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Abstract Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for severe influenza infections but the mechanisms underlying susceptibility are poorly understood. Here, we identify that obese individuals have deficient pulmonary antiviral immune responses in bronchoalveolar lavage cells but not in bronchial epithelial cells or peripheral blood dendritic cells. We show that the obese human airway metabolome is perturbed with associated increases in the airway concentrations of the adipokine leptin which correlated negatively with the magnitude of ex vivo antiviral responses. Exogenous pulmonary leptin administration in mice directly impaired antiviral type I interferon responses in vivo and ex vivo in cultured airway macrophages. Obese individuals hospitalised with influenza showed dysregulated upper airway immune responses. These studies provide insight into mechanisms driving propensity to severe influenza infections in obesity and raise the potential for development of leptin manipulation or interferon administration as novel strategies for conferring protection from severe infections in obese higher risk individuals.

In the automotive industry, arranging wire harnesses in assembly plants requires manual work. The stiffness of the high-voltage cable implies that personnel applies sufficient force on the cable to achieve a proper installation. Sometimes, the applied force is not strong enough; thus, the cable is not properly installed, or the personnel gets injured, raising ergonomic concerns that need attention. The challenges arise from the intrinsic cable characteristics such as diameter, copper type, cable strand quantity, first-layer insulator, cable insulator glue, and protective covering. The primary objective of this research is to examine how various factors, such as cable length and protective covering, impact the mechanical properties that influence the assembly of high-voltage cables. The methodology proposed consisted of characterizing the mechanical properties of the high-voltage cables in a cantilever beam test to measure deflection in response to an applied force. The measured properties were contrasted through a Finite Element Analysis of the high-voltage cable. The results validated the initial hypothesis, revealing two key findings. Firstly, the stiffness of cables varies with increasing length. Secondly, cables with tape exhibit greater stiffness than those with conduit and cables without covering, as detailed in the results section. In conclusion, extending cables without attachment points is recommended until the interfaces and environment permit. Furthermore, minimizing tape for cable protection while exploring alternative safeguards can enhance stiffness and facilitate an ergonomic installation assembly under favorable conditions. This study contributes valuable insights for optimizing high-voltage cable installation processes in assembly plants, addressing stiffness concerns through informed choices and design considerations.

Background: Diseases of veterinary importance, such as bovine Anaplasmosis, cause significant economic losses. Due to this, the study of various proteins of the causal agent Anaplasma marginale has focused on surface proteins. However, a vaccine for this disease is not yet available. To this end, in this work, moonlighting proteins (MLPs) are presented as an alternative approach for the design of immunogens against A. marginale. Methods: The proteins of the strain MEX-15-099-01 were analyzed, and its MLPs were identified. Subsequently, four virulence-associated MLP genes were selected and identified using PCR. The proteins were analyzed using a structural homology approach and the collection of B-cell epitopes was predicted for each MLP. Finally, a pair of AmEno peptides were synthesized and the antigenic potential was tested using an iELISA. Results: Our bioinformatics analysis revealed the potential of AmEno, AmGroEl, AmEF-Tu, and AmDnaK proteins as promising candidates for designing immunogens. The PCR allowed the gene sequence identification in the genome of the strain MEX-15-099-01. Notably, AmEno-derived synthetic peptides showed antigenicity in an ELISA. Conclusions: Our study has shed light on the potential use of MLPs for immunogen design, demonstrating the antigenic potential of AmEno.

Background/Objectives: Headaches in Moyamoya angiopathy are common but poorly understood. We aimed to investigate if headaches in Moyamoya angiopathy improve after revascularization surgery and whether this is associated with improvement in cerebrovascular reactivity on MRI (CVR-MRI). Methods: We included consecutive adult patients with Moyamoya angiopathy who had chart data on headaches, CVR-MRI, and underwent extracranial–intracranial bypass surgery between January 2010 and September 2022 at a tertiary neurovascular referral center. Clinical and CVR-MR imaging data of all patients were collected through systematic chart review, complemented by standard-of-care headache questionnaires from patients who were operated between 2018 and 2022. We evaluated headache features and explored the association between headaches and CVR before and after revascularization surgery. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included (mean age 47 ± 14 years, 43 females (73%)); among them, 41/59 (69%) reported headaches pre-surgery. Headache improved in 28/41 (68%) patients after revascularization surgery with a reduction in pain severity (median VAS-score from 5/10 to 2.5/10; p = 0.002), analgesic use (from 84% to 40%; p = 0.007), and sick leave (from 60% to 16%; p < 0.001). Improvement in headaches was associated with improvement in CVR (OR 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–23.5) and sick leave reduction (OR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.6–121.4). Conclusions: Headaches in Moyamoya angiopathy are common and disabling. They may improve in most patients after revascularization surgery and seem to be associated with improvement in CVR, supporting the hypothesis of a potential vascular origin of the headaches.

The Andean Altiplano, characterized by its extreme climatic conditions and high levels of biodiversity, provides a unique environment for studying ecological and evolutionary adaptations in insect morphology. Butterflies, due their large wing surface compared to body surface, and wide distribution among a geographical area given the flight capabilities provided by their wings, constitute a good biological model to study morphological adaptations following extreme weathers. This study focuses on Phulia nymphula, a butterfly species widely distributed in the Andes, to evaluate wing shape variation across six localities in the Northern Chilean Altiplano. The geometric morphometrics analysis of 77 specimens from six locations from the Chilean Altiplano (Caquena, Sorapata Lake, Chungará, Casiri Macho Lake, Surire Salt Flat, and Visviri) revealed significant differences in wing shape among populations. According to the presented results, variations are likely influenced by local environmental conditions and selective pressures, suggesting specific adaptations to the microhabitats of the Altiplano. The first three principal components represented 60.92% of the total wing shape variation. The detected morphological differences indicate adaptive divergence among populations, reflecting evolutionary responses to the extreme and fragmented conditions of the Altiplano. This study gives insights into the understanding of how high-altitude species can diversify and adapt through morphological variation, providing evidence of ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity in extreme environments.

The role of oxidative stress in health and homeostasis has generated interest in the scientific community due to its association with cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, extensive research seeks to identify new exogenous antioxidant compounds for supplementation. Polysaccharides are recognized for their antioxidant properties. However, polysaccharide chemical modifications are often necessary to enhance these properties. Therefore, dextran was conjugated with gallic acid (Dex-Gal) and later combined with fucoidan A (FucA) to formulate blends aimed at achieving superior antioxidant activity compared to individual polysaccharides. A factorial design was employed to combine FucA and Dex-Gal in different proportions, resulting in five blends (BLD1, BLD2, BLD3, BLD4, and BLD5). An analysis of surface graphs from in vitro antioxidant tests, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging, guided the selection of BLD4 as the optimal formulation. Tests on 3T3 fibroblasts under various conditions of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide revealed that BLD4 provided enhanced protection compared to its isolated components. The BLD4 formulation, resulting from the combination of Dex-Gal and FucA, showed promise as an antioxidant strategy, outperforming its individual components and suggesting its potential as a supplement to mitigate oxidative stress in adverse health conditions.

