Abstract: Asphyxia suicide by placing a plastic bag over the head in addition with inhalation of gases or use of sedative substances is an unusual method of committing suicide, but frequently referenced by right to die groups in the Internet. This article reports 2 suicides in which chloroform was used to induce unconsciousness and subsequent asphyxia by placing the head in a plastic bag. Case histories of two young Colombian males, ages 23 and 28, are described with special emphasis on characteristics of death related to suffocation using plastic bags and chloroform. The final remarkable point in both cases is that the victims previously searched the WEB for instructions of suicide methods. The importance of the phenomenon of misuse of Internet by young people who commit suicide is stressed. Resumen: El suicidio por asfixia mediante la colocación de una bolsa de plástico sobre la cabeza, además de la inhalación de gases o el uso de sustancias sedantes es un método inusual de cometer suicidio, pero es frecuentemente referenciado por los grupos que apoyan el derecho al suicidio en Internet. Este artículo reporta 2 casos de suicidios en los que se usó cloroformo para inducir la inconsciencia y la asfixia subsecuente colocando la cabeza en una bolsa de plástico. Se describen las historias de 2 jóvenes colombianos, de edades comprendidas entre 23 y 28 años, con especial énfasis en las características de su muerte relacionadas con la asfixia mediante bolsas de plástico y cloroformo. El último punto notable en ambos casos es que las víctimas previamente buscaron en la WEB instrucciones de métodos suicidas. Se resalta la importancia del fenómeno del mal uso de Internet por parte de los jóvenes con alto riesgo suicida.

Resumen: El abordaje de la violencia de género, se encuentra en el centro del debate social actual. Desde distintas posiciones ideológicas se proponen maneras de entender y enfrentar el problema, generando un escenario particular que necesita de nuevas propuestas para abordar el tema dando cuenta de su complejidad. En la presente investigación exploro el Teatro de las Oprimidas como facilitador de empoderamiento respecto a la violencia de género, a través de una etnografía focalizada realizada en espacios de talleres para estudiantes de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona problematizando las formas con las que se busca facilitar un espacio de empoderamiento. Posteriormente, a través de una descripción densa, reflexiono sobre las dinámicas teatrales y las relaciones de poder que se recrean dentro de un taller. Como resultado observo la forma de crear sonoridad entre las mujeres a partir de los ejercicios teatrales y descubriendo que nuestros cuerpos son la principal herramienta de resistencia frente a la violencia de género. Abstract: The approach to the gender violence, is located in the center of the current social debate. From different ideological positions, there are different proposals to understand and manage the problem, which creates a complicated scenario that requires new ways to come near the topic, realizing its complexity. In the present investigation I explored the Theatre of the Oppressed as a facilitator of empowerment regarding gender violence, through a focused ethnography done in workshops spaces for students of the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona problematising the ways in which it seeks to generate empowerment. Through a thick description, I reflect on the theatrical dynamics and power relations made in the workshop. As a result I observed the way to create sorority between women from the theatrical exercises; and so found out that our bodies are the principal tool of resistance against gender violence.

The OpenModelica Compiler-Compiler parser generator (OMCCp) is an LALR(1) parser generator implemented in the MetaModelica language with parsing tables generated by the tools Flex and GNU Bison. The code generated for the parser is in MetaModelica 2.0 language which is the OpenModelica compiler implementation language and is an extension of the Modelica 3.2 language. OMCCp uses as input an LALR(1) grammar that specifies the Modelica language. The generated Parser can be used inside the OpenModelica Compiler (OMC) as a replacement for the current parser generated by the tool ANTLR from an LL(k) Modelica grammar. This report explains the design and implementation of this novel Lexer and Parser Generator called OMCCp. Modelica and its extension MetaModelica are both languages used in the OpenModelica environment. Modelica is an Object-Oriented EquationBased language for Modeling and Simulation.

Este ensayo deriva de un estudio mas amplio que tuvo como objetivo analizar formas para mejorar la comercialización en Colombia de productos forestales no maderables (PFNM) basándose en las relaciones institucionales y organizacionales del mercado, para beneficio de las comunidades rurales. El ensayo esta estructurado para presentar algunas conclusiones derivadas del estudio. Abarca los temas sober definición de productos forestales no maderables, características y mecanismos de apoyo para el fomento, métodos para seleccionarlos y evaluarlos, mercados y presentación del estudio de caso para Colombia.

