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Abstract Humans naturally synchronize their behavior with other people. However, although it happens almost automatically, adjusting behavior and conformity to others is a complex phenomenon whose neural mechanisms are still yet to be understood entirely. The present experiment aimed to study the oscillatory synchronization mechanisms underlying automatic dyadic convergence in an EEG hyperscanning experiment. Thirty-six people performed a cooperative decision-making task where dyads had to guess the correct position of a point on a line. A reinforcement learning algorithm was used to model different aspects of the participants’ behavior and their expectations of their peers. Intra- and inter-connectivity among electrode sites were assessed using inter-site phase clustering in three main frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta) using a two-level Bayesian mixed-effects modeling approach. The results showed two oscillatory synchronization dynamics related to attention and executive functions in alpha and reinforcement learning in theta. In addition, inter-brain synchrony was mainly driven by beta oscillations. This study contributes preliminary evidence on the phase-coherence mechanism underlying inter-personal behavioral adjustment.

IntroductionThe pursuit of convergence and the social behavioral adjustment of conformity are fundamental cooperative behaviors that help people adjust their mental frameworks to reach a common goal. However, while social psychology has extensively studied conformity by its influence context, there is still plenty to investigate about the neural cognitive mechanisms involved in this behavior.MethodsWe proposed a paradigm with two phases, a pre-activation phase to enhance cooperative tendencies and, later, a social decision-making phase in which dyads had to make a perceptual estimation in three consecutive trials and could converge in their decisions without an explicit request or reward to do so. In Study 1, 80 participants were divided in two conditions. In one condition participants did the pre-activation phase alone, while in the other condition the two participants did it with their partners and could interact freely. In Study 2, we registered the electroencephalographical (EEG) activity of 36 participants in the social decision-making phase.ResultsStudy 1 showed behavioral evidence of higher spontaneous convergence in participants who interacted in the pre-activation phase. Event related Potentials (ERP) recorded in Study 2 revealed signal differences in response divergence in different time intervals. Time-frequency analysis showed theta, alpha, and beta evidence related to cognitive control, attention, and reward processing associated with social convergence.DiscussionCurrent results support the spontaneous convergence of behavior in dyads, with increased behavioral adjustment in those participants who have previously cooperated. In addition, neurophysiological components were associated with discrepancy levels between participants, and supported the validity of the experimental paradigm to study spontaneous social behavioral adaptation in experimental settings.

Abstract Music-evoked pleasantness has been extensively reported to be modulated by familiarity. Nevertheless, while the brain temporal dynamics underlying the process of giving value to music are beginning to be understood, little is known about how familiarity might modulate the oscillatory activity associated with music-evoked pleasantness. The goal of the present experiment was to study the influence of familiarity in the relation between theta phase synchronization and music-evoked pleasantness. EEG was recorded from 22 healthy participants while they were listening to both familiar and unfamiliar music and rating the experienced degree of evoked pleasantness. By exploring interactions, we found that right fronto-temporal theta synchronization was positively associated with music-evoked pleasantness when listening to unfamiliar music. On the contrary, inter-hemispheric temporo-parietal theta synchronization was positively associated with music-evoked pleasantness when listening to familiar music. These results shed some light on the possible oscillatory mechanisms underlying fronto-temporal and temporo-parietal connectivity and their relationship with music-evoked pleasantness and familiarity.

Listening to pleasant music engages a complex distributed network including pivotal areas for auditory, reward, emotional and memory processing. On the other hand, frontal theta rhythms appear to be relevant in the process of giving value to music. However, it is not clear to which extent this oscillatory mechanism underlies the brain interactions that characterize music-evoked pleasantness and its related processes. The goal of the present experiment was to study brain synchronization in this oscillatory band as a function of music-evoked pleasantness. EEG was recorded from 25 healthy subjects while they were listening to music and rating the experienced degree of induced pleasantness. By using a multilevel Bayesian approach we found that phase synchronization in the theta band between right temporal and frontal signals increased with the degree of pleasure experienced by participants. These results show that slow fronto-temporal loops play a key role in music-evoked pleasantness.