In this work, we theoretically and experimentally study the induction of electromagnetic forces in an opal-based magnetic photonic glass, where light normally impinges onto a disordered arrangement of SiO2 spheres by the aggregation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The working wavelength is 633 nm. Experimental evidence is presented for the force that results from forced oscillations of the photonic structure. Finite-element method simulations and a theoretical model estimate the magnetic force volumetric density value, peak displacement, and velocity of oscillations. The magnetic force is of the order of 56 microN, which is approximately 500-times higher than forces induced in dielectric optomechanical photonic crystal cavities.

Introduction: Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms represent up to 1% of all cerebral aneurysms. P1-P2 perforator aneurysms are thought to be even less prevalent and often require complex treatment strategies due to their anatomical and morphological characteristics, with risk of a perforator infarct. We studied the treatment of P1-P2 perforator aneurysms in a single-center cohort from a high-volume tertiary center, reporting clinical and anatomical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with a P1-P2 perforator aneurysm who presented at our institution between January 2000 and January 2023 was performed. The patients were analyzed for demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment techniques, outcomes, and complications. Subgroup analyses between ruptured versus non-ruptured cases were included. Results: Out of 2733 patients with a cerebral aneurysm, 14 patients (0.5%) presented with a P1-P2 perforator aneurysm. All six patients with a ruptured aneurysm were treated by endovascular coiling, of whom one patient (16.7%) required surgical clipping of a recurrence. One out of eight (12.5%) patients with unruptured aneurysms was treated by surgical clipping. P1-P2 perforator aneurysms predominantly affected middle-aged individuals (median 59.5 years), with 10/14 (71.4%) being female. Endovascular coiling was the primary treatment modality overall, yielding favorable technical outcomes, however, it was complicated by a perforator infarct in two patients (33.3%) without new permanent morbidity or mortality secondary to treatment. Conclusions: P1-P2 perforator aneurysms are a rare subtype of intracranial aneurysm. Endovascular coiling could present an effective treatment modality; however, care should be taken for ischemic complications in the dependent perforator territory. Larger studies are required to provide more insights.

A recently used material that shows environmental and technical advantages for use as an asphalt binder modifier is biochar (BC). Different biomasses can be converted into BC by pyrolysis. One agro-industrial biomass that is abundant in copious quantities is oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) obtained from African palm cultivation. In the present study, the use of a BC obtained from OPMF (BC-OPMF) as a modifier of asphalt binder (AC type) to produce a hot mix asphalt (HMA) was evaluated. This type of BC has not been investigated or reported in the reference literature as a binder and/or asphalt mix modifier. Initially, AC was modified with BC in three ratios (BC/AC = 5, 10, and 15%, with respect to mass) to perform penetration, softening point, and rotational viscosity tests; rheological characterization at high and intermediate temperatures; and scanning electron microscope (SEM) visualization. Based on this experimental phase, BC/AC = 10% was chosen to manufacture the modified HMA. Resistance parameters under monotonic loading (stability—S, flow—F, S/F ratio of the Marshall test, and indirect tensile strength in dry—ITSD and wet—ITSC conditions) and cyclic loading (resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and fatigue resistance under stress-controlled conditions) were evaluated on the control HMA (AC unmodified) and the modified HMA. Additionally, the tensile strength ratio (TSR) was calculated to evaluate the resistance to moisture damage. Abrasion and raveling resistance were evaluated by performing Cantabro tests. BC-OPMF is shown to be a sustainable and promising material for modifying asphalt binders for those seeking to increase stiffness and rutting resistance in high-temperature climates, resistance to moisture damage, raveling, and fatigue without increasing the optimum asphalt binder content (OAC), changing the volumetric composition of the HMA or increasing the manufacturing and construction temperatures.

Neoadjuvant intratumoral (IT) therapy could amplify the weak responses to checkpoint blockade therapy observed in breast cancer (BC). In this study, we administered neoadjuvant IT anti-canine PD-1 therapy (IT acPD-1) alone or combined with IT cowpea mosaic virus therapy (IT CPMV/acPD-1) to companion dogs diagnosed with canine mammary cancer (CMC), a spontaneous tumor resembling human BC. CMC patients treated weekly with acPD-1 (n = 3) or CPMV/acPD-1 (n = 3) for four weeks or with CPMV/acPD-1 (n = 3 patients not candidates for surgery) for up to 11 weeks did not experience immune-related adverse events. We found that acPD-1 and CPMV/acPD-1 injections resulted in tumor control and a reduction in injected tumors in all patients and in noninjected tumors located in the ipsilateral and contralateral mammary chains of treated dogs. In two metastatic CMC patients, CPMV/acPD-1 treatments resulted in the control and reduction of established lung metastases. CPMV/acPD-1 treatments were associated with altered gene expression related to TLR1–4 signaling and complement pathways. These novel therapies could be effective for CMC patients. Owing to the extensive similarities between CMC and human BC, IT CPMV combined with approved anti-PD-1 therapies could be a novel and effective immunotherapy to treat local BC and suppress metastatic BC.

Abatus is a genus of irregular brooding sea urchins to the Southern Ocean. Among the 11 described species, three shared morphological traits and present an infaunal lifestyle in the infralittoral from the Subantarctic province; A. cavernosus in Patagonia, A. cordatus in Kerguelen, and A. agassizii in Tierra del Fuego and South Shetlands. The systematic of Abatus, based on morphological characters and incomplete phylogenies, is complex and largely unresolved. This study evaluates the shape variation among these species using geometric morphometrics analysis (GM). For this, 72 individuals from four locations; South Shetlands, Kerguelen, Patagonia, and Falklands/Malvinas were photographed, and 37 landmarks were digitized. To evaluate the shape differences among species, a principal component analysis and a Procrustes ANOVA were performed. Our results showed a marked difference between the Falklands/Malvinas and the other localities, characterized by a narrower and more elongated shape and a significant influence of location in shape but not sex. Additionally, the effect of allometry was evaluated using a permutation test and a regression between shape and size, showing significant shape changes during growth in all groups. The possibility that the Falklands/Malvinas group shows phenotypic plasticity or represents a distinct evolutionary unit is discussed. Finally, GM proved to be a powerful tool to differentiate these species, highlighting its utility in systematic studies.

A correlation between economic development and road freight is demonstrated in the literature review provided in this paper. This relationship was studied in relation to the global gross domestic product (GDP) of the countries under review. Therefore, this paper presents the validation of this correlation in the Colombian case, based not only on global GDP, but also on the GDP for each of the main economic sectors of the country. The correlation was analyzed using several of the following statistical methods: correlation using the non-parametric method (Spearman), the causality relationship using the Granger test, the relationship between variables using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and multivariate correlation to establish the level of significance of each economic sector by means of the p-value. The study concludes that the best correlation is between the GDP of some economic sectors and the amount of freight transported one year later.

High-fat and high-carbohydrate (HF-HC) diets induce metabolic syndrome via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. We have previously shown that this may be prevented by avocado oil, a source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant properties. However, it is unknown if these effects are mediated by the unsaponifiable fraction of avocado oil (UFAO). Thus, we tested if this fraction improves glucose metabolism, bioenergetics and oxidative stress in mitochondria from the kidney and liver of rats fed an HF-HC diet. We found that 12 weeks of an HF-HC diet impaired glucose utilization and increased insulin resistance, which was prevented by UFAO administration. The HF-HC diet decreased respiration, membrane potential and electron transport chain (ETC) function in liver and kidney mitochondria. These mitochondrial dysfunctions were prevented by UFAO intake. Unexpectedly, UFAO increased ROS levels in the mitochondria of control animals and did not decrease them in rats with an HF-HC diet; however, UFAO protects liver and kidney mitochondria from iron-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that impairments in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function by an HF-HC diet may be prevented by UFAO, without decreasing ROS generation but protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage.

