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Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. The interaction between astrocytes and neurons has been suggested to play a role in the abnormal neuronal activity observed in epilepsy. However, the exact way astrocytes influence neuronal activity in the epileptogenic brain remains unclear. Here, using the PTZ-induced kindling mouse model, we evaluated the interaction between astrocyte and synaptic function by measuring astrocytic Ca2+ activity, neuronal excitability, and the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the hippocampus. Compared to control mice, hippocampal slices from PTZ-kindled mice displayed an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels and an abnormal pattern of intracellular Ca2+-oscillations, characterized by an increased frequency of prolonged spontaneous transients. PTZ-kindled hippocampal slices also showed an increase in the E/I ratio towards excitation, likely resulting from an augmented release probability of excitatory inputs without affecting inhibitory synapses. Notably, the alterations in the release probability seen in PTZ-kindled slices can be recovered by reducing astrocyte hyperactivity with the reversible toxin fluorocitrate. This suggests that astroglial hyper-reactivity enhances excitatory synaptic transmission, thereby impacting the E/I balance in the hippocampus. Altogether, our findings support the notion that abnormal astrocyte–neuron interactions are pivotal mechanisms in epileptogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products have been postulated as an alternative to the use of synthetic herbicides in pest control. The latter compounds have caused numerous problems and these include the appearance of resistance to such herbicides. Aminophenoxazinones are natural products that have shown multiple biological activities, such as pharmacological or phytotoxic effects. In the case of phytotoxicity, the mode of action of aminophenoxazinones has not been widely exploited in agriculture and resistant weeds have not been reported to date. This fact makes aminophenoxazinones promising candidates in the development of herbicides. In the study reported here, seven aminophenoxazinone derivatives have been synthesized and their phytotoxicity has been evaluated on wheat coleoptiles and two important agricultural weeds (Lolium rigidum and Portulaca oleracea). Several derivatives have shown phytotoxic activity, which is similar to the positive control pendimethalin, and even higher in some cases at the highest concentrations tested. The most affected parameter in weeds was root length and the most susceptible weed was P. oleracea. Compound 2, in which nitrogen atoms are present in the heterocycles, was the most active and this was followed by compound 1. Modifications at C-8 led to a reduced activity, with the exception of the nitro compound on the root length of P. oleracea. However, the phytotoxicity also increased on introducing an iodo-substituent at C-4. The results highlight aminophenoxazinones as promising candidates in the development of natural herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the main groups comprising marine zooplankton, copepods play an important role due to their position in the trophic web. We assessed the copepod biomass in a cyclonic eddy during 2 contrasting seasons in the Bay of La Paz, southern Gulf of California, which is characterized by high biological productivity. Two oceanographic expeditions took place in the winter of 2006 and the summer of 2009; a CTD probe was used to determine the physical structure of the water column, and oblique zooplankton hauls collected zooplankton samples. Satellite data were used to visualize the chlorophyll a (Chla) distribution patterns. The results showed a well-defined cyclonic eddy in both seasons, with a diameter of ~25 km and geostrophic velocities >50 cm·s-1 in its periphery. At the edges of the eddy, Chla was high, reaching ~3 mg·m-3 in winter. The maximum calanoid copepod biomass occurred in winter, reaching 6.6 mg·100 m-3 in the western bay close to the coast; moreover, their distribution corresponded well with the Chla and circulation patterns, forming a belt shape following the periphery of the eddy, with a second peak close to the connection with the gulf. The mean values of copepod biomass exhibited a pattern with alternating calanoids-cyclopoids between winter and summer within the cyclonic eddy, with calanoid biomass higher than cyclopoid biomass in winter, which was the opposite of summer. The results highlight the impacts of the eddy on the planktonic ecosystem through its influence on the hydrographic conditions in the water column. Other factors, such as ecological interactions, population dynamics, and feeding habits, may also play a role. Feeding behavior is affected by the high concentrations of Chla, which represent a source of food for copepods observed around the eddy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between alcohol consumption and loss hearing in women between 20 and 40 years of age in Temuco city. Methodology: Cutting study. We evaluated 30 consuming and non alcoholic women divided into 3 groups (G): G1 abstemies, G2 consumers of 40-59 and G3 consumers of> 60 grams alcohol daily (15, 6 and 9 respectively), intentional sampling contacted in shopping centers. Auditory tests were performed: Audiometry, Discrimination of the