Abstract: Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction is associated with increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Current evidence suggests a protective role of thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is unknown yet a putative role of Trx1 in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, in which oxidative stress is an underlying cause. Transgenic male mice with Trx1 cardiac-specific overexpression (Trx1-Tg) and its wild-type control (wt) were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture or sham surgery. After 6, 18, and 24 h, cardiac contractility, antioxidant enzymes, protein oxidation, and mitochondrial function were evaluated. Trx1 overexpression improved the average life expectancy (Trx1-Tg: 36, wt: 28 h; p=0.0204). Sepsis induced a decrease in left ventricular developed pressure in both groups, while the contractile reserve, estimated as the response to ?-adrenergic stimulus, was higher in Trx1-Tg in relation to wt, after 6 h of the procedure. Trx1 overexpression attenuated complex I inhibition, protein carbonylation, and loss of membrane potential, and preserved MnSOD activity at 24 h. Ultrastructural alterations in mitochondrial cristae were accompanied by reduced Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) fusion protein, and activation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) (fission protein) in wt mice at 24 h, suggesting mitochondrial fusion/fission imbalance. PGC-1? gene expression showed a 2.5-fold increase in Trx1-Tg at 24 h, suggesting mitocondrial biogenesis induction. Autophagy, demonstrated by electron microscopy and increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, was observed earlier in Trx1-Tg. In conclusion, Trx1 overexpression extends antioxidant protection, attenuates mitochondrial damage, and activates mitochondrial turnover (biogenesis and mitophagy), preserves contractile reserve and prolongs survival during sepsis. Resumen: La disfunción miocárdica inducida por sepsis está asociada con estrés oxidativo y disfuncion mitocontrial. La evidencia actual sugiere un rol protector de thiorredoxina 1 en la patogénesis de la enfermedad cardiovascular. Sin embargo, es desconocido su papel en la disfunción miocárdica inducida por sepsis, en el cual el estrés oxidativo es una causa subyacente. Ratones transgénicos machos con sobreexpresión específica en músculo cardiaco (Trx1-Tg) y su control (wt) fueron sujetos a ligadura punción cecal o técnica de laparotomía sin ligadura y punción (sham). Después de 6, 18,y 24h, contractilidad cardiaca, enzimas antioxidantes, oxidación de proteínas, y función mitocondrial fueron evaluados. Sobre-expresión de Trx1 mejoró la esperanza de vida media (Trx1-Tg: 36, wt: 28 h; p = 0.0204). Sepsis indujo una reducción en la presión desarrollada del ventrículo izquierdo en ambos grupos, mientras la reserva contráctil, estimada como la respuesta al estímulo β-adrenérgico, fue superior en Trx1-Tg en relación a wt, posterior a 6 h del procedimiento. La sobre-expresión de Trx1 atenuó la inhibición del complejo I, carbonilación de proteínas, y pérdida de potencial de membrana, y preservó la actividad de la superóxido dismutasa-Mn a las 24 h. Alteraciones ultra estructurales en las crestas mitocondriales fueron acompañadas por una reducción en OPA1 y activación de Drp1 en ratones wt a las 24 h, sugiriendo un imbalance fusión/fisión mitocondrial. La expresión de PGC-1-α incrementó 2.5 veces en Trx1-Tg a las 24 h, sugiriendo inducción de biogénesis mitocondrial. Autofagia, demostrada por microscopia electrónica e incremento en la razón LC3-II/LC3-I, fue observado más tempranamente en Trx1-Tg. En conclusión, la sobre-expresión de Trx1 extiende protección antioxidante, atenúa el daño mitocondrial y activa el recambio mitocondrial (mitofagia y biogénesis), preserva la reserva contráctil y prolonga la sobrevida durante la sepsis.

