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Social capital plays an essential role in resilience building and disaster risk reduction, as it makes resources available in disaster situations. However, there is still a gap in the literature regarding the relationship between social capital, resilience, and disaster risk reduction. This research aims to understand and explain the role of social capital as a resource mobilizer during times of shock and the potential implications of this for DRR and resilience building. To do so, we develop and apply a framework that integrates the concepts of resilience (specifically the adaptive cycle theory), social capital (in terms of social relationships), and the disaster risk reduction cycle. We apply the framework to the case of rice smallholder farming in flood-prone areas in Ecuador. We find that households' resources are critical to sustaining other dimensions of resilience through different forms of social capital. The availability of resources (canoes, food, water, and others) that households can exchange or share within the community (bonding social capital) sets the conditions for other levels of social capital. Bridging social capital is relevant for accessing temporary refuge for animals, water, food, and loans when resources at the local level become scarcer. The lack of resources creates conditions that strengthen unhealthy social relationships at the bridging social capital level. The use of this framework helped us to systematize our data and provide an overview of how the coping strategies of rice smallholders contribute to and inhibit their resilience during a flood and their transition to recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) development goes hand in hand with a complete understanding of its behavior in realistic operating conditions. Hence, analysis based on characterizations is essential to determine the predominant effects strongly affecting PEFC performance. Experimental research is carried out using a single PEFC under controlled conditions. The primary objective is to examine the cell's maximum power output through polarization curves, Nyquist diagrams, and internal resistant graphs. The analysis is performed, varying the cell's relative humidity (RH) from 16% to 100%. The results are accomplished by employing current sweep load and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that the operation at the maximum power of a PEFC is optimized in the relative humidity range of 66-100%. This range allows for a balance of proper hydration of the polymer membrane and the availability and activation of reaction sites. The internal resistances were evaluated individually and presented in graphs showing a decrease when the RH increases, where ohmic and mass transport resistances are the most affected by the RH. Furthermore, the mass transport and ohmic resistances were dominant at low RH. In contrast, ohmic and charge transfer resistance were prevalent at high RH, indicating the required improvements at these points. Finally, several correlations are proposed to obtain internal resistance values as a function of the RH with a confidence interval of 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumption of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) increased exponentially. There is an associated risk concerning the presence of PPCPs from wastewater, mainly in rural zones of emerging countries, where sanitation tends to be poor or inefficient. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the seasonal behavior of PPCPs within Chilean rural wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) under COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Ten Chilean rural WWTPs were monitored during 2021, both in the cold (May–September) and warm (November – December) months, being collected semi-composite samples (influent/effluent). WWTPs were based on activated sludge, aerobic lagoons, rotatory discs, activated sludge + bio discs, constructed wetlands, and vermifilter. Physicochemical parameters and PPCPs (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, caffeine, ibuprofen, losartan, and triclosan) compounds were monitored. Results showed that PPCPs, such as antibiotics (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin: 14.7 – 100%), stimulants (caffeine: 41.5 – 100%), NSAIDs (ibuprofen: 32.9–100%), β-blockers (losartan: 43.5–100%), and disinfectants (triclosan: 45.9–100%) were variably removed. Non-significant differences (p > 0.05) of the PPPCs (effluent concentrations/efficiencies) were reported regarding seasonality and treatment typologies. Moreover, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and triclosan reported positive correlations (Ɵ ≈ 0 °) with solids. Finally, this study evidenced that COVID-19 pandemic conditioned seasonally variability of PPCPs from wastewater. [Display omitted] • Pharmaceuticals and personal care products were consumed more during the pandemic. • Removal of antibiotics/stimulants/anti-inflammatory/β-blockers ranged 14–100%. • Treatment typologies and seasonality did not influence (p > 0.05) on PPCPs removal. • Antibiotics/antiseptics effluent concentrations have correlation with solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract On the premise that a system's resilience is partially a function of its capability to manage risk, this paper systematically presents a step-by-step process to develop and apply a participatory risk assessment as an approximate way to better understand livelihood resilience from a local perspective, specifically within the context of rice smallholders located in flood-prone areas in Ecuador. This process is characterized mainly by (i) approaching smallholders to ascertain the livelihood assets that are relevant to them, how they could be understood as being at risk, and how their at-risk situation should be measured and interpreted; and (ii) using drawings and stories as a combined research tool for refreshing memory in the process of data collection. The differentiated research process showed that (i) including local knowledge and interpretation of risk from the beginning of the assessment tool construction results in an easier application in the field; (ii) drawing and storytelling as a combined tool on the one hand helped participants to provide detailed information about facts, feelings, and social dynamics, and on the other hand allowed us to indirectly assess their willingness to collaborate and the strategies to do so; and (iii) popular or innovative strategies, involving tangible and intangible resources, identified through every step, proved to be a link between local resilience and risk management capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latina/o youth in the U.S. are often characterized by elevated rates of cigarette smoking and depressive symptoms, and these rates appear to vary by youth acculturation and socio-cultural stress. Scholars suggest that parents’ cultural experiences may be important determinants of youth smoking and depressive symptoms. However, few studies have examined the influence of parent acculturation and related stressors on Latina/o youth smoking and depressive symptoms. To address this gap in the literature, in the current study we investigated how parent-reported acculturation, perceived discrimination, and negative context of reception affect youth smoking and depressive symptoms through parent reports of familism values and parenting. The longitudinal (4 waves) sample consisted of 302 Latina/o parent-adolescent dyads from Los Angeles ( N = 150) and Miami ( N = 152). Forty-seven percent of the adolescent sample was female ( M age = 14.5 years), and 70% of the parents were mothers ( M age = 41.10 years). Parents completed measures of acculturation, perceived discrimination, negative context of reception, familism values, and parenting. Youth completed measures regarding their smoking and symptoms of depression. Structural equation modeling suggested that parents’ collectivistic values (Time 1) and perceived discrimination (Time 1) predicted higher parental familism (Time 2), which in turn, predicted higher levels of positive/involved parenting (Time 3). Positive/involved parenting (Time 3), in turn, inversely predicted youth smoking (Time 4). These findings indicate that parents’ cultural experiences play important roles in their parenting, which in turn appears to influence Latino/a youth smoking. This study highlights the need for preventive interventions to attend to parents’ cultural experiences in the family (collectivistic values, familism values, and parenting) and the community (perceived discrimination). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a fast and efficient process. However, several factors can inhibit healing, causing scars and chronic wounds. This affects patients in their physical integrity, economic and emotional stability. Many plants that are used in wound healing treatment have antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity through ROS regulation and antibacterial activity. Asterohyptis stellulata is used for wound treatment. Nonetheless, this activity has not been evaluated and its secondary metabolites are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze its phytochemical composition and evaluate the healing activity of A. stellulata. For the identification of secondary metabolites, the following were carried out: phytochemical screening, quantification of total phenols, and HPLC/MS analysis. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also determined. Next, to evaluate the healing activity of topical application of A. stellulata , the extract was mixed with the Beeler base to form an emulsion and an irritability test was performed. The emulsion was evaluated on incisional wounds of CD1 et/et mice, with tests of tensile strength, total re-epithelialization time, wound closure speed, and histological analysis. The phytochemical analysis showed that A. stellulata has phenolic compounds, two quercetin derivatives and a glycoside rosmarinic acid as main compounds. The extract exhibited medium antibacterial and antioxidant activities. A. stellulata emulsion was non-irritating, promoted closure speed of wound (1.479 ± 0.043 mm/day), increased tensile strength (980 ± 89.44 g), and histological analysis showed it promoted mice skin regeneration, compared to the controls (Recoveron® and Beeler base). This study confirms the traditional use of the A. stellulata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injury, typically resulting from excessive inversion of the ankle. One way to prevent excessive inversion and maintain ankle stability is to generate a stiffness that is sufficient to resist externally imposed rotations. Frontal-plane ankle stiffness increases as participants place more weight on their ankle, but whether this effect is due to muscle activation or axial loading of the ankle is unknown. Identifying whether and to what extent axial loading affects ankle stiffness is important in understanding what role the passive mechanics of the ankle joint play in maintaining its stability. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of passive axial load on frontal-plane ankle stiffness. We had subjects seated in a chair as an axial load was applied to the ankle ranging from 10% to 50% body weight. Small rotational perturbations were applied to the ankle in the frontal plane to estimate stiffness. We found a significant, linear, 3-fold increase in ankle stiffness with axial load from the range of 0% body weight to 50% body weight. This increase could not be due to muscle activity as we observed no significant axial-load-dependent change in any of the recorded muscle activations. These results demonstrate that axial loading is a significant contributor to maintaining frontal-plane ankle stability, and that disruptions to the mechanism mediating this sensitivity of stiffness to axial loading may result in pathological cases of ankle instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a role in autoimmune diseases by promoting B-cell activation and autoantibodies production. IL10 -1082A > G, -819C > T, -592C > A polymorphisms and their haplotypes have been associated with IL-10 production. The aim of this study was to associate IL10 haplotypes with mRNA expression and soluble IL-10 levels with susceptibility to pSS in 111 Mexican patients and 111 healthy subjects (HS). Primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients showed high levels of sIL-10 ( p = 0.0001 vs HS) correlating with anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies ( p < 0.05). In addition, IL10 mRNA expression in pSS was higher than HS (0.8 vs 0.1, p = 0.1537). However, no difference was observed in sIL-10 levels between haplotypes. Patients carriers of GCC haplotype showed higher mRNA expression than ACC + ATA (1.4 vs 0.6, p = 0.2424) and high foci number ( p = 0.04 vs ACC). Our results suggest a strong relationship of IL10 with pSS which is demonstrated by the increased mRNA expression and also high sIL-10 levels positively correlated with autoantibodies. Besides that, the GCC haplotype carriers expressed high mRNA. However, IL10 haplotypes were not associated with sIL-10 in pSS from Western Mexico which suggest that diverse biological factors may regulate the IL10 expression in pSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We sought to determine the extent to which initial levels and over-time trajectories of cultural stressors (discrimination, negative context of reception, and bicultural stress) predicted well-being, internalizing symptoms, conduct problems, and health risk behaviors among recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents. Addressing this research objective involved creating a latent factor for cultural stressors, establishing invariance for this factor over time, estimating a growth curve for this factor over time, and examining the effects of initial levels (intercepts) and trajectories (slopes) of cultural stressors on adolescent outcomes. Methods A sample of 302 recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents in Miami (median of 1 year in the United States at baseline) and Los Angeles (median of 3 years in the United States at baseline) was recruited from public schools and assessed six times over a 3-year period. Results Perceived discrimination, context of reception, and bicultural stress loaded onto a latent factor at each of the first five timepoints. A growth curve conducted on this factor over the first five timepoints significantly predicted lower self-esteem and optimism, more depressive symptoms, greater aggressive behavior and rule breaking, and increased likelihood of drunkenness and marijuana use. Conclusions The present results may be important in designing interventions for Hispanic immigrant children and adolescents, including those within the present wave of unaccompanied child migrants. Results indicate targeting cultural stressors in interventions may have potential to improve well-being and decrease externalizing behaviors and substance use within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fibromyalgia is a prevalent chronic pain syndrome characterized by altered pain and sensory processing in the central nervous system, which is often refractory to multiple therapeutic approaches. Given previous evidence supporting analgesic properties of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques in this condition, this study examined the effects of a novel, more focal method