Word and Auditory Evoked Potentials of the Brain Stem. Results: In the right ear, there were significant differences in medium frequencies and word discrimination between groups 1 versus 2 (p = 0.045 and 0.010, respectively). In left ear, there were significant differences in the high frequencies between groups 1 versus 3, interpeak latencies of iii-v waves (time elapsed between iii and v waves in millisecond after the stimulus) between groups 1 versus 2 (p = 0.003) and groups 2 versus 3 (p = 0.005) to 80 dB; in interpeak latencies i-iii and iii-v between groups 1 versus 2 (p = 0.039) at 60 dB and in word discrimination between groups 1 versus 2 (p = 0.009) and 1 versus 3 (p = 0.013). Conclusion: In the group studied there is hearing loss related to a daily consumption from the 40 grams of alcohol being the most affected ear the left in the medium and high frequencies and affecting to the cochlea and also brainstem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year the increase of pregnant women that require a non-obstetric anesthesic-surgical procedure is significant with an incidence between 1.5 to 2.0% wich is equivalent to 500 to 635 pregnant women; the diagnosis and the pathologies that require surgery have created great in recent years controversy due to speculation about the risks in which the fetus and the mother are subjected, that is why clinical studies have been conducted to know the ideal moment of surgery if it were necessary during pregnancy, as well as anesthetic-surgical guidelines to offer safe surgery. Recently, the use of minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic surgery has increased due to the great advantages that it provides during pregnancy. The present work aims to raise awareness of the most relevant aspects from the anesthetic point of view to understand the physiological changes of pregnancy and its pathophysiological changes in the pathology that requires surgery, thus being able to plan a safe perioperative according to the guidelines established and be able to successfully complete the maternal fetal binomial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most consumed drugs worldwide, with or without medical prescription, mostly for the symptomatic treatment of a widely range of diseases characterized by acute or chronic pain. NSAIDs have a heterogenous chemical structure that gives them antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties through their ability to inhibit proinflammatory prostaglandins. The variability in risk profiles among NSAIDs forces the medical community to individualize their use based on the personal characteristics of the patients as well as the expertise of the physician. NSAIDs should be used for short cycles of treatment with the lowest doses possible, using them in a range of clinical efficacy, with specific monitoring of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal hepatic and hematologic complications. The objective of this work is to review the safety aspects of the treatment with NSAIDs in chronic analgesic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coagulation status of the patient in the perioperative period is essential to direct appropriate therapeutic management, therefore, in this article we are aimed to show the useful of the thromboelastography, normal parameters, analysis of the results of the different clinical scenarios that may be useful; allowing a quickly and accurately defining actions that optimize the medical management; decrease the morbidity and mortality of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present, the developing countries have increased the demand of organ donations from brain-dead patients and Mexico is not the exception; in recent years since the fi gures have increased significantly according to data CENATRA. Moreover, its important to know and understand the pathophysiological changes that occur in the patient with brain death and according to the changes occur, interventions can be implemented to optimize the hemodynamic and metabolic status of these patients; as otherwise there can be provided an inadequate transanesthesic management, which can negatively impact during organ procurement and viability thereof, signifi cantly affecting receptor morbidity and mortality. This review is aimed to anesthesiologists, intensivists and coordinators of organ donations, which specialties have more contact with patients with brain death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surfactant deficiency is the pivotal abnormality in Neonatal and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Surfactant deactivation can produce hypoxemia, loss of lung compliance, and pulmonary edema, but its circulatory consequences are less understood. Objective To describe the sequential hemodynamic changes and pulmonary edema formation after surfactant deactivation in piglets. Methods Surfactant deactivation was induced by tracheal instillation of polysorbate 20 in 15 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated Large White piglets. The hemodynamic consequences of surfactant deactivation were assessed at 30, 120, and 240 min by transpulmonary thermodilution and traditional methods. Results Surfactant deactivation caused hypoxemia, reduced lung compliance, and progressively increased lung water content ( P < 0.01). Early hypovolemia was observed, with reductions of the global end-diastolic volume and stroke