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To date, many interventions for social cognition have been developed. Nevertheless, the use of social cognition training with virtual reality (SCT-VR) in schizophrenia is a recent field of study. Therefore, a scoping review is a suitable method to examine the extent of existing literature, the characteristics of the studies, and the SCT-VR. Additionally, it allows us to summarize findings from a heterogeneous body of knowledge and identify gaps in the literature favoring the planning and conduct of future research. The aim of this review was to explore and describe the characteristics of SCT-VR in schizophrenia. The searched databases were MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and CINAHL. This scoping review considered experimental, quasi-experimental, analytical observational and descriptive observational study designs. The full text of selected citations was assessed by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted from papers included in the scoping review by two independent reviewers. We identified 1,407 records. A total of twelve studies were included for analyses. Study designs were variable, most research was proof-of-concept or pilot studies. Most SCT-VR were immersive and targeted interventions. Number of sessions ranged from 9 to 16, and the duration of each session ranged from 45 to 120 min. Some studies reported a significant improvement in emotion recognition and/or theory of mind. However, SCT-VR is a recent research field in which the heterogeneity in methodological approaches is evident and has prevented the reaching of robust conclusions. Preliminary evidence has shown that SCT-VR could represent a feasible and promising approach for improving SC deficits in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) was deposited onto a co-polyamide (DHTH) substrate by two different techniques: chemical bath deposition (CBD) and spray pyrolysis (SP). The synthesis of the DHTH resulted from the combination of two bulky pendant groups and a hexafluoroisopropylidene, C(CF3)2, by direct polycondensation. Thermal stability, optical transmittance, and mechanical properties of the DHTH were measured before the CdS deposition. The DHTH substrates exhibited a high transmittance (> 82%) for wavelengths above 400 nm, an elastic modulus of 2.9 GPa, and Tg of 318 °C. CdS was deposited by CBD at 80 °C, using cadmium chloride, potassium hydroxide, ammonium nitrate, and thiourea as chemical reagents. For the SP deposition, cadmium chloride and thiourea were used as chemical reagents while the substrate temperature was fixed to 300 °C. CdS thin films of good transparency and adherence were obtained. The bandgap energy of the deposited CdS films was estimated as 2.32 eV and 2.38 eV, for CBD and SP techniques, respectively. The rms roughness of the CdS was 164 nm for the films grown by CBD and 37 nm for those grown by SP. Finally, the X-ray diffraction confirmed cubic and hexagonal crystalline structures for the CdS grown by CBD and SP, respectively, which agrees with the structures corresponding to low (CBD)- and high (SP)-temperature techniques. The CdS physical properties confirmed the deposition of a semiconducting thin film onto a home-synthesized high-transparency polymer substrate by two different low-cost and scalable techniques, representing an important advancement on the development of new material systems for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) are a foundational and essential strategy for reducing biodiversity loss. However, many PAs around the world exist on paper only; thus, while logging and habitat conversion may be banned in these areas, illegal activities often continue to cause alarming habitat destruction. In such cases, the presence of armed conflict may ultimately prevent incursions to a greater extent than the absence of conflict. Although there are several reports of habitat destruction following cessation of conflict, there has never been a systematic and quantitative "before-and-after-conflict" analysis of a large sample of PAs and surrounding areas. Here we report the results of such a study in Colombia, using an open-access global forest change dataset. By analysing 39 PAs over three years before and after Colombia's peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), we found a dramatic and highly significant increase in the deforestation rate for the majority of these areas and their buffer zones. We discuss the reasons behind such findings from the Colombian case, and debate some general conservation lessons applicable to other countries undergoing post-conflict transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living amoeba found mainly in humid environments and Arcobacter butzleri is an emerging zoonotic pathogen, both can establish in vitro endosymbiotic relationships in the absence of bacterial replication. We analyzed the localization of A. butzleri within A. castellanii establishing their association with endoplasmic reticulum vesicles and mitochondria. Through confocal microscopy, we observed that during the early stages of endosymbiosis, there is not colocalization between amoebic vacuoles containing A. butzleri and mitochondria or ER vesicles of A. castellanii. Considering that energy production of this bacterium occurs via metabolism of amino acids or the tricarboxylic acid cycle, these