Search

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Epigenetic modifications serve as critical regulators of gene expression playing a crucial role in controlling brain function and behavior. Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), a stress-inducible H3K27me3 demethylase, has emerged as one of the highest ASD risk genes, but the precise effects of KDM6B mutations on neuronal activity and behavioral function remain elusive. Here we show the impact of KDM6B mosaic brain knockout on the manifestation of different autistic-like phenotypes including repetitive behaviors, social interaction, and significant cognitive deficits. Moreover, KDM6B mosaic knockout display abnormalities in hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission decreasing NMDA receptor mediated synaptic transmission and plasticity. Understanding the intricate interplay between epigenetic modifications and neuronal function may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of ASD and potentially inform the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

This research critically examines the multifaceted role of English as a foreign language (EFL) coursebooks beyond mere language learning objectives. Specifically, the study focuses on how these coursebooks often project universal cultural values that, though seemingly bland, can perpetuate power dynamics leading to various forms of inequality. Drawing on a qualitative methodology that amalgamates socio-semiotic analysis and critical visual literacy, the investigation scrutinizes the portrayal of indigenous peoples within 12 EFL coursebooks used in state-run and subsidized schools across Chile. Furthermore, the research explores the viewpoints and attitudes of seven EFL teachers towards the visual representations of indigenous peoples compared to non-indigenous individuals depicted in the same coursebooks. The findings suggest that indigenous peoples are often depicted as stereotypical remnants of the past, oversimplifying their intricate cultural attributes and presenting them as disconnected from contemporary society. Moreover, the study identifies the failure of coursebook publishers in acknowledging the richness and diversity of indigenous cultures, thereby perpetuating cultural stereotypes and contributing to the process of otherising, which reinforces a sense of separation between the majority ("us") and the indigenous minority ("them").

This study explores EFL students' perceptions of gender diversity by analyzing their interactions about Chile's same-sex marriage law in 2022. The study focused on fostering linguistic and critical skills through classroom discussions. A safe space for open conversations allowed students to express diverse views on gender diversity. While opinions varied, students' discussions were navigated respectfully and indicated that the pedagogical approach used by the teacher encourages critical awareness of societal inequalities in Chile.

Abstract Background Too much sedentary behavior (SB) and too little physical activity (PA) place adult workers at risk for chronic illness. It remains unclear which occupations and subgroups within occupations have the highest and lowest SB and PA, and little is known about the effects of organizational factors on these behaviors and metrics. Thus, our main aims were to review and summarize evidence describing daily SB and PA collected using accelerometry across various occupations and to identify organizational factors influencing SB and PA. Methods A literature search of six databases was performed for relevant studies published through March 2023. Eligible studies were in English, targeted working populations, had a sample size > 75, and objectively measured both SB and PA for seven consecutive days using accelerometers. Following PRISMA guidelines, 5,197 studies were identified, and 19 articles met our inclusion criteria. Five of these studies were included in a meta-analysis comparing time spent in SB, light PA (LPA), and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) across occupations. Methodological quality was assessed using a Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results We found that 63% of the studies reported daily time spent in SB and in MVPA, but fewer reported LPA, moderate PA, and vigorous PA. The average time spent in SB was 553.34 min/day, in LPA was 299.77 min/day, and in MVPA was 33.87 min/day. In occupational subgroup analysis, we observed that office workers had 2.3 h more SB, 2.4 less hours LPA, and 14 min less MVPA per day than nurses. However, most studies either did not specify workers’ occupations or grouped occupations. Shift work and workplace facilities significantly influenced SB and PA, but organizational factors affecting these behaviors were not sufficiently investigated (e.g., occupation type, work environment and workplace facilities, and shift work). Conclusions More research is needed to explore SB and PA patterns within occupational subgroups. Additionally, it is important to explore work-related individual (e.g., job task), interpersonal (e.g., social support from colleagues), organizational (e.g., work policy), and environmental factors influencing SB and PA. Future studies should also investigate the association of these factors with SB and PA.

