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We present a systematic study of Hugoniot properties of porous 316L stainless steel using both a simple interpolation scheme and direct shock simulations in order to probe pore collapse kinetics as well as final thermodynamic states. Both methods indicate that equilibrated Hugoniot properties depend on pore density only and not on the pore distribution or size. We then create a simple porous equation of state model that is shown to be accurate for a range of validation data. This allows us to extend our simulations to make direct comparison to experimental data that have generally significantly larger system sizes and durations. In addition, our direct shock simulations indicate that the relaxation time after hotspot formation is system size dependent and can reach nanosecond timescales for the largest pores investigated in our study, thereby possibly having a measurable effect on fast dynamic loading experiments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests are fundamental coastal ecosystems for the variety of services they provide, including green-house gas regulation, coastal protection and home to a great biodiversity. Mexico is the fourth country with the largest extension of mangroves of which 60% occurs in the Yucatan Peninsula. Understanding the microbial component of mangrove forests is necessary for their critical roles in biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem health, function and restoration initiatives. Here we study the relation between the microbial community from sediments and the restoration process of mangrove forests, comparing conserved, degraded and restored mangroves along the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. Results showed that although each sampling site had a differentiated microbial composition, the taxa belonged predominantly to Proteobacteria (13.2–23.6%), Desulfobacterota (7.6–8.3%) and Chloroflexi (9–15.7%) phyla, and these were similar between rainy and dry seasons. Conserved mangroves showed significantly higher diversity than degraded ones, and restored mangroves recovered their microbial diversity from the degraded state (Dunn test p-value Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted = 0.0034 and 0.0071 respectively). The structure of sediment microbial β-diversity responded significantly to the mangrove conservation status and physicochemical parameters (organic carbon content, redox potential, and salinity). Taxa within Chloroflexota, Desulfobacterota and Thermoplasmatota showed significantly higher abundance in degraded mangrove samples compared to conserved ones. This study can help set a baseline that includes the microbial component in health assessment and restoration strategies of mangrove forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The radial nerve may be painfully irritated or damaged by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral fractures. Secondary radial nerve lesions after ORIF of humeral shaft fractures are described in up to 16%. Not only peripheral nerves but also orthopaedic instruments and osteosynthesis material are well visible by ultrasound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound in assessing the relation between the bone overlapping screw tips and the radial nerve close to the humeral bone. Methods: Ultrasound-guided drilling was used to place screws as close as possible to the radial nerve in 8 humeral bones of four cadavers. The relation between the radial nerve and the screw tips was assessed by high-resolution ultrasound, and the overlap of all screw tips over the bone was measured by ultrasound and fluoroscopy. Thereafter, the findings were validated by anatomical dissection. Results: We could correctly identify all screw tips and their relation to the radial nerve by ultrasound. In 7 of 8 cases, the screw tip had direct contact with the radial nerve. The overlaying length of the screw tip was accurately measured by using ultrasound in all cases. In contrast fluoroscopy underestimated this length in 50% of cases. Conclusion: With this study, we show that ultrasound can reliable visualize the screw tips and its relation to the radial nerve. Ultrasound is a promising diagnostic tool to evaluate patients with radial nerve irritations or lesions after ORIF of humeral fractures. Furthermore, ultrasound could be an adequate tool to guide drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractRearrangements and overexpression of CRLF2 are hallmarks of poor outcomes in BCR::ABL1-like B-ALL, and CRLF2 overexpression is a high-risk marker in T-ALL. However, CRLF2 alterations in pediatric hematologic malignancies other than B-ALL have not been reported. In this study, we analyzed the CRLF2 overexpression, rearrangements (P2RY8::CRLF2 and IGH::CRLF2), activation (pSTAT5 and pERK), and the expression of dominant-negative IKZF1 isoforms (Ik6 and Ik8), implied in CRLF2 dysregulation, in 16 pediatric patients (AML, n = 9; T-ALL, n = 3; LBL, n = 2; HL, n = 1; cytopenia, n = 1). A high frequency of CRLF2 rearrangements and overexpression was found in the 16 patients: 28.6% (4/14) showed CRLF2 overexpression, 93.8% (15/16) were positive for CRLF2 total protein (cell-surface and/or cytoplasmic), while 62.5% (10/16) were positive for P2RY8::CRLF2 and 12.6% (2/16) for IGH::CRLF2. In addition, 43.8% (7/16) expressed Ik6 and Ik8 isoforms. However, only a few patients were positive for the surrogate markers pSTAT5 (14.3%; 2/14) and pERK (21.4%; 3/14). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterosis is the superiority of an F1 hybrid over its parents, and overdominance and dominance are the two main hypotheses for the genetic basis of heterosis. Our objectives were to determine if genomewide marker effects accurately reflect the level of dominance at quantitative trait loci (QTL) and assess the distribution of per‐marker estimates of the level of dominance in maize (Zea mays L.). We simulated different levels of dominance at QTL that were in coupling, repulsion, and random linkage phases. Genomewide marker effects from ridge regression‐best linear unbiased prediction led to accurate estimates of the level of dominance when all linkages were in coupling phase, but repulsion and random linkage phases led to an upward bias. We then estimated levels of dominance from genomewide marker effects in a reciprocal testcross experiment with 1642 hybrids genotyped with 4805 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and in a legacy Design III experiment with 351 backcross progenies (subjected to three generations of random mating to dissipate linkages) genotyped with 160 simple sequence repeats. In both experiments, the level of dominance was higher for yield than for moisture. For each trait, some loci showed little or no dominance, others showed partial to complete dominance, and others showed overdominance. A high level of dominance was typically due to a small difference between homozygote values. Overall, the results were consistent with previous QTL mapping results indicating that heterosis in maize is due to varying levels of dominance rather than a prevalent level of dominance. Core Ideas: Genomewide markers allow estimates of the level of dominance for heterosis.Maize heterosis is due to varying levels of dominance.Simulations indicated an upward bias, due to repulsion linkage, in estimates of the level of dominance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrated the capability of two readily available optical spectroscopy tools, namely UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry and Raman/surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, to select in a rapid and noninvasive manner the most homogenous gold nanoparticle (AuNP) models and to identify their chemical binding mechanism to 2-thiouracil (2-TU). 2-TU is an anticancer drug of great promise in the antiproliferative and photothermal therapies of cancer. The citrate-capped AuNPs emerged as the most stable as well as time- and cost-effective AuNP model out of the three widely used colloidal nanocores (citrate-, borohydride-citrate-, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-capped AuNPs) that were examined. 2-TU chemically attached to the relatively monodispersed AuNPs via a chemisorption mechanism. The 2-TU-AuNPs complex formed through the covalent bonding of the S atom of 2-TU to the nanosurface in a vertical orientation. The spectroscopic results were then confirmed with the help of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and other physicochemical characterization tools for nanomaterials such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Overall, the purified 2-TU-AuNPs were found to be spherical, had an average diameter of 25 ± 2 nm, a narrow size distribution (1–30 nm), a sharp localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak at 525 nm, and a negative surface charge (−14 mV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparse reconstruction is an important aspect of MRI, helping to reduce acquisition time and improve spatial-temporal resolution. Popular methods are based mostly on compressed sensing (CS), which relies on the random sampling of k-space to produce incoherent (noise-like) artefacts. Due to hardware constraints, 1D Cartesian phase-encode under-sampling schemes are popular for 2D CS-MRI. However, 1D under-sampling limits 2D incoherence between measurements, yielding structured aliasing artefacts (ghosts) that may be difficult to remove assuming a 2D sparsity model. Reconstruction algorithms typically deploy direction-insensitive 2D regularisation for these direction-associated artefacts. Recognising that phase-encode artefacts can be separated into contiguous 1D signals, we develop two decoupling techniques that enable explicit 1D regularisation and leverage the excellent 1D incoherence characteristics. We also derive a combined 1D + 2D reconstruction technique that takes advantage of spatial relationships within the image. Experiments conducted on retrospectively under-sampled brain and knee data demonstrate that c ombination of the proposed 1D AliasNet modules with existing 2D deep learned (DL) recovery techniques leads to an improvement in image quality. We also find AliasNet enables a superior scaling of performance compared to increasing the size of the original 2D network layers. AliasNet therefore improves the regularisation of aliasing artefacts arising from phase-encode under-sampling, by tailoring the network architecture to account for their expected appearance. The proposed 1D + 2D approach is compatible with any existing 2D DL recovery technique deployed for this application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As everyone is conforming to living with the pandemic, all offers and possible means in the education sector must be applied to help every learner manage their assignments. To help educators in assisting learners in doing their home works, DepEd Memo No. 177 s. 2005 -Training Workshop on Strategic Interventions for successful learning was created. This intervention aimed to enhance teachers' skills in test analysis and interpretation and capacitate them in developing varied intervention materials for remediation and enrichment of knowledge. This training prompted the teachers to develop and use Strategic Intervention Material in teaching their subject areas. This study attempted to determine the effectiveness of electronic strategic intervention material in conducting remedial lessons in Grade 7 Biology in a public national high school, Division of Antipolo City for the school year 2022-2023. This study utilized Quasi-experimental research with Non-print Rating Sheets and pretest and posttest as data gathering instruments. Pretest and posttest were administered to thirty-five (35) Grade 7 students to measure their academic performance before and after the use of the Electronic Strategic Intervention Material. The findings showed that Science experts and teachers evaluated the e-SIM with grand mean ratings of 3.88 and 3.87, respectively, verbally interpreted as Very Satisfactory in terms of content quality, instructional quality, technical quality, and accuracy and up-to-datedness. Results also showed that there is a significant difference between the academic performance of the student respondents on the pretest and posttest after the utilization of e-SIM as revealed by the computed mean scores of 13.37 for the pretest and 34.77 for the posttest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tracheoesophageal speech with a voice prosthesis is considered the rehabilitation treatment of choice in laryngectomized patients. The main reasons for prosthesis failure are endoprosthetic leakage and periprosthetic leakage. The Provox XtraSeal® stent incorporates an additional double flange on the esophageal side to prevent periprosthetic leakage. The objective of this study is to compare the duration and costs of the Provox Vega® and Provox XtraSeal® prostheses used in these patients in a tertiary university hospital. Materials and methods: A prospective crossover case study of laryngectomees with Provox Vega® who underwent Provox XtraSeal® placement due to recurrent periprosthetic leaks and decreased theoretical prosthesis life. The duration and possible factors affecting voice prostheses were studied using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression. A cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System with an incremental cost-effectiveness calculation. Results: A total of 38 patients were recruited, 35 men and 3 women, with a mean age of 66.26 ± 9.36 years old. Information was collected from 551 voice prostheses, 484 Provox Vega® and 68 Provox XtraSeal®. The mean duration of Provox Vega® was 119.75 ± 148.8 days and that of Provox XtraSeal® was 181.99 ± 166.07 days (p = 0.002). The most frequent reason for replacement was endoprosthetic leakage in both groups: 283 (60.86%) in the case of Provox Vega® and 29 (48.33%) in that of XtraSeal® (p < 0.000). To obtain no cost differences (ICE ~ 0) between Provox Vega and Provox XtraSeal, the latter should cost EUR 551.63. Conclusions: The Provox XtraSeal® is a cost-effective option in patients with increased prosthesis replacements due to periprosthetic leakage, reducing the number of replacements, increasing the duration of the prosthesis, and providing savings compared to Provox Vega®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles have been used to transport drugs to various body parts to treat cancer. Our interest is in gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) since they have the capacity to absorb light and convert it to heat, inducing cellular damage. This property is known as photothermal therapy (PTT) and has been studied in cancer treatment. In the present study, biocompatible citrate-reduced AuNPs were functionalized with a biologically active compound, 2-thiouracil (2-TU), of potential anticancer activity. Both the unfunctionalized (AuNPs) and functionalized (2-TU-AuNPs) were purified and characterized by UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry, Zeta potential, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Results showed monodispersed, spherical AuNPs with a mean core diameter of 20 ± 2 nm, a surface charge of −38 ± 5 mV, and a localized surface plasmon resonance peak at 520 nm. As a result of functionalization, the mean core diameter of 2-TU-AuNPs increased to 24 ± 4 nm, and the surface charge increased to −14 ± 1 mV. The functionalization of AuNPs and the load efficiency were further established through Raman spectroscopy and UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry. The antiproliferative activities of AuNPs, 2-TU and 2-TU-AuNPs were examined by a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. It was established that AuNPs significantly enhanced the antiproliferative activity of 2-TU. Furthermore, the irradiation of the samples with visible light at 520 nm decreased the half-maximal inhibitory concentration by a factor of 2. Thus, the 2-TU drug concentration and its side effect during treatments could be significantly reduced by synergistically exploiting the antiproliferative activity of 2-TU loaded onto AuNPs and the PTT effect of AuNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production (P) (g of fresh mushrooms /bag) and biological efficiency (BE) (g of fresh mushrooms per 100 g of dry substrate) of 17 fungal strains, namely Pleurotus ostreatus Po-IAP, Po-P38, Po-P14, Po-IE202, Po-Sfco, Po-JP, Po-Psma, and Po-POS, Pleurotus djamour Pd-PRO and Pd-UTMR, Pleurotus eryngii Pe-MB and Pe-PQ, Lentinula edodes L15, L9, L5, and LC, and Hericium erinaceus Heri, produced in corn stover (CS) and to assess the content of crude protein (CP), lignin (L), cellulose, hemicellulose, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD) of the residual substrate of CS, the so called spent mushroom substrate (SMS), in comparison to the non-inoculated substrate (C). The variables were analyzed as a completely randomized block design using R 4.0.3 software. Means were compared using Tukey's procedure. The Pleurotus spp. strains, compared to Lentinula spp. and Hericium spp., presented better BE and P. In comparison to C, the SMS increased the CP content (p < 0.05) from 10.8% (Po-JP) to 70.3% (LC), while NDF decreased (p < 0.05) from 11.5% (Pd-Pro) to 33.5% (L15) and IVDMD increased (p < 0.05) from 16.2% (Heri) to 47.7% (Pd-UTMR). In conclusion, of the 17 strains evaluated, the 3 strains of Lentinula edodes (L5, L15, and L9), one strain of Pleurotus djamour (Pd-UTMR), and one strain of Pleurotus ostreatus (Po-IAP) generated a SMS that, due to its nutritional improvement and increase in IVDMD, could be used as feed for ruminants. Our results also showed that corn stover is a suitable substrate to produce Pleurotus spp. fruiting bodies, with strain Po-IAP as the best yielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present two cases of Bouveret Syndrome managed conservatively with endoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. Two elderly patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by gallstone migration into the duodenum through a cholecystoduodenal fistula underwent endoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre using a holmium laser probe and a standard gastroscope. In both patients, complete fragmentation of the obstructive gallstone was achieved. Following the treatment, the first patient was asymptomatic and due to multiple co-morbidities, definitive surgery with cholecystectomy was not deemed appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culinary globalization in Indian cities has resulted in new patterns of food consumption and production. Aside from the increasing presence of global franchises such as Costa Coffee, McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken, local and foreign entrepreneurs have established restaurants that offer various national cuisines. In Delhi, for example, Japanese-themed restaurants cater to the city's growing appetite for new culinary experiences. So far our knowledge of culinary globalization in Indian cities has focused on consumption: How emerging gastronomic patterns relate to identity formations. The production of cuisines as part of the city's culinary globalization is rarely explored. In this paper, I focus on the role of Filipino 'sushi chefs' as cultural intermediaries who localize Japanese cuisine. This paper discusses their emergent practices of cultural mediation, namely adapting to local taste, peer mentoring and communicative labor. I argue that such practices of cultural mediation point to the social dynamics of cultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) contribute to postnatal vasculogenesis. In venous thromboembolic disease (VTD), they are functionally abnormal and produce high concentrations of TNF-α. To analyze the TNF-α signaling pathway and its relationship with the expression of cell-cycle regulators. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were collected from the peripheral blood of 20 healthy human volunteers (controls) and 30 patients with VTD matched by age (20−50 years) and sex to obtain ECFCs. We analyzed the relative quantification of the gene transcripts of TNF, NFkB1, PLAU, HMOX1, GSS, eNOS, CDKN1A, and CDKN1B through quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR assays). Identification of NF-κB and activated targets of each pathway: NF-κB (Ser536); IκBα (Ser32/Ser36); p38 (Thr180/Tyr182) JNK (Thr183/Tyr185), p53 and cell-cycle regulators: p16, p18, p21, p27, p57, Cyclin D, Cyclin E, Cyclin A, Cyclin B, CDK2, CDK4; cell-cycle status was determined by KI-67 and 7-AAD. Cells were analyzed with flow cytometry and the FlowJo vX software. In ECFCs from VTD patients, TNF-α receptor and NFkB were overexpressed and hyper-phosphorylated; eNOS and HMOX1 were down-regulated; cell-cycle regulators (p53, p18, p21) were elevated. In addition, the cell cycle was locked in the G2 phase. Our results strongly suggest that these molecular alterations in the pathway of TNF-α and cell cycle regulation induce endothelial dysfunction, reduced proliferation potential and vascular regeneration, and consequently, the occurrence of new thrombotic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bursera comprises ~100 tropical shrub and tree species, with the center of the species diversification in Mexico. The genomic resources developed for the genus are scarce, and this has limited the study of the gene flow, local adaptation, and hybridization dynamics. In this study, based on ~155 million Illumina paired-end reads per species, we performed a de novo genome assembly and annotation of three Bursera species of the Bullockia section: Bursera bipinnata, Bursera cuneata, and Bursera palmeri. The total lengths of the genome assemblies were 253, 237, and 229 Mb for B. cuneata, B. palmeri, and B. bipinnata, respectively. The assembly of B. palmeri retrieved the most complete and single-copy BUSCOs (87.3%) relative to B. cuneata (86.5%) and B. bipinnata (76.6%). The ab initio gene prediction recognized between 21,000 and 32,000 protein-coding genes. Other genomic features, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), were also detected. Using the de novo genome assemblies as a reference, we identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for a set of 43 Bursera individuals. Moreover, we mapped the filtered reads of each Bursera species against the chloroplast genomes of five Burseraceae species, obtaining consensus sequences ranging from 156 to 160 kb in length. Our work contributes to the generation of genomic resources for an important but understudied genus of tropical-dry-forest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapy of back pain – especially the medication with opioids – can be challenging for the treating physician. Specific back pain can often be diagnosed by imaging and successfully treated by surgery or medication. In contrast, nonspecific back pain can be worsened by inappropriate imaging, questionable surgical indications and uncontrolled drug use. For the therapy of nonspecific back pain, maintaining daily activity and exercise therapy is central. Opioids are effective drugs for short-term use. However, long-term use often leads to opioid-induced hyperalgesia and hormonal dysfunction with decreased quality of life and libido. Furthermore, opioids can lead to abuse and addiction. After an ineffective treatment with non-opioids, opioids may be given for a limited time period (if possible shorter than four weeks) according to international guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) originates in a leukemic stem cell that resides in the bone marrow microenvironment, where they coexist with cellular and non-cellular elements. The vascular microenvironment has been identified as an important element in CML development since an increase in the vascularization has been suggested to be related with poor prognosis; also, using murine models, it has been reported that bone marrow endothelium can regulate the quiescence and proliferation of leukemic stem and progenitor cells. This observation, however, has not been evaluated in primary human cells. In this report, we used a co-culture of primitive (progenitor and stem) CML cells with endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC) as an in vitro model to evaluate the effects of the vascular microenvironment in the leukemic hematopoiesis. Our results show that this interaction allows the in vitro maintenance of primitive CML cells through an inflammatory microenvironment able to regulate the proliferation of progenitor cells and the permanence in a quiescent state of leukemic stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current antineoplastic agents present multiple disadvantages, driving an ongoing search for new and better compounds. Four lupane-type triterpenes, 3α,24-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (1), 3α,23-dihydroxy-30-oxo-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (2), 3α,23-O-isopropylidenyl-3α,23-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (3), and 3α,23-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (4), previously isolated from Phoradendron wattii, were evaluated on two cell lines of chronic (K562) and acute (HL60) myeloid leukemia. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 decreased cell viability and inhibit proliferation, mainly in K562, and exhibited an apoptotic effect from 24 h of treatment. Of particular interest is compound 2, which caused arrest in active phases (G2/M) of the cell cycle, as shown by in silico study of the CDK1/Cyclin B/Csk2 complex by molecular docking. This compound [3α,23-dihydroxy-30-oxo-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid] s a promising candidate for incorporation into cancer treatments and deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ph-like subtypes with CRLF2 abnormalities are frequent among Hispano–Latino children with pre-B ALL. Therefore, there is solid ground to suggest that this subtype is frequent in Mexican patients. The genomic complexity of Ph-like subtype constitutes a challenge for diagnosis, as it requires diverse genomic methodologies that are not widely available in diagnostic centers in Mexico. Here, we propose a diagnostic strategy for Ph-like ALL in accordance with our local capacity. Pre-B ALL patients without recurrent gene fusions (104) were classified using a gene-expression profile based on Ph-like signature genes analyzed by qRT-PCR. The expressions of the CRLF2 transcript and protein were determined by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. The P2RY8::CRLF2, IGH::CRLF2, ABL1/2 rearrangements, and Ik6 isoform were screened using RT-PCR and FISH. Surrogate markers of Jak2-Stat5/Abl/Ras pathways were analyzed by phosphoflow. Mutations in relevant kinases/transcription factors genes in Ph-like were assessed by target-specific NGS. A total of 40 patients (38.5%) were classified as Ph-like; of these, 36 had abnormalities associated with Jak2-Stat5 and 4 had Abl. The rearrangements IGH::CRLF2,P2RY8::CRLF2, and iAMP21 were particularly frequent. We propose a strategy for the detection of Ph-like patients, by analyzing the overexpression/genetic lesions of CRLF2, the Abl phosphorylation of surrogate markers confirmed by gene rearrangements, and Sanger sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is closely related to high mortality in critically ill patients, which is attributable, in part, to the lack of an early method of diagnosis to show the degree of ischemia-induced injury in this type of patients. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) has been shown to be a tool to early diagnose gastric mucosal damage induced by ischemia. A therapeutic alternative to reduce this type of injury is melatonin (MT), which has gastroprotective effects in I/R models. In this work, the effect of treatment with MT on the electrical properties of gastric tissue, biomarkers of inflammatory (iNOS and COX-2), proliferation, and apoptotic process under I/R conditions in male Wistar rats was evaluated through EIS, histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Treatment with MT prevents gastric mucosa damage, causing a decrease in gastric impedance parameters related to the inflammatory process and cellular damage. This suggests that EIS could be used as a tool to diagnose and monitor the evolution of gastric mucosal injury, as well as in the recovery process in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shoulder computed tomography (CT) is commonly utilized in preoperative planning for total shoulder arthroplasty. Conventional-dose shoulder CT may expose patients to more ionizing radiation than is necessary to provide high-quality images for this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of simulated low-dose CT images for preoperative planning using manual measurements and common preoperative planning software.Methods: Eighteen shoulder CT scans obtained for preoperative arthroplasty planning were used to generate CT images as if they had been acquired at reduced radiation dose (RD) levels of 75%, 50%, and 25% using a simulation technique that mimics decreased x-ray tube current. This technique was validated by quantitative comparison of simulated low-dose scans of a cadaver with actual low-dose scans. Glenoid version, glenoid inclination, and humeral head subluxation were measured using 2 commercially available software platforms and were also measured manually by 3 physicians. These measurements were then analyzed for agreement across RD levels for each patient. Tolerances of 5° of glenoid version, 5° of glenoid inclination, and 10% humeral head subluxation were used as equivalent for preoperative planning purposes.Results: At all RD levels evaluated, the preoperative planning software successfully segmented the CT images. Semiautomated software measurement of 25% RD images was within tolerances in 99.1% of measurements; for 50% RD images, within tolerances in 96.3% of measurements; and for 75% RD images, within tolerances in 100% of measurements. Manual measurements of 25% RD images were within these tolerances in 95.1% of measurements; for 50% RD images, in 98.8% of measurements; and for 75% RD images, in 99.4% of measurements.Conclusions: Simulated low-dose CT images were sufficient for reliable measurement of glenoid version, glenoid inclination, and humeral head subluxation by preoperative planning software as well as by physician-observers. These findings suggest the potential for substantial reduction in RD in preoperative shoulder CT scans without compromising surgical planning.Clinical Relevance: The adoption of low-dose techniques in preoperative shoulder CT may lower radiation exposure for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, without compromising image quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

to correlate the quadriceps muscle strength and the manual grip strength with the presence of falls suffered in the last year by institutionalized elderly. Material and method: a cross-sectional study was carried out and 20 institutionalized elderly were included. Sociodemographic data and number of falls during the last year were recorded. Quadriceps muscle strength and hand grip strength were assessed using dynamometry. Study participants were divided into groups of low (quadriceps strength < 10 kg; grip strength < 15 kg), moderate (qua)driceps strength 10-15 kg), or high (quadriceps strength > 15 kg, grip strength > 15 kg) muscle strength. Results: occurrence of falls was greater by an odds ratio (OR) = 4.00 (95 % CI 0.21-75.66) in the participants who presented a quadriceps muscle strength of 10-15 kg, and by an OR = 7.00 (95 % CI 0.57-86.32) in those who presented a force < 10 kg, compared to the group with a quadriceps muscle strength > 15 kg. In the participants who presented a grip strength < 15 kg, occurrence of falls was grater by OR = 5.44 (95 % CI 0.80-36.87). Male gender, higher body mass index, osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency were factors related to more fall events in participants with lower qua)driceps muscle strength. Older age, hypertension and diabetes were factors related to more fall events in participants with lower hand grip strength. Conclusions: a greater presence of falls is observed in institutionalized elderly with low quadriceps muscle strength or low manual grip strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian hypofunction is characterized by decay in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin associated with cognitive and memory function. Hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment to counteract the negative effects of ovarian insufficiency; however, this therapy may increase the odds of endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. Therefore, a safer alternative to synthetic estrogens is needed. One possible candidate may be phytoestrogens. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) is a source of natural food colorants; the calyces and leaves of the plant are consumed in drinks and culinary preparations and are recognized for several health benefits related to their high content of anthocyanins. In the present study, we used an ovariectomized rat model to assess the phytoestrogenic effect of H. sabdariffa, and evaluated spatial memory and BDNF expression. Ninety-day-old female Wistar rats were randomly separated into six groups. Rats from four groups were ovariectomized and injected with a physiological dose of estradiol, or given, in drinking water, an extract prepared from calyces of H. sabdariffa at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight. Both Intact and Sham groups were included as controls. At day 42, short- and long-term memories were assessed by the Barnes maze test, and hippocampal BDNF expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Ovariectomy significantly decreased memory performance and BDNF expression, compared with controls. However, administration of H. sabdariffa extract reversed the negative effect of ovariectomy on short- and long-term memory parameters and BDNF expression. A stronger effect was observed at a lower dose of the extract. In conclusion, the extract from H. sabdariffa acted as a phytoestrogen in ovariectomized rats, improving spatial memory performance and hippocampal BDNF expression. Based on these promising results, further clinical experimentation is recommended to study the benefits of H. sabdariffa as an alternative hormonal therapy in patients with ovarian hypofunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spinal oxytocin inhibits nociception by interaction with oxytocin receptors (OTRs). • The anatomical correlate of this peptide and its receptor has been exiguously studied. • Ultrastructural analyses show that oxytocin and OTR are found in asymmetrical synapsis. • OTR is present in GABAergic interneurons near to unmyelinated fibers. • Oxytocin is present in paraventricular projection fibers at spinal cord level. • Our data sheds light on the anatomical substrate where the oxytocin induces antinociception. Oxytocin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide involved in the inhibition of nociception transmission at spinal dorsal horn (SDH) level (the first station where the incoming peripheral signals is modulated). Electrophysiological, behavioral, and pharmacological data strongly support the role of this neuropeptide and its receptor (the oxytocin receptor, OTR) as a key endogenous molecule with analgesic properties. Briefly, current data showed that oxytocin release from the hypothalamus induces OTR activation at the SDH, inducing selective inhibition of the nociceptive Aδ- and C-fibers (probably peptidergic) activity, but not the activity of proprioceptive fibers (i.e. Aβ-fibers). The above inhibition could be a direct presynaptic mechanism, or a mechanism mediated by GABAergic interneurons. However, the exact anatomical localization of oxytocin and OTR remains unclear. In this context, the present study set out to analyze the role of OTRs, GABAergic cells and CGRP fibers in the SDH in rats by using electron microscopy. Ultrastructural analyses of the SDH tissue show that: (i) oxytocin and OTR are found in asymmetrical synapsis; (ii) OTR is found in GABAergic interneurons (near unmyelinated fibers), CGRPergic fibers and glial cells; (iii) whereas oxytocin is present in supraspinal descending projection fibers. These anatomical data strongly support the notion that oxytocin released at the SDH could presynaptically inhibit the nociceptive input from the peripheral primary afferent fibers. This inhibitory action could be direct or use a GABA interneuron. Furthermore, our findings that OTR is exhibited in glial tissue at the SDH requires further exploration in nociception assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sterile neutrino in the 3 + 1 scheme, where the sterile accounts for neutrino anomalies not explained solely by the weak active neutrinos, arises as a natural source for the breaking of the μ - τ symmetry suggested by oscillation neutrino data. We explore the predictions for the Dirac CP phases in this scenario, with and without sterile neutrino decay, and show that current limits on δ CP suggest a normal hierarchy and a lightest neutrino scale below 0.1 eV as the most plausible explanation for that, when Majorana phases are null. Other Dirac phases turn out to be non zero as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exchange μ − τ symmetry in the effective Majorana neutrino mass matrix does predict a maximal mixing for atmospheric neutrino oscillations asides to a null mixing that cannot be straightforwardly identified with reactor neutrino oscillation mixing, 1 3 , unless a specific ordering is assumed for the mass eigenstates. Otherwise, a nonzero value for 1 3 is predicted already at the level of an exact symmetry. In this case, solar neutrino mixing and scale, as well as the correct atmospheric mixing arise from the breaking of the symmetry. I present a mass matrix proposal for normal hierarchy that realizes this scenario, where the smallness of tan 1 3 is naturally given by the parameter ∼ Δ m sol 2 / Δ m ATM 2 and the solar mixing is linked to the smallness of Δ m sol 2 . The proposed matrix remains stable under renormalization effects and it also allows to account for CP violation within the expected region without further constrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral regional anaesthesia is the actual gold standard of opioid-sparing perioperative analgesia and is mainly used for surgery of the shoulder, arm and leg. Well-trained anaesthesiologists are the prerequisite for the correct individual risk-benefit assessment and the performance of the nerve blocks using a combination of ultrasound guidance and peripheral nerve stimulation (dual guidance). The postoperative care of the patients requires trained staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging visualises soft tissue contrast in exquisite detail without harmful ionising radiation. In this work, we provide a state-of-the-art review on the use of deep learning in MR image reconstruction from different image acquisition types involving compressed sensing techniques, parallel image acquisition and multi-contrast imaging. Publications with deep learning-based image reconstruction for MR imaging were identified from the literature (PubMed and Google Scholar), and a comprehensive description of each of the works was provided. A detailed comparison that highlights the differences, the data used and the performance of each of these works were also made. A discussion of the potential use cases for each of these methods is provided. The sparse image reconstruction methods were found to be most popular in using deep learning for improved performance, accelerating acquisitions by around 4-8 times. Multi-contrast image reconstruction methods rely on at least one pre-acquired image, but can achieve 16-fold, and even up to 32- to 50-fold acceleration depending on the set-up. Parallel imaging provides frameworks to be integrated in many of these methods for additional speed-up potential. The successful use of compressed sensing techniques and multi-contrast imaging with deep learning and parallel acquisition methods could yield significant MR acquisition speed-ups within clinical routines in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to generate normative data for five tests of attention and executive functions (M-WCST, Stroop test, TMT, BTA, and SDMT), in a group of 322 Ecuadorian adults from Quito between the ages of 18 and 85.Method: Multiple regression analyzes taking into account age, education, and gender were used to generate the normative data.Results: Age and education were significantly related to test performance such that scores decreased with age and improved as a function of education. An online calculator is provided to generate normative test scores.Conclusions: This is the first study that presents normative data for tests of executive functions and attention in an Ecuadorian adult population. This data will improve the clinical practice of neuropsychology and help to develop the field in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of molecular devices and nanotechnology, precise control over electron‐transfer processes is strongly desired. However, redox reactions are usually characterized by reaction equilibrium constants strongly departing from unity. This leads to strong favoring of either reactants or products and does not permit subtle control of transferred charge (doping). Here we propose, based on theoretical studies for periodic systems, how charge transfer between reactants could be finely manipulated in the epitaxially grown system composed of extremely strong oxidizer, reducing agent, and an inert separator—the key factor of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of molecular devices and nanotechnology, precise control over electron‐transfer processes is strongly desired. However, redox reactions are usually characterized by reaction equilibrium constants strongly departing from unity. This leads to strong favoring of either reactants or products and does not permit subtle control of transferred charge (doping). Here we propose, based on theoretical studies for periodic systems, how charge transfer between reactants could be finely manipulated in the epitaxially grown system composed of extremely strong oxidizer, reducing agent, and an inert separator—the key factor of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cerebral cortex acts on brainstem structures to modulate nociception at spinal level. • Intercortical connections are involved in nociception modulation. • Many neurotransmission systems participate in cortical modulation of nociception. • Cortical stimulation is promising for pain management therapy. Nociception is the neuronal process of encoding noxious stimuli and could be modulated at peripheral, spinal, brainstem, and cortical levels. At cortical levels, several areas including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO), insular cortex (IC), motor cortex (MC), and somatosensory cortices are involved in nociception modulation through two main mechanisms: (i) a descending modulatory effect at spinal level by direct corticospinal projections or mostly by activation of brainstem structures (i.e. periaqueductal grey matter (PAG), locus coeruleus (LC), the nucleus of raphe (RM) and rostroventral medulla (RVM)); and by (ii) cortico-cortical or cortico-subcortical interactions. This review summarizes evidence related to the participation of the aforementioned cortical areas in nociception modulation and different neurotransmitters or neuromodulators that have been studied in each area. Besides, we point out the importance of considering intracortical neuronal populations and receptors expression, as well as, nociception-induced cortical changes, both functional and connectional, to better understand this modulatory effect. Finally, we discuss the possible mechanisms that could potentiate the use of cortical stimulation as a promising procedure in pain alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of rumen fermentation while estimating it’s in vitro protein degradation (from ruminal ammonia concentration) and kinetics regarding two herbal feed plant additives. The tested herbal mixtures were elaborated with Phaseolus mango and Linum usitatissimum, providing lysine (Lys) and Trigonella foenum-graecum and Allium sativa, providing Methionine (Met). They were compared to alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and solvent extracted soybean meal (Glicine max), as standard sources of protein using the in vitro gas production technique modified to estimate N-NH3, recording fermentation kinetics and dry matter digestibility (72 h), in a completely randomized design followed by Tukey test. Ruminal ammonia concentration in the herbal mixtures was lower (P<0.05) than in the standard protein sources, indicating that protein from herbal mixtures could resist ruminal degradation. Herbal additives with Lys or Met showed minimum N-NH3 concentration in the first 4 h of incubation. At 8 h, the concentration was 0.27 and 0.54 mg dL-1 for the herbal products with Lys and Met, significantly lower than solvent extracted soybean meal and alfalfa (1.15 and 2.24 mg dL-1 respectively, P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop norms for two neuropsychological tests of learning and memory in an Ecuadorian adult population. 322 healthy individuals, ages between 18 and 84, were enrolled in the Metropolitan District of Quito. Participants were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation that included tests of learning and memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test [ROCF] and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised [HVLT-R]). Backward stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the influence of demographic variables age, education, and gender on test performance. Normative data were developed adjusting for demographic variables found to be significant in the final regression models. The final multiple linear models revealed performance on tests of learning and memory worsened with age and improved as a function of education. A user-friendly Excel-based calculator is presented to calculate the z score and percentile automatically based on raw score and sociodemographic information. This is the first study that presents normative data for tests of learning and memory for an adult population in Ecuador. It is expected that these norms will help to improve the clinical practice of neuropsychology in Ecuador by limiting erroneous raw score interpretation and incrementing diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syntheses and crystal structures of the two title compounds, C11H10O3 (I) and C17H14BrNO2 (II), both containing the bicyclo[2.2.2]octene ring system, are reported here [the structure of I has been reported previously: White & Goh (2014). Private Communication (refcode HOKRIK). CCDC, Cambridge, England]. The bond lengths and angles of the bicyclo[2.2.2]octene ring system are similar for both structures. The imide functional group of II features carbonyl C O bond lengths of 1.209 (2) and 1.210 (2) A˚, with C—N bond lengths of 1.393 (2) and 1.397 (2) A˚ . The five-membered imide ring is nearly planar, and it is positioned exo relative to the alkene bridgehead carbon atoms of the bicyclo[2.2.2]octene ring system. Non-covalent interactions present in the crystal structure of II include a number of C—H. . . O interactions. The extended structure of II also features C—H. . .O hydrogen bonds as well as C—H and lone pair– interactions, which combine together to create supramolecular sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NC) is considered as a public health problem. Meanwhile, cancer is the second cause of death around the world. The coexistence of both conditions had been scantly reported or studied. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate and report the presentation of NC in patients with systemic cancer. Methods: Patients with confirmed cancer and NC at a referral center from January 2012 to June 2017 were included. Demographic, clinical, and radiologic findings were presented. Results: Eighteen cancer patients were diagnosed with NC. Within a mean follow-up period of 45.2 months, one died from complications directly related to NC, and seven had associated cancer progression. Headache and seizures were the most common symptoms that led to the diagnosis of NC. The number of lesions seen ranged from 1 to 100. Conclusions: The estimated incidence of NC and cancer is not low and should be considered a differential diagnosis of brain metastases, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the basic properties of how axons respond to injury in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is of fundamental value for developing strategies to promote neural repair. Axons possess complex morphologies with stereotypical branching patterns. However, current knowledge of the axonal response to injury gives little consideration to axonal branches, nor do strategies to promote axon regeneration. This article reviews evidence from in vivo spinal cord imaging that axonal branches markedly impact the degenerative and regenerative responses to injury. At a major bifurcation point, depending on whether one or both axonal branches are injured, neurons may choose either a more self-preservative response or a more dynamic response. The stabilizing effect of the spared branch may underlie a well-known divergence in neuronal responses to injury, and illustrates an example where in vivo spinal cord imaging reveals insights that are difficult to elucidate with conventional histological methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Experimental Estimation of diffusion length of Ga adatoms on GaP (0 0 1) • Correlation between the behavior of diffusion length and surface morphology as a function of the temperature. • Observation of anisotropy along < 1 1 ¯ 0 > and < 1 1 ¯ 0 > directions. Abstract In this work Ga adatom incorporation diffusion length was quantified in two different directions, 〈1 1 0〉 and < 1 1 ¯ 0 > , during MBE growth of a GaP layer. Thickness distribution was measured for the GaP layer grown on striped patterned GaP substrate and the data was analyzed based on a one-dimensional diffusion growth model between two different adjacent facets. It was quantitatively revealed that the diffusion length of the Ga adatoms increased with growth temperature and an anisotropy in the diffusion length was observed along < 110 > and < 1 1 ¯ 0 > directions. The influence in the morphology due to the diffusion length anisotropy was discussed with the RHEED patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Electrocorticogram nociceptive responses are related to a recurrent cortical control. • Electrocorticogram responses could change without correlation with sensorial input. • Local cortical control changes the nociceptive related responses amplitudes. Abstract Neuronal activity can be modulated by endogenous control mechanisms that either facilitate or suppress it. With this idea in mind, we attempted to evaluate and correlate spinal neuronal activity with the amplitude of corticogram (ECoG) event related potentials (ERP) in the presence of nociceptive stimulation in rats. We evaluated the ERP in response to noxious stimuli, endogenous analgesic actions, different frequencies, and heterotopic nociceptive stimulation, as well as in conjunction with recordings from neurons in the spinal cord that are activated by noxious stimuli. Computational tasks enabled us to establish correlations between the amplitude of ERP and neuronal firing of cells in the spinal dorsal horn. Our results show that the ERP amplitude could be modified by previous activity in the cerebral cortex, but the activity in the spinal cord did not change. Previous activity could originate spontaneously or could be driven by sensory stimulation. A recurrent inhibitory cortical action is proposed that could explain the suppression of pain perception during electrical or magnetic transcranial stimulation, as well as during heterotopic stimulation. This study aims to uncover a local recurrent inhibitory cortical action that could modify the sensory information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores inter-Asian media reception using the example of Bollywood films and the setting of Metro Manila in the Philippines. Drawing upon a series of interviews and focus groups with both the existing audience and "unexposed" viewers from the "mainstream," this study takes an interest in how audiences establish the "common ground" that allows them to decode Bollywood narratives. By rescaling the dynamics of inter-cultural media exchange from geopolitical competition down to the grassroots experience of ordinary people, this article demonstrates how Bollywood films provide the basis for imaginative comparisons that open up everyday affinities based on shared economic situations and moral dilemmas. Developing the further intuition that the comparative aspects of global imagination are felt as much as considered, this article seeks to demonstrate how the melodramatic form of Bollywood generates emotional responses that inculcate empathy and an ethic of care. Our larger purpose is twofold: firstly, to explore the potentials of inter-cultural exchange between two societies on opposite sides of "Asia" and, secondly, to encourage reflection upon the ways that mediation facilitates the comparative functions of the global imagination in everyday experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We