volume ( P < 0.05). Reduced cardiac output was observed at the end of the study ( P < 0.05). Standard monitoring was unable to detect these early preload alterations. Surprisingly, the bronchoalveolar protein content was greatly increased at the end of the study compared with baseline levels ( P < 0.01). This finding was inconsistent with the notion that the pulmonary edema induced by surfactant deactivation was exclusively caused by high surface tension. Conclusions Hypovolemia develops early after surfactant deactivation, in part due to the resulting fluid shift from the intravascular compartment to the lungs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The D allele of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of a 287-bp sequence in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with an increased activity of this enzyme. Its role in susceptibility to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been well defined. We hypothesized that ACE I/D genotype in pediatrics is associated with ARDS and plasma levels of angiotensin II. Methods: Prospective case-control study in patients under 15 years of age from a mixed Chilean population. Sixty patients with ARDS and 60 controls were included. Association between ACE genotype and ARDS was evaluated as the primary outcome; mortality and severe hypoxemia were examined as secondary outcomes. Plasma angiotensin-II concentration was measured by immunoassay at admission. Results: Frequency of ACE I/D genotype was similar in ARDS and control groups ( p = 0.18). In the ARDS group, severe hypoxemia was less frequent in D allele carriers ( p < 0.05). Plasma angiotensin-II levels were associated with genotype in the ARDS group, but not controls, being higher in D allele carriers ( p = 0.016). Conclusion: These data do not support the association between ACE I/D genotype and ARDS, although severe hypoxemia was less frequent in D allele carriers. ACE I/D polymorphism modified angiotensin-II levels in pediatric ARDS, but its pathogenic role is not well understood and needs to be addressed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, diseases and their dynamics have been limiting factors for agriculture productivity in Tamaulipas. Since 44 years ago, the Rio Bravo Experimental Station (CERIB) has made outstanding contributions to plant pathology in the region, like contribution to the knowledge on management of charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) in sorghum, corn, and beans; and downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi) of sorghum and corn. In sorghum, important contributions have been made on head smut (Sporisorium reilianum) and ergot (Claviceps africana); and aflatoxins control (Aspergillus flavus) in corn. Also on management of foliar diseases of wheat (Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici, Helminthosporium sp., and Alternaria triticina), buffelgrass (Claviceps fusiformis, Cercospora sp. and Pyricularia grisea), chickpea (Uromyces ciceris-arietini) and sunflower (Erysiphe cichoracearum and Alternaria helianthi), among others. The phytopathological prospectives of CERIB include: a) to continue research on current and new threatening diseases; b) biocontrol of pathogens as an agronomic practice; c) the use of biotechnology techniques for pathogen identification; and d) phytopathological attention to new crops with potential for diversification of the regional agriculture. Disease management practices will need to consider the agroecological impact along with the criteria of sustainable agriculture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the community of "Mariano de Matamoros", Tlaxco, Tlaxcala, 25 trees of Pinus patula Schl. et Cham., were selected and aboveground biomass and carbon contents were determined to fit the model Y=b*Xk, using diameter at breast height as an independent variable (X). A sample of each component (bole, branches and leaves) was obtained from each tree and both sample and total component fresh weight were determined in the field. The samples were taken to the laboratory to be dried and weighted so that, each tree's biomass could be estimated, using the dry weight to fresh weight ratios of the samples. To determinate carbon contents for the different components, samples were taken from 25 trees and analyzed in the laboratory to obtain carbon content for leaves of 52,21%, branches 49,47%, bole 49,26% and an average concentration 50,31%. To estimate aboveground biomass the equation B = 0,0357 * DN2.6916 was fitted and to estimate carbon content the equation fitted was CC = 0,021 * DN2.6451, with a coefficient of determination for both equations of 0,98. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivar Comun (T-4464) of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), is the main forage crop in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico. In this region, leaf blight of buffelgrass, caused by Pyricularia grisea, was first observed in 2001. The objectives of this study were to determine disease distribution and intensity, and to determine varietal response to P. grisea. Disease surveys in buffelgrass meadows of northern Tamaulipas, were carried out after the raining seasons (September-October) of 2002 and 2003, during October 13 to 18. The georeference of the sites sampled (15 in 2002 and 12 in 2003) was recorded with a global position system, and disease incidence and severity were evaluated using a visual rating scale (from 1 to 9). Also, the reaction of three introduced buffet genotypes to leaf blight was evaluated at "Rincón del Gato" site (Méndez, Tamaulipas), in comparison to cv. Comun. In both years and during the period of time indicated, with a mean temperature of 26.4°C, relative humidity of 79.6%, and altitude of 15 to 140 masl, leaf blight was present in all the sites sampled; the average severity was 5.3 (maximum 9, minimum 3). The greatest damage was observed in plants stressed by drought or by possible soil adverse factors; while the least severity was registered in sites with favorable conditions for plant growth or when buffelgrass was in preflowering stage. Cultivars Formidable, Biloela, and Nueces showed tolerance to P. grisea. The results demonstrated that buffelgrass leaf blight is an epidemic disease in cv. Comun, although, some buffel introduced genotypes are tolerant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity ot the actual non volant terrestrial mammal fauna of Cuba is low due to extinctions, and Cuba has more species ot mammals from the end of the Pleistocene and the beginning ot the Holocene, than in the living fauna. There are many indefinitions in the chronological distribution ot the extinct mammals ot Cuba, and a remarkable uncertainty in relation to the disappearance ot many species (last appearances in the fossil record). A temporal correlation seems to exist between the Cuban pre-Columbian archeological record, and the moment of extinction of some taxa of rodents in the Holocene. All sizes and weights were affected by extinction. The presence of Megalocnus rodens (order Pilosa) as a sole member of this group in archeological sites (if it was ever hunted), could suggest a process of sequential extinction of the species of that order. The evidences presented as possible interactions with Cuban aboriginal groups are not conclusive. The role of the anthropic factor in the extinction of mammals in the Holocene of Cuba has not been well documented and adequately evaluated. The analysis of Quaternary extinction of the different groups of non volant terrestrial mammals of Cuba needs a better definition and satisfactory correction; not only from a chronostratigraphic point of view, but also taxonomic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type specimens of fossil vertebrates housed in the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Cuba are listed by their original published names. Author, reference, typological category, catalog number, nature of specimen, type locality, collector, collecting date, geologic age and formation, as well as up dating and corrections, are given for each specimen. The collection contains 18 holotypes and 21 paratypes included in ten orders and eleven families, ranging from Jurassic to Quaternary, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine zooplankton play a pivotal position in the pelagic ecosystem and, as one of their principal members, copepods represent by far the most significant direct link between phytoplankton and the higher trophic levels. In this study, observational evidence of the effect of a mesoscale cyclonic eddy on the abundance of copepods (adult calanoids, adult cyclopoids and all copepodite stages) in the Bay of La Paz, southern Gulf of California, a region recognized as exhibiting high biodiversity, is presented. During a multidisciplinary research cruise in February 2006, high-resolution hydrographic profiles were obtained from a grid of stations throughout the bay, and oblique zooplankton hauls were made in its north-central portion. The results showed the presence of a mature mesoscale cyclonic eddy, which extended to 110 m depth and 30 km diameter, reaching a surface azimuthal velocity of 20 cm s–1 at its periphery. Below the mixed layer at 50 m depth this eddy induced a cold-core water dome (~16.25 °C) at its center. Within this cold water dome, nutrients concentrations were much higher than outside the eddy. Nitrate reached up to 15 μM, soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) up to 1.6 μM, and soluble reactive silicate (SRSi) up to 30 μM within the eddy. The total abundance of the organisms analyzed varied according to group: the calanoid copepods reached values of 8112 ind 100 m–3, the cyclopoid copepods of 4281 ind 100 m–3, and the highest abundance was recorded by all copepodite stages, of 32,076 ind 100 m–3. The influence of the cyclonic structure on copepod abundance was to induce the formation of a circular shape around the eddy periphery, which could be called a 'copepod belt shape'. We suggest that several mechanisms induce this aggregation, including: 1) the affinity of these organisms for waters with a favorable temperature, and 2) the availability of food (phytoplankton) generated by the presence of the cyclonic eddy and the sub-mesoscale processes there, as well as by the presence of a bathymetric sill. These results represent the first observational report on the influence of a mesoscale cyclonic eddy in the Bay of La Paz on zooplankton organisms in winter, which should contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of this highly productive area. • Based on in-situ observations a mesoscale cyclonic eddy was found. • The eddy impacted the water column structure and the phytoplankton biomass. • The impact on copepod abundance was to induce the formation of a belt-shaped area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During June 2022, Spain was one of the countries most affected worldwide by a multicountry monkeypox outbreak with chains of transmission without identified links to disease-endemic countries. We provide epidemiologic features of cases reported in Spain and the coordinated measures taken to respond to this outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vigorous spontaneous breathing has emerged as a promotor of lung damage in acute lung injury, an entity known as "patient self-inflicted lung injury". Mechanical ventilation may prevent this second injury by decreasing intrathoracic pressure swings and improving regional air distribution. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of spontaneous breathing during the early stage of acute respiratory failure on lung injury and determine whether early and late controlled mechanical ventilation may avoid or revert these harmful effects. A model of partial surfactant depletion and lung collapse was induced in eighteen intubated pigs of 32 ±4 kg. Then, animals were randomized to (1) SB‐group: spontaneous breathing with very low levels of pressure support for the whole experiment (eight hours), (2) Early MV-group: controlled mechanical ventilation for eight hours, or (3) Late MV-group: first half of the experiment on spontaneous breathing (four hours) and the second half on controlled mechanical ventilation (four hours). Respiratory, hemodynamic, and electric impedance tomography data were collected. After the protocol, animals were euthanized, and lungs were extracted for histologic tissue analysis and cytokines quantification. SB-group presented larger esophageal pressure swings, progressive hypoxemia, lung injury, and more dorsal and inhomogeneous ventilation compared to the early MV-group. In the late MV-group switch to controlled mechanical ventilation improved the lung inhomogeneity and esophageal pressure swings but failed to prevent hypoxemia and lung injury. In a lung collapse model, spontaneous breathing is associated to large esophageal pressure swings and lung inhomogeneity, resulting in progressive hypoxemia and lung injury. Mechanical ventilation prevents these mechanisms of patient self-inflicted lung injury if applied early, before spontaneous breathing occurs, but not when applied late. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of La Paz (BLP) is located in the southwestern portion of the Gulf of California (GC), the largest and deepest coastal environment along the gulf. The BLP is recognized for its high biological diversity and is a place of refuge, growth, and feeding for several emblematic species, some of which are critically endangered. However, what makes the BLP productive? This paper presents a synthesis and review of the physical processes and mechanisms related to planktonic production, which are directly linked to productivity at higher trophic levels, including top predators. This review reveals that the BLP has a high richness and abundance of plankton species. Several hydrodynamic processes at different scales exert a marked influence on these organisms, including internal waves, hydraulic jumps, thermohaline fronts, the presence of a dipole eddy, and a quasi-permanent cyclonic eddy that is confined to the bay, which induces Ekman pumping that determines the availability of nutrients in the euphotic zone. This eddy induces a differential phytoplankton distribution, with a predominance of dinoflagellates in its center and the dominance of diatoms in its periphery. This arrangement is closely linked to that of zooplankton. Herbivorous zooplankton are highly abundant in the periphery of the eddy, while omnivorous zooplankton are dominant in the center. In contrast, carnivorous zooplankton are dominant in the GC. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the dynamics of the BLP over the last two decades, gaps remain unaddressed. This review highlights the areas of opportunity to continue advancing this endeavor, achieve a better scientific understanding of the region, and propose better management and conservation plans for this highly diverse area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the feasibility of a combined approach of very low low tidal volume (VT) and mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) to decrease the ventilatory load in a severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cohort. Inclusion criteria was patients ≥18-years-old, severe COVID-19-related ARDS, driving pressure ΔP >15 cmH2O despite low-VT strategy, and extracorporeal therapies not available. MTH was induced with a surface cooling device aiming at 34°C. MTH was maintained for 72 h, followed by rewarming of 1°C per day. Data were shown in median (interquartile range, 25%-75%). Mixed effects analysis and Dunnett's test were used for comparisons. Seven patients were reported. Ventilatory load decreased during the first 24 h, minute ventilation (VE) decreased from 173 (170-192) to 152 (137-170) mL/kg/min (P = 0.007), and mechanical power (MP) decreased from 37 (31-40) to 29 (26-34) J/min (P = 0.03). At the end of the MTH period, the VT, P, and plateau pressure remained consistently close to 3.9 mL/kg predicted body weight, 12 and 26 cmH2O, respectively. A combined strategy of MTH and ultraprotective mechanical ventilation (MV) decreased VE and MP in severe COVID-19-related ARDS. The decreasing of ventilatory