Elucidation of pathways regulating parasite cell death is believed to contribute to identification of novel therapeutic targets for protozoan diseases, and in this context, apoptosis-like cell death has been reported in different groups of protozoa, in which metacaspases seem to play a role. In the genus Plasmodium, apoptotic markers have been detected in P. falciparum and P. berghei, and no study focusing on P. vivax cell death has been reported so far. In the present study, we investigated the susceptibility of P. vivax to undergo apoptotic cell death after incubating mature trophozoites with the classical apoptosis inducer staurosporine. As assessed by flow cytometry assays, staurosporine inhibited parasite intraerythrocytic development, which was accompanied by a decrease in cell viability, evidenced by reduced plasmodial mitochondrial activity. However, typical signs of apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and nuclear segregation, were not detected in the parasites induced to cell death, and no significant alteration in metacaspase gene expression (PvMCA1) was observed under cell death stimulus. Interestingly, dying parasites positively modulated cell death (eryptosis) of host erythrocytes, which was marked by externalization of phosphatidylserine and cell shrinkage. Our study shows for the time that P. vivax blood stages may not be susceptible to apoptosis-like processes, while they could trigger eryptosis of parasitized cells by undergoing cell death. Further studies are required to elucidate the cellular machinery involved in cell death of P. vivax parasites as well as in the modulation of host cell death.

In this paper, a proposal was presented to improve the MSW collection service in the municipality of Reforma, in Chiapas, Mexico. Specific field work was developed and various spatial analysis techniques were applied in the GIS environment. The application of a multivariate analysis technique (Grouping Analysis) allowed the study area to be clustered into three waste collection sectors with common characteristics, which were the basis for generating three collection route scenarios. Scenario 1 corresponds to the current situation, where 478 waste collection points are served, with an average travel distance of 60.30 km and a collection time of 8.00 h. Scenario 2 was generated through the “maximize coverage” algorithm and vehicle route modeling in ArcGis 10.8. In this scenario, 1220 waste collection points are served, with an average travel distance of 143.21 km and an average collection time of 12.38 h. Scenario 3 was created using the “minimize facilities” algorithm, as well as collection modeling in ArcGis 10.8. Using this algorithm, impedances (distances) were automatically minimized so that 697 waste collection points could be served, with an average travel distance of 100.00 km and an average collection time of 9.66 h. In terms of improvement, scenario 3 gives the best results, because it minimizes distances and average travel times.

This second Biomedicines Special Issue—“30 Years of osteopontin (OPN) Milestones and Future Avenues 2 [...]

The expansion of renewable energy has not changed, nor the fundamentals which they are ruled with, and their share in world electricity generation reached almost 27% in 2019; currently, solar PV and onshore wind are already the cheapest way to incorporate new electricity generating plants in most countries. Disruptions to the renewable energy supply chain, caused by the COVID-19 crisis, slowed the progress of any project globally during the first six months of 2020, however, plants construction and manufacturing activity intensified again starting in the second half of the year and logistical challenges were mostly resolved with the easing of cross-border restrictions. The purpose of this article is to carry out an analysis of the development of the energy market of the second renewable source with the highest installed capacity in Mexico and the first with highest installed capacity in Tamaulipas: onshore wind and its trends that predominate globally.

La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre la Coordinación Motora (CM) con el Índice de Masa Corporal en escolares chilenos de entre 7 y 9 años. El estudio fue observacional de corte transversal, con características descriptivas y correlacionales. Se evaluarona 180 escolares (90 mujeres de 8.4 ± 0.9 años y 90 hombres de 8.5± 0.9 años). Se midieron variables antropométricas de peso y talla. Se calculó el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). La coordinación motora (CM) se evaluó utilizando la batería de Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK). Los resultados mostraron que en las mujeres el grupo Normopeso tenía un mejor desempeño en la transposición lateral que los grupos Sobrepeso y Obesidad (p˂0.05). En los hombres, el grupo Normopeso superó al grupo Obesidad en los saltos monopedales (p˂0.05). Además, al analizar las diferencias entre sexos, se determinó que las mujeres registraron mayor puntaje que los hombres en el equilibrio a la retaguardia (p

La horticultura urbana y periurbana (HUP) presenta grandes desafíos, como la poca disponibilidad en el suministro del agua y de tierra. No existen datos sobre la cantidad de agua que se utiliza para la producción de hortalizas en la Ciudad de México (CDMX). Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue la estimación de los rendimientos y la productividad del agua para dos hortalizas representativas en jardines urbanos: lechuga romana y tomate cherry en 13 huertos urbanos de la CDMX. Asimismo, se estimó el volumen de agua de lluvia que se puede almacenar en cada huerto, utilizando la estación meteorológica más cercana. El rendimiento y la eficiencia del uso del agua para la producción de lechuga oscilaron entre 0.10 y 1.20 kg m-2, así como de 0.21 a 2.93 kg m-3 de agua, respectivamente. Estos indicadores, para el caso de tomate cherry, estuvieron entre 0.25 y 3.40 kg m-2 y entre 0.32 y 5.52 kg m-3 de agua, respectivamente. El riego en los huertos se hace de manera empírica y utilizando agua potable; el exceso en el suministro de agua puede ir de 0.27 a 0.4 m3 m-2 para un ciclo completo de lechuga y tomate cherry, respectivamente. Utilizando una probabilidad de excedencia del 80 %, se estimó la captación de agua de lluvia para todo el año, generando un almacenamiento acumulado entre 0.261 y 0.5215 m3 m-2 en los huertos urbanos. Esta cantidad de agua podría suplir los requerimientos hídricos de lechuga (de 0.128 a 0.389 m3 m-2) o tomate cherry (de 0.145 a 0.569 m3 m-2) para un ciclo completo.

O presente estudo, que se enquadra no paradigma qualitativo, de natureza descritiva e interpretativa, foi realizado no âmbito da Prática Pedagógica desenvolvido numa turma do 1º ano do 1º CEB, incidindo sobre a área da Cidadania. Com este estudo, procurou compreender-se que estereótipos de género eram evidenciados por alunos de uma turma do 1º ano de escolaridade e se estes estereótipos poderiam sofrer influência de atividades de desconstrução de papeis de género, com recurso a personagens e heróis de histórias e filmes para a infância. Assim, recorrendo a um conjunto de atividades – leitura e discussão da história “O Jaime é uma sereia”, visualização e discussão de excertos dos filmes “Como treinares o teu dragão” e “Brave – Indomável” com atribuição de caraterísticas ao género feminino e masculino e leitura e discussão da história “As raparigas também podem...”, procuramos desconstruir alguns dos estereótipos que encontramos na nossa primeira entrevista, sendo estes estereótipos de papéis de género e de traços de género. Os resultados obtidos permitem-nos concluir que existem efetivamente estereótipos de género por parte das crianças, sendo os rapazes os que mais demonstram estereótipos. Por sua vez, embora as atividades implementadas tenham tido algum impacto, não modificaram de forma significativa os estereótipos apresentados inicialmente.

