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The article presents a study that examines the elastodynamic behavior of mold attachment systems. It explores the behavior of the mechanism like transducer detecting the actions that have been taking place in the injection process. It also views on the role played by the actions on elastic and dynamic behavior.

Rationale: Asthma prevalence and severity are high among underserved minorities, including those of African descent. The Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines is the receptor for Plasmodium vivax on erythrocytes and functions as a chemokine-clearing receptor. Unlike European populations, decreased expression of the receptor on erythrocytes is common among populations of African descent, and results from a functional T-46C polymorphism (rs2814778) in the promoter. This variant provides an evolutionary advantage in malaria-endemic regions, because Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines-negative erythrocytes are more resistant to infection by P. vivax.Objectives: To determine the role of the rs2814778 polymorphism in asthma and atopy as measured by total serum IgE levels among four populations of African descent (African Caribbean, African American, Brazilian, and Colombian) and a European American population.Methods: Family-based association tests were performed in each of the five populations to test for association between the rs2814778 polymorphism and asthma or total IgE concentration.Measurements and Main Results: Asthma was significantly associated with the rs2814778 polymorphism in the African Caribbean, Colombian, and Brazilian families (P < 0.05). High total IgE levels were associated with this variant in African Caribbean and Colombian families (P < 0.05). The variant allele was not polymorphic among European Americans.Conclusions: Susceptibility to asthma and atopy among certain populations of African descent is influenced by a functional polymorphism in the gene encoding Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines. This genetic variant, which confers resistance to malarial parasitic infection, may also partially explain ethnic differences in morbidity of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar blight is a major biotic constraint to wheat in the Gangetic plains of south Asia, particularly in the rice-wheat system. The disease occurs as a complex of spot blotch and tan spot caused by C. sativus and P. tritici-repentis, respectively. Yield losses reach on average 15% but are variable depending on sowing time, years, locations and stress conditions. Resistance breeding has been the cornerstone of the control strategy. Through international agricultural research efforts in collaboration with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), resistance sources from China, Zambia and Brazil were identified and novel germplasm such as synthetic hexaploid wheats derived from crosses with Aegilops tauschiiand tetraploid wheat were generated. Materials resulting from these pre-breeding activities are now combined to adapted spring wheat to produce new high yielding genotypes showing a lower disease progress. Ongoing regional efforts include several wheat nurseries jointly organized by CIMMYT and NARS and specially targeted for warmer wheat growing areas. The stability of resistant genetic stocks remains essential considering that C. sativusis non-specific and forms a continuum of strains that may change rapidly. Although high moisture and temperature are known to favor the disease, little information is available on the exact role of climatic factors on symptom development. Stress factors appear to influence to a great extent disease progress and epidemics, suggesting that crop management practices are a critical component of an integrated disease control. Thus, understanding their role on foliar blight seems imperative when the increasing adoption of zero tillage in rice-wheat may affect inoculum survival and when genotypes more adapted to new tillage practices will be required. The role of alternate hosts and the source of primary inoculum in rice-wheat systems are still not well documented but indications suggest that seed may play an important role in... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A Diagnostic Laboratory Hub (DLH) was set up in Guatemala to provide opportunistic infection (OI) diagnosis for people with HIV (PWH). Methods Patients newly presenting for HIV, PWH not receiving antiretrovirals (ARVs) for >90 days but returned to care (Return/Restart), and PWH on ARVs with symptoms of OIs (ARV treatment) were prospectively included. Screening for tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis was done. Samples were couriered to the DLH, and results were transmitted electronically. Demographic, diagnostic results, disease burden, treatment, and follow-up to 180 days were analyzed. Results In 2017, 1953 patients were included, 923 new HIV infections (an estimated 44% of all new HIV infections in Guatemala), 701 on ARV treatment, and 315 Return/Restart. Three hundred seventeen (16.2%) had an OI: 35.9% tuberculosis, 31.2% histoplasmosis, 18.6% cryptococcosis, 4.4% NTM, and 9.8% coinfections. Histoplasmosis was the most frequent AIDS-defining illness; 51.2% of new patients had <200 CD4 cells/mm3 with a 29.4% OI incidence; 14.3% of OIs in new HIV infections occurred with CD4 counts of 200–350 cells/mm3. OIs were the main risk factor for premature death for new HIV infections. At 180 days, patients with OIs and advanced HIV had 73-fold greater risk of death than those without advanced disease who were OI-free. Conclusions The DLH OI screening approach provides adequate diagnostic services and obtains relevant data. We propose a CD4 screening threshold of <350 cells/mm3. Mortality remains high, and improved interventions are required, including expansion of the DLH and access to antifungal drugs, especially liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen la principal causa de muerte de la población adulta en la mayoría de los países. Los factores de riesgo estarían presentes en edades cada vez más tempranas. Se estudió 120 estudiantes de ambos sexos, entre 17 a 21 años de edad, ingresantes a la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de La Rioja en el año 2007. El 35 % no presentó presión sistólica normal. Un 23,5 % posee un Índice de Masa Corporal por arriba de lo normal. Solamente un 19 % de las mujeres realizan alguna actividad física. Un 66,7 % de las mujeres y un 50 % de los hombres poseen niveles de colesterol por arriba de los aceptables y el 74 % de los hombres tienen riesgo cardiovascular moderado a elevado. La prevalencia observada de factores de riesgo cardiovascular representa un toque de atención dada la juventud de la población considerada.