of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), using the 4x1-ring configuration of high-definition (HD)-tDCS, on overall perceived pain in fibromyalgia patients. In this patient- and assessor-blind, sham-controlled, crossover trial, 18 patients were randomized to undergo single 20-minute sessions of anodal, cathodal, and sham HD-tDCS at 2.0 mA in a counterbalanced fashion. The center electrode was positioned over the left primary motor cortex. Pain scales and sensory testing were assessed before and after each intervention. A finite element method brain model was generated to predict electric field distribution. We found that both active stimulation conditions led to significant reduction in overall perceived pain as compared to sham. This effect occurred immediately after cathodal HD-tDCS and was evident for both anodal and cathodal HD-tDCS 30 minutes after stimulation. Furthermore, active anodal stimulation induced a significant bilateral increase in mechanical detection thresholds. These interventions proved well tolerated in our patient population. PERSPECTIVE: 4x1-ring HD-tDCS, a novel noninvasive brain stimulation technique capable of more focal and targeted stimulation, provides significant reduction in overall perceived pain in fibromyalgia patients as compared to sham stimulation, irrespective of current polarity. This technique may have other applications in research and clinical settings, which should be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: IL-δ (5-hydroxy-6 iodo-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic delta lactone) an iodinated arachidonic acid (AA) derivative, is one of the iodolipids biosynthesized by the thyroid. Although IL-δ regulates several thyroid parameters such as cell proliferation and goiter growth it was found that this iodolipid inhibits the growth of other non thyroid cell lines. Objectives: To study the effect of IL-δ on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the colon cancer cell line HT-29. Results: Treatment with IL-δ reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner: 1μM 20%, 5μM 25%, 10μM 31%, 50μM 47% and caused a significant decrease of PCNA expression (25%). IL-δ had pro-apoptotic effects, evidenced by morphological features of programmed cell death such as pyknosis, karyorrhexis, cell shrinkage and cell blebbing observed by fluorescence microscopy, and an increase in caspase-3 activity and in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (2.5 after 3h of treatment). Furthermore, IL-δ increased ROS production (30%) and lipid peroxidation levels (19%), suggesting that apoptosis could be a result of increased oxidative stress. A maximum increase in c-fos and c-jun protein expression in response to IL-δ was observed 1h after initiation of the treatment. IL-δ also induced a tumour growth delay of 70% compared to the control group in NIH nude mice implanted with HT-29 cells. Conclusion: Our study shows that IL-δ inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in the colon cancer cell line, HT-29 and opens the possibility that IL-δ could be a potential useful chemotherapy agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work we have determined the role of the 26S proteasome in the regulation of the content of progesterone receptors (PR-A and PR-B), estrogen receptors (ER-α and ER-β), the coactivator SRC-1 and the corepressor SMRT in the rat brain during the estrous cycle. The 26S proteasome inhibitor MG132 was injected once into the lateral ventricle on proestrous day; and 24h later, on estrous day we evaluated the content of PR and ER isoforms, SRC-1 and SMRT in the hypothalamus, the preoptic area and the hippocampus by Western blot. A significant increase in the content of both PR isoforms, ER-β and SRC-1 was observed after the administration of MG132 in the three studied cerebral regions. SMRT content was increased in the hypothalamus and the preoptic area and a significant increase in ER-α content was only observed in the preoptic area. These results suggest that essential proteins that participate in progesterone and estrogen actions in the brain should be regulated by the 26S proteasome in a tissue-specific manner in physiological conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, we determined the expression pattern and the hormonal regulation of progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms in the rat lung of ovariectomized female rats after estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) treatments. We also evaluated the content of estrogen receptor β (ER-β) which is the ER isoform expressed in the lung. RNA and proteins were extracted and processed for reverse transcription (RT) coupled to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The expression of both PR isoforms in the lung at mRNA and at protein levels was up-regulated by E2 while P4 down-regulated it at mRNA level. P4 did not modify PR isoforms protein content unlike its effect in the uterus where both PR isoforms were down-regulated by their ligand at mRNA and protein levels. PR-A was the predominant isoform, both in the lung and in the uterus. In the lung, ER-β was down-regulated by E2 while P4 did not significantly modify the effect of E2. These results suggest that both PR isoforms should be expressed in the rat lung, and that their expression should be differentially regulated at mRNA and at protein levels by P4. We also suggest that the up-regulation of PR isoforms by E2 in the lung is mediated by ER-β. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ongoing loss of global biodiversity is endangering ecosystem functioning and human food security. While environmental pollutants are well known to reduce fertility, the potential effects of common neonicotinoid insecticides on insect fertility remain poorly understood. Here, we show that field-realistic neonicotinoid exposure can drastically impact male insect fertility. In the laboratory, male and female solitary bees Osmia cornuta were exposed to four concentrations of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam to measure survival, food consumption, and sperm traits. Despite males being exposed to higher dosages of thiamethoxam, females revealed an overall increased hazard rate for survival; suggesting sex-specific differences in toxicological sensitivity. All tested sublethal concentrations (i.e., 1.5, 4.5 and 10 ng g−1) reduced sperm quantity by 57% and viability by 42% on average, with the lowest tested concentration leading to a reduction in total living sperm by 90%. As the tested sublethal concentrations match estimates of global neonicotinoid pollution, this reveals a plausible mechanism for population declines, thereby reflecting a realistic concern. An immediate reduction in environmental pollutants is required to decelerate the ongoing loss of biodiversity. [Display omitted] Field-realistic concentrations of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam negatively impact female survival and drastically impair male fertility of solitary bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) represent 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the AFOLU sector greenhouse gases must be dramatically reduced and eventually transformed to net negative CO 2 e within this century. The decarbonisation choices will have significant environmental, social and economic impacts, yet few analytical frameworks exist able to account holistically for AFOLU mitigation strategies and their sustainable development impacts in a way that combines advantages of global and national approaches to decarbonisation pathways. This paper proposes a pathway design framework for AFOLU decarbonisation strategies that can help governments set targets across four types of levers (increasing sequestration; improving the emissions efficiency of agriculture; incentivising dietary changes; and displacing fossil fuels with bioenergy) and help them navigate potential synergies and trade-offs with sustainable development objectives (notably food security, biodiversity preservation, poverty alleviation and job creation), in a way that facilitates co-construction and discussion with main stakeholders. • Key drivers of AFOLU decarbonisation include enhancing carbon sequestration, increasing bioenergy production, reducing emission intensity of agriculture and shifting diets. • The AFOLU transformation has trade-off and synergies with SDGs, including food security, biodiversity, and poverty and jobs. • A comprehensive AFOLU pathway must integrate all key drivers and key SDGs to capture the systemic elements of the sector. • We propose a method for designingcomprehensive AFOLU pathways, integrating all key drivers and key SDGs. • The pathway design framework emphasises co-construction and dialogue with key stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) developed for Ecuador, the so-called Ecuador Land Use and Energy Network Analysis model (ELENA). This model includes six distinctive sectors of the economy and displays the four geographic regions composing the country. The model enables to capture sectorial interactions, under a set of scenarios designed to evaluate the energy and land perspectives until 2050. The model is a crucial planning instrument to evaluate public policies, such as National Determined Contributions (NDC) and even more ambitious decarbonisation scenarios. Findings show that Ecuador's NDC are not aligned with the "well below" 2 °C target, committed in the Paris Agreement. Moreover, to achieve deep decarbonisation it is necessary to endorse disruptive strategies in which bioenergy and reforestation play a main role. To keep under the 1.5 °C temperature threshold above pre-industrial levels, Ecuador's energy matrix must be diversified with higher shares of low carbon technologies and electrification of energy end use in the transport, buildings and industry sectors. Biomass with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and biofuels could transform the energy sector in a CO 2 sink. • Ecuador Land Use and Energy Network Analysis model assess Energy and Land trade-offs. • Ecuador needs an integrated long-term strategy to comply with Paris Agreement goals. • Ecuadorian National Determined Contributions lack of long-term strategies. • Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage could be the key of a low carbon emission future. • Reforestation is an alternative