results contribute to explain the absence of bacterial replication, since A. butzleri would not have access to the nutrients found in endoplasmic reticulum vesicles and mitochondria. In addition, we observe that A. butzleri induces significantly the actin polymerization of A. castellanii during the early stages of endosymbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of drought stress on total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and antioxidant capacity in Cebú, DK2027, and DK2034 maize hybrids was evaluated. Compared to irrigation treatment, total phenols decreased in drought stress treatment by 35.34%, 5.59%, and 31.57% in Cebú, DK2027, and DK2034, respectively. In addition, the levels of t-ferulic, c-ferulic and p-coumaric acids decreased by 17.74%, 23.93%, and 29.83% in Cebú, by 8.92%, 8.62%, and 24.03% in DK2027, and by 13.66%, 11.03%, and 10.38% in DK2034, respectively. The predominant hydroxycinnamic acid from bran extracts was t-ferulic (67% to 72%), followed by c-ferulic (20% to 21%), and p-coumaric (7% to 11%) for both irrigation and drought stress treatments, while caffeic and sinapic acids were found in traces or were not detected. The antioxidant capacity decreased by 8%, 3%, and 9% in trolox equivalents and 7%, 17%, and 14% in percentage of radical scavenging activity for Cebú, DK2027, and DK2034 genotypes, respectively. The reduction of total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and antioxidant capacity is due to the radical scavenging and photoprotective actions of hydroxycinnamic acids against highly reactive oxygen species generated under drought stress treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determine the critical values of lengths of ellipse-like defects in plates made of bone cement produced with various additives. The analysis is performed by using previously studied samples subjected to different soaking periods (0; 3; 6 months) in simulated body fluid. This research is focused on the behavior of samples made of bone cement and containing different additives: diethylaminoethylacrylate, dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate, and diethylaminoethylmethacrylate. The models developed at present make it possible to determine the critical length of defects according to the values of the stress intensity factor. This, in turn, makes it possible to compute the critical number of loading cycles in specific mechanical elements containing elliptic defects. This class of calculations may serve as a basis for the engineering recommendations in the design and risk assessment of actual elements manufactured from this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:A retrospective cohort.Objectives:To report the incidence rates of shoulder injuries diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in tetraplegic athletes and sedentary tetraplegic individuals. To evaluate whether sport practice increases the risk of shoulder injuries in tetraplegic individuals.Setting:Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.Methods:Ten tetraplegic athletes with traumatic spinal cord injury were selected among quad rugby athletes and had both the shoulders evaluated by MRI. They were compared with 10 sedentary tetraplegic individuals who were submitted to the same radiological protocol.Results:All athletes were male with a mean age of 32.1 years (range 25-44 years, s.d.=6.44). Time since injury ranged from 6 to 17 years, with a mean value of 9.7 years and s.d. of 3.1 years. All sedentary individuals were male with a mean age of 35.9 years (range 22-47 years, s.d.=8.36). Statistical analysis showed a protective effect of sport in the development of shoulder injuries, with a weak correlation for infraspinatus and subscapularis tendinopathy (P=0.09 and P=0.08, respectively) and muscle atrophy (P=0.08). There was a strong correlation for acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) and labrum injuries (P=0.04), with sedentary individuals at a higher risk for these injuries.Conclusion:Tetraplegic athletes and sedentary individuals have a high incidence of supraspinatus tendinosis, bursitis and ACJ degeneration. Statistical analysis showed that there is a possible protective effect of sport in the development of shoulder injuries. Weak evidence was encountered for infraspinatus and subscapularis tendinopathy and muscle atrophy (P=0.09, P=0.08 and P=0.08, respectively). Strong evidence with P=0.04 suggests that sedentary tetraplegic individuals are at a greater risk for ACJ and labrum injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen of public health importance. In Chile, the Cordobes/Chilean clone was the predominant healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) clone in 1998. Since then, the molecular epidemiological surveillance of MRSA has not been performed in Southern Chile. We aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of HA-MRSA infections in Southern Chile to identify the MRSA clones involved, and their evolutionary relationships with epidemic international MRSA lineages. A total of 303 single inpatient isolates of S. aureus were collected in the Valdivia County Hospital (2007–2008), revealing 33 % (100 MRSA/303) prevalence for HA-MRSA infections. The SCC mec types I and IV were identified in 97 % and 3 % of HA-MRSA, respectively. All isolates lacked the pvl genes. A random sample ( n = 