Abstract Background The five-year prognosis for patients with late-stage high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) remains dismal, underscoring the critical need for identifying early-stage biomarkers. This study explores the potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in blood, which are believed to harbor proteomic cargo reflective of the HGSC microenvironment, as a source for biomarker discovery. Results We conducted a comprehensive proteomic profiling of EVs isolated from blood plasma, ascites, and cell lines of patients, employing both data-dependent (DDA) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) methods to construct a spectral library tailored for targeted proteomics. Our investigation aimed at uncovering novel biomarkers for the early detection of HGSC by comparing the proteomic signatures of EVs from women with HGSC to those with benign gynecological conditions. The initial cohort, comprising 19 donors, utilized DDA proteomics for spectral library development. The subsequent cohort, involving 30 HGSC patients and 30 control subjects, employed DIA proteomics for a similar purpose. Support vector machine (SVM) classification was applied in both cohorts to identify combinatorial biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity (ROC-AUC > 0.90). Notably, MUC1 emerged as a significant biomarker in both cohorts when used in combination with additional biomarkers. Validation through an ELISA assay on a subset of benign (n = 18), Stage I (n = 9), and stage II (n = 9) plasma samples corroborated the diagnostic utility of MUC1 in the early-stage detection of HGSC. Conclusions This study highlights the value of EV-based proteomic analysis in the discovery of combinatorial biomarkers for early ovarian cancer detection.

Abstract Background The VPS50 protein functions in synaptic and dense core vesicle acidification, and perturbations of VPS50 function produce behavioral changes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Patients with mutations in VPS50 show severe developmental delay and intellectual disability, characteristics that have been associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The mechanisms that link VPS50 mutations to ASD are unknown. Results To examine the role of VPS50 in mammalian brain function and behavior, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate knockouts of VPS50 in both cultured murine cortical neurons and living mice. In cultured neurons, KO of VPS50 did not affect the number of synaptic vesicles but did cause mislocalization of the V-ATPase V1 domain pump and impaired synaptic activity, likely as a consequence of defects in vesicle acidification and vesicle content. In mice, mosaic KO of VPS50 in the hippocampus altered synaptic transmission and plasticity and generated robust cognitive impairments. Conclusions We propose that VPS50 functions as an accessory protein to aid the recruitment of the V-ATPase V1 domain to synaptic vesicles and in that way plays a crucial role in controlling synaptic vesicle acidification. Understanding the mechanisms controlling behaviors and synaptic function in ASD-associated mutations is pivotal for the development of targeted interventions, which may open new avenues for therapeutic strategies aimed at ASD and related conditions.

Abstract Background Disseminated neoplasia (DN) is a proliferative cell disorder of the circulatory system of bivalve mollusks. The disease is transmitted between individuals and can also be induced by external chemical agents such as bromodeoxyuridine. In Mya arenaria, we have cloned and characterized an LTR-retrotransposon named Steamer. Steamer mRNA levels and gene copy number correlates with DN and can be used as a marker of the disease. So far, the only mollusk where a retrotransposon expression relates to DN is Mya arenaria. On the other hand, it has been reported that the Chilean blue mussel Mytilus chilensis can also suffers DN. Our aim was to identify retrotransposons in Mytilus chilensis and to study their expression levels in the context of disseminated neoplasia. Results Here we show that 7.1% of individuals collected in August 2018, from two farming areas, presents morphological characteristics described in DN. Using Steamer sequence to interrogate the transcriptome of M. chilensis we found two putative retrotransposons, named Steamer-like elements (MchSLEs). MchSLEs are present in the genome of M. chilensis and MchSLE1 is indeed an LTR-retrotransposon. Neither expression, nor copy number of the reported MchSLEs correlate with DN status but both are expressed at different levels among individual animals. We also report that in cultured M. chilensis haemocytes MchSLEs1 expression can be induced by bromodeoxyuridine. Conclusions We conclude that SLEs present in Mytilus chilensis are differentially expressed among individuals and do not correlate with disseminated neoplasia. Treatment of haemocytes with a stressor like bromodeoxyuridine induces expression of MchSLE1 suggesting that in Mytilus chilensis environmental stressors can induce activation of LTR-retrotransposon.

