The nature of the interplay between tectonics and volcanism is a major question in continental margin tectonics. The Southern Andes volcanic zone (SVZ), located at the obliquely convergent ...Nazca–South America plate margin between 33°S and 46°S, offers a unique opportunity to address this question because of along-strike changes in crustal thickness, tectonic style and well-constrained long-term and short-term kinematic history. The complex interaction between tectonic and magmatic processes is evidenced by both the architecture and geochemical signature of volcanic systems. Main first-order factors accounting for the along-strike variations in the nature and composition of volcanism are crustal thickness and the existence of a major, intra-arc fault system, the Liquiñe–Ofqui fault zone (LOFZ). Second order factors include the local nature of the volcanic arc basement.
Two main categories of volcano–tectonic associations have been identified, according to the spatial distribution and internal organization of individual volcanoes and clusters of volcanoes with respect to both the overall strike of the volcanic arc and the first and second-order active/inactive basement faults. Kinematically-coupled associations, those that are directly related to the current dextral transpressional tectonic regime, include NE-trending volcanic alignments of stratovolcanoes and/or monogenetic cones; kinematically uncoupled associations, in which coupling with the current regime is not required, include stratovolcanoes built on top of ancient reverse and strike–slip faults of the volcanic arc basement and monogenetic cones lying along master faults of the LOFZ. Whereas mostly primitive magmas are found in the first category, more evolved terms can occur genetically associated with the second category. We propose a simplified, three-dimensional model for the magma plumbing system along and across the SVZ that integrates kinematically-coupled and kinematically uncoupled volcano–tectonic associations within the framework of first- and second-order geological and structural constraints.
Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) or Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of lung conditions with common characteristics that can progress to fibrosis. Within this group ...of pneumonias, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is considered the most common. This disease has no known cause, is devastating and has no cure. Chronic lesion of alveolar type II (ATII) cells represents a key mechanism for the development of IPF. ATII cells are specialized in the biosynthesis and secretion of pulmonary surfactant (PS), a lipid-protein complex that reduces surface tension and minimizes breathing effort. Some differences in PS composition have been reported between patients with idiopathic pulmonary disease and healthy individuals, especially regarding some specific proteins in the PS; however, few reports have been conducted on the lipid components. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which phospholipids (PLs) could be involved in the development of the fibroproliferative response.
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection has been predominantly linked to respiratory distress syndrome, but gastrointestinal symptoms and hepatic ...injury have also been reported. The mechanism of liver injury is poorly understood and may result as a consequence of viral hepatitis, systemic inflammatory response, gut barrier and microbiome alterations, intensive care treatment or drug toxicity. The incidence of hepatopathy among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear, but studies have reported liver injury in patients with SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We aimed to systematically review data on the prevalence of hepatic impairments and their clinical course in SARS and MERS
infections. A systematic literature search (PubMed/Embase/Cinahl/Web of Science) according to preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA) was conducted from database inception until 17/03/2020 for studies that evaluated the incidence of hepatic abnormalities in SARS CoV-1, SARS CoV-2 and MERS infected patients with reported liver-related parameters. A total of forty-three studies were included. Liver anomalies were predominantly mild to moderately elevated transaminases, hypoalbuminemia and prolongation of prothrombin time. Histopathology varied between non-specific inflammation, mild steatosis, congestion and massive necrosis. More studies to elucidate the mechanism and importance of liver injury on the clinical course and prognosis in patients with novel SARS-CoV-2 infection are warranted.
•Arbequina EVOO introduced in Brazil is analyzed and compared with Spanish EVOO.•Brazilian and Spanish EVOO greatly differ in free acidity and colour.•Minor variations were found for the fatty acid ...profile.•EVOO characteristics may be affected by geographic and climatic conditions.•PCA analysis allows discrimination of the oils according to geographic origin.
Production of virgin olive oil is beginning in Brazil. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the EVOO Arbequina from Brazil in comparison with Spanish Arbequina from different regions. Quality parameters, oxidative stability, pigments, colour and fatty acid profile were assessed, and relationships with geographic and climatic conditions were studied. All the samples presented good quality and met EU standards for extra-virgin olive oil, but there were significant differences between regions and countries for many of the parameters evaluated. Major differences between Brazilian and Spanish samples were observed for free acidity and colour of the oils, as well as minor variations in the fatty acid profile. The colour differences were related to rainfall, whereas the fatty acid content was strongly influenced by altitude and temperature. These results highlight the fact that geographic area and environmental factors influence the characteristics of Arbequina oil and play an important role in newly introduced cultivars.