In this study, the photocatalytic performance of NiO doped Carbon Quantum Dots (NiO@CQD) amphiphilic nanocomposite for the degradation of organic molecules in oil/water emulsion was tested. Hydrothermal, sonochemical and microwave synthetic routes followed by a calcination step were used to obtain the NiO Core. In parallel, CQD were obtained from ethylene glycol by hydrothermal treatment. NiO@CQD nanocomposites were obtained by mixing the individual nanomaterials in water and them, this mixture was hydrothermally. The nanocomposite surface was selectively functionalized with different organic molecules to obtain Janus amphiphilic materials able to stabilize oil/water emulsion. All the materials were characterized by TEM, XRD, DLS, XPS, TGA, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, ATR-IR and Raman spectroscopy, and the emulsion were characterized by optical microscopy and by z-sizer to measure the drop size. The photodegradation tests of the organic molecule of interest in the oil/water emulsion were performed under UV/Vis light and followed by CG-GC in the oil phase, and by UV/Vis spectroscopy in both phases. Different degradation yields were achieved and any evident correlation of the physiochemistry properties of the materials and emulsions were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Early wheezing and asthma are relevant health problems in the tropics. Mite sensitization is an important risk factor, but the roles of others, inherent in poverty, are unknown. We designed a birth-cohort study in Cartagena (Colombia) to investigate genetic and environmental risk factors for asthma and atopy, considering as particular features perennial exposure to mites, parasite infections and poor living conditions. Methods Pregnant women representative of the low-income suburbs of the city were randomly screened for eligibility at delivery; 326 mother-infant pairs were included at baseline and biological samples were collected from birth to 24 months for immunological testing, molecular genetics and gene expression analysis. Pre and post-natal information was collected using questionnaires. Results 94% of families were from the poorest communes of the city, 40% lacked sewage and 11% tap-water. Intestinal parasites were found as early as 3 months; by the second year, 37.9% of children have had parasites and 5.22% detectable eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides in stools (Median 3458 epg, IQR 975-9256). The prevalence of "wheezing ever" was 17.5% at 6 months, 31.1% at 12 months and 38.3% at 24 months; and recurrent wheezing (3 or more episodes) 7.1% at 12 months and 14.2% at 24 months. Maternal rhinitis [aOR 3.03 (95%CI 1.60-5.74), p = 0.001] and male gender [aOR 2.09 (95%CI 1.09 - 4.01), p = 0.026], increased risk for wheezing at 6 months. At 24 months, maternal asthma was the main predisposing factor for wheezing [aOR 3.65 (95%CI 1.23-10.8), p = 0.01]. Clinical symptoms of milk/egg allergy or other food-induced allergies were scarce (1.8%) and no case of atopic eczema was observed. Conclusions Wheezing is the most frequent phenotype during the first 24 months of life and is strongly associated with maternal asthma. At 24 months, the natural history of allergic symptoms is different to the "atopic march" described in some industrialized countries. This cohort is representative of socially deprived urban areas of underdeveloped tropical countries. The collection of biological samples, data on exposure and defined phenotypes, will contribute to understand the gene/environment interactions leading to allergy inception and evolution.