Mastitis, an inflammatory condition affecting more than 25% of breastfeeding women, is usually associated with reduced milk secretion, pain, and discomfort, which often leads to early cessation of breastfeeding. Although the etiology of mastitis is multifactorial, a pro-inflammatory state of the mammary gland might be a risk factor. However, changes in milk composition, and specifically in the milk immune profile, prior to and during mastitis have not been well described. To help close this research gap, we documented the immune profiles of milk produced by both breasts of 10 women experiencing clinical (CM) and 8 women experiencing subclinical (SCM) mastitis during the week of sign/symptom development as well as the week prior and compared them with milk produced by 14 healthy controls. CM was defined as having signs/symptoms of mastitis, whereas SCM was presumed if the participant did not have signs/symptoms of CM, but her milk had a somatic cell count >400,000 cell/mL and/or sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio >1.0. Concentration of 36 immune factors (including immunoglobulins, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) was quantified via immunoassays. Milk produced by women who developed CM had distinct immune profiles the week prior to diagnosis, particularly elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and regulatory cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10. In contrast, immune profiles in milk produced by women with SCM did not differ from that produced by healthy women or those with CM the week prior to mastitis onset. Once mastitis appeared, marked changes in milk’s immune profile were observed in both CM and SCM groups. CM was characterized by elevated concentrations of 27 compounds, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1ra, and TNFα) and chemokines (including IL-8, eotaxin, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP1α, and MIP1β), compared to healthy controls. Milk’s immune profile during SCM was intermediate, showing higher levels of IL-6, IFNγ, and MCP-1 compared to healthy controls, suggesting a milder, more controlled immune response compared to CM. Only milk produced by the mastitis-affected breast had altered immune profiles. Further research is needed to determine if these differences in milk’s immune profiles can be used to improve mastitis risk prediction prior to onset of symptoms.

High elevation fossil deposits in Cuba have been poorly studied, and there is a limited understanding of how altitudinal changes could have affected the composition of faunal communities in the past. Here, we report fossils of 13 vertebrate species and an invertebrate from 11 late Quaternary cave deposits at elevations ranging from 532 to 1123 meters above sea level, located in the Guamuhaya Masiff in central Cuba. The composition of the vertebrate fauna assemblages recovered from these localities resembles that known from other lowland deposits and includes eight extinct, one extirpated, and four extant species. Furthermore, the specimens reported here record the highest elevation known for nine species recovered.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicinal product use among primary healthcare patients in southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study combined with documentary research was conducted between August and November 2017, involving interviews with 1,221 adults following dispensing from primary healthcare units. The characterization of herbal medicinal product usage included assessing the prevalence, redundancy, and interaction indicators, as well as identifying sources of recommendation and acquisition. Descriptive statistics were used for variable analysis and logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with herbal medicinal product usage, calculating odds ratios at a significance level of 5%. Results: The prevalence of herbal medicinal product usage was 3.8%, with 60% of them prescribed by physicians. Private pharmacies (53%) were the main sources, and Valeriana officinalis (42%) was the most cited plant species and the sole herbal medicinal product on the municipal list. The indicators of redundancy and interactions between concurrently prescribed pharmaceutical and herbal medicinal products were 42.9% and 28.6%, respectively. Herbal medicinal products usage correlated with the female sex (OR= 2.50; 95%CI= 1.11-5.59), non-white race (OR= 0.52; 95%CI= 0.28-0.94), monthly income above 1 minimum wage (OR= 3.48; 95%CI= 1.51-8.01), and self-reported of anxiety, mood disorder or depression (OR= 2.97; 95%CI= 1.55-5.66). Conclusion: Despite the low use of herbal medicinal products, users face a high potential for interactions and therapeutic redundancy. Special attention should be paid to patients taking herbal medicinal products and allopathic medicines concurrently. Women with anxiety, mood disorders, or depression were more likely to use herbal medicinal products, whereas non-white people were 48% less likely to use them, suggesting potential socioeconomic disparities in access.

Lichen-feeding termites occupy a distinctive ecological niche. This feeding behavior underscores a complex interplay between the termites’ digestive abilities and the biochemical properties of lichens, known for their resilience and production of secondary metabolites. Understanding the dietary preferences and digestive mechanisms of these termites offers insights into their ecological roles and the evolutionary adaptations that enable them to exploit such a specialized food source. We conducted experiments with Constrictotermes cyphergaster, feeding it with different combinations of its natural food sources: wood bark and lichen from host trees. Gut microbial communities were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. Our results revealed that a diet containing lichens induces a shift in microbiota composition and increases the abundance of genes encoding an AA3 enzyme with a role in lignin digestion. This study emphasizes the potential role of lichens in enhancing the digestive capabilities of termites, highlighting the intricate relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and enzymatic activity in Termitidae.

Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors. Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiota and neuropsychiatric conditions, including PMS. This study aimed to investigate the fecal microbiota and immune profiles of children with PMS compared to healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected from children diagnosed with PMS and age-matched healthy controls. The bacterial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified through gas chromatography. Immunological profiling was conducted using a multiplex cytokine assay. Significant differences were observed in the gut microbiota composition between PMS patients and controls, including a lower abundance of key bacterial genera such as Faecalibacterium and Agathobacter in PMS patients. SCFA levels were also reduced in PMS patients. Immunological analysis revealed higher levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PMS group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The findings indicate that children with PMS have distinct gut microbiota and SCFA profiles, which may contribute to the gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental symptoms observed in this syndrome. These results suggest potential avenues for microbiota-targeted therapies in PMS.

IntroductionThere is currently no vaccine against Chagas disease (ChD), and the medications available confer multiple side effects. Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) produces balanced Th1, Th2, and Th17 modulatory immune responses and has improved efficacy in controlling chronic infections through nonspecific immunity. We aimed to improve the response to infection by inducing a stronger immune response and greater protection against the parasite by trained immunity.MethodsBALB/c mice were immunized with BCG subcutaneously, and 60 days later, they were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi intraperitoneally. An evaluation of the progression of the disease from the acute to the chronic stage, analyzing various aspects such as parasitemia, survival, clinical status, and humoral and cellular immune response, as well as the appearance of visceral megas and the histopathological description of target organs, was performed.ResultsVaccination reduced parasitemia by 70%, and 100% survival was achieved in the acute stage; although the presentation of clinical signs was reduced, there was no increase in the antibody titer or in the differential production of the isotypes.ConclusionSerum cytokine production indicated a proinflammatory response in infected animals, while in those who received BCG, the response was balanced by inducing Th1/Th2-type cytokines, with a better prognosis of the disease in the chronic stage.

Antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an increasingly broad spectrum of infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. This pressing challenge has intensified the search for alternative antibiotics with new pharmacological properties. Due to the chemical synergy between the biological activity of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the different modes of action, catalytic properties, and redox chemistry of metal complexes, metallopeptides have emerged in recent years as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. In the present investigation, peptide ligands conjugated with 5-carboxy-1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), and the corresponding copper(II) metallopeptides, Cu-PhenKG and Cu-PhenRG (where K = lysine, R = arginine, and G = glycine), were synthesized and characterized. The antimicrobial activities of these compounds toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, evaluated by the broth microdilution technique, indicate that the metal center in the metallopeptides increases the antimicrobial activity of the complexes against the conjugated peptide ligands. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.5 μg/mL for S. aureus with the Cu-PhenKG complex and 0.63 μg/mL for S. typhimurium with the Cu-PhenRG complex were obtained. The MIC values found for the conjugated peptides in all microorganisms tested were greater than 1.5 μg/mL. The interactions of the conjugated peptides and their metallopeptides with plasmid DNA were evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Alterations on the replication machinery were also studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results indicate that the complexes interact efficiently with pBR322 DNA from E. coli, delaying the band shift. Furthermore, the resulting DNA–metallopeptide complex is not a useful template DNA because it inhibits PCR, since no PCR product was detected. Finally, molecular dynamics and molecular docking simulations were performed to better understand the interactions of the obtained compounds with DNA. The Cu-PhenRG complex shows a significantly higher number of polar interactions with DNA, suggesting a higher binding affinity with the biopolymer.

Abstract Background The gut has been hypothesized to be a protagonist tissue in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) for the past three decades. Gastric reactance (XL) is a potential perfusion marker derived from gastric impedance spectroscopy (GIS), which is an emerging tool through which living tissue can be continuously measured to determine its pathophysiological evolution. This study aimed to compare the performance of XL [positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC)] against commonly used perfusion markers before and during hypovolemic shock in swine subjects. Methods Prospective, controlled animal trial with two groups, control group (CG) N = 5 and shock (MAP ≤ 48 mmHg) group (SG) N = 16. Comparison time points were defined as T-2 (2 h before shock), T-1 (1 h before shock), T0 (shock), T1 (1 h after shock), and T2 (2 h after shock). Shock severity was assessed through blood gases, systemic and hemodynamic variables, and via histological examination for assessing inflammation-edema and detachment in the gastric mucosa. Macroscopic assessment of the gastric mucosa was defined in five levels (0—normal mucosa, 1—stippling or epithelial hemorrhage, 2—pale mucosa, 3—violet mucosa, and 4—marmoreal mucosa). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves of perfusion markers and XL were calculated to identify optimal cutoff values and their individual ability to predict hypovolemic shock. Results Comparison among the CG and the SG showed statistically significant differences in XL measurements at T-1, T0, T1, and T2, while lactate showed statistically significant differences until T1 and T2. Statistically significant differences were detected in mucosa class (p

