable of acclimating to salinities of 5 to 35 for 60 days without significant effects on development.

Chronic inflammation induced by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays a key role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 may be associated with chronic inflammation in AMD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) regulates inflammation via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, and resveratrol has been reported to prevent Aβ-induced retinal degeneration; therefore, we investigated whether this action was mediated via activation of SIRT1 signaling. Human adult retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were exposed to Aβ, and overactivation and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed to investigate whether SIRT1 is required for abrogating Aβ-induced inflammation. We found that Aβ-induced RPE barrier disruption and expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-9 were abrogated by the SIRT1 activator SRT1720, whereas alterations induced by Aβ in SIRT1-silenced RPE cells were not attenuated by SRT1720. In addition, SRT1720 inhibited Aβ-mediated NF-κB activation and decrease of the NF-κB inhibitor, IκBα. Our findings suggest a protective role for SIRT1 signaling in Aβ-dependent retinal degeneration and inflammation in AMD.