load may allow maintaining MV within safety thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), more specifically in Latin America. Design: A panel was formed consisting of 27 experts with experience in the treatment of pediatric sepsis and two methodologists working in Latin American countries. The experts were organized into 10 nominal groups, each coordinated by a member. Methods: A formal consensus was formed based on the modified Delphi method, combining the opinions of nominal groups of experts with the interpretation of available scientific evidence, in a systematic process of consolidating a body of recommendations. The systematic search was performed by a specialized librarian and included specific algorithms for the Cochrane Specialized Register, PubMed, Lilacs, and Scopus, as well as for OpenGrey databases for grey literature. The GRADEpro GDT guide was used to classify each of the selected articles. Special emphasis was placed on search engines that included original research conducted in LMICs. Studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were covered. Through virtual meetings held between February 2020 and February 2021, the entire group of experts reviewed the recommendations and suggestions. Result: At the end of the 12 months of work, the consensus provided 62 recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sepsis in LMICs. Overall, 60 were strong recommendations, although 56 of these had a low level of evidence. Conclusions: These are the first consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric sepsis focused on LMICs, more specifically in Latin American countries. The consensus shows that, in these regions, where the burden of pediatric sepsis is greater than in high-income countries, there is little high-level evidence. Despite the limitations, this consensus is an important step forward for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sepsis in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To describe the editorial processing time of published COVID-19 research articles and compare this with a similar topic, human influenza, and analyze the number of publications, withdrawals, and retractions. Methods. A descriptive-analytical study using PubMed on research articles with the MeSH terms human influenza and COVID-19. Time to acceptance (from submission to acceptance) and time to publication (from acceptance to publication) were compared. Retractions and withdrawals were reviewed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results. There were 31 319 research articles on COVID-19 and 4 287 on human influenza published during 2020. The median time to acceptance for COVID-19 was lower than that for human influenza (8 vs. 92 days). The median time to publication for COVID-19 articles was shorter than those on human influenza (12 vs. 16 days); 47.0% of COVID-19 research articles were accepted within the first week of submission, and 19.5% within one day. There were 82 retractions and withdrawals for COVID-19 articles, 1 for human influenza, and 5 for articles that contain both terms; these were mainly related to ethical misconduct, and 27 (31.0%) were published by the same group of authors in one highest-quartile journal. Conclusions. The conundrum between fast publishing and adequate standards is shown in this analysis of COVID-19 research articles. The speed of acceptance for COVID-19 manuscripts was 11.5 times faster than for human influenza. The high number of acceptances within a day or week of submission and the number of retractions and withdrawals of COVID-19 papers might be a warning sign about the possible lack of a quality control process in scientific publishing and the peer review process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cases of cartilaginous choristomas of the tongue are presented. Two lesions occurred in women of 71 and 28 years of age whose lesions were located in the middle third of the dorsum. The other lesion was found on the left lateral border in a 27-year-old man. The clinical, microscopic and immunohistochemical features are described. The lesions were easily excised with no recurrence after follow-up periods of at least 6 months. The histogenesis and the differential diagnosis are discussed, and the literature is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a global health problem, with suicidal behavior being one of the predictors of suicide mortality; however, its assessment is still complex. Although the amount of literature that has addressed different perspectives of suicidal behavior is abundant, it is necessary to deepen new methods that allow a rapid and objective assessment of it, providing clinicians and patients with an evaluation system that allows changes in emotional state to be recorded dynamically. The aim of this manuscript was to provide an overview of morphological patterns of auditory evoked potential P300 latency late in the assessment of suicidal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus has become a public health problem worldwide, its incidence and prevalence have exponentially increased in recent decades, bringing with it an increase in acute and chronic complications associated with late diagnosis and failure of adherence to treatment. Patients with diabetes mellitus are more likely to require surgery compared to the general population, they may have serious complications associated with the surgical event such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, nephropathy and autonomic neuropathy, due to an increase in insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Therefore, metabolic control is a key element in the perioperative behavior of patients with diabetes mellitus where the joint collaboration of a multidisciplinary team (internist, surgeon and anesthesiologist) to define the best surgical and anesthetic strategies for a better outcome before, during and after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and it is associated with poor outcome. Some patients require renal replacement therapy (RRT), and the most frequently used are intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT). Current evidence is insufficient to conclude which modality is most appropriate to treat critically ill patients with AKI. Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of critically ill patients with stage 3 AKI treated with RRT. We recorded demographic and clinical data and serum creatinine. We compared the evolution and prognosis of patients treated with IHD versus those treated with CRRT by Student's t test, chi squared, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox regression. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between RRT and mortality. Results: We analyzed 221 patients; the mean age was 49.8 years, and 55.2% were men. Mortality was 36.7%. IHD was used in 73.8% and CRRT in 26.2% of cases. In the group treated with CRRT, the severity of disease was higher, the recovery of renal function less frequent, the need for long-term RRT less frequent, and mortality higher, compared with those treated with IHD. CRRTs had an odds ratio (OR) of 8.64 for mortality (p = 0.063). Conclusions: IHD is the RRT most frequently used. Mortality is higher in patients treated with CRRT. CRRTs are not an independent risk factor for death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The effects of mild hypothermia ( HT) on acute lung injury ( ALI) are unknown in species with metabolic rate similar to that of humans, receiving protective mechanical ventilation ( MV). We hypothesized that mild hypothermia would attenuate pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses in piglets with ALI managed with a protective MV. Methods Acute lung injury ( ALI) was induced with surfactant deactivation in 38 piglets. The animals were then ventilated with low tidal volume, moderate positive end-expiratory pressure ( PEEP), and permissive hypercapnia throughout the experiment. Subjects were randomized to HT (33.5°C) or normothermia (37°C) groups over 4 h. Plasma and tissue cytokines, tissue apoptosis, lung mechanics, pulmonary vascular permeability, hemodynamic, and coagulation were evaluated. Results Lung interleukin-10 concentrations were higher in subjects that underwent HT after ALI induction than in those that maintained normothermia. No difference was found in other systemic and tissue cytokines. HT did not induce lung or kidney tissue apoptosis or influence lung mechanics or markers of pulmonary vascular permeability. Heart rate, cardiac output, oxygen uptake, and delivery were significantly lower in subjects that underwent HT, but no difference in arterial lactate, central venous oxygen saturation, and coagulation test was observed. Conclusions Mild hypothermia induced a local anti-inflammatory response in the lungs, without affecting lung function or coagulation, in this piglet model of ALI. The HT group had lower cardiac output without signs of global dysoxia, suggesting an adaptation to the decrease in oxygen uptake and delivery. Studies are needed to determine the therapeutic role of HT in ALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent data suggest that deep hypothermia has protective effects on experimental induced lung injury. It is not well known if these effects persist with mild hypothermia. The authors hypothesized that mild hypothermia may attenuate lung injury and decrease local and systemic proinflammatory cytokines in a rat model of injurious mechanical ventilation (MV). Twelve Sprague-Dawley male adult rats were anesthetized, intubated, and randomly allocated to normothermia group (37°C) (NT) or mild hypothermia group (34°C) (MH). After 2 hours of deleterious MV (peak inspiratory pressure [[PIP]] 40 cm H2O, zero end-expiratory pressure [[ZEEP]], and inspiratory fraction of oxygen [[Fio2]] 100%%), arterial blood gases, lung gravimetry, and histological study were obtained. Protein content, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Subjects that underwent MH had a significant lower wet-to-dry lung weight ratio (8.32 ± 0.28 vs. 10.8 ± 0.49, P == .01), IL-1β plasma concentration (0.6 ± 0.6 vs. 10.27 ± 2.80 pg/mL, P == .0048) and Paco2. There were no differences in terms of Pao2, histological injury, or BAL protein content. In this model of injurious mechanical ventilation, subjects treated with mild hypothermia had less lung edema and lower plasma IL-1β. Some of known beneficial effects of deep hypothermia can be obtained with mild hypothermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The expression of substance P (SP) and its NK-1 receptor (NK-1R) in keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KOTs) was studied to determine whether the intrinsic growth potential of these lesions is related to a cell proliferation stimulus mediated by the SP/NK-1R complex. A total of 65 tissue samples of solitary non-recurrent KOTs, solitary recurrent KOTs, KOTs associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) and KOTs with chondroid wall were studied by immunohistochemistry, using anti-SP, anti-NK-1R and anti-Ki-67 monoclonal antibodies. Expression of these markers was analysed in infiltrating lymphocytes, in fibrous capsule, and in membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus of epithelial cells. SP expression in infiltrating lymphocytes was significantly associated with SP in fibrous capsule and epithelial cells. KOTs associated with NBCCS showed a significantly higher SP expression in all tissues and cell compartments compared with other KOT types. Finally, SP expression in epithelial cells was associated with positive Ki-67 expression in dysplastic epithelium. This first published report on SP and NK-1R expressions in KOTs demonstrates that actions of the SP/NK-1R complex may constitute a mechanism to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation in KOT. This pathway may be of special relevance in the multiple KOTs associated with NBCCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique used in a wide spectrum of diseases. We aim to review the indications, complications, and outcomes of critically ill children who received TPE and to compare a membrane versus centrifugal method in this cohort. A retrospective observational study in two pediatric intensive care units in Chile during eight years (2011–2019) Results: A total of 36 patients underwent 167 TPE sessions (20 centrifugation and 16 membrane-based). The more frequent indications for TPE were autoimmune neurological diseases in 14 cases, renal diseases (9), and rheumatological disorders (5). 58 % of children received other immunomodulatory therapy. According to ASFA, 45 % of cases were I-II category, 50 % to III, and 5% not classified. Response to treatment was complete in 64 % (23/36) and partial in 33 % (12/36). Complications occurred in 17.4 % of sessions, and the most frequent was transient hypotension during the procedure. Overall survival at discharge from the PICU was 92 %. Patients who received TPE as a single therapy (n = 26) survived 96 %. The clinical outcomes between the two apheresis methods were similar. Survivors had a significantly lower PELOD score on admission (14.5 vs. 6.5, p = 0.004). TPE is mainly indicated as a rescue treatment in neurological autoimmune diseases refractory to conventional immunomodulatory treatment. Complications in critically ill children are mild and low. The outcome in children requiring TPE as a single therapy is good, and no differences were observed with centrifugation or membrane method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triazolic fungicides were applied to sorghum genotypes at several rates during the grain filling period to determine the control of grain mold. After harvest, grain samples were taken and put in potato dextrose agar. Fungicide application in the anthesis stage promoted more healthy seeds (44.32%), and the application of any fungicide increased significantly healthy seeds (15.4 to 18.89%). The fungicide doses of 62.5 and 125 ppm gave a greater healthy seed number, which was 19.5 to 21.5% superior than the control rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been demonstrated to decrease ventilator-induced lung injury in patients under mechanical ventilation (MV) for acute respiratory failure. Recently, some studies have proposed some beneficial effects of PEEP in ventilated patients without lung injury. The influence of PEEP on respiratory mechanics in children is not well known. Our aim was to determine the effects on respiratory mechanics of setting PEEP at 5 cmH2O in anesthetized healthy children. Methods: Patients younger than 15 years old without history of lung injury scheduled for elective surgery gave informed consent and were enrolled in the study. After usual care for general anesthesia, patients were placed on volume controlled MV. Two sets of respiratory mechanics studies were performed using inspiratory and expiratory breath hold, with PEEP 0 and 5 cmH2O. The maximum inspiratory and expiratory flow (QI and QE) as well as peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), plateau pressure (PPL) and total PEEP (tPEEP) were measured. Respiratory system compliance (CRS), inspiratory and expiratory resistances (RawI and RawE) and time constants (KTI and KTE) were calculated. Data were expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR). Wilcoxon sign test and Spearman's analysis were used. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: We included 30 patients, median age 39 (15–61.3) months old, 60% male. When PEEP increased, PIP increased from 12 (11,14) to 15.5 (14,18), and CRS increased from 0.9 (0.9,1.2) to 1.2 (0.9,1.4) mL·kg− 1·cmH2O− 1; additionally, when PEEP increased, driving pressure decreased from 6.8 (5.9,8.1) to 5.8 (4.7,7.1) cmH2O, and QE decreased from 13.8 (11.8,18.7) to 11.7 (9.1,13.5) L·min− 1 (all P < 0.01). There were no significant changes in resistance and QI. Conclusions: Analysis of respiratory mechanics in anesthetized healthy children shows that PEEP at 5 cmH2O places the respiratory system in a better position in the P/V curve. A better understanding of lung mechanics may lead to changes in the traditional ventilatory approach, limiting injury associated with MV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]