Rapid heat cycle moulding (RHCM) is a recent set of injection technologies that allow a full temperature control in a mould. Between all technologies available in terms of heating and cooling, electrical resistance heating and water cooling were chosen for this study. The mould design has a capital importance in terms of process efficiency. Thermal and mechanical key points must be addressed together. Temperature distribution in moulding cavity and quality part run together. Before mould machining, a full mechanical, thermal and rheological simulation was carried out. Due to transient thermal complexity, thermal simulation was validated using infrared thermography on a dummy tool fitted with both heating and cooling devices. All this previous work is usual for each new tool. When a new process is suggested for new part requirements, it is necessary to understand injection physical bases in order to prevent unexpected failures. This work introduces the mould temperature curve to realize how RHCM works, and compare its results with conventional moulding. The influence of cavity temperature map was studied with a cavity pressure and temperature sensor helped with near infrared thermography. At the same time, the relationship with parameters which control both heating and cooling periods was considering. Simulation and experimental results are compared, and RHCM process highlights could be well understood to improve future new injection parts development. • Rapid heat cycle moulding. • Cycle time and mould temperature measurement. • Improving the performance of the injection process. • Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the adsorption behavior of four pharmaceuticals: ciprofloxacin (CIP), sulfamethoxazole (SUL), diclofenac (DIC), and acetaminophen (ACE) on activated carbons produced from rice husk using different NaOH-based protocols at 800 °C. The main objective is to assess and compare the efficiency of activated carbons synthesized by solid-solid and wet treatment methods on pharmaceutical adsorption. All three activated carbons displayed strong affinity towards pharmaceutical adsorption, but the material produced with wet protocol after the carbonization process demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity and the lowest equilibrium time (15 min) due to its superior textural properties and higher surface area (1671 ± 31 m2 g−1). Further investigation of pharmaceutical adsorption in synthetic urine was carried out using the mentioned material. The results revealed that in both mono and multicomponent systems, CIP, SUL, and DIC did not exhibit any significant competition with each other or with the urine matrix. However, ACE showed competition for adsorption sites. For both CIP and ACE, the diffusion boundary layer and the adsorption process were identified as the velocity-limiting steps for adsorption in urine. To better understand the adsorption mechanism, both experimental and computational tools were employed. The results revealed that ACE exhibited typical Langmuir-like adsorption behavior with an exothermic nature on the mentioned material with an adsorption capacity of 209.6 ± 5.6 mg g−1. Regarding CIP, its adsorption displayed a non-typical endothermic nature, which was attributed to steric hindrance due to its zwitterionic structure and the porosity in the adsorbent. Analyzing the combination of Redlich-Peterson and Langmuir models with computational analysis supported this finding. However, the material exhibited an impressive adsorption capability of 584.4 ± 21.5 mg g−1. The parameter φ (cncreased cost associated with enhancing the adsorption process) revealed an augmentation in adsorption capacities of 45.1 and 125.6 mg USD−1 for ACE and CIP, respectively, compared to the raw rice husk. This research underscores the prospect of employing agricultural and industrial byproducts to create activated carbons capable of efficiently extracting pharmaceuticals from intricate mixtures, such as urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection moulding is a very popular plastic transformation process to produce complex parts, since a mould is capable to reproduce different shapes, and also due to its economic advantages for large series. However, defects can appear into the pieces, leading to reject them in the quality control. In order to control these defects, it is necessary to know the influence of the injection parameters on the quality of the part. Several researchers applied Design of Experiments (DOE) methods to injection process, with good results for test or lab specimens, but many industrial parts usually have more complex geometries or singularities. This paper introduces a case study focused on the application of DOE in a complex part because it has an integrated hinge. In this case study, the weight and pressure curves (hydraulic and specific) are analysed depending on the variation of process parameters. The authors would show that the analysis has found a strong influence of the geometry on the results which sometimes are different to the expected ones. In authors’ opinion, the use of this procedure it still is a challenge, and this example could assist future attempts to create new expert systems in injection moulding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three low-cost and abundant agro-industrial residues have been used as hexavalent chromium adsorbents. Blackberry residues and spent ground coffee were the most efficient adsorbents with 10.6 ± 5.9 and 9.7 ± 3.0 mg g−1 maximum adsorption uptake, respectively. With a capacity of 1.4 ± 0.1 mg g−1, avocado seeds showed the lowest adsorption efficiency, all at pH = 5.5. These three solids were treated with a new sulfate radical anion and low temperature-based oxidation process. The particles' characterization showed no modification in the surface area nor the textural properties but the surface chemistry changes. The electrophoretic mobility, infrared, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies showed modifications in the surface charge and functional groups due to the oxidation-mediated activation process. Upon activation, not all materials increase their adsorption capacity, and experimental correlations were made to understand this behavior. However, the activated avocado seeds have a maximum adsorption uptake of (31.6 ± 7.4) mg g−1, comparable to activated carbons' adsorption efficiency. Regardless of the material used, experimental confirmation of the reduction-complexation Cr(VI) adsorption mechanism at pH = 5.5 was made. Finally, the technical-economic parameter ϕ is introduced to facilitate a proposed activation method's economic feasibility evaluation. Interestingly, raw and activated avocado seeds under some studied scenarios showed similar maximum adsorption uptake values but with different ϕ values of 1.55 and 27.2 g Cr(VI)/USD. Thus, although the processes obtain similar yields, there are dissimilar regarding their economic feasibility. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We studied patterns in health care access between Latino and non-Latino White adults according to citizenship status before and after the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was enacted to determine whether inequities changed., Methods: This study used 2019-2022 National Health Survey Interview data. Differences in predicted probabilities from logistic regression models were used to estimate changes in health care access outcomes (any insurance coverage, private insurance coverage, delaying care due to cost, and having a usual source of care) among Latino citizens, Latino noncitizens, and non-Latino White citizens in periods before and after ARPA's enactment (2019-2020 vs 2021-2022)., Results: Adjusted models observed that inequities in health care access did not change between Latino and non-Latino White citizens from the 2019-2020 period to the 2021-2022 period. Moreover, the health insurance gap widened by 5.8 percentage points between Latino noncitizens and non-Latino White citizens (P < 0.01) and by 5.2 percentage points between Latino noncitizens and Latino citizens (P < 0.05) from the 2019-2020 period to the 2021-2022 period. The private insurance coverage gap widened by 6.8 percentage points between Latino noncitizens and non-Latino White citizens (P < 0.01) and by 6.9 percentage points between Latino noncitizens and Latino citizens (P < 0.01) from the 2019-2020 period to the 2021-2022 period., Conclusion: ARPA may have helped increase White citizens' insurance coverage, but this benefit did not extend to Latinos, regardless of citizenship status. Developing more inclusive health policies that do not have restrictions based on citizenship and legal authorization status is an important step toward reducing health care inequities., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Latino health paradox is the phenomenon whereby recent Latino immigrants have, on average, better health outcomes on some indicators than Latino immigrants who have lived in the United States longer and US-born Latinos and non-Latino Whites. This study examined whether the paradox holds after accounting for health care access and utilization., Methods: The 2019-2020 National Health Interview Survey data were used. The main predictors included population groups of foreign-born and US-born Latinos (Mexican or non-Mexican) versus US-born non-Latino Whites. Predicted probabilities of health outcomes (self-reported poor/fair health, overweight/obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression) were calculated and stratified by length of residence in the United States (<15 or ≥15 years) among foreign-born Latinos and sex (female or male). Multivariable analyses adjusted for having a usual source of care other than the emergency department, health insurance, a doctor visit in the past 12 months, predisposing and enabling factors, and survey year., Results: After adjusting for health care access, utilization, and predisposing and enabling factors, foreign-born Latinos, including those living in the United States ≥15 years, had lower predicted probabilities for most health outcomes than US-born non-Latino Whites, except overweight/obesity and diabetes. US-born Latinos had higher predicted probabilities of overweight/obesity and diabetes and a lower predicted probability of depression than US-born non-Latino Whites., Conclusions: In this national survey, the Latino health paradox was observed after adjusting for health care access and utilization and predisposing and enabling factors, suggesting that, although these are important factors for good health, they do not necessarily explain the paradox., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In Latin America, tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis are two of the most frequent opportunistic infections affecting people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, there are limited data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with concurrent TB and histoplasmosis infections., Methods: This was a retrospective observational study to describe the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics and outcomes of 21 patients living with HIV (PLHIV) who were diagnosed with concurrent histoplasmosis and TB between 2017 and 2021 in Guatemala City, Guatemala., Results: Most patients were male and were newly diagnosed with HIV. All patients had advanced HIV disease (AHD). They presented with a median CD4 count of 20 cells/µl. The most common symptoms reported by the patients were fever, weight loss, cough and diarrhoea. Twelve patients died within 6 months of baseline evaluation, for a mortality rate of 57.1%., Conclusions: PLHIV with concurrent TB and histoplasmosis infections are characterised by AHD, predominantly presenting with disseminated forms of these infections and with unspecific symptoms and signs. This evidence calls for early HIV and opportunistic infection screening and insights into the challenges and opportunities for the efficient diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with AHD with concurrent histoplasmosis and TB infections., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

Brewers spent grain (BSG) is a valuable source of arabinoxylans with potential beneficial effects on glucose values. This pilot randomised crossover double-blind trial compared the effects of panettone, a sweet baked-product, enriched with BSG-fibre (p-rich) to unenriched panettone (p-standard) on glucose and insulin blood values and appetite scores. Ten healthy volunteers consumed each food in a random order. Blood variables and appetite scores were assessed at fasting and at different intervals after each food consumption. Glucose values were significantly higher after p-standard intake at 90-min (89.9 ± 16.1 vs 74.6 ± 19.4 mg/dL) and 120-min (81.1 ± 9.85 vs 72.1 ± 14.0 mg/dL). The areas-under-the-curve (AUCs) were lower for both glucose ( p  = .043) and insulin values ( p  = .036) with p-rich. At 240-min, satiety was higher ( p  = .006), and desire-to-eat lower ( p  = .008) with p-rich; desire-to-eat AUC was lower with p-rich too ( p  = .029). The integration of a small amount of BSG-derived fibre into a sweet food led to improved glycaemic control and appetite regulation.