Abstract The H9c2 myoblast cell line, isolated from the left ventricular tissue of rat, is currently used in vitro as a mimetic for skeletal and cardiac muscle due to its biochemical, morphological, and electrical/hormonal signaling properties. During culture, H9c2 cells acquire a myotube phenotype, where a critical component is the inclusion of retinoic acid (RA). The results from some authors on H9c2 suggested that thousands of genes respond to RA stimuli, while others report hundreds of genes responding to RA over different cell types. In this article, using a more appropriate experimental design, we first confirm the H9c2 cardiac phenotype with and without RA and report transcriptomic and physiological changes regarding calcium handling, bioenergetics, and other biological concepts. Interestingly, of the 2360 genes showing a transcriptional change, 622 genes were statistically associated with the RA response. Of these genes, only 305 were RA-specific, and the rest also showed a culture-time component. Thus, the major expression changes (from 74 to 87%) were indeed due to culture conditions over time. Unexpectedly, only a few components of the retinol pathway in KEGG responded to RA. Our results show the role of RA in the H9c2 cultures impacting the interpretation using H9c2 as an in vitro model.

A Depressão Pós-Parto (DPP) é uma condição clínica sub diagnosticada no puerpério, porém com grande impacto na saúde pública. O artigo tem como objetivo identificar a incidência de DPP e os fatores de risco associados nas mulheres cujo parto foi realizado no Hospital Universitário de Florianópolis, e descrever seu perfil socioeconômico. Trata-se de um estudo de corte. Foram usados dois parâmetros, um socioeconômico, psicossocial e obstétrico, e a Escala de Depressão Pós-Natal de Edimburgo (EPDS) nas 48 horas pós-parto. O último foi replicado seis semanas após. Foi interpretado como provável DPP escore na EPDS ≥ 11. Foram utilizados os testes de Qui-quadrado para associação entre variáveis selecionadas como possíveis fatores de risco para DPP. A análise epidemiológica foi realizada a partir dos riscos absolutos e relativos. Resultados: 148 mulheres foram incluídas no estudo. A incidência de DPP nas 48 horas após o parto foi de 22,97%, e seis semanas após correspondeu a 31,5% da amostra. Os fatores de risco encontrados em ambos os momentos foram: diagnóstico prévio de transtorno psiquiátrico; hiperêmese gravídica na última gestação e relação perturbada com o cônjuge. Os fatores de proteção comuns incluíram satisfação com o corpo e com a notícia da gravidez. O escore ≥ 11 na EPDS no pós-parto imediato foi associado como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de DPP seis semanas após e para o risco de causar dano a si mesma. Conclui-se que a incidência elevada de DPP está relacionada com história pregressa e fatores sociais, demonstrando a importância da investigação precoce no período perinatal, para prevenção e tratamento adequado da mesma.

Abstract Objective We studied the microbiological profile of periprosthetic knee infections treated in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Methods The study included all patients undergoing revision surgery for total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) between November 2019 and December 2021, with a diagnosis of periprosthetic infection confirmed per the 2018 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) criteria. Results Sixty-two patients had a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) per the 2018 ICM criteria. Cultures were monomicrobial in 79% and polymicrobial in 21% of cases. The most frequent bacterium in microbiological tissue and synovial fluid cultures was Staphylococcus aureus, observed in 26% of PJI patients. Periprosthetic joint infection with negative cultures occurred in 23% of patients. Conclusion Our results show the following: i) a high prevalence of Staphylococcus as an etiological agent for knee PJI; ii) a high incidence of polymicrobial infections in early infections; iii) the occurrence of PJI with negative cultures in approximately one fourth of the subjects.

In 2008, bacilli from 2 Hansen disease (leprosy) cases were identified as a new species, Mycobacterium lepromatosis. We conducted a systematic review of studies investigating M. lepromatosis as a cause of HD. Twenty-one case reports described 27 patients with PCR–confirmed M. lepromatosis infection (6 dual M. leprae/M. lepromatosis): 10 case-patients in the United States (7 originally from Mexico), 6 in Mexico, 3 in the Dominican Republic, 2 each in Singapore and Myanmar, and 1 each in Indonesia, Paraguay, Cuba, and Canada. Twelve specimen surveys reported 1,098 PCR–positive findings from 1,428 specimens, including M. lepromatosis in 44.9% (133/296) from Mexico, 3.8% (5/133) in Colombia, 12.5% (10/80) in Brazil, and 0.9% (2/224) from the Asia-Pacific region. Biases toward investigating M. lepromatosis as an agent in cases of diffuse lepromatous leprosy or from Mesoamerica precluded conclusions about clinicopathologic manifestations and geographic distribution. Current multidrug treatments seem effective for this infection.

In this work, Titania was modified by sulfation or fluorination and platinum on the surface to improve the Cr (VI) reduction efficiency compared to the bare TiO2 material synthesized by the sol-gel method. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, SBET, UV-Vis DRS, XRF, TEM, FTIR, and XPS. The modifications led to higher stability in the Anatase phase and surface area of this semiconductor. The addition of F and Pt in TiO2 led to absorption increases in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. A correlation between the new physicochemical properties obtained after TiO2 modification and the photocatalytic performance of this material was observed. The best result in chromium reduction was obtained using Pt-S-TiO2 as the photocatalyst; this material showed a suitable combination of surface area, high UV-Vis absorption, high hydroxylation, and the existence of Pt nanoparticles on the surface, which favors an increased electron-hole pair half-life. Different reaction parameters were also evaluated, which demonstrated that the best photocatalytic performance was obtained under an N2 atmosphere, a light intensity of 120 W/m2, and 2 hours of total reaction time. Likewise, it was noted that an increase in reaction time from 2 to 5 hours, had a detrimental effect on reducing Cr (VI) efficiency.

Thalassemias, inherited diseases of hemoglobin synthesis, are characterized by the presence of deficient hemoglobin chains that deposit in red blood cells, inducing hemolytic anemia. Extramedullary hematopoiesis represents a compensatory picture that usually affects the liver, the spleen, and lymph nodes. The involvement of the epidural space with spinal cord compression is extremely rare. Our objective was to describe the case of RMS, 31 years old, male, β-thalassemia major carrier, admitted with 2-month progressive paraparesis and urinary retention due to medullary compression by extramedullary hematopoietic tissue and thoracic arachnoid cyst, and to discuss therapeutic options. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an extensive intraspinal and extramedullary lesion with homogeneous contrast enhancement of T3-T11 in addition to a T1-T3 cystic lesion isointense to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). After the presumed diagnosis of spinal cord compression by proliferative hematopoietic tissue, a 10-session fractional radiotherapy treatment was immediately performed. After the radiotherapy treatment, the neurological deficits of the patient persisted despite the excellent image response with almost complete disappearance of the intraspinal mass. However, the MRI showed a persistent T1-T3 cystic lesion with significant mass effect on the spinal cord. The patient was submitted to microsurgery for total resection of this cystic lesion. In the postoperative period, the patient improved his sphincter control and motor deficits. Medullary compression by extramedullary epidural hematopoiesis is a rare complication in thalassemic patients and may be treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy. There are successful cases with the exclusive use of radiotherapy, especially in extensive lesions.