Cancer is one of the most burdening global health challenges. Indigenous communities are at high risk for worse healthcare outcomes because of inequalities in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality ...of oncological diseases, that arise from socioeconomic, racial, cultural, religious beliefs, and ethnic factors. Their perception about themselves is closely related to what affects their territory, making them possess a profound rooted feeling with their surroundings, and intense spiritual believes. Consequently, the disease process is linked to physical and emotional imbalances and alterations in their territory. Researchers from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have worked diligently to learn about barriers to cancer management among these populations. Unfortunately, robust cancer data is lacking for most of the world's Indigenous, leading to obstacles in information systems and consequently, inequities in healthcare with the perpetuation of the problem. Therefore, a better understanding of cancer as a global health problem is required. Our study aims to propose a holistic and culturally adapted framework to improve cancer health services and outcomes among Indigenous peoples in Colombia.
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The Clinical Practice Guidelines available in Colombia for cancer treatment do not take into consideration the values and preferences of the country's Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities are at high risk for worse healthcare outcomes due to socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and cultural factors and religious beliefs. Here, the authors describe the perception of health and disease by Indigenous communities in Colombia and how this perception impacts cancer outcomes. This understanding will support the development of a holistic and culturally‐adapted framework aimed at improving cancer care for Indigenous peoples in Colombia.
Vector-borne diseases are a public health problem in Colombia, where dengue virus infection is hyperendemic. The introduction of other arboviruses, such as chikungunya and Zika in the last three ...years, has aggravated the situation. Mobile health (mHealth) offers new strategies for strengthening health care and surveillance systems promoting the collection, delivery, and access of health information to professionals, researchers, and patients. Assessing mobile application performance has been a challenge in low- and middle-income countries due to the difficulty of implementing these technologies in different clinical settings. In this study, we evaluate the usability and acceptability of a mobile application, FeverDX, as a support tool in the management of patients with febrile syndrome and suspected arboviruses infection by general practitioners from Colombia.
A pilot implementation study was conducted to evaluate the usability and acceptability of FeverDX using the modified version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). The evaluation form included 25 questions regarding quantity and quality of information, engagement, functionality, aesthetics, impact, and acceptability by healthcare workers. Each item uses a 5-point scale (1-Inadequate, 2-Poor, 3-Acceptable, 4-Good, 5-Excellent). A global score was obtained for the evaluation form test by determining the median scores of each subsection. A descriptive statistical analysis of the data obtained was performed.
Between December 2016 and January 2017, a total of 20 general practitioners from the Emergency room and hospitalization areas evaluated FeverDX. Less than half (9/20) of the evaluators had a comprehensive knowledge of the Colombian Ministry of Health's guidelines for the diagnosis and management of arboviruses, and evaluators partially (4/9) or completely (5/9) agreed that the content of the application follows the management guidelines. On uMARS scale, FeverDX excelled regarding impact (median 5; IQR = 5-5), functionality (median 5; IQR = 4.8-5), and information and scientific basis (median 4; IQR = 4-4). FeverDX scored well regarding user feedback (median 4; IQR = 4-4.5), design and aesthetics (median 4; IQR = 4-4.3), and subjective assessment of quality (median 4.5; IQR = 4.3-4.8).
FeverDX, a mobile application, is a novel mHealth strategy to strengthen care processes and facilitate the detection and reporting of notifiable surveillance diseases. It could improve adherence to clinical practice guidelines for the management and prevention of prevalent diseases as arboviruses in healthcare settings. Although this pilot study used a small sample size, FeverDx performed adequately in a simulated emergency consultation. Further implementation studies are needed to increase the reliability of mHealth technologies in different scenarios.
Recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) with trace amount in environmental applications and nuclear energy is becoming an increasingly urgent issue due to their genotoxicity and important role in ...society. Here, highly efficient recovery of low-concentration REEs from aqueous solutions by an enhanced chemisorption and electrosorption process of oxygen-doped molybdenum disulfide (O-doped MoS2) electrodes is performed. All REEs could be extremely recovered through a chemisorption and electrosorption coupling (CEC) method, and sorption behaviors were related with their outer-shell electrons. Light, medium, and heavy ((La(III), Gd(III), and Y(III)) rare earth elements were chosen for further investigating the adsorption and recovery performances under low-concentration conditions. Recovery of REEs could approach 100% under a low initial concentration condition where different recovery behaviors occurred with variable chemisorption interactions between REEs and O-doped MoS2. Experimental and theoretical results proved that doping O in MoS2 not only reduced the transfer resistance and improved the electrical double layer thickness of ion storage but also enhanced the chemical interaction of REEs and MoS2. Various outer-shell electrons of REEs performed different surficial chemisorption interactions with exposed sulfur and oxygen atoms of O-doped MoS2. Effects of variants including environmental conditions and operating parameters, such as applied voltage, initial concentration, pH condition, and electrode distance on adsorption capacity and recovery of REEs were examined to optimize the recovery process in order to achieve an ideal selective recovery of REEs. The total desorption of REEs from the O-doped MoS2 electrode was realized within 120 min while the electrode demonstrated a good cycling performance. This work presented a prospective way in establishing a CEC process with a two-dimensional metal sulfide electrode through structure engineering for efficient recovery of REEs within a low concentration range.
An innovative combination of metagenomic profiling of microbial communities and GC-MS & Pyrolysis-GC-MS fingerprinting methods were used to assess the biodegradation of contaminated soil from the ...Burgan oil field in Kuwait. The soil was treated with (sludge) compost in microcosms to evaluate the feasibility of this material for bioremediation purposes. The most favourable trial showed a > 80% decrease in TPH, thereby indicating strong potential for full-scale application using a cost-effective technology and thus in line with the principles of the circular economy. The microbial study showed that compost addition enhanced the organic matter and nutrient content of the soil. However, the microorganisms in the compost did not seem to play a relevant role in bioremediation, meaning that compost amendments serve as a biostimulation rather than a bioaugmentation approach. The chemical study of the distinct oil fractions revealed rapidly biodegraded compounds (alkanes, alkyl-aromatics, etc.) and others that were much more refractory (hopanes, benzohopanes, etc.). Of note, although heavy fractions are usually considered recalcitrant to biodegradation, we observed incipient degradation of the asphaltene fraction by means of double-shot thermodesorption and pyrolysis. Finally, chemical fingerprinting also revealed that the treated soil contained some of the compounds found in the compost, such as coprostanol, cholesterol, and plant sterols. This observation would support the use of these compounds as proxies to monitor the effects of compost and to adjust dosages in real-scale bioremediation treatments.
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•The treatment of soil from the Burgan oil field with compost enhances bioremediation.•Microbial analysis (ARISA) and Py-GC-MS can decipher biodegradation processes.•The addition of organic matter favors hydrocarbon degradation by biostimulation.•Initial biodegradation of asphaltenes is observed.•Chemical fingerprinting is useful to monitor the effects of compost and to adjust dosage.
Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and specific proteins but its role in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases is not established. Herein, we analyzed the effects of three ...representative phospholipid components, that is, dipalmitoilphosphatidylcoline (DPPC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), on collagen expression, apoptosis and Ca
signaling in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) and probed their effect in an experimental model of lung fibrosis. Collagen expression was measured with RT-PCR, apoptosis was measured by using either the APOPercentage assay kit (Biocolor Ltd., Northern Ireland, UK) or the Caspase-Glo 3/7 assay (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and Ca
signaling by conventional epifluorescence imaging. The effect in vivo was tested in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. DPPC and PG did not affect collagen expression, which was downregulated by PE. Furthermore, PE promoted apoptosis and induced a dose-dependent Ca
signal. PE-induced Ca
signal and apoptosis were both blocked by phospholipase C, endoplasmic reticulum pump and store-operated Ca
entry inhibition. PE-induced decrease in collagen expression was attenuated by blocking phospholipase C. Finally, surfactant enriched with PE and PE itself attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and decreased the soluble collagen concentration in mice lungs. This study demonstrates that PE strongly contributes to the surfactant-induced inhibition of collagen expression in NHLF through a Ca
signal and that early administration of Beractant enriched with PE diminishes lung fibrosis in vivo.
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