Background and Objective: Sensitization to Blomia tropicalis is associated with asthma in various tropical and subtropical countries; however, information about the specific molecular components associated with this disease is scarce. Using molecular diagnosis, we sought to identify B tropicalis allergens associated with asthma in Colombia., Methods: Specific IgE (sIgE) to 8 B tropicalis recombinant allergens (Blo t 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 21) was determined using an in-house ELISA system in asthma patients (n=272) and controls (n=298) recruited in a national prevalence study performed in several Colombian cities (Barranquilla, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and San Andrés). The study sample included children and adults (mean [SD] age, 28 [17] years). Cross-reactivity between Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 was evaluated using ELISA-inhibition., Results: Specific IgE (sIgE) to 8 B tropicalis recombinant allergens (Blo t 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 21) was determined using an in-house ELISA system in asthma patients (n=272) and controls (n=298) recruited in a national prevalence study performed in several Colombian cities (Barranquilla, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and San Andrés). The study sample included children and adults (mean [SD] age, 28 [17] years). Cross-reactivity between Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 was evaluated using ELISA-inhibition., Conclusion: Although Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 are considered common sensitizers, this is the first report of their association with asthma. Both components should be included in molecular panels for diagnosis of allergy in the tropics.

Objective: The relative merits of inpatient or day-treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) are unknown. The DAISIES trial aimed to establish the non-inferiority of a stepped-care day patient treatment (DPT) approach versus inpatient treatment as usual (IP-TAU) for improving body mass index (BMI) at 12 months in adults with AN. The trial was terminated due to poor recruitment. This paper presents outcomes and investigates the reasons behind the trial's failure., Method: Fifteen patients with AN (of 53 approached) participated and were followed-up to 6 or 12 months. Summary statistics were calculated due to low sample size, and qualitative data concerning treatment experiences were analysed using thematic analysis., Results: At baseline, participants in both trial arms rated stepped-care DPT as more acceptable. At 12 months, participants' BMIs had increased in both trial arms. Qualitative analysis highlighted valued and challenging aspects of care across settings. Only 6/12 sites opened for recruitment. Among patients approached, the most common reason for declining participation was their treatment preference (n = 12/38)., Conclusions: No conclusions can be drawn concerning the effectiveness of IP-TAU and stepped-care DPT, but the latter was perceived more positively. Patient-related, service-related and systemic factors (COVID-19) contributed to the trial's failure. Lessons learnt can inform future studies., (© 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Determine the main asthma phenotypes in a population of asthmatic children in Cartagena, Colombia., Methods: 107 children (7 to 17 years old) with a previous diagnosis of asthma were recruited. Biomarkers of T2 inflammation were evaluated by measuring FeNO, eosinophil count in peripheral blood by hemocytometry, and determination of specific IgE to mite allergens by ELISA. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Cartagena (SGR, Grant BPIN2020000100405)., Results: The average age of patients was 10,9 years. 19,6% of the children did not show elevation of any of the T2 inflammation biomarkers evaluated (FeNO<20ppb, eos<300/ul, negative specific IgE), so they were considered patients with non-allergic asthma (non-T2). 71,9% of all patients were sensitized to at least one allergen, this phenotype was considered allergic asthma. 30,8% of the patients presented the three elevated biomarkers (FeNO>20ppb + eos >300/ul + positive specific IgE), this phenotype was classified as high T2 allergic asthma. A moderate correlation (Spearman rho=0,44, p<0,0001) was found between FeNO values and eosinophil counts., Conclusion: In this study, the following phenotypes were found: allergic asthma, high T2 asthma, and non-allergic asthma. Most patients presented a type 2 inflammatory phenotype with allergic sensitization. In addition to the measurement of specific IgE, the use of FeNO and eosinophil count in peripheral blood help to accurately determine those patients with high T2 asthma phenotypes.

Traditional technologies for far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy generally involve bulky dispersive optics. Integrated filter bank spectrometers promise more compact designs, but implementations using superconducting transmission line networks become lossy at terahertz frequencies. We describe a novel on-chip spectrometer architecture designed to extend this range. A filter bank spectrometer is implemented using vacuum waveguide etched into a silicon wafer stack. A single trunk line feeds an array of resonant cavities, each coupled to a kinetic inductance detector fabricated on an adjacent wafer. We discuss the design and fabrication of a prototype implementation, initial test results at ambient temperature, and prospects for future development., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