Introducción. La nueva era de la cirugía es cada vez más dependiente de la tecnología, y un ejemplo de ello es el uso generalizado de electrocauterio como parte primordial de la práctica quirúrgica. El humo quirúrgico es un subproducto de la disección y la coagulación de los tejidos producidas por los equipos de energía, que representa múltiples riesgos potenciales para la salud del grupo quirúrgico, sin embargo, se han minimizado los peligros causados por la exposición de manera frecuente y acumulativa a este aerosol. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis crítico, desde una posición reflexiva de la información disponible, estableciendo los posibles riesgos relacionados con la exposición al humo quirúrgico. Discusión. Es visible la necesidad imperativa de establecer directrices nacionales, pautas normativas y recomendaciones estandarizadas para cumplir con las exigencias dadas por los sistemas de gestión en salud ocupacional y seguridad del trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es hacer efectivo el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas apropiadas, la implementación de programa de vigilancia epidemiológica ambiental en sala de cirugía, la priorización del uso constante de aspiradores y sistemas de evacuación, y la ejecución de programas educativos de sensibilización dirigidos al personal implicado. De igual manera, se abre la inquietud de la necesidad de nuevos estudios para definir con mayor precisión el peligro de este aerosol. Conclusión. Se recomienda de manera responsable utilizar todas las estrategias preventivas existentes para intervenir en salas de cirugía los riesgos minimizados y olvidados del humo quirúrgico.

Abstract We report the first record of the microlepidopteran Plodia interpunctella beyond the South Shetland Islands at the Chilean Yelcho scientific station (64°52′33.1428″ S; 63°35′1.9572″ W), Doumer Island, close to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is notable that P. interpunctella, a globally distributed stored product pest species, exhibits a remarkable capacity for prolonged viability within food storage facilities. The dual challenges of food transportation and storage in the context of Antarctica's challenging operational conditions may have facilitated P. interpunctella's initial arrival to the Antarctic region. Non‐perishable food items, such as grains, flour and rice, provide practical options for the bulk food transportation and storage required in the long‐term operation of Antarctic research stations. The presence of P. interpunctella in Antarctica, even if restricted to synanthropic environments within buildings, is a clear threat to Antarctic biodiversity, not only through being an invasive species itself but also as a potential vector for other non‐native species (bacteria, acari, between others.), which could carry diseases to the native species.

Los espacios universitarios originan ideas emprendedoras que suelen evidenciarse en tareas de aula y algunas se materializan en emprendimientos reales. Esta investigación busca comprender mediante evidencia empírica como las características creativas presentes en el entorno académico inciden sobre el Desarrollo de Madurez Tecnológica (TRL). Es una investigación de alcance correlacional transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo, no experimental, de muestra no probabilística consecutiva obtenida mediante instrumento ad hoc validado por juicio de expertos, con cobertura del 77% las Instituciones de Educación Superior del territorio estudiado. A partir de un análisis factorial exploratorio con SPSS y uno confirmatorio con AMOS se identifican como factores creativos determinantes los conocimientos específicos, la motivación para emprender y el impacto buscado. Paralelamente recurriendo al análisis con Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNA) se propone un modelo de importancia normalizada de los factores con el 67.2% de asertividad.

Traveling with the intention of encountering art or seeking purification of the spirit involves retribution of intangible nature and therefore can be expected to be a positive experience; nevertheless, among susceptible travelers, there is also a possibility of experiencing pathological conditions. Although it is colloquially known that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, it is necessary to mention that the appreciation of beauty, immensity, or mysticism contained in masterpieces is not perceived only through the eyes but through other sense organs as well. Additionally, this is understood within a cultural framework and through previous knowledge. The reaction triggers a series of somatosensory responses of diverse nature, with a wide range of responses that together constitute a pathological phenomenon that can be defined as syndromic by eliciting signs and symptoms of a physical, physiological, and psychotic nature. Both Stendhal and Jerusalem syndromes are travelers’ syndromes that may occur in response to objectively aesthetic elements saturated with meaning linked to the cultural heritage of contemporary humanity. While Stendhal syndrome evokes physical and psychoemotional symptoms from the contemplation of art, Jerusalem syndrome goes beyond perception, adding delusions of being a religious or prophetic protagonist pursuing individual or collective salvation.

Ovarian cancers are a complex and heterogenic group of malignancies that are difficult to detect, diagnose and treat. Fortunately, considerable knowledge of ovarian cancer specific biomarkers has been generated, that is pertinent to the development of novel theranostic platforms by combining therapies and diagnostics. Genomic and proteomic data has been invaluable in providing critical biomolecular targets for ovarian cancer theranostic approaches. Exploitation of the wealth of biomarker research that has been conducted offers viable targets as beacons for ovarian cancer detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic targeting. These markers can be used in theranostics, a treatment strategy that combines therapy and diagnostics and is common in nuclear medicine, where radionuclides are used for both diagnosis and treatment. The development of theranostics has taken substantial focus in recent years in the battle against ovarian cancer. Yet to date only one theranostic technology has emerged in clinical practice. However, given the wealth of ovarian cancer biomarkers the field is poised to see the emergence of revolutionary disease treatment and monitoring outcomes through their incorporation into the development of theranostic strategies. The future of ovarian cancer treatment is set to enable precise diagnosis, targeted treatment, and vigilant monitoring. This review aims to assess the status of ovarian cancer diagnostic tools and biomarkers in practice, clinical development, or pre-clinical development, highlighting newly emerging theranostic applications.

Editorial

O presente escrito teve como objetivo identificar os docentes que atuaram e atuam no Departamento de Geografia (DGE), Campus Natal, numa tentativa de reconstruir a história da Ciência Geográfica potiguar. A pesquisa bibliográfica e documental foi o caminho metodológico adotado, com vistas a ressaltar os diversos profissionais contribuíram para a consolidação da Geografia como um campo científico. Como resultados, identificou-se os docentes que compuseram a história do DGE, sua formação, áreas de atuação e pesquisas. Também, foi elaborado um quadro de questões que possibilitará construir uma narrativa geo-histórica da ciência geográfica no Rio Grande do Norte.

The use of solar heat as energy input for the synthesis of some types of nanomaterials with great demand provides an alternative to the utilization of energy from the grid or other sources, which often come from fossil fuels. Thus, it can be seen as a valid approach to green chemistry. In this work, the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) through a wet chemical method, using low-temperature solar heat is investigated. The concept of compound parabolic concentrator was employed to construct a solar collector which also served as a synthesis reactor. Solar radiation was concentrated on the outer surface of a tubular receiver, while the synthesis reaction occurred inside. The natural fluctuations of solar radiation caused the synthesis temperature to vary between 50 and 70°C. Three solar syntheses were done at these conditions. For comparison, three other syntheses were done at 50, 60, and 70°C of constant temperature, in an electric hot plate, under controlled laboratory conditions and using electricity from the grid. Crystalline clusters of nanoflakes with sizes between 40.4 and 55.7 nm of pure ZnO were obtained using solar heat, remarkably similar in shape and size to those made in the laboratory at 50°C. However, a slightly lower bandgap energy of 3.27 eV was attained. The band gap energies of the ZnO grown at 50, 60, and 70°C were 3.28, 3.31, and 3.29 eV, respectively. In the ultraviolet range, nearly 90% of absorbance was observed for all the ZnO manufactured, regardless of the synthesis temperature. Therefore, these results may help demonstrate that it is feasible to produce high-quality ZnO with low-temperature solar heat, establishing a new green approach for the synthesis of nanomaterials.