to costly and non-mature carbon capture and storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presence of low fouling-causing bacteria (FCB) in a dual-species culture remarkably reduced membrane fouling potential of high FCB via interspecies interactions. The Fourier transform infrared analyses reveal that low FCB can modulate the extracellular polymeric substances functional groups of high/low FCB mixed cultures, which in turn alleviate membrane fouling. This suggests that isolation and application of low FCB in membrane bioreactors can be a promising method for membrane fouling control via specific cell-to-cell interactions. ga1 • Presence of low FCB in the high/low FCB dual-species culture reduced 81% of fouling potential. • The FTIR absorbance of the fouling-causing functional groups inversely related to the content of low FCB. • Low FCB can mitigate membrane fouling by altering EPS of high FCB. • These findings may shed light on membrane biofouling control by adding low fouling potential bacteria in mixed cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morelos State is one of the regions of Mexico where several plant species are used in traditional medicine. Species from Tagetes genus (Asteraceae) are reported as useful in infusion to treat stomachache and intestinal diseases, but also as tranquilizers. In this study, medicinal uses of T. erecta including its depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS) were explored by interviewing healers and merchants of local markets of Morelos State, and by investigation of the phytochemical and pharmacological tranquilizing properties. Specific anxiolytic and/or sedative-like responses of different doses of T. erecta (10, 30 and 100 or 300 mg/kg, i.p.) were investigated using experimental models in mice such as: open-field, exploration cylinder, hole-board, and the barbituric-induced hypnosis potentiation. The possible anxiolytic mechanism of action was assessed in the presence of WAY100635 (0.32 mg/kg, i.p.) and flumazenil (10 mg/kg, i.p.), antagonists of 5-HT 1A and GABA/BDZs receptors, respectively. Individual flavonoids reported in this species were also evaluated in these experimental models. As a result of this study, healers and merchants from ten local regions of Morelos State recommended T. erecta flowers as an infusion or as a tincture for several culture-bound syndromes associated with CNS, among others. Anxiolytic and sedative-like activities of the T. erecta aqueous and organic polar extracts were corroborated in these models associated to a participation of rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, kaempferitrin, and β-sitosterol constituents; where 5-HT 1A , but not BDZs, receptors were involved as anxiolytic mechanism of action. These data support the anxiolytic and sedative-like properties of T. erecta in traditional medicine by involving mainly serotonergic neurotransmission because of the presence in part of flavonoids and the terpenoid β-sitosterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To what extent does the type and concentration of protein and the type of culture medium affect the sensitivity of the mouse embryo assay (MEA) to detect Triton X-100 (TX-100) in culture media? The effect of the concentration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) was assessed by supplementing media with 0.5 or 5 mg/ml. Potassium-supplemented simplex optimized medium (KSOM) and human tubal fluid (HTF) were used as complex and simple formulation media, respectively. Variables were combined, forming study groups where embryos were cultured in test media spiked with a sublethal TX-100 concentration. The conditions of greatest sensitivity were determined by statistical comparison of blastocyst formation rates and total cell counts between groups. Although all of the study groups showed equal capacity for sustaining proper embryo development, the reported sensitivity of the MEA differed between groups when subjected to TX-100. HTF conferred significantly greater sensitivity than KSOM regardless of the type and concentration of protein used, and medium supplementation with 5 mg/ml BSA rather than 0.5 mg/ml BSA resulted in significantly higher sensitivity regardless of the type of medium used. This increase in concentration also resulted in higher sensitivity when supplementing HTF with HSA. The BSA groups provided more sensitivity than their HSA counterparts, except for the KSOM + 0.5 mg/ml BSA group. Cell count analysis did not provide further significant conclusions. For TX-100 detection within culture medium, the type and concentration of protein and the type of culture medium have a direct effect on MEA sensitivity. These results could help to standardize the MEA protocol, and increase its ability to detect sublethal concentrations of embryotoxic substances, especially TX-100, thus avoiding possible clinical harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ) are increasingly reported in biological wastewater treatment processes because of their inherent roles in biofilm development, bacterial aggregation, granulation, colonization, and biotransformation of pollutants. As such, the fundamentals and ubiquitous