29) of all MRSA was studied by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), SCC mec subtyping, agr and spa typing, and virulence genes profiling. PFGE analysis revealed the predominance (89 %, 26/29) of pulsotype A and three additional pulsotypes, designated H1, I33, and G1. Pulsotype A (ST5-SCC mecI- spa-t149) is clonally related to the Cordobes/Chilean clone. Pulsotype H1 (ST5-SCC mecIVNT- spa-t002) is genetically related to the Pediatric clone (ST5-SCC mecIV). Pulsotype I33 (ST5-SCC mecIVc- spa-t002) is clonally related by PFGE to the community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) clone spread in Argentina, I-ST5-IVa-PVL +. The G1 pulsotype (ST8-SCC mecIVc- spa-t024) is clonally related to the epidemic USA300 CA-MRSA. Here, we demonstrate the stability of the Cordobes/Chilean clone over time as the major HA-MRSA clone in Southern Chile. The identification of two CA-MRSA clones might suggest that these clones have entered into the healthcare setting from the community. These results emphasize the importance of the local surveillance of MRSA infections in the community and hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers and antioxidant capacity of plasma (ACP) between dcSSc (diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis) and healthy Mexicans and their possible relationship with autoantibodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and uric acid (UA). We included 28 dcSSc and 28 healthy individuals. Patients were grouped in early and late dcSSc and were excluded if they had infections, neoplasias, comorbidity, or antioxidant treatment. Lipoperoxidation products (malondialdehyde), protein oxidation products (carbonyls, dityrosines), ACP, CRP, ESR, and UA were investigated. Age was 47.5 ± 10 in dcSSc versus 48 ± 7 years in controls. In dcSSc, OS was higher and ACP was decreased versus controls ( p < 0.001). OS was similar in early and late dcSSc. Anti-Scl-70 (anti-topoisomerase I) was associated with a higher OS ( p < 0.05). Eight dcSSc patients had hyperuricemia (28.5 %). A significant correlation between UA and malondialdehyde, dityrosines and carbonyls levels ( r = 0.52, r = 0.78 and r = 0.69, p < 0.01) respectively, was found in dcSSc group. A high level of ESR was present in 71 % and CRP in 40 % of dcSSc patients. Mexican dcSSc patients had elevated lipid/protein OS with respect to healthy controls. These OS biomarkers have direct correlation with UA levels. ESR and CRP were elevated in a great number of dcSSc patients. These biochemical markers suggest that dcSSc patients have a continuous stimulus for endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a TRIP-800 steel was welded using a Laser CO process, and the resultant microstructures were characterized by optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) means. It was found that the microstructure of the steel in the as-received condition consisted of ferrite, bainite, and retained austenite (RA), including some martensite. In particular, TEM observations indicated that the developed martensites were high carbon twinned martensites. It was found that laser beam welding (LBW) promoted the development of up to 23% martensite in the fusion zone (FZ) and up to 30% in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). In addition, determinations of RA using x-ray diffraction indicated that the amount of RA developed in the FZ was relatively small (<6%). Confirmation for the relatively large amounts of martensite in both the FZ and HAZ was indirectly made by the shape of microhardness profiles, which resembled a 'top hat.' Tensile testing in welded strips indicated a loss of strength and ductility. An examination of the fracture surfaces indicated that the steel fractured in a brittle fashion at the HAZ-BM interface. Apparently, the development of relatively large amounts of martensite in the HAZ reduced the steel toughness. In turn, this indicated that LBW leads to martensite embrittlement in the HAZ regions, but not at the parting line of the FZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the shoulders of tetraplegic and paraplegic patients who attend rehabilitation program.Objectives:The objective of this study is to establish the usefulness of radiography as a trial exam for shoulder pain in spinal cord injured patients.Setting:Hospital das Clinicas-UNICAMP. Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.Methods:Thirty-two shoulders of 16 patients were evaluated by clinical exam and radiography. Patients were divided into two groups: paraplegic and tetraplegic. A control group of 16 normal volunteer subjects was selected.Results:Shoulder pain was reported in 88.89% of tetraplegic and 42.85% of paraplegic. The time of injury ranged from 1.5-22 years (mean 7.88 years); patients had a mean age of 34.68 years (range, 21-57 years). The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) space ranged from 0.03-0.7 cm on the right side and 0.15-0.7 cm on the left side, with a mean of 0.37 and 0.41 cm, respectively. No correlation was found between shoulder pain and gender, age or time since injury. There was a trend to correlation between shoulder pain and type of injury with tetraplegic having a tendency to pain symptoms. On average, tetraplegic had smaller ACJ.Conclusions:The small number of patients in this study did not allow us to confirm the hypothesis that X-ray finding may indicate