The limited arsenal of antifungal drugs have prompted the search for novel molecules with biological activity. This study aimed to characterize the antifungal mechanism of action of Eugenia uniflora extract and its synergistic activity with commercially available antifungal drugs on the following Candida species: C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. dubliniensis. In silico analysis was performed to predict antifungal activity of the major compounds present in the extract. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined in the presence of exogenous ergosterol and sorbitol. Yeast cells were grown in the presence of stressors. The loss of membrane integrity was assessed using propidium iodide staining (fluorescence emission). Synergism between the extract and antifungal compounds (in addition to time kill-curves) was determined. Molecular docking revealed possible interactions between myricitrin and acid gallic and enzymes involved in ergosterol and cell wall biosynthesis. Candida cells grown in the presence of the extract with addition of exogenous ergosterol and sorbitol showed 2 to 8-fold increased MICs. Strains treated with the extract revealed greater loss of membrane integrity when compared to their Fluconazole counterparts, but this effect was less pronounced than the membrane damage caused by Amphotericin B. The extract also made the strains more susceptible to Congo red and Calcofluor white. A synergistic action of the extract with Fluconazole and Micafungin was observed. The E. uniflora extract may be a viable option for the treatment of Candida infections.

IntroductionRecent outbreaks of monkeypox (Mpox) have occurred in countries outside of Africa, with large numbers of cases spreading rapidly to almost every continent. We aimed to analyze the correlation between the Global Health Security (GHS) Index (categories and indicators) and the Mpox case rate in different regions and globally.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we used data from Mpox cases from the WHO, and the GHS categories and indicators for detection, prevention, reporting, health system, rapid response, international norms compliance, and risk environment. Outcome measures were the relationship between GHS index (categories and indicators) and Mpox case rate using crude and adjusted non-linear regression models.ResultsAfter performing adjusted analyses, only risk environment and detection and reporting index were associated with Mpox case rates in the 99 countries and the Region of the Americas, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) indicators of the prevention category, risk communication of the rapid response category, the joint external evaluation and performance veterinary services of the norms category, and the infrastructure adequacy of the risk environment category were associated with Mpox case rates in the 99 countries (pConclusionsCountries, particularly in the Americas region, with high levels of infrastructure adequacy and laboratory system strength and quality as measured by the GHS index are better equipped to detect more Mpox cases. Therefore, they have higher Mpox case detection rates and can successfully respond to Mpox outbreaks.

Antecedentes: La anestesia de pacientes con obesidad mórbida es un desafío, principalmente para brindarles una técnica anestésica segura, ayudar a una recuperación rápida, sin depresión respiratoria, sin dolor y con baja incidencia de náusea y/o vómito post operatorio (NVPO). Objetivo: Comparar dos técnicas anestesicas generales balanceadas usando desflurane con una concentración MAC 0.8-1, vs. desflurane MAC > 1.0, ambas suplementadas con fentanilo en perfusión continua. Material y meÌÂÂÂtodo: Revisamos retrospectivamente 347 expedientes de pacientes con obesidad mórbida sometidos consecutivamente a cirugía bariátrica. Se dividieron en 2 grupos, el grupo de desflurane 0.8-1.0 CAM (CAMbajo), vs. el grupo de desflurane > 1.0 CAM (CAMstandard), combinado con una perfusión continua de Fentanilo en ambos grupos. Resultados: Las variables demográficas de los grupos comparados no tuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Se usaron dosis medias totales de fentanilo: grupo de CAMbajo ± SD 1,563 (± 532.88) μg en el grupo de CAMstandard ± SD 1,343 (± 256.6) μg (p = 0.003). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativa en el consumo de analgésicos postoperatorios ni en la frecuencia de NVPO. A pesar del uso de dosis moderadas de fentanilo no se documentó ningún caso de depresión respiratoria postoperatoria. Conclusiones: Ésta técnica anestésica con dosis moderadas de fentanilo es segura y factible en pacientes con obesidad mórbida sometidos a cirugía bariátrica.

Antecedentes: La calcificación arterial de la capa media en el pie (CAMP) es un factor predictivo de morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular en diabéticos. La puntuación de CAMP es una herramienta para describir con radiografías simples la carga de calcificación arterial infra maleolar. Objetivo: Determinar el grado de asociación entre CAMP con el riesgo de amputación mayor. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo de cohortes analizando radiografías de extremidades con pie diabético del 1 marzo de 2021 al 31 julio de 2022. Se clasificaron según su puntuación CAMP y se registraron las intervenciones realizadas a 6 meses; se realizó prueba de chi cuadrada y riesgo relativo para determinar asociación significativa entre CAMP grave y amputación mayor. Resultados: De 102 extremidades estudiadas, se encontró CAMP grave en 37 pacientes (35.9%); 28 sufrieron amputación mayor, con una estimación de riesgo significativa (RR: 3.28, IC: 95% 1.985-5.428). Conclusión: CAMP grave en paciente con pie diabético aumenta 3.2 veces el riesgo de una amputación mayor durante los 6 meses posteriores a la aparición de una úlcera.

The circular economy and sustainable development are critical issues today, given the growing environmental pollution caused by solid waste, especially plastics. Furthermore, plastic waste has raised significant social concerns and alerted plastic product designers. Therefore, developing or redesigning plastic products in the flexible packaging industry is imperative to ensure their recyclability at the end of their life cycle. It is necessary to ensure that the mechanical and barrier properties of the ecological plastic packaging remain intact for specific uses. The current study aims to redesign flexible packaging, focusing on providing the mechanical and barrier properties of the packaging suitable for food industry applications, thus offering a solution through new design proposals that allow the development of sustainable and flexible packaging, emphasizing material reduction and recyclability. This study assessed and compared the mechanical properties of the proposed packaging with those of existing products. The results demonstrated the feasibility of reducing plastic film thickness or eliminating layers in a tri-laminated structure and transitioning to a bi-laminated structure. This adjustment did not compromise the mechanical and barrier properties; the oxygen barrier remained at 35.39 cc/m2*day, and the humidity stood at 0.57 mg/m2*day. This investigation led to a 26.48% reduction in the raw material consumption of laminated coils and 12.68% in Doypack type packaging used in food applications. Consequently, the decreased material usage and adoption of monomaterial structures significantly minimized the environmental impact of plastic waste contamination due to the possibility of mechanically recycling the final product.

La etnoeducación permite avanzar hacia la interculturalidad, reconociendo las diversidades de culturas con que cuenta el estado colombiano; sin embargo, no se evidencia una ruta formativa clara como proyecto social que reivindique el saber de las comunidades y que permita fortalecer los procesos de identidad cultural necesarios para la pervivencia de los Pueblos Originarios. El objetivo del trabajo es responder si la etnoeducación aporta a la promoción del desarrollo sustentable desde el acto edagógico de los Pueblos Originarios. Para lograrlo se hizo una revisión literaria de las publicaciones más citadas de los años 2017 a 2021 en las bases de datos Scopus, Web Of Science y Dimensions, seleccionadas por el idioma inglés, español y las palabras clave indexadas en el diccionario Tesauros de la UNESCO. En el análisis de la producción científica se utilizaron las herramientas Cienciométricas RStudio-Cloud, Bibliometrix y el método de Tree of Science (ToS). Asimismo, se manipuló los softwares VOSviewer y Gephi para identificar las subáreas de investigación y generar la red de conocimiento. El trabajo permitió marcar la evolución de la producción científica anual con 1.124 documento científicos, el mapa temático con tópicos emergentes relacionados a pedagogía, docencia, cultura, conocimientos ancestrales y la red de conocimiento forjada por los autores más importantes para este trabajo. Como conclusión principal se identificó que los procesos educativos deben surgir desde las comunidades étnicas, los cuales buscan transmitir las prácticas ancestrales, impulsar la sustentabilidad, educar al ser sin adaptarlo a doctrinas y modelos educativos desarrollistas.