nature of QS bacteria are critical for fully understanding the process of the wastewater treatment system. In this article, the details of QS-based strategies related to community behaviors and phenotypes in wastewater treatment systems were reviewed. The molecular aspects and coexistence of QS and QQ bacteria were also mentioned, which provide evidence that future wastewater treatment will indispensably rely on QS-based strategies. In addition, recent attempts focusing on the use of QQ for biofilm or biofouling control were also summarized. Nevertheless, there are still several challenges and knowledge gaps that warrant future targeted research on the ecological niche, abundance, and community of QS- and QQ-bacteria in environmental settings or engineered systems. Highlights • Future WWT processes will indispensably rely on QS-based signal manipulation. • The phenotypic governing factor in WWT facilities is the coexistence of QQ and QS. • Pollutant removal is scrupulously regulated by QS signals during WWT. • Challenges in QS-QQ strategy for WWT process needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality in cancer patients with bloodstream infections (BSI), analyzing multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR). Methods We conducted a prospective observational study at a cancer referral center from August 2016 to July 2017, which included all BSI. Results 4220 patients were tested with blood cultures; 496 were included. Mean age was 48 years. In 299 patients with solid tumors, secondary BSI and Central Line-Associated BSI (CLABSI) were the most common (55.9% and 31.8%, respectively). In 197 hematologic patients, primary and mucosal barrier injury (MBI) BSI were the main type (38.6%). Gram-negative were the most frequent bacteria (72.8%), with Escherichia coli occupying the first place ( n = 210, 42.3%), 48% were Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producers, and 1.8% were resistant to carbapenems. Mortality at day 30, was 22%, but reached 70% when patients did not receive an appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that progression or relapse of the oncologic disease, inappropriate antimicrobial treatment, and having resistant bacteria were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Emergence of MDR bacteria is an important healthcare problem worldwide. Patients with BSI, particularly those patients with MDR bacteria have a higher mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease with a complex genetic background. The peptidyl arginine deiminase type IV ( PADI4 ) gene has been associated with RA susceptibility in several populations. We addressed the relationship between three exonic PADI4 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) PADI4_89 (rs11203366), PADI4_90 (rs11203367) and PADI4_92 (rs874881) and related haplotypes with RA in a population from Southern México. This study included 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects. The SNPs were evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, and antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this population, the minor alleles of PADI4_89 ∗G, PADI4_90 ∗T and PADI4_92 ∗G gene polymorphisms were associated with RA susceptibility (OR = 1.34, p = 0.04; OR = 1.35, p = 0.03; OR = 1.34, p = 0.04; respectively). The GTG haplotype was also significantly associated with RA (OR = 2.27 95%CI = 1.18–4.41; p = 0.008), but did not show association with levels of anti-CCP antibodies and clinical parameters. In conclusion, our replication study in a Southern Mexican population suggests that PADI4 individual polymorphisms and the related susceptibility haplotype (GTG) are also genetic risk markers for RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an upstream immunoregulatory cytokine associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. There is evidence that MIF functions in a positive feedback loop with TNF-α that could perpetuate the inflammatory process in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this case–control study we investigated whether commonly occurring functional MIF polymorphisms are associated with SLE as well as with MIF and TNF-α serum levels in a Mexican-Mestizo population. Genotyping of the −794 CATT5–8 (rs5844572) and −173 G>C (rs755622) MIF polymorphisms was performed by PCR and PCR–RFLP, respectively in 186 SLE patients and 200 healthy subjects. MIF and TNF-α serum levels were determined by ELISA. A significant increase of MIF and TNF-α levels was found in SLE patients. According to a genetic model, we found a significant association of genotypes carrying the −794 CATT7 and −173∗C risk alleles with susceptibility to SLE and with a significant increase of TNF-α. In conclusion, MIF gene polymorphisms are associated with SLE susceptibility and with an increase of TNF-α serum levels in a Mexican-Mestizo population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) is a white additive widely used in solid and liquid food products. There is still debate about E171 toxic effects after oral consumption since this additive is deposited in colon, liver, spleen, testis and brain. The consumption of E171 commonly occurs with Western diets that