The tobacco cembranoid known as (1S,2E,4R,6R,7E,11E)-2,7,11-cembratriene-4,6-diol (4R) has been shown to offer neuroprotection against conditions such as brain ischemia, systemic inflammation, Parkinson's disease, and organophosphate toxicity in rodents. Previous safety studies conducted on male and female Sprague Dawley rats revealed no significant side effects following a single injection of 4R at varying concentrations (6, 24, or 98 mg/kg of body weight). This study aimed to assess the potential of 4R for clinical trials in neurotherapy in male nonhuman primates. Ten macaques (Macacca mulatta) were randomly separated into two groups of 5 and then intravenously injected with 4R or vehicle for 11 consecutive days at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg. Throughout the study, we monitored brain activity by electroencephalogram, somatosensory evoked potentials, and transcranial motor evoked potentials on days 0, 4, 8, and 12 and found no significant changes. The spontaneous behavior of the primates remained unaffected by the treatment. Minor hematological and blood composition variations were also detected in the experimental animals but lacked clinical significance. In conclusion, our results reinforce the notion that 4R is non-toxic in nonhuman primates under the conditions of this study., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Antonio Henrique Martins reports financial support, article publishing charges, and equipment, drugs, or supplies were provided by National Institutes of Health. Nadezhda Sabeva reports financial support was provided by National Institutes of Health. Yancy Ferrer Acosta reports financial support was provided by National Institutes of Health. Nadesha Sabeva reports a relationship with National Institutes of Health that includes: funding grants. Antonio Henrique Martins reports a relationship with National Institutes of Health that includes: funding grants. Yancy Ferrer Acosta reports a relationship with National Institutes of Health that includes: funding grants. None If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Lately, there is great interest in developing methods that assess individual sensitivity and/or resistance of tumors to antineoplastics to provide personalized therapy for patients. In this study we used organotypic culture of human breast tumor slices to predict the experimental effect of antineoplastics on the viability of tumoral tissue. Samples of breast tumor were taken from 27 patients with clinically advanced breast cancer; slices were obtained and incubated separately for 48 h with paclitaxel, docetaxel, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and cell culture media (control). We determined an experimental tumor sensitivity/resistance (S/R) profile by evaluating tissue viability using the Alamar Blue ® metabolic test, and by structural viability (histopathological analyses, necrosis, and inflammation). These parameters were related to immunohistochemical expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The predominant histological type found was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (85.2%), followed by lobular carcinoma (7.4%) and mixed carcinoma (7.4%). Experimental drug resistance was related to positive hormone receptor status in 83% of samples treated with cyclophosphamide ( p = 0.027). Results suggest that the tumor S/R profile can help to predict personalized therapy or optimize chemotherapeutic treatments in breast cancer.

Background: Microaggressions are statements or actions taken in a discriminatory manner. Microaggressions can be subtle or explicit, intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the type of microaggressions, it is important to identify and address them, as they are linked to physician burnout and add to levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence, quality, and impacts of gender-based microaggressions on surgeons and surgical trainees using simulation-based education. Further, we plan to iteratively develop more simulation sessions based on the findings of this study., Methods: We used simulation-based education to develop and implement microaggression scenarios. Those scenarios were performed by standardized patients (trained actors) who demonstrated the different microaggression situations previously seen at the workplace and wards. Published tools to address gender-based microaggressions were outlined in preparation (prebrief) for a discussion of recorded simulations. A debrief of developing potential resolutions as learners and future allies and how similar microaggressions may have been perpetuated in our own careers followed each scenario. Additionally, an 11-item survey was developed based on validated surveys of sexist and Microaggressions Experience and Stress Scale and disseminated through email listservs and social media links. Data collection occurred from November to December 2022., Results: When surveyed after the workshop, 100% of participants (n = 6) said that they would recommend this session to follow colleagues, and 100% completely agreed the content of the simulation was relevant to their future practice. Further, 100% of participants agreed or completely agreed that their ability to perform these tasks (addressing microaggressions) has improved after this course. Most respondents to the disseminated survey (n = 147) were vascular surgeons (95/147; 64.6%) and identified as White (93/147; 63.3%), and as women (142/147; 96.6%). Most were identified as targets of gender-based microaggressions (128/147; 87.1%) and or silent witnesses to such microaggressions (87/147; 59.2%). However, there were reports of having a perpetrator of a microaggression (2/147; 1.4%), a nonsilent witness (3/147; 2.0%), or having no target, witness, or perpetrator (3/147; 2.0%). Of the quality of microaggressions, the most common impacts were when the targeted individual attempted to hide their emotions to not appear too emotional (described in the literature as "leaving gender at the door") (32/147; 21.8%), were told that women no longer experience discrimination (25/147; 17.0%), and were asked when one would have children (24/147; 16.3%). The most stressful types of microaggressions were ones in which male peers were the only ones receiving recognition for work (55/147; 37.4%), targets were told women no longer experience discrimination (49/147; 33.3%), and in which men spoke about women in degrading terms regarding their gender or on topics related to their gender (35/147; 23.8%). Qualitative responses to the survey included comments remarking on the relevancy and prevalence of gender-based microaggressions, reasons for silence, the personal and professional impacts (e.g., pay equity) of microaggressions and gender bias, and future areas of work to address bias in medicine., Conclusions: Given the prevalence of microaggressions seen in surgery, especially among vascular surgeons, future steps include discussion of how techniques can be developed and applied to other types of microaggressions (e.g., due to race/ethnicity, sexuality, disability, religion), implementation of future workshops that address intersectionality in scenarios and potentially virtual sessions to increase accessibility to these types of training options for learners at other institutions., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Despite having worse healthcare access and other social disadvantages, immigrants have, on average, better health outcomes than U.S.