risk for shoulder pain in spinal cord injury patients. A work with a greater number of subjects could demonstrate association between shoulder pain and the reduced acromioclavicular distance, making plain radiography a trial exam for spinal cord-injured patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the risk stratification obtained with the Framingham function, recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP-III), and the risk charts of the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) program, in a cohort of subjects between 20 and 75 years (mean 59 years, 70% females) with metabolic syndrome. Subjects and method: Participants were classified as low, moderate, or high risk by ATP-III and by SCORE of risk at 10 years, respectively. Results: 8.3% of males and 7.4% of women from our study were classified as high risk in 10 years time by Framingham-DORICA. Regarding SCORE program 50% men and 29.6% of women were considered to have high coronary risk. Conclusions: Risk estimation with SCORE and Framingham function shows significant gender and quantitative differences. There is no concordance between Framingham and SCORE function to estimate cardiovascular risk on subjects included on the high-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently discovered pneumococcus serotype 6C was responsible for ten of the 1,530 invasive isolates studied between 1990 and 2009. These ten isolates belonged to seven sequence types (STs) and were isolated only from adult patients: six with bacteremia, three with meningitis, and one with peritonitis. All isolates but one were fully penicillin-susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of the environmental conditions inducing different ecophysiological responses in the different strains and populations of the brine shrimp Artemia should improve the understanding of their biogeographic distribution. Nauplii from two Argentinean brine shrimp populations, Artemia persimilis from Salinas Grandes de Hidalgo (province of La Pampa) and Artemia franciscana from Laguna Mar Chiquita (province of Cordoba), were grown up until adulthood at different salinities (30, 60, 90, 120 gL−1) and temperatures (12, 21, 28°C). The aim was to assess the effects of these different conditions on prereproductive life span and reproductive traits. Results evidenced that at 21 and 28°C, at any salinity, A. franciscana from Laguna Mar Chiquita attained higher survival and fecundity, after a shorter prereproductive period, than A. persimilis from Salinas Grandes de Hidalgo. These data support that A. franciscana, considered a superspecies, exhibits higher phenotypic plasticity than A. persimilis, and that A. persimilis is better adapted to lower temperatures than A. franciscana. These differences in temperature and salinity tolerance could explain the present distribution of these two species in the South Cone in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is a very infrequent disorder. Adequate management is still a matter of debate. We describe the use of low-dose pulse methotrexate in treating a 63-year-old woman with idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. A weekly scheme with subcutaneous methotrexate was tried. Clinical improvement occurred in one week. Total remission of the clinical and neuro-imaging abnormalities was evident 6 months later, with minimal side effects. The patient is in complete remission after one year of follow-up without treatment. Hence, low-dose weekly subcutaneous methotrexate may be safe and effective in inducing complete and sustained remission of this condition. The experience with subcutaneous methotrexate to treat this entity has never been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of beta 3-adrenergic receptor (β3AR) polymorphism on lipid profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with chloroquine. One hundred sixty-eight subjects were classified into three groups: 61 RA patients, 57 SLE patients, and 50 healthy subjects. All patients fulfilled the 1987 and 1982 classification criteria for RA and SLE, respectively, of the American College of Rheumatology. Demographic data and clinical characteristics of the patients were registered. Fasting lipid profile determination and leukocyte genomic DNA isolation from peripheral blood was performed in all the participants. Screening of the β3-AR gene polymorphic region (exon 1) was done by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Quantitative and qualitative variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the LSD and χ2 tests, respectively. An association between the arg64/arg64 β3-AR genotype and high levels of triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) was found in three RA patients (P=0.01), two of them taking chloroquine. Arg64/arg64 β3-AR polymorphism may contribute to increased TG and VLDL-c in RA patients, independently of chloroquine treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a 35-year-old woman with dermatomyositis, who four months after implantation of abdominal Marlex® mesh, developed a severe exacerbation of her disease with muscle weakness, elevated acute-phase reactants, a high level of muscle enzymes, and the appearance of dermal lesions with calcinosis. The Marlex® mesh implant may have triggered the flare-up of her underlying autoimmune disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]