hina’s air pollution has reached a critical state, and is characterized by heavy coal smoke and a wide presence of ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5). From 2011, through the 12th five year plan, the prevention and control of air pollution entered a new ‘transition stage’ guided by the principles of sustainability and energy conservation, and also intensified by pressure from the society. This article is divided into two parts: first, it introduces the most important changes, problems and advances during this transition, including a brief explanation of the policy mechanisms. Second, it illustrates how research in the area of Science and Technology Studies (STS) can bring about new ways to understand the problems of the knowledge-policy and public engagement of air pollution in China.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and profile of thyroid disease in a cohort of referred patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) in comparison with a random population sample and to examine the clinical characteristics of OLP patients with and without thyroid disease. STUDY DESIGN: Data from 1611 patients with OLP and 1615 patients from the general population were collected by using a standardized registration method. Patients with OLP using levothyroxine (OLP/levothyroxine+) were re-examined to collect information about existing OLP lesions and to confirm the thyroid disease diagnosis. The clinical characteristics of OLP lesions in this group were compared with those in an age- and gender-matched population of patients with OLP without a history of thyroid disease or levothyroxine medication (OLP/levothyroxine-). RESULTS: Nearly 11% (n = 170) of the patients with OLP were taking levothyroxine compared with 2.5% (n = 40) of the controls (multivariate odds ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 2.03-4.44; P < .0001). No difference was found in the thyroid disease profile between the groups. At the time of re-examination, patients with OLP/levothyroxine- displayed more erythematous OLP lesions and complained of more severe symptoms compared with the OLP/levothyroxine+ group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of thyroid disease in patients with OLP was significantly higher than in the general population. The OLP lesions of patients with concomitant thyroid disease have a different presentation over time, which indicates a specific subgroup of OLP." Resumen: OBJETIVO: Estudiar la prevalencia y el perfil de la enfermedad de la tiroides en una cohorte de pacientes remitidos con liquen plano oral (LPO) en comparación con una muestra aleatoria de una, y examinar las características clínicas de pacientes con LPO con y sin enfermedad de la tiroides. DISEÑO DEL ESTUDIO: Datos de 1.611 pacientes con LPO y 1.615 pacientes de la población general fueron recolectados usando un método estandarizado de registro. Los pacientes con LPO que estaban usando levotiroxina (LPO/levotiroxina+) fueron reexaminados para recolectar información sobre la existencia de lesiones de LPO y confirmar el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de la tiroides. Las características clínicas del LPO en este grupo fueron comparadas con un grupo, emparejado para edad y sexo, de pacientes con LPO sin historia de enfermedad de la tiroides o uso de levotiroxina (LPO/levotiroxina-). RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente el 11% (n = 170) de los pacientes con LPO estaban medicados con levotiroxina comparado con el 2.5% (n = 40) de los controles (OR multivariado 2.99, 95% CI 2.03-4.44; P < .0001). No se encontraron diferencias entre el perfil de la enfermedad de la tiroides entre los grupos. En el momento de la reexaminación, los pacientes con LPO/levotiroxina- mostraron más lesiones eritematosas de LPO y se quejaron de síntomas más severos en comparación con el grupo LPO/levotiroxina+ (P < .001). CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de la enfermedad de la tiroides en pacientes con LPO es significativamente mayor que en la población general. Las lesiones de LPO en pacientes con enfermedad de la tiroides concomitante tiene una presentación diferente a través del tiempo, lo cual indica un subgrupo específico de LPO."

