Publications by authors named "Alejandro Mercado"

We employ analytical and numerical approaches to show that unpaired Majorana zero modes can occur in cores of Abrikosov vortices at the interface between a three-dimensional topological insulator, such as Bi_{2}Se_{3}, and a twisted bilayer of high-T_{c} cuprate superconductor, such as Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8+δ}. When the twist angle is close to 45° the latter has been predicted to form a fully gapped topological superconductor up to temperatures approaching its native T_{c}≃90  K. Majorana zero modes in these structures will persist up to unprecedented high temperatures and, depending on the quality of the interface, may be protected by gaps with larger magnitudes than other candidate systems.

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Background: GnRH analogs are widely used as neoadjuvant agents for radiotherapy in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, with well-documented effects in reducing tumor bulk and increasing progression-free survival. GnRH analogs act locally in the prostate by triggering apoptosis of PCa cells via activation of the GnRH receptor (GnRHR). During PCa progression, the distribution of GnRHR within the cell is altered, with reduced expression in the cell membrane and remaining sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum.

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Neurological disorders significantly impact the world's economy due to their often chronic and life-threatening nature afflicting individuals which, in turn, creates a global disease burden. The Group of Twenty (G20) member nations, which represent the largest economies globally, should come together to formulate a plan on how to overcome this burden. The Neuroscience-20 (N20) initiative of the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) is at the vanguard of this global collaboration to comprehensively raise awareness about brain, spine, and mental disorders worldwide.

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In 2017, migrants were 4.35% of the Chilean population, mainly from Peru and Colombia. From 2015, the amount of migrants from Central America, particularly from Haiti increased notably.

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Introduction: The role of hemostatic agents as an adjunct for closure of the nephrostomy tract in tubeless percutaneous surgery (tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy [tPNL]) has been previously evaluated, observing a potential benefit in terms of reduced bleeding and urinary leakage. We assessed the rate of postoperative complications after the use of hemostatic agents for sealing the nephrostomy tract in patients undergoing tPNL at our institution.

Subjects And Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 52 consecutive patients undergoing tPNL at our center between January 2010 and December 2013.

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Two Plasmodium vivax recurrences in a Peruvian sailor with weight above the 60 kg (cap for primaquine dosage) highlight the importance of adequate radical cure weight dosage for patient treatment and control efforts, particularly within the military.

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The conventional technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) ends by placing a nephrostomy tube within the access tract. However, feasibility and safety of tubeless PNL have been widely demonstrated. In this modification, a ureteral stent is usually left in place instead of the nephrostomy tube.

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Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men worldwide. Chemotherapy response is very poor and resistance to hormone-based treatments is frequent in advances stages. Recently, tumor-initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in several cancers, including PCa.

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Introduction: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has become the first-line surgical technique for the management of renal tumors smaller than 4 cm. Its main advantages are an excellent oncologic control together with the preservation of nephron units. Moreover, it implies a shorter length of hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and shorter recovering times for patients.

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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are widely used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Agonists activate the GnRH receptor (GnRH-R), triggering apoptosis in PCa cells. In gonadotropes, the amount of GnRH-R in the plasma membrane is regulated by protein folding and endoplasmic reticulum retention, mechanisms that can be overcome by the pharmacoperone IN3.

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Background: Little is known regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Hispanics. We compared baseline characteristics of Hispanic participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) and Hispanic-CRIC (H-CRIC) Studies with non-Hispanic CRIC participants.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis.

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Background: In several cancer types, expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins has been associated with lack of chemotherapy response. In advanced prostate cancer (PCa) the use of chemotherapy is mainly palliative due to its high resistance. Previously, we described that MDR phenotype in PCa could be related with high basal and drug-induced expression of MDR proteins P-Glycoprotein (P-Gp), MRP1, and LRP.

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