explore masses and mixings for Dirac neutrinos in models where lepton number is conserved, under the guidance of a hidden, but broken, μ – τ exchange symmetry, that makes itself evident in the squared hermitian mass matrix. We study the parameter space in the most general theory as allowed by current neutrino oscillation experiment data. By using a general parameterization of the mass matrix which contains only observable parameters we establish that the amount of breaking of the symmetry is in the range of the atmospheric mass scale, without regard to the neutrino hierarchy, the absolute neutrino mass and the Dirac CP phase. An estimate of the invisible branching ratio for a Higgs boson decaying into Dirac neutrinos, H → ν ν ‾ , is given and compared to recent measurements in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, assessing food and nutrient intake for research and surveillance purposes is difficult due to the lack of comprehensive, country-specific food and nutrient databases and/or a dietary analysis software program. In this case study, we describe the approach used to adapt a United States (US) dietary analysis software and nutrient database (Nutrition Data System for Research [NDSR]) for use in analyzing 24-hour dietary recalls collected for the Brazil Kids Nutrition and Health Study (KNHS). A team of experts that included individuals knowledgeable about Brazil and US eating traditions was assembled to devise solutions for between-country differences in eating habits, food supply, food nomenclature, and language. Solutions devised relied on several key resources, including the Brazilian Food Composition Table (TBCA) and a list of 200 foods commonly consumed in Brazil. These solutions included creating data entry rules that specified how each reported food should be entered into NDSR, creation of User Recipes for foods lacking a close nutritionally matching food in the NDSR database, and adjustment for food fortification differences as part of the analysis of study data. This case study illustrates that NDSR can be adapted for use outside of the United States through a structured process. • NDSR can be adapted for software assisted dietary assessment outside the US. • NDSR was successfully used for dietary assessment in children in Brazil. • Dietary data collection and entry protocols facilitate adaptation of NDSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in multiple applications has increased the importance of safety considerations. ZnO NPs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for toxicity in Artemia salina and zebrafish (Danio rerio). NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The hydrodynamic size and stability of the ZnO NP surface were examined using a Zetasizer. Characterization techniques confirmed the ZnO wurtzite structure with a particle size of 32.2 ± 5.2 nm. Synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated for acute toxicity in Artemia salina using the Probit and Reed and Muench methods to assess for lethal concentration at 50% (LC50). The LC50 was 86.95 ± 0.21 μg/mL in Artemia salina. Physical malformations were observed after 96 h at 50 μg/mL of exposure. The total protein and cytochrome P450 contents were determined. Further analysis was performed to assess the bioaccumulation capacity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) using ICP-OES. ZnO NP content in adult zebrafish was greater in the gastrointestinal tract than in the other tissues under study. The present analysis of ZnO NPs supports the use of Artemia salina and adult zebrafish as relevant models for assessing toxicity and bioaccumulation while considering absorption quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory information stimulates receptors of somatosensory system neurons generating a signal that codifies the characteristics of peripheral stimulation. This information reaches the spinal cord and is relayed to supra-spinal structures through two main systems: the postsynaptic dorsal column-medial lemniscal (DC-ML) and the anterolateral (AL) systems. From the classical point of view, the DC-ML has an ipsilateral ascending pathway to the Gracilis (GRA) or Cuneate (CUN) nuclei and the AL has a contralateral ascending pathway to the ventral posterolateral (VPL) thalamic nucleus. These two systems have been the subject of multiple studies that established their independence and interactions. To analyze the ascending projections of L1–L5 spinal dorsal horn neurons in the rat, two retrograde neuronal tracers were injected into the GRA and the VPL. Additionally, an electrophysiological study was performed by applying electrical stimulation at the GRA or VPL and recording antidromic evoked activity in single unit spinal cord cells. Importantly, a subset of spinal dorsal horn neurons exhibited double staining, indicating that these neurons projected to both the GRA and the VPL. These double-stained neurons were located on both sides of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The spinal dorsal horn neurons exhibited antidromic and collision activities in response to both GRA and VPL electrical activation. These results show spinal cord neurons with bifurcated bilateral projections to both the DC-ML and AL systems. Based on these results, we named these neurons bilateral and bifurcated cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medullary dorsal horn (MDH or Sp5c/C1 region) plays a key role modulating the nociceptive input arriving from craniofacial structures. Some reports suggest that oxytocin could play a role modulating the nociceptive input at the MDH level, but no study has properly tested this hypothesis. Using an electrophysiological and pharmacological approach, the present study aimed to determine the effect of oxytocin on the nociceptive signaling in the MDH and the receptor involved. In sevoflurane, anesthetized rats, we performed electrophysiological unitary recordings of second order neurons at the MDH region responding to peripheral nociceptive-evoked responses of the first branch (V1; ophthalmic) of the trigeminal nerve. Under this condition, we constructed dose-response curves analyzing the effect of local spinal oxytocin (0.2–20 nmol) on MDH nociceptive neuronal firing. Furthermore, we tested the role of oxytocin receptors (OTR) or vasopressin V 1A receptors (V 1A R) involved in the oxytocin effects. Oxytocin dose-dependently inhibits the peripheral-evoked activity in nociceptive MDH neurotransmission. This inhibition is associated with a blockade of neuronal activity of Aδ- and C-fibers. Since this antinociception was abolished by pretreatment (in the MDH) with the potent and selective OTR antagonist (L-368,899; 20 nmol) and remained unaffected after the V 1A R antagonist (SR49059; 20 nmol or 200 nmol), the role of OTR is implied. This electrophysiological study demonstrates that oxytocin inhibits the peripheral-evoked neuronal activity at MDH, through OTR activation. Thus, OTR may represent a new potential drug target to treat craniofacial nociceptive dysfunction in the MDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En la presente investigación se utilizó la consola Xbox 360 con el videojuego Nike+Kinect Training, ya que el sensor Kinect tiene la capacidad para procesar video en tiempo real y capturar movimientos propios de las diferentes partes del cuerpo del usuario donde; por medio de relojes inteligentes se determinó si el videojuego en cuestión cumple los parametros mínimos aceptables de duración e intensidad en sus ejercicios para mejorar la salud, la condición física, la estética corporal y combatir el sobrepeso y la obesidad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]