This master thesis is an attempt to contribute to the understanding of urban water systems through the use of the urban metabolism (UM) framework. By developing steady-state models with STAN, a software used for material flow analysis (MFA), the urban water flows are quantified and analyzed as they enter the system boundary and are transformed by anthropogenic processes. Such a model has been applied to a specific urban water system in the town of Palomino, Colombia, to research the main barriers and opportunities for a sustainable urban water system. The area under study corresponds to a system boundary of 4.83 km2, and the analysis was performed for the year 2015. A detailed examination of Palomino’s water system was established based on primary data collection through survey processes, mapping, and semi-structured interviews. Based on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the water system, a conceptual urban water metabolism (UWM) model was created to identify the critical flows of the water system through a monthly (31-day) analysis based on fourteen scenarios, each including four variables: Touristic season, Hours without electricity per month, Percentage of water losses due to pipelines leaks, and Percentage of water losses due to user’s behavior. Subsequently, a definition of sustainable urban water management system (SUWMS) was generated based on a literature review and an industrial ecology perspective, wherein the system is analyzed using a holistic, system thinking approach. Guided by the SUWMS definition and the local conditions of Palomino’s urban water system, various sustainable water technologies and initiatives are introduced as a set of potential solutions to shift the current water system towards a SUWMS. Finally, the potential of the sustainable water supply technique of rainwater harvesting to influence the current UWM of Palomino was assessed by identifying changes in the UWM for three key years: 1969, a year of extreme rainfall; 1997, a year of El Niño phenomenon characterized by extreme drought, and 1987, a year of ‘standard’ precipitation. The analysis was based on a critical scenario with the highest water losses and water demand. The rainwater harvesting collection capacity was determined by a storage capacity of 2000 L per household, while taking into account water consumption (water demand) per household between rain events on a monthly basis analysis. This condition implied that, even though the analysis was based on steady-state modeling, a semi-dynamic analysis was performed based on the variations of the stored rainwater volume (?V) between the time intervals determined by the rain events per month (?t).

Climate adaptation is being embraced by many municipalities worldwide. An element of this is the planting and protection of urban trees. However, the fact that climate change will also have an impact on urban trees has been largely overlooked. We argue that climate vulnerability assessments are necessary for addressing climate adaptation in urban forests and contribute to successful climate adaptation in cities. We review and integrate the literature on climate vulnerability and urban forests to explore how the general notion of urban forest vulnerability to climate change can be developed into an operational framework for undertaking a vulnerability assessment. The framework characterizes climate exposure, impact, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, as well as nonclimatic drivers and factors, in urban forests. The most important themes in this discussion include urban tree species selection and diversity, naturalization, resource access, social awareness and engagement, budget and economic valuation, liability issues, and governance structures. Climate change vulnerability assessments help us understand how and why urban forests are vulnerable to climate change, identify future areas for research, and determine what adaptation measures could be included in urban forest management. These assessments help bring climate change to the forefront of the decision-making process and contribute to successful urban adaptation to climate change.

Airways and lung parenchyma are distensible anatomical structures and in healthy subjects dilate with each inspiration. This process is even more evident during deep inhalations (DI). The bronchodilatory and bronchoprotective effect of a DI depends on the tethering forces on the airway wall by the expanding parenchyma, and the loss of this function appears to be associated with airway hyperresponsivenes - a characteristic feature of asthma. Models have assumed that the peribronchial parenchyma expansion (EPB) equals that of the subtended parenchyma (ESL). However, the changes in EPB during bronchoconstriction and its relationship with ESL have not yet been characterized. In this thesis, EPB and ESL were measured at baseline and then studied as they changed during bronchoconstriction and DI, and a novel distensibility measurement was proposed. HRCT scans from subjects with mild-to-moderate asthma (AS) and healthy controls (NA) were acquired in 3 conditions in supine position: at baseline, following a methacholine challenge, and with a DI to TLC. ESL and EPB were quantified as the average of the regional voxel-gas-to-tissue-ratio for each segmental region, and for a spherical region around each of the corresponding segmental airways. The difference in parenchymal expansion (E), the vertical-distance between airway’s center point and the respective segment’s center-of-gravity, and the relative distensibility were also measured. E varied among segments with a systematic vertical-distance dependency for all conditions and subjects, significantly higher in NA than AS (P < 0.05). At baseline average segmental E adjusted by vertical-distance was near zero and increased monotonically with bronchoconstriction and after a DI, following closely a linear relationship with average expansion of the lung (ELung) for all AS and NA subjects and conditions. No significant differences were found in this relationship between AS and NA but E adjusted tended to be higher for AS at TLC. We found that EPB, adjusted for the relative-vertical-distance, was lower than ESL (E > 0) with a difference that increased with average-lung-expansion. The spontaneous increase in lung volume following bronchoconstriction or DI increased peribronchial expansion up to a half of the increase in segmental expansion at the same height. This difference represents a type of airway-parenchyma-uncoupling that has not been described, can have important mechanistic implications on the effects of a DI on airway distensibility, and suggests that in clinical asthma a lack of homogeneous parenchymal stiffening may also contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness.