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The Eastern Tropical and South-Eastern Pacific region is of global biodiversity importance. At COP26, the governments of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador committed to the expansion of existing MPAs to create a new Mega MPA, safeguarding the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor. It offers a profound step forward in conservation efforts but is not specifically designed to protect against the more diffuse anthropogenic threats, such as plastic pollution. We combine published data with our own unpublished records to assess the abundance and distribution of plastic pollution in the region. Macro- and microplastic concentrations varied markedly and were not significantly different when comparing areas inside and outside existing MPA boundaries. These findings highlight the diffuse and complex nature of plastic pollution and its ubiquitous presence across MPA boundaries. Understanding the sources and drivers of plastic pollution in the region is key to developing effective solutions. • Analysis of 430 sites to assess plastic pollution in ET/SE Pacific. • No significant difference in plastic levels inside/outside of Marine Protected Areas. • New Mega MPA will not protect against ingress by plastic pollution. • Imperative to clearly establish sources and drivers of plastic pollution in region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary tumor of the liver. The incidence and mortality of its intrahepatic form has been increasing over the past 2 decades. Currently, the only available curative treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is surgical resection. There is still no prospective evidence to support neoadjuvant systemic treatments in resectable disease, while adjuvant chemotherapy with Capecitabine is currently the only recommended systemic treatment after liver resection based on the results of randomised trial. Despite the implementation of perioperative treatments and improvements in resective surgery, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains a disease characterized by high incidence of recurrence and poor long-term survival. Lymph node metastases can be found in 45–65% of patients and are one of the most impacting prognostic factors after surgical resection. Preoperative imaging is not always sufficient in assessing lymph node status, thus hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy can be important to ensure precise staging in surgical patients. An increasing trend in performing lymph node dissection during liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been observed in the last 20 years, although its actual efficacy compared to the potential complications remains debated. The current evidence on the prognostic role of the lymph node status, its preoperative predictability, the basis for a correct hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy and its prognostic role in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile leaks occurring after complex liver resection and lasting >1 week (grade B) usually are managed by means of invasive cholangiography either endoscopic or percutaneous, with a substantial risk of procedure-related complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of gadoxetic acid disodium–enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography to detect postoperative biliary leaks and avoid invasive cholangiography in case of peripheral location of the fistula. Patients with grade B biliary leak after complex liver resection from January 2018 to March 2020 underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography to guide the management of the leak (study group). The primary endpoint was the ability of magnetic resonance cholangiography to reduce the need for invasive cholangiography with respect to similar posthepatectomy leaks collected in the previous 2 years and approached with upfront invasive cholangiography (controls). A series of in-hospital outcomes also were compared. Out of 533 liver resections, 11 study patients versus 11 control patients with grade B leaks were compared. Magnetic resonance cholangiography achieved 100% accuracy in detection and location of the leak. Five out of 6 peripheral leaks healed without invasive cholangiography. Overall, 50% reduction in the use of invasive cholangiography was observed in the study versus control patients. Median healing time and hospital stay were 38 and 40 days in patients undergoing invasive cholangiography versus 10 and 11 days in patients treated conservatively (P =.007 and 0.012, respectively). Infection rate and other complications rate were 82% vs 20% (P =.01) and 35% vs 40% (P =.5), respectively. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a safe, precise, noninvasive tool to detect posthepatectomy bile leaks that can help clinicians in decision-making on conservative versus invasive treatment of fistulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the past decades, major progress has been accomplished in isolating germ/stem/pluripotent cells, in refining culture medium and conditions and in establishing 3-dimensional culture systems, towards developing organoids for organs involved in reproduction in mice and to some extent in humans. Haploid male germ cells were generated in vitro from primordial germ cells. So were oocytes, with additional support from ovarian cells and subsequent follicle culture. Going on with the female reproductive tract, spherical oviduct organoids were obtained from adult stem/progenitor cells. Multicellular endometrial structures mimicking functional uterine glands were derived from endometrial cells. Trophoblastic stem cells were induced to form 3-dimensional syncytial-like structures and exhibited invasive properties, a crucial point for placentation. Finally, considering the embryo itself, pluripotent embryonic cells together with additional extra-embryonic cells, could self-organize into a blastoid, and eventually into a post-implantation-like embryo. Most of these accomplishments have yet to be reached in farm animals, but much effort is devoted towards this goal. Here, we review the progress and discuss the specific challenges of developing organoids for the study of reproductive biology in these species. We consider the use of such organoids in basic research to delineate the physiological mechanisms involved at each step of the reproductive process, or to understand how they are altered by environmental factors relevant to animal breeding. We evaluate their potential in reproduction of animals with a high genetic value, from a breeding point of view or in the context of preserving local breeds with limited headcounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of pancreatic duct occlusion (PDO) with neoprene-based glue in selected patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) at high risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Background Data: PD is the reference standard approach for tumors of the pancreaticoduodenal region. POPF is the most relevant complication after PD. PDO has been proposed as an alternative to anastomosis to manage the pancreatic stump. Methods: A single-center, prospective, nonrandomized trial enrolled 100 consecutive PD for cancer. Patients at high risk for POPF according to Fistula Risk Score (FRS) >15% (≥6 points) were treated with PDO using neoprene glue (study cohort); patients with FRS ≤15% (≤5 points) received pancreaticojejunal anastomosis (PJA: control cohort). Primary endpoint was complication rate grade ≥3 according to Dindo-Clavien Classification (DCC). Other postoperative outcomes were monitored (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03738787). Results: Fifty-one patients underwent PDO and 49 PJA. DCC ≥3, postoperative mortality, and POPF grade B-C were 25.5% versus 24.5% (P = 0.91), 5.9% versus 2% (P = 0.62), and 11.8% versus 16.3% (P = 0.51) in the study versus control cohort, respectively. At 1 and 3 years, new-onset diabetes was diagnosed in 13.7% and 36.7% of the study cohort versu 4.2% and 12.2% in controls (P = 0.007). Conclusions: PDO with neoprene-based glue is a safe technique that equalizes early outcome of selected patients at high risk of POPF to those at low risk undergoing PJA. Neoprene-based PDO, however, triples the risk of diabetes at 1 and 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical features of youth supported by member associations of the Federación Mexicana de Diabetes and the Life for a Child Program (LFAC). Methods: An analysis of 2017 Annual Clinical Data Sheets of 306 subjects from five Mexican centers was performed. Results: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) was diagnosed in 292 subjects; 54.6% were female, with six diagnosed aged <6 months (genetic tests not yet conducted). Type 2 diabetes (T2D) or other types were diagnosed in 11 and three subjects, respectively. T1D diagnosis age ranged 0.0–22.6 years with a peak at 8 years. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) diabetes duration was 5.3 ± 3.5 years (range 0.0–21.0 years), with a mean ± SD subject age at check-up of 13.3 ± 4.3 years. Of the T1D subjects, 1.0%, 6.7%, 13.7% and 78.6% were receiving 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 insulin injections/day with a mean ± SD daily dose of 0.92 ± 0.34 U/kg. The median number of blood glucose tests/week was 40. The mean/median hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels for those with duration ≥6 months were 8.7/8.4% (72/68 mmol/mol) and were higher in adolescents vs. children. Elevated body mass index SD, triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL) and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (≥130 mg/dL) were common: 7.6%, 11.0% and 12.7% (n = 288, 218 and 180, respectively). Serum creatinine levels were normal in all tested subjects (n = 194). Conclusions: Youth with diabetes in less-resourced families in Mexico are achieving reasonable glycemia. Most T1D patients use a basal bolus insulin regimen and test blood glucose several times daily. Some subjects have adverse vascular risk factor profiles. Further attention is needed to prevent chronic complications. Monogenic diabetes is very likely in some youth, and genetic testing is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare dental abnormality that usually affects a quadrant of both primary and secondary dentition, most often affecting the maxilla. This condition affects the hard tissues of the tooth and the affected teeth are described as "ghost teeth." To compare histopathologic characteristics, immunohistochemical expression, and ultrastructural features of the teeth from a Chilean patient affected by RO. In the present study we included a patient who signed informed consent and agreed to donate exfoliated deciduous teeth. This study analyzed 3 teeth from this patient with RO and 7 normal teeth. These samples were analyzed by a ground sections technique in optical microscopy and polarized light microscopy, immunohistochemistry with anti-amelogenin antibody and anti-dentin sialophosphoprotein antibody, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On histopathologic analysis, RO-affected teeth presented thin enamel with a wavy surface, and dentin presented smaller thickness with abundant interglobular dentin. Immunohistochemical expression showed remanent tooth enamel matrix marked positive for amelogenin, and the control teeth lost the enamel matrix post decalcification. SEM analysis showed dentinal tubules with wide variation of diameters and enamel with disordered prisms, and the control teeth presented ordered tubules and prisms. The histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and SEM study showed alterations in both enamel and dentin of the teeth affected by RO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucosterol, a triterpene derivative encountered in several alga species, provides a wide range of biological activities, such as protection against metabolic syndrome, or against UV-induced skin damage. We describe here the comparison of extraction by supercritical fluid (SFE) and pressurized solvent (PSE) of the brown alga Lessonia vadosa mainly abundant in the coastal water of Patagonia, followed by the isolation of fucosterol, using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), in association with HPLC–UV quantification. After collection, the seaweed was dried, ground and extracted either by PSE or by SFE under various conditions. The yield and the content in fucosterol of each extract were determined by HPLC–UV. Optimization of a biphasic solvent system and K D calculation led to the isolation of pure fucosterol with high recovery rate. Extraction by SFE using CO 2 at 180 bar and 50 °C with 20 to 30 % of cellulose as modifier and CPC purification by cyclohexane/acetone/methanol/water 10/1/10/1 with lower layer as mobile phase led to the best results in terms of yield, purity, time and solvent consumption. Natural and semisynthetic steroid derivatives have been previously shown to be potential drug candidates against parasitic diseases including leishmaniasis. In this context fucosterol was evaluated and demonstrated noticeable antileishmanial activity (IC 50 < 10 μM) against intracellular amastigotes with limited or no cytotoxicity in host cell macrophages. These results make this compound a valuable starting scaffold for pharmacomodulation. Adaptation of the procedure by slight modifications of the extraction and/or isolation conditions could permit the exploitation of other alga species as raw material. Since SFE and CPC are available for pilot and batch production, this work may serve as a model for further scale-up and industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Educação is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Evidence suggests the bactericidal activity of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (mROS) directly contributes to killing phagocytozed bacteria. Infection-responsive components that regulate this process remain incompletely understood. We describe a role for the mitochondria-localizing enzyme encoded by Immunoresponsive gene 1 (IRG1) during the utilization of fatty acids as a fuel for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and associated mROS production. In a zebrafish infection model, infection-responsive expression of zebrafish irg1 is specific to macrophage-lineage cells and is regulated cooperatively by glucocorticoid and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Irg1-depleted macrophage-lineage cells are impaired in their ability to utilize fatty acids as an energy substrate for OXPHOS-derived mROS production resulting in defective bactericidal activity. Additionally, the requirement for fatty acid β-oxidation during infection-responsive mROS production and bactericidal activity toward intracellular bacteria is conserved in murine macrophages. These results reveal IRG1 as a key component of the immunometabolism axis, connecting infection, cellular metabolism, and macrophage effector function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents the findings of a research conducted on examining the effects of plant Glechoma hederacea extract on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cell. It discusses the methodology used in conducting the research including statistical analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis. The research reveals that Glechoma hederacea is a useful therapeutic agent for treating hyperpigmentation.

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The article presents an analysis of the work of Argentine artist Xul Solar, with a focus on his representation of the legend of the death of the dragon. Particular focus is given to the influence of the work of Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky on Solar's work, especially his representation of Saint George against the dragon. An historical overview of themes explored by Solar is given, including Pre-columbian civilization, Mexican legend of Quetzalcoatl, and Pan-Americanism. Topics mentioned include postcolonialism, Latin American avant-garde art, and Mexican murals.

Copyright of Revista de Saúde Pública is the property of Faculdade de Educacao da Universidade de Sao Paulo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Educação is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper analyses the process of implementation of a new policy on teacher performance appraisal in Portugal. It addresses issues related to its purposes and underpinning assumptions, and the ways in which it has been put into place in schools. Data are drawn from a review of existing literature on the topic both nationally and internationally, from official documents and from current research in which the author is involved. By and large, the system is rather summative and bureaucratic which can be seen in the amount of regulations, grids, and documents and the ways in which the outcomes of the appraisal system are to be achieved and used. Among the most critical issues are the existence of a quota system, the lack of recognition of the appraisers, existing bureaucracy, which represents a burden for most schools and teachers, etc. The paper concludes with some recommendations and ways of looking forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Educacao & Sociedade is the property of Centro de Estudos de Educacao e Sociedade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Investigación Bibliotecológica is the property of UNAM, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Bibliotecologicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background & Aims: The ParaHox transcription factor Cdx2 is an essential determinant of intestinal phenotype in mammals throughout development, influencing gut function, homeostasis, and epithelial barrier integrity. Cdx2 expression demarcates the zones of intestinal stem cell proliferation in the adult gut, with deregulated expression implicated in intestinal metaplasia and cancer. However, in vivo analysis of these prospective roles has been limited because inactivation of Cdx2 in mice leads to preimplantation embryonic lethality. We used the zebrafish, a valuable model for studying gut development, to generate a system to further understanding of the role of Cdx2 in normal intestinal function and in disease states. Methods: We isolated and characterized the zebrafish cdx1b ortholog and analyzed its function by antisense morpholino gene knockdown. Results: We showed that zebrafish Cdx1b replaces the role of Cdx2 in gut development. Evolutionary studies have indicated that the zebrafish cdx2 loci were lost following the genome-wide duplication event that occurred in teleosts. Zebrafish Cdx1b is expressed exclusively in the developing intestine during late embryogenesis and regulates intestinal cell proliferation and terminal differentiation. Conclusions: This work established an in vivo system to explore further the activity of Cdx2 in the gut and its impact on processes such as inflammation and cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Educacao & Sociedade is the property of Centro de Estudos de Educacao e Sociedade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Twenty-six samples of Algerian honeys were analyzed to determine their color intensity, content of bioactive compounds using colorimetric methods and phenolic profile using a high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) analysis. The antioxidant activities of the samples were estimated using 6 methods (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free radicals scavenging, reducing power, chelating ferrous activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and β-carotene bleaching) and the antibacterial power was determined in vitro using agar diffusion tests and measuring minimal inhibitory concentration. The color of honeys ranged from light yellow to dark amber with an intensity ranging from 350 to 1510 mAU. The highest content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C and the best antioxidant activity was obtained from dark honeys. Sixteen phenolic compounds (8 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids) were quantified. The antibacterial tests showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain compared to Salmonella typhi. The results allowed establishing a quantitative phenolic profile of Algerian honeys. The bioactive compounds, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, of honey did not depend on its monofloral or polyfloral nature, but rather on the type of flowers foraged by the bees and its geographical origin. The dark color of honey is a good indicator of a higher antioxidant content and the best biological properties. [Display omitted] • Algerian honeys showed different antioxidants amounts. • All honeys analyzed showed antioxidant activity. • Eight phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids were identified in Algerian honey. • Hydroxycinnamic acids were the most common phenolic acids in honey samples. • Honey samples showed better activity against S. aureus compared to S. typhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]