La expresión corporal tiene una importante relación con el desarrollo cognitivo en niños de educación inicial, según los resultados de esta revisión sistemática cuantitativa. La investigación busca analizar y comprender cómo la expresión corporal influye en el desarrollo cognitivo de los niños en edad preescolar, y su objetivo es estudiar la relación entre la expresión corporal y el desarrollo cognitivo en niños de educación inicial. La metodología utilizada fue la revisión sistemática basada en metodologías estandarizadas como el protocolo PRISMA para asegurar transparencia y calidad, con un enfoque cuantitativo para analizar datos numéricos de manera objetiva y detectar patrones, mejorando precisión y fiabilidad. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en múltiples bases de datos usando estrategias avanzadas con operadores booleanos, como AND y OR, para obtener resultados exhaustivos y pertinentes que abarcaran diversos aspectos del tema. Posteriormente, se llevó a cabo una selección rigurosa de 15 estudios relevantes de un total de 139 identificados inicialmente, aplicando criterios de inclusión. Los resultados de la revisión sistemática resaltan la importancia de seguir protocolos como PRISMA para garantizar reproducibilidad, comparabilidad y elevados estándares metodológicos en investigaciones sobre cultura física y desarrollo infantil. Los hallazgos de esta revisión sistemática cuantitativa confirman una estrecha relación entre la expresión corporal y el desarrollo cognitivo en niños de educación inicial. Las actividades de expresión corporal como danza, teatro y juegos motores estimulan habilidades cognitivas, comunicativas, creativas y sociales en los pequeños, incorporar la expresión corporal de manera sistemática en los programas educativos de nivel inicial puede tener un impacto positivo significativo en el desarrollo integral de los estudiantes.

Summary: Human genetic studies of critical COVID-19 pneumonia have revealed the essential role of type I interferon-dependent innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, an association between the HLA-B∗15:01 allele and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals was recently reported, suggesting a contribution of pre-existing T cell-dependent adaptive immunity. We report a lack of association of classical HLA alleles, including HLA-B∗15:01, with pre-omicron asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated participants in a prospective population-based study in the United States (191 asymptomatic vs. 945 symptomatic COVID-19 cases). Moreover, we found no such association in the international COVID Human Genetic Effort cohort (206 asymptomatic vs. 574 mild or moderate COVID-19 cases and 1,625 severe or critical COVID-19 cases). Finally, in the Human Challenge Characterisation study, the three HLA-B∗15:01 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed symptoms. As with other acute primary infections studied, no classical HLA alleles favoring an asymptomatic course of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified.

The aim was to determine if the presence of horns on rams defines whether they are high-ranking or low-ranking. Dorper rams (n = 20) were evaluated to determine their social rank (SR), either high (HSR) or low (LSR), under intensive management conditions. Upon SR classification, the morphometric variables horns presence (HP) or absence (HA) and distance between them, the height at the withers, body length, thoracic perimeter, and scrotal circumference, male odor, body weight, and body condition score were registered. Afterward, semen evaluations were performed, recording the ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, and mass motility. There were no differences (p > 0.05) for the morphometric variables between the groups. However, HP as well as semen quality were higher (p < 0.05) in HSR males. The presence of horns in the rams determined their social rank and the dominant males showed better semen quality than the subordinate males.

La población mundial está enfrentando una de las mayores amenazas para la subsistencia de todas las especies. El cambio climático está afectando la salud de las personas y representa un reto para los profesionales de enfermería, quienes están llamados a trabajar con equipos transdisciplinarios para evaluar el impacto de este fenómeno en la salud humana, la promoción de entornos saludables, la mitigación y adaptación del sector salud, así como en la atención de la población afectada por los eventos climáticos extremos.

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (HPAIV) has spread in an unprecedented extent globally in recent years. Despite the large reports of cases in Asia, Europe, and North America, little is known about its circulation in South America. Here, we describe the isolation, and whole genome characterization of HPAIV obtained from sampling 26 wild bird species in Peru, representing one of the largest studies in our region following the latest HPAIV introduction in South America. Out of 147 samples analyzed, 22 were positive for detection of avian influenza virus using a qRT-PCR-based assay. Following inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs, fourteen viral isolates were obtained from which nine isolates were selected for genome characterization, based on their host relevance. Our results identified the presence of HPAIV H5N1 subtype in a highly diverse wild bird species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates correspond to the clade 2.3.4.4b, sharing a common ancestor with North American isolates and forming a monophyletic group along with isolates from Chile. Altogether, changes at the amino acid levels compared to their closest relatives indicates the virus is evolving locally, highlighting the need for constant genomic surveillance. This data evidence the chances for spillover events increases as the virus spreads into large populations of immunologically naïve avian species and adding conditions for cross species transmission.