are characterized by a high fat content. Thus, E171 could worsen adverse effects associated with a high fat diet (HFD) such as anxiety, colon diseases and testicular damage. We aimed to evaluate the effects of E171 on anxiety-like behavior, colon, liver and testis and to analyze if the administration of a HFD could exacerbate adverse effects. E171 was administered at ~5 mg/kg bw by drinking water for 16 weeks and mice were fed with a Regular Diet or a HFD. E171 promoted anxiety, induced adenomas in colon, goblet cells hypertrophy and hyperplasia and mucins overexpression, but had no toxic effects on testicular tissue or spermatozoa in regular diet fed-mice. Additionally, E171 promoted microvesicular steatosis in liver in HFD fed-mice and the only HFD administration decreased the spermatozoa concentration and motility. In conclusion, E171 administration increases the number of adenomas in colon, induces hypertrophy and hyperplasia in goblet cells and microvesicular steatosis. Image 1 • E171 promotes anxiety-like behavior in mice administered for 8 and 16 weeks. • E171 induces adenomas and goblet cells hypertrophy and hyperplasia in colon. • E171 promotes microvesicular and macrovesicular liver steatosis in HFD fed mice. • Colon tissue overexpress L1CAM and mucins after 16 weeks of E171 administration. • HFD injures testis tissue and decreases the spermatozoa concentration and motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To ascertain the effects of parent-adolescent acculturation gaps, perceived discrimination, and perceived negative context of reception on adolescent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, sexual activity, and sexual risk taking. We used an expanded, multidimensional model of acculturation.Method: A sample of 302 recently immigrated parent-adolescent dyads (152 from Miami and 150 from Los Angeles) completed measures of acculturation (Hispanic and American practices and identifications, and individualist and collectivist values) and parent-adolescent communication. Adolescents completed measures of recent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, sexual behavior, and sexual risk taking.Results: Parent-adolescent gaps in American practices and ethnic identity, and perceptions of a negative context of reception, predicted compromised parent-adolescent communication. In Miami only, adolescent-reported communication negatively predicted odds of cigarette smoking, occasions of drunkenness, and number of sexual partners. Also in Miami only, parent-reported communication positively predicted these outcomes, as well as occasions of adolescent binge drinking, drunkenness, number of sexual partners, and odds of unprotected sex. The only significant findings in Los Angeles were protective effects of parent-reported communication on frequency of alcohol use and of binge drinking. Mediational effects emerged only in the Miami sample.Conclusions: Effects of parent-adolescent acculturation gaps vary across Hispanic groups and receiving contexts. The especially strong parental control in many Mexican families may account for these differences. However, other important differences between Hispanic subgroups and communities of reception could also account for these differences. Prevention efforts might encourage Hispanic youth both to retain their culture of origin and to acquire American culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Drug and alcohol use disproportionately affect Hispanic youth. Despite these disparities, few empirically supported preventive interventions are available to ameliorate this public health concern among Hispanic youth. This study examined the effects of Familias Unidas, relative to Community Practice, in reducing past 90-day substance use, alcohol and marijuana dependence, and having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, this study explored whether Familias Unidas’ effects varied by environmental context, namely parental stress and social support for parents. Methods: A total of 242 delinquent Hispanic youth aged 12–17years and their primary caregivers were randomized to either Familias Unidas or Community Practice and assessed at three time points. Results: Familias Unidas was efficacious in reducing past 90-day substance use, illicit drug use, and in reducing the proportion of youth with an alcohol dependence diagnosis, relative to Community Practice. Results also showed a reduction in the proportion of youth who reported having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No differences between conditions were observed in past 90-day alcohol use or marijuana dependence. Intervention effects on illicit drug use and alcohol dependence varied by environmental context. For example, Familias Unidas was most efficacious for adolescents with parents exhibiting high stress and lower levels of social support. Conclusions: Familias Unidas was efficacious in reducing some drug and alcohol related outcomes. The findings also support the concept of targeting family-based interventions, such as Familias Unidas, for adolescents with parents exhibiting high stress and low levels of social support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]