Background:. High-definition liposculpture allowed plastic surgeons to achieve better aesthetic results by carving the underlying muscles and contours in a new way. Several authors have improved the original technique by adding other procedures and new technologies. We designed a new improvement by incorporating bone transformation surgery to overcome the lack of silhouette at the waist and, as a result, optimize the breast-waist-hip ratios. Methods:. We carried out a prospective multicenter study, with five different surgeons performing the same rib remodeling technique for waist definition. We used an ultrasonic piece for costal corticotomy and real-time ultrasound imaging to perform green-stick fractures over the last two or three floating ribs. Ours is a new technique based on the prior one described by Kudzaev. Results:. We reported 131 consecutive patients who were enrolled in this study. Waistline diameter decreased an average of 8 cm after surgery (P < 0.05). Most patients were women (n = 125, 95.4%). No major complications were reported. Most common complication was prolonged pain, with only three cases of contour asymmetry, all of which were attributable to noncompliance of constantly wearing the corset + compressive garments. Patients reported a high satisfaction rate and fast recovery (Body-QoL survey). Conclusions:. Ultrasonic- and ultrasound- assisted indentation surgery of the thorax is a safe and reliable technique for waistline definition, with a high satisfaction rate, almost-invisible scars, and minimal risk for complications. Incorporation of high-definition liposculpture to rib remodeling opens up a new horizon for bone structure modification surgery (S-high-definition remodeling) that can be safely performed for patients who seek better aesthetic outcomes in body contouring.

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar la calidad de vida de estudiantes de pregrado de la FOUCE durante la pandemia mediante el cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF. Metodología: Se presenta una investigación No experimental, trasversal de alcance descriptivo-relacional, ejecutada previa aprobación de las autoridades. De un universo de 741 estudiantes en el período 2020-2021, cuyos datos fueron manejados siguiendo los criterios éticos internacionales de confidencialidad; a través de una aleatorización equitativa sin sectorización se obtuvo la muestra establecida para el levantamiento de la información, obteniendo la autorización correspondiente para la participación de forma voluntaria mediante firma de consentimiento informado adjunto al cuestionario en Google Forms, con 26 ítems, instrumento que fue aplicado en los meses de enero a mayo del 2022, los datos recolectados fueron almacenados en una base, analizados mediante estadística descriptiva, e inferencial incluyendo frecuencias, medidas de tendencia central, dispersión e hipótesis de asociación mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v23. Resultados: Existe una percepción de la calidad entre bastante buena y muy buena del 50% de la muestra, mientras que, el 10% refirió calidad de vida entre muy mal y regular y, únicamente el 40% como normal calidad de vida, en puntuaciones totales y de forma homogénea 30% del total de la muestra evidenció una calidad de vida entre baja y alta, como dato relevante el 50% de los investigados refirió calidad de vida promedio. Conclusiones: La modalidad de aprendizaje en línea permitió que los estudiantes generen procesos adaptativos sobre todo en la adquisición de competencias autodidacticas.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology offer promising solution to mitigate the threatening consequences of large-scale anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Within this context, this report investigates the influence of NiO deposition on the Li4SiO4 surface during the CO2 capture process and its catalytic behavior in hydrogen production via dry methane reforming. Results demonstrate that the NiO impregnation method modifies microstructural features of Li4SiO4, which positively impact the CO2 capture properties of the material. In particular, the NiO–Li4SiO4 sample captured twice as much CO2 as the pristine Li4SiO4 material, 6.8 and 3.4 mmol of CO2 per gram of ceramic at 675 and 650 °C, respectively. Additionally, the catalytic results reveal that NiO–Li4SiO4 yields a substantial hydrogen production (up to 55 %) when tested in the dry methane reforming reaction. Importantly, this conversion remains stable after 2.5 h of reaction and is selective for hydrogen production. This study highlights the potential of Li4SiO4 both a support and a captor for a sorption-enhanced dry reforming of methane. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showcasing the effectiveness of Li4SiO4 as an active support for Ni-based catalysis in the dry reforming of methane. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of this composite as a dual-functional material for carbon dioxide capture and conversion.

Resumen: Objetivo: determinar si el índice neutrófilo linfocito es un factor asociado a la mortalidad en los pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico grave; con la finalidad de establecer un marcador rápido de evolución desfavorable y desenlaces adversos en estos pacientes. Material y Métodos: se revisó la historia clínica de 238 pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico grave atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo durante el periodo 2016-2022. Resultados: el índice neutrófilo linfocito no mostró una asociación significativa con la mortalidad (HRc 1,97; IC95%; 0,82-4,72) (p > 0,5). El análisis bivariado y multivariado donde se asoció la intervención de otras variables, determinó que la anisocoria aumentaba en 4 veces el riesgo de muerte (HRc 4,1; IC95%; 1,86-9,04) (p < 0,001), el shock aumentaba en 6 veces el riesgo de muerte (HRc 6,64; IC95%; 2,49-17,73) (p < 0,001), y la hipernatremia incrementó al doble el riesgo de muerte (HRc 2,24; IC95%; 1,005-4,82) (p < 0,04). Conclusiones: se encontró que la anisocoria, shock estancia hospitalaria y escala del coma Glasgow al ingreso son predictores independientes de mortalidad. Abstract: Objective: To determine if the neutrophil-lymphocyte index is a factor associated with mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. In order to establish a rapid marker of unfavorable evolution and adverse outcomes in these patients. Material and methods: The clinical history of 238 patients with severe traumatic brain injury treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Trujillo Regional Teaching Hospital during the period 2016-2022 was reviewed. Results: The neutrophil-lymphocyte index did not show a significant association with mortality (HRc 1.97 95% CI 0.82-4.72) (p>0.5). The bivariate and multivariate analysis where the intervention of other variables was associated, determined that anisocoria increased the risk of death by 4 times (HRc 4.1; IC95%; 1.86-9.04) (p

Postglacial vegetation colonization that followed ice retreat and proglacial lakes drainage in north-eastern America occurred rapidly, more rapidly than expected based on the modern dispersal capacities of boreal mixedwood trees. Paleo-islands from proglacial Lake Ojibway in Québec (Canada) were afforested early, before the final drainage of the lake. We hypothesized that these paleo-islands could have acted as outposts of migration and thus, could explain the rapid afforestation of lowlands observed. To determine if postglacial colonization occurred as a south-north front from the southern margin of Lake Ojibway or if islands acted as migration outposts, we estimated the date of first arrival of the main taxa of the current boreal mixedwood forest. We studied southern sites never covered by proglacial Lake Ojibway, sites that were islands within Lake Ojibway, and northern lowland sites that were liberated after the final drainage of proglacial Lake Ojibway. Taxa arrival was estimated as a sharp rise of the pollen percentage or as the occurrence of macro-remains within the sediments of small lakes dated with radiocarbon. Then we compared migration scenarios where colonization occurred gradually from south to north from the southern margin of proglacial Lake Ojibway and where paleo-islands of Lake Ojibway were first colonized through long-distance dispersal, thus becoming sources of seeds readily available to colonize lowland sites after the final drainage of Lake Ojibway. Finally, we compared the migration rates from the scenarios with the current mean dispersal capacities of the studied taxa. The migration rates estimated without taking the paleo-islands into account are too slow to explain the rapid afforestation observed following the final drainage of proglacial Lake Ojibway. Only the migration rates estimated from the scenarios with paleo-islands were comparable to the current mean dispersal capacity of the boreal mixedwood taxa. Thus, paleo-islands acted as stepping stones during postglacial migration, which explains why the lowlands were rapidly colonized. Larger paleo-islands and those located closer to the southern margin of the proglacial Lake were colonized first, in line with the theory of island biogeography.