Chromium is the main constituent of the tanning salts used by tanneries for processing skins into leather, and considered as a pollutant in the effluents that this industry discharge. The present study aimed to evaluate the removal of chromium and other pollutants in effluents from the tanning industry applying the natural zeolite Neonite. Neonite is a commercially available zeolite, that was acquired from NEONITE S.A. Neonite was characterized through FTIR and XRD, identifying clinoptilolite as its main component. Treatment was applied to samples of real effluents from the tanning stage or chromium bath (CB) and a composite effluent (CE), an experimental design was carried out for each effluent. The designs correspond to 32 factorial designs, variables tested were the Neonite dosage (NE) measured in g/L, stirring time (StT) expressed in minutes and the pH of the sample, and the response variable was the Residual Chromium Content (RCC). Statistical analysis was performed through R-software version 4.2.3 and included Box-Cox transformation and ANOVA to determine the main effects and the behavior of the response variable in relation to the applied model and its optimization by response surface. In CB, a removal above 95 % was obtained for RCC, with optimization values at 32 g/L of NE and pH 7. In the CE, a removal of more than 98 % was obtained for RCC and values higher than 60 % for BOD, COD, TSS and Fats, being the optimal conditions 4.73 g/L of NE and 12.17 minutes of StT. These results demonstrate that the application of Neonite for the removal of chromium and other pollutants from tanning industry effluents has a great potential.

Voltage and current requirements imposed by direct current loads are highly demanding in modern applications such as microgrids and electric vehicles. High-performance converters and controllers are required for these applications. The versatile buck-boost (VBB) converter has shown comparative advantages such as non-inverting output, wide bandwidth, and smooth transition between operation modes and current control loops. The control law can enhance these intrinsic advantages. In this work, a passivity-based current controller is designed and implemented for this converter. The control is based on the system’s dissipative characteristic to match the desired operating point’s power function. The proposed controller maintains the simplicity and robustness of a PI control while guaranteeing high performance and dynamic stability. This control does not depend on the converter’s component values. Theoretical analyses are complemented with numerical simulations and experimental results on a purpose-built prototype. The proposed control shows stable and high performance in both buck and boost modes, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability in real-world conditions, presenting for the buck and boost modes equal settling times in transitions (about to $100~\mu $ s). These benefits make it particularly suitable for demanding applications requiring robust and efficient power conversion.

Introduction: The treatment and diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in the immunocompromised patient depends on the ability to rapidly detect the etiologic agents. Aims: Our aim was to evaluate the results of the FilmArray® gastrointestinal panel in patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection that presented with chronic diarrhea. Material and methods: Utilizing nonprobability consecutive convenience sampling, 24 patients were included that underwent molecular testing for the simultaneous detection of 22 pathogens. Results: In 24 HIV-infected patients with chronic diarrhea, enteropathogen bacteria were detected in 69% of the cases, parasites in 18%, and viruses in 13%. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli were the main bacteria identified, Giardia lamblia was found in 25%, and norovirus was the most frequent viral agent. The median number of infectious agents per patient was three (range of 0 to 7). The biologic agents not identified through the FilmArray® method were tuberculosis and fungi. Conclusions: Several infectious agents were simultaneously detected through the FilmArray® gastrointestinal panel in patients with HIV infection and chronic diarrhea. Resumen: Introducción: El tratamiento y el pronóstico de la diarrea crónica en el paciente inmunosuprimido dependen de la capacidad para detectar rápidamente los agentes etiológicos. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados del panel gastrointestinal (GI) FilmArray® en pacientes con diarrea crónica e infección por VIH de reciente diagnóstico. Material y métodos: Muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia de manera secuencial. Se incluyeron 24 pacientes a quienes se realizó el estudio molecular para la detección simultánea de 22 patógenos. Resultados: En 24 pacientes infectados por el VIH con diarrea crónica se detectaron bacterias enteropatógenas en el 69% de los casos, parásitos en el 18% y virus en el 13%. Escherichia coli enteropatógena y Escherichia coli enteroagregativa fueron las principales bacterias identificadas; Norovirus fue el agente viral más frecuente encontrado (33%), seguido de Giardia lamblia (25%). La mediana del número de agentes infecciosos por paciente fue 3 (rango de 0 a 7). Los agentes biológicos no identificados por este método fueron tuberculosis y hongos. Conclusiones: Utilizando el panel GI FilmArray® se detectaron simultáneamente varios agentes infecciosos en pacientes con diarrea crónica e infección por VIH.