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of women’s mortality, linked to aging and reduced estrogen during menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is suggested for CVDs prevention. Yet, its timing initiation remains contentious. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of early and late estrogen therapy on cardiac function and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized old female Wistar rats. Methods: Fifty randomized female Wistar rats were included in 5 groups (n = 10, 18 months old): (1) Sham, (2) 10 weeks post ovariectomy (Ovx-10 w), (3) 10 weeks post Ovx + early estrogen replacement therapy (Ovx 10 w-early ERT), (4) 20 weeks post Ovx (Ovx-20 w) and (5) Ovx 20 w-late ERT. Three days (early ERT) or 10 weeks (late ERT) after surgery 17-β estradiol was given (5 µg/kg/day), and 10 weeks after the start of ERT, we assessed cardiac function by echocardiography, electrocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. Estradiol, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were determined. Cardiac histology was performed with Masson’s staining. Results: Ovariectomy (Ovx) increases left ventricle internal systolic diameter (0.4 vs 0.3 cm, *p = 0.020) and decreases shortening fraction (40 vs 54 %, *p = 0.030) regardless of therapy. ERT prevents the increase in left ventricle mass after 10 weeks post-Ovx and the ejection fractionreduction after 20 weeks. Lower P wave amplitudes (18.8 vs 24.2 ms, *p = 0.013) were found in the Ovx-20 w group. A longer duration of the QRS complex after 20 weeks post-Ovx with and without ERT was found (32.5 and 32.1 vs 28.3 ms, *p = 0.003; *p = 0.007). Diastolic blood pressure was higher 20 weeks post-Ovx (86 vs 76 mmHg, *p = 0.047), regardless of ERT. The left ventricle (LV) –dP/dt was decreased in Ovx groups without ERT (–750 vs –1320 mmHg, *p = 0.034). An increase in LV collagen deposition was found in the Ovx 10 w group vs Sham (9.58 vs 4.54 %, *p = 0.028). Early ERT avoids the increase in body weight, cholesterol and LDL caused by Ovx. Conclusions: Ovariectomy causes time-dependent alterations in lipid metabolism, morphology, electrical activity, and heart contractile function. Early but not late ERT prevents some of these effects.

Termites are one of the most relevant groups for recycling nutrients and keeping the flow of energy in ecosystems. Although their role as lignocellulose decomposers is the focus of studies, they also act as dung recyclers, but their importance in this process is poorly understood. Here we performed manipulation experiments to determine dung removal by termites in forest remnants and cattle pastures in a fragmented Atlantic Forest landscape. We used wire bags of different mesh sizes placed along transects in three forest fragments and pastures for 10 days to compare the contribution of termites and other coprophagous macrodetritivores to dung removal. Our results indicated that termites removed more dung in pastures than in the forest fragments. In addition, dung beetle exclusion significantly reduced the percentage of dung removal within forest fragments, but not on pastures, indicating termites are important dung recyclers in pastures.

Chagas disease (ChD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is the most serious parasitosis in the western hemisphere. Benznidazole and nifurtimox, the only two trypanocidal drugs, are expensive, difficult to obtain, and have severe side effects. Nitazoxanide has shown to be effective against protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. This study aimed to evaluate the nitazoxanide efficacy against the Mexican T. cruzi Ninoa strain in mice. Infected animals were orally treated for 30 days with nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg) or benznidazole (10 mg/kg). The clinical, immunological, and histopathological conditions of the mice were evaluated. Nitazoxanide- or benznidazole-treated mice had longer survival and less parasitemia than those without treatment. Antibody production in the nitazoxanide-treated mice was of the IgG1-type and not of the IgG2-type as in the benznidazole-treated mice. Nitazoxanide-treated mice had significantly high IFN-γ levels compared to the other infected groups. Serious histological damage could be prevented with nitazoxanide treatment compared to without treatment. In conclusion, nitazoxanide decreased parasitemia levels, indirectly induced the production of IgG antibodies, and partially prevented histopathological damage; however, it did not show therapeutic superiority compared to benznidazole in any of the evaluated aspects. Therefore, the repositioning of nitazoxanide as an alternative treatment against ChD could be considered, since it did not trigger adverse effects that worsened the pathological condition of the infected mice.

Single-piece nesting termites live and forage in the same piece of wood throughout their life, which limit their colony size. In certain species, more than one colony thrive in a given piece of wood (multicolonial substrate) and intraspecific competition become important in this limited resource