-born individuals. For Latino immigrants, this is known as the Latino health paradox. It is unknown whether this phenomenon applies to undocumented immigrants., Methods: This study used restricted California Health Interview Survey data from 2015 to 2020. Data were analyzed to test the relationships between citizenship/documentation status and physical and mental health among Latinos and U.S.-born Whites. Analyses were stratified by sex (male/female) and length of U.S. residence (<15 years/>= 15 years)., Results: Undocumented Latino immigrants had lower predicted probabilities of reporting any health condition, asthma, and serious psychological distress and had a higher probability of overweight/obesity than U.S.-born Whites. Despite having a higher probability of overweight/obesity, undocumented Latino immigrants did not have probabilities of reporting diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease different from those of U.S.-born Whites after adjusting for having a usual source of care. Undocumented Latina women had a lower predicted probability of reporting any health condition and a higher predicted probability of overweight/obesity than U.S.-born White women. Undocumented Latino men had a lower predicted probability of reporting serious psychological distress than U.S.-born White men. There were no differences in outcomes when comparing shorter- with longer-duration undocumented Latino immigrants., Conclusions: This study observed that the Latino health paradox may express patterns for undocumented Latino immigrants that are different from those for other Latino immigrant groups, emphasizing the importance of accounting for documentation status when conducting research on this population., (Copyright © 2023 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The goal of this nationally representative, cross-sectional study is to evaluate the trends in routine checkup within the last year associated with exposure to a hurricane. We compared Puerto Rico (2017 Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria), Texas (2017 Hurricane Harvey), and Florida (2017 Hurricane Irma, Hurricane 2018 Michael) with states that had a category 1-2 hurricane make landfall from 2014 to 2019: Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. We found that states impacted by a major hurricane in 2017 had a drop in routine checkup while the states that experienced a category 1-2 landfall did have a change in that year. By the following year, all states reported an increase in routine checkup suggesting that the disruption in routine care was temporary.

Objective: The DAISIES trial, comparing inpatient and stepped-care day patient treatment for adults with severe anorexia nervosa was prematurely terminated in March 2022 due to poor recruitment. This qualitative study seeks to understand the difficulties faced during the trial by investigating stakeholders' views on and experiences of its implementation., Method: Semi-structured interview and focus group transcripts, and trial management and oversight group meeting minutes from May 2020-June 2022 were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were 47 clinicians and co-investigators involved with the DAISIES trial. The Non-Adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework was applied to the interpretive themes to classify barriers and facilitators to implementation., Results: Five themes were identified: incompatible participation interests; changing standard practice; concerns around clinical management; systemic capacity and capability issues; and Covid-19 disrupting implementation. Applying the NASSS framework indicated the greatest implementation challenges to arise with the adopters (e.g. patients, clinicians), the organisational systems (e.g. service capacity), and the wider socio-political context (e.g. Covid-19 closing services)., Conclusions: Our findings emphasise the top-down impact of systemic-level research implementation challenges. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic accentuated pre-existing organisational barriers to trial implementation within intensive eating disorder services, further limiting the capacity for research., (© 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The literature on deep brain stimulation (DBS) and adaptive DBS (aDBS) raises concerns that these technologies may affect personality, mood, and behavior. We conducted semi-structured interviews with researchers ( n  = 23) involved in developing next-generation DBS systems, exploring their perspectives on ethics and policy topics including whether DBS/aDBS can cause such changes. The majority of researchers reported being aware of personality, mood, or behavioral (PMB) changes in recipients of DBS/aDBS. Researchers offered varying estimates of the frequency of PMB changes. A smaller majority reported changes in personality specifically. Some expressed reservations about the scientific status of the term 'personality,' while others used it freely. Most researchers discussed negative PMB changes, but a majority said that DBS/aDBS can also result in positive changes. Several researchers viewed positive PMB changes as part of the therapeutic goal in psychiatric applications of DBS/aDBS. Finally, several discussed potential causes of PMB changes other than the device itself.

Background: In a feasibility randomised controlled trial in people with overweight/obesity with and without binge eating disorder (BED) symptoms, we assessed eight weekly sessions of attention bias modification training (ABMT) and mindfulness training (MT) versus waiting list (WL) and explored potential mechanisms., Methods: 45 participants were randomly allocated to one of three trial arms. Primary outcomes were recruitment, retention and treatment adherence rates. Secondary outcomes included measures of eating behaviour, mood, attention and treatment acceptability. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention (week 8), and follow-up (week 12)., Results: Participant retention at follow-up was 84.5% across groups. Session completion rates in the laboratory were 87% for ABMT and 94% for MT, but home practice was much poorer for ABMT. Changes in BMI and body composition were small between groups and there was a medium size BMI reduction in the MT group at follow-up. Effect sizes of eating disorder symptom changes were not greater for either intervention group compared to WL, but favoured ABMT compared to MT. Hedonic hunger and mindful eating scores favoured MT compared to ABMT and WL. ABMT reduced attention biases towards high-calorie food cues, which correlated with lower objective binge eating days at post-intervention. No significant changes were observed in the MT, or WL conditions., Conclusions: Both ABMT and MT have potential value as adjuncts in the treatment of obesity and BED, and a larger clinical trial appears feasible and indicated., Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN15745838. Registered on 22 May 2018., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Only few allergens derived from house dust mite (HDM) species have been evaluated in terms of their potential to induce allergic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate different aspects of the allergenicity and allergenic activity of Blo t 2, a Blomia tropicalis allergen. Blo t 2 was produced as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli . Its allergenic activity was tested in humans by skin prick test and basophil activation assays, and in mice, by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and a model of allergic airway inflammation. Sensitization rate to Blo t 2 (54.3%) was similar to that found to Blo t 21 (57.2%) and higher than to Der p 2 (37.5%). Most Blo t 2-sensitized patients showed a low intensity response (99.5%). Blo t 2 elicited CD203c upregulation and allergen induced skin inflammation. Additionally, immunized animals produced anti-Blo t 2 IgE antibodies and passive transfer of their serum to non-immunized animals induced skin inflammation after allergen exposure. Immunized animals developed bronchial hyperreactivity and a strong inflammatory lung reaction (eosinophils and neutrophils). These results confirm the allergenic activity of Blo t 2 and supports its clinical relevance.

Two carbon dots (CD) with diameters of 4.9 ± 1.5 and 4.1 ± 1.2 nm were successfully synthesized through an acid ablation route with HNO 3 or H 2 SO 4 , respectively, using Ilex paraguariensis as raw material. The CD were used to produce magnetite-containing nanocomposites through two different routes: hydrothermal and in situ. A thorough characterization of the particles by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicates that all nanomaterials have spherical-like morphology with a core-shell structure. The composition of this structure depends on the route used: with the hydrothermal route, the shell is composed of the CD, but with the in situ process, the CD act as nucleation centers, and so the iron oxide domains are in the shell. Regarding the photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of methyl orange, the interaction between the CD and the magnetite plays an important role in the photo-Fenton reaction at pH 6.2, in which ligand-to-metal charge transfer processes (LTMCT) allow Fe 2+ regeneration. All materials (100 ppm) showed catalytic activity in the elimination of methyl orange (8.5 ppm), achieving discoloration of up to 98% under visible irradiation over 400 nm in 7 h. This opens very interesting possibilities for the use of agro-industrial residues for sustainable synthesis of catalytic nanomaterials, and the role of the interaction of iron-based catalysts with organic matter in heterogeneous Fenton-based processes., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The absence of awareness of fungal diseases as part of the differential diagnosis in at-risk populations has severe consequences. Here, we show how the active role of laboratories can improve patients’ survival. Recently, major advances have been made in non-culture-based assays for fungal diseases, improving accuracy and turnaround time. Furthermore, with the introduction of proficiency control systems, laboratories are an easily monitored environment with good analytical accuracy. Diagnostic packages for opportunistic infections can overcome many deficiencies caused by the absence of awareness. In Guatemala, to make diagnosis accessible, we set up a diagnostic laboratory hub (DLH) providing screening for cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and tuberculosis to a network of 13 healthcare facilities attending people living with HIV (PLWHIV). In two years, we screened 2127 newly HIV-diagnosed patients. The frequency of opportunistic infections was 21%, rising to 30.3% in patients with advanced HIV disease (<200 CD4); 8.1% of these patients had more than one infection. With the implementation of this diagnostic package, mortality decreased by 7%, a key goal of many public health interventions. Screening for serious infection in high-risk populations can partially overcome training or experiential deficiencies among clinicians for life-threatening fungal diseases.

Neurodegeneration is a pathological condition that is associated with the loss of neuronal function and structure. In neurodegenerative diseases, mounting evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is a common factor that contributes to neuronal damage and neurodegeneration. Neuroinflammation is characterized by the activation of microglia, the neuroimmune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), which have been implicated as active contributors to neuronal damage. Glycan structure modification is defining the outcome of neuroinflammation and neuronal regeneration; moreover, the expression of galectins, a group of lectins that specifically recognize β-galactosides, has been proposed as a key factor in neuronal regeneration and modulation of the inflammatory response. Of the different galectins identified, galectin-1 stimulates the secretion of neurotrophic factors in astrocytes and promotes neuronal regeneration, whereas galectin-3 induces the proliferation of microglial cells and modulates cell apoptosis. Galectin-8 emerged as a neuroprotective factor, which, in addition to its immunosuppressive function, could generate a neuroprotective environment in the brain. This review describes the role of galectins in the activation and modulation of astrocytes and microglia and their anti- and proinflammatory functions within the context of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, it discusses the potential use of galectins as a therapeutic target for the inflammatory response and remodeling in damaged tissues in the central nervous system., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)