Resumen: Introducción: El tratamiento y el pronóstico de la diarrea crónica en el paciente inmunosuprimido dependen de la capacidad para detectar rápidamente los agentes etiológicos. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados del panel gastrointestinal (GI) FilmArray® en pacientes con diarrea crónica e infección por VIH de reciente diagnóstico. Material y métodos: Muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia de manera secuencial. Se incluyeron 24 pacientes a quienes se realizó el estudio molecular para la detección simultánea de 22 patógenos. Resultados: En 24 pacientes infectados por el VIH con diarrea crónica se detectaron bacterias enteropatógenas en el 69% de los casos, parásitos en el 18% y virus en el 13%. Escherichia coli enteropatógena y Escherichia coli enteroagregativa fueron las principales bacterias identificadas; Norovirus fue el agente viral más frecuente encontrado (33%), seguido de Giardia lamblia (25%). La mediana del número de agentes infecciosos por paciente fue 3 (rango de 0 a 7). Los agentes biológicos no identificados por este método fueron tuberculosis y hongos. Conclusiones: Utilizando el panel GI FilmArray® se detectaron simultáneamente varios agentes infecciosos en pacientes con diarrea crónica e infección por VIH. Abstract: Introduction: The treatment and diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in the immunocompromised patient depends on the ability to rapidly detect the etiologic agents. Aims: Our aim was to evaluate the results of the FilmArray® gastrointestinal panel in patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection that presented with chronic diarrhea. Material and methods: Utilizing nonprobability consecutive convenience sampling, 24 patients were included that underwent molecular testing for the simultaneous detection of 22 pathogens. Results: In 24 HIV-infected patients with chronic diarrhea, enteropathogen bacteria were detected in 69% of the cases, parasites in 18%, and viruses in 13%. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli were the main bacteria identified, Giardia lamblia was found in 25%, and norovirus was the most frequent viral agent. The median number of infectious agents per patient was three (range of 0 to 7). The biologic agents not identified through the FilmArray® method were tuberculosis and fungi. Conclusions: Several infectious agents were simultaneously detected through the FilmArray® gastrointestinal panel in patients with HIV infection and chronic diarrhea.

The efficiency of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems can be improved using a suitable maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control. Many MPPT techniques have been developed. However, when atmospheric conditions change rapidly, the PV modules respond nonlinearly and the performance of these methods especially the conventional ones is significantly reduced. Therefore, to successfully pursue the maximum power point (MPP) in PV systems, a robust MPPT integrated with sliding mode control (SMC) is employed. This paper proposes a circle search algorithm based super twisting SMC (CSA-STSMC) for tracking the MPP for 100-kW of different commercial grid-connected PV modules coupled with an energy storage system that used to smooth their output fluctuations. Moreover, the STSMC and PI controllers’ gains are optimized using the CSA and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) methods and the performance of proposed method is demonstrated through comparisons with CSA based Proportional-Integral controller (CSA-PI), GWO-STSMC, and Incremental Conductance based PI controller (InC-PI) methods. The optimization and simulation analysis are executed in A MATLAB/Simulink environment. It is observed that the proposed method outperforms the considered methods in terms of robustness, tracking speed, best convergence to the minimum error’s value and better tracking efficiency in the maximizing the extracted power from the introduced PV systems.

Background: Long-lived, re-activatable immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants will rely on T cells recognizing conserved regions of viral proteins across strains. Heterologous prime–boost regimens can elicit elevated levels of circulating CD8+ T cells that provide a reservoir of first responders upon viral infection. Although most vaccines are currently delivered intramuscularly (IM), the initial site of infection is the nasal cavity. Methods: Here, we tested the hypothesis that a heterologous prime and boost vaccine regimen delivered intranasally (IN) will generate improved immune responses locally at the site of virus infection compared to intramuscular vaccine/booster regimens. Results: In a transgenic human ACE2 murine model, both a Spike-expressing single-cycle adenovirus (SC-Ad) and an IFNß safety-enhanced replication-competent Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) platform generated anti-Spike antibody and T-cell responses that diminished with age. Although SC-Ad-Spike boosted a prime with VSV-Spike-mIFNß, SC-Ad-Spike alone induced maximal levels of IgG, IgA, and CD8+ T-cell responses. Conclusions: There were significant differences in T-cell responses in spleens compared to lungs, and the intranasal boost was significantly superior to the intramuscular boost in generating sentinel immune effectors at the site of the virus encounter in the lungs. These data show that serious consideration should be given to intranasal boosting with anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

The cheese industry produces substantial amounts of raw cheese whey wastewater (RW), which requires effective treatment prior to environmental disposal. This study presents an innovative sequential batch system that combines macrophyte and microalgal cultivation for RW remediation. The efficacy of Lemna minor MO23 in first-line photobioreactors (PBR-1) and Chlorella sp. MC18 (CH) or Scenedesmus sp. MJ23-R (SC) in second-line photobioreactors (PBR-2) for pollutant removal was evaluated. The nutrient removal capacity of L. minor, CH, and SC was assessed at optimal tolerance concentrations, alongside nutrient recovery from treated RW (TRW) by PBR-1 for microalgae biomass production. The results demonstrate that all three species effectively purified the cheese whey wastewater. L. minor efficiently removed COD, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate from RW, producing TRW effluent suitable for microalgal growth. CH and SC further purified TRW, enhancing biomass production. CH outperformed SC with a 4.79% higher maximum specific growth rate and 20.95% higher biomass yield. Biochemical analyses revealed the potential of CH and SC biomass for applications such as biofuels and aquaculture. After treatment, the physicochemical parameters of the effluent were within the regulatory limits. This demonstrates that the PBR-1 and PBR-2 series-coupled system effectively purifies and recovers dairy effluents while complying with discharge standards.

Introduction: Wellens syndrome is characterized by an electrocardiographic pattern with negative T waves in the right preocordial leads associated with a severe lesion of the anterior descending artery. However, other causes could provoke this electrocardiographic pattern. Objective: to provide considerations on the pathophysiology of Wellens syndrome in a particular case. Case Report: A 66-year-old patient with a personal history of being a smoker came to the emergency department of our hospital with an episode of chest pain. The electrocardiogram showed a Wellen´s type 1 pattern; coronary angiography was performed, showing a severe lesion in the first diagonal artery.. Conclusions: Regardless of the numerous advances in the identification of risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of ischemic heart disease, the management of patients with this syndrome has not been standardized. A group of patients only receive pharmacological treatment while others are revascularized by percutaneous intervention.

En el período postdictatorial chileno, el cine documental se encargó no solo de amplificar las denuncias por violaciones a los derechos humanos, sino también de gestar retratos de Augusto Pinochet que desafiaran la retratística oficial articulada durante su gobierno. Dos documentales del período, I Love Pinochet (Marcela Said, 2001) y El caso Pinochet (Patricio Guzmán, 2001) pueden percibirse como ejercicios en el interior de estas búsquedas. En estos casos, la proposición de nuevos retratos se remite a dos vinculaciones: aquella que puede establecerse con las prácticas jurídico-estéticas de las imágenes infamantes y la executio in effigie y aquella que puede instaurarse con las intervenciones sobre los archivos oficiales, mediáticos, de la dictadura.

Considering a circular economy perspective, this study evaluates the possible effect of targeted short-term supplementation with Withania somnifera L. (WS; Ashwagandha) on ram’s seminal quality, socio-sexual behaviors, and blood constituents. Black Belly rams (n = 20) received a basal diet comprising feed-leftovers from dairy cows in the north-arid Mexico (i.e., Comarca Lagunera CL). The experimental units, with proven libido and fertility, were homogeneous in terms of age (3.41 ± 0.21 yr.), live weight (LW; 53.8 ± 3.3 kg), body condition (BC; 2.96 ± 0.01 units), initial sperm concentration (2387 ± 804 × 106), and viability (23.9 ± 15.6%). Rams were randomly assigned during the transition reproductive period (i.e., May to Jun; 25° NL) to three treatment groups: non-supplemented control group (CONT; n = 6), low WS-supplemented (LWS; i.e., 100 mg kg LW−1 d−1 × 40 d; n = 7), and high-WS-supplemented (HWS; i.e., 200 mg kg LW−1 d−1 × 40 d; n = 7). The basal leftover diet was offered twice daily (0700 and 1600 h); the experimental period (EP) lasted 47 d. No differences (p > 0.05) among treatments occurred regarding LW and BCS at the onset of the EP. Whereas the greater scrotal circumference (SCRC, cm) arose in the LWS and CONT rams, an increased ejaculated volume (VOLEJA, mL) occurred in the WS-rams. A total of 5/9 (i.e., 55%) appetitive and 3/3 (i.e., 100%) consummatory sexual behaviors favored (p < 0.05) the WS-rams, particularly the HWS rams, towards the final EP. The same was true (p < 0.05) regarding the hemogram variables white blood cell count (×109 cells L−1), hemoglobin concentration (g dL−1), and medium corpuscular volume (fL). This study, based on a rethink–reuse–reduce enquiry approach, enabled connectedness between two noteworthy animal systems in the CL: dairy cows and meat sheep schemes. Certainly, the use of dairy cow feed-leftovers aligned with the short-term supplementation with WS promoted enhanced testicular function, augmented seminal volume, and an increased sexual behavior in Black Belly rams in northern Mexico. Finally, while our research outcomes should enhance not only the resilience and sustainability of sheep production and the well-being of sheep-producers and their families, it may also embrace clinical translational applications.

Pollution and its effects have been of major concern in recent decades. Many strategies and markers have been developed to assess their effects on biota. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes have received significant attention in this context because of their relationship with detoxification and activation of exogenous compounds. While their expression has been identified as a pollution exposure biomarker, in most cases, it has been tested only after acute exposures and for CYP genes associated with exogenous compounds. To elucidate CYP gene expression patterns under chronic pollution exposure, we have used the silverside Basilichthys microlepidotus as a model, which inhabits the Maipo River Basin, a freshwater system with different pollution levels. We performed next-generation RNA sequencing of liver and gill tissues from polluted and non-polluted populations. We found most CYP genes were not dysregulated by pollution, and the seven genes that were present and differentially expressed in liver and gill were mainly downregulated. Three CYP genes associated with exogenous compounds showed differential expression in the gill, while four CYP genes associated with endogenous compounds showed differential expression in the liver. The findings presented here highlight the importance of CYP genes, his family, tissues and his interaction in the context of pollution biomarkers use.

Copyright of Avian Diseases is the property of American Association of Avian Pathologists, Inc. 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 national prospective multicohort study examined the relationship between US adolescents' use of stimulant therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and subsequent risk of nonmedical stimulant use (i.e., nonmedical use of prescription stimulants and cocaine use) during young adulthood, relative to nonstimulant therapy and population controls. Nationally representative multicohort panels of 11,905 US 12th-grade students were surveyed via self-administered questionnaires at baseline (age 18) and followed prospectively over six years into young adulthood (ages 19‒24). There were no statistically significant differences between adolescents who used stimulant therapy for ADHD compared to those who used only nonstimulant medications and population controls in their adjusted odds of nonmedical stimulant use incidence or prevalence during young adulthood, after adjusting for baseline covariates. The findings offer preliminary support that adolescents who use prescription stimulant or nonstimulant medications for ADHD when clinically indicated are not at greater risk for nonmedical stimulant use during young adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco 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 IBEROAMERICANA. América Latina - España - Portugal is the property of Vervuert Verlag 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.)

Research in low- and middle-income countries has shown that maternal mortality is directly related to inadequate or absent obstetric (OB) triage systems. Standard triage systems and knowledge on triaging for obstetric emergencies are often absent or lacking in most healthcare systems in Liberia. The objective of this research was to address the third delay defined as receiving adequate, quality care when a facility is reached by increasing knowledge through the establishment of a midwife-led, hospital-based OB triage system to stratify care based on risk and imminence of birth and to improve timely assessment at two district referral hospitals. A quasi-experimental study design using a pre/post survey was employed for a midwife-led OB triage training course. Using a train-the-trainer model, five midwives were trained as champions, who in turn trained an additional 62 providers. Test results were analyzed with the R statistical software using paired sample t -test and descriptive statistics. Pretest results revealed a knowledge and practice gap among OB providers on key components of the standard triage package. However, post-test mean scores were significantly higher (M = 79.6, SD = 2.32) than pre-test mean scores (M = 59.0, SD = 2.30) for participants following a 2-day training (p = <0.001). Following a structured OB triage training, participants showed significant improvement in post-test OB triage scores. Standard OB triage protocols incorporated into the policies and procedures of obstetric wards have the potential to improve knowledge and practice, addressing the third delay and reducing preventable, obstetrics-related deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]