Aprender a Aprender (AaA) es una competencia clave para el aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida. Las concepciones docentes son un vehículo para conocer el trasfondo cultural desde el que los docentes promueven o no esta competencia. Los objetivos del estudio consisten en identificar creencias y concepciones docentes, y analizar su correspondencia con el modelo teórico del AaA. Se analizan datos obtenidos de una entrevista realizada a cuatro docentes de prescolar de la zona metropolitana de la Ciudad de México como parte de un proyecto coordinado por el Istituto Nazionale per la Valutazione del Sistema Educativo di Istruzione e di Formazione (Italia). La metodología de análisis es cualitativa e interpretativa y se enmarca en la tradición sociocultural. Se identificaron cuatro concepciones estrechas y ocho creencias que expresan parte del sustrato cultural por medio del cual los docentes favorecen o no el AaA. Los resultados tienen el potencial para desarrollar procesos de formación docente y orientar la toma de decisiones pedagógicas para promover el AaA. Teachers´ beliefs and conceptions about learning to learn in preschool. A sociocultural approach Abstract Learning to Learn (L2L) is a key competence for lifelong learning. Teacher conceptions are a vehicle to know the cultural background from which teachers promote or do not promote this competence. The objectives of the study are to identify teaching beliefs and conceptions and to analyze their correspondence with the theoretical model of L2L. Data obtained from an interview with four preschool teachers in the metropolitan area of Mexico City as part of a project coordinated by the Istituto Nazionale per la Valutazione del Sistema Educativo di Istruzione e di Formazione (Italy) are analyzed. The methodology of analysis is qualitative and interpretative, and is framed in the sociocultural tradition. Four narrowed conceptions and eight beliefs were identified that express part of the cultural substratum through which teachers do or do not support L2L development from a socio-affective perspective. The results have the potential to develop teacher training processes and guide pedagogical decision making to promote L2L.

BackgroundThe “Bridge Project” is a Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude (MAS) initiative developed in 2019 to improve access, accuracy, and timeliness of specialized diagnostic studies for patients with suspected acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The project strategy relies on service centralization to improve service delivery, biological characterization, risk-group classification, and support proper treatment allocation.MethodsThis is an ongoing prospective multisite intersectoral quality improvement (QI) project available to all patients 0-18 years of age presenting with suspected ALL to the 14 actively participating institutions in 12 Mexican states. Institutions send specimens to one centralized laboratory. From a clinical standpoint, the project secures access to a consensus-derived comprehensive diagnostic panel. From a service delivery standpoint, we assess equity, timeliness, effectiveness, and patient-centeredness. From an implementation science standpoint, we document feasibility, utility, and appropriateness of the diagnostic panel and centralized approach. This analysis spans from July 2019 to June 2023.Results612 patients have accessed the project. The median age was 6 years (IQR 3-11), and 53% were males. 94% of the specimens arrived within 48 hours, which documents the feasibility of the centralized model, and 100% of the patients received precise and timely diagnostic results, which documents the effectiveness of the approach. Of 505 (82.5%) patients with confirmed ALL, 463/505 (91.6%) had B-cell ALL, and 42/505 (8.3%) had T-cell ALL. High-hyperdiploidy was detected by DNA index in 36.6% and hypodiploidy in 1.6%. 76.6% of the patients had conclusive karyotype results. FISH studies showed t(12;21) in 15%, iAMP21 in 8.5%, t(1;19) in 7.5%, t(4;11) in 4.2%, t(9;22) in 3.2%, del(9)(p21) in 1.8%, and TRA/D (14)(q11.2) rearrangement in 2.4%. Among B-cell ALL patients, 344/403 (85.1%) had Day 15 MRD

IntroductionAppendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal surgery in children. The clinical course of appendicitis ranges from simple to complex appendicitis. The mechanisms underlying the heterogeneity of appendicitis in children remain largely unclear. Dysregulated T cell responses play an important role in several inflammatory diseases of the intestine, but the extend of T cell dysregulation in appendicitis in children is less well known.MethodsTo characterize appendiceal T cells in simple and complex appendicitis we performed in-depth immunophenotyping of appendiceal-derived T cells by flow cytometry and correlated this to appendiceal-derived microbiota analyses of the same patient.ResultsAppendix samples of twenty children with appendicitis (n = 8 simple, n = 12 complex) were collected. T cells in complex appendicitis displayed an increased differentiated phenotype compared to simple appendicitis, including a loss of both CD27 and CD28 by CD4+ T cells and to a lesser extent by CD8+ T cells. Frequencies of phenotypic tissue-resident memory CD69+CD4+ T cells and CD69+CD8+ T cells were decreased in children with complex compared to simple appendicitis, indicating disruption of local tissue-resident immune responses. In line with the increased differentiated phenotype, cytokine production of in particular IL-17A by CD4+ T cells was increased in children with complex compared to simple appendicitis. Furthermore, frequencies of IL-17A+ CD4+ T cells correlated with a dysregulation of the appendiceal microbiota in children with complex appendicitis.ConclusionIn conclusion, disruption of local T cell responses, and enhanced pro-inflammatory Th17 responses correlating to changes in the appendiceal microbiota were observed in children with complex compared to simple appendicitis. Further studies are needed to decipher the role of a dysregulated network of microbiota and Th17 cells in the development of complex appendicitis in children.

Purpose: This study compares the average speed, knee flexor peak torque and shear modulus of the hamstrings after a repeated sprint task, in football players of different competitive levels and playing positions.Methods: Fifty-four football field players without hamstring strain injury history participated, 15 being categorized as professional (2nd league) and 39 as semi-professional (17 in 3rd and 22 in 4th league). Muscle shear modulus was assessed using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography at rest and at 20% of maximal voluntary isometric effort before and immediately after the repeated sprint protocol.Results: No significant differences were seen in average sprint speed between competitive levels (p = 0.07; η2p = 0.28) and positions (p = 0.052; η2p = 0.29). Moreover, the sprint fatigue index showed no significant differences between competitive levels (p = 0.14; η2p = 0.08) and playing positions (p = 0.89; η2p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in hamstring shear modulus changes between competitive levels (p = 0.94; η2p = 0.03) and positions (p = 0.92; η2p = 0.03). Peak torque changes also showed non-significant association with competitive levels (p = 0.46; η2p = 0.03) and positions (p = 0.60; η2p = 0.02).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the average sprint speed performance parameter and mechanical parameters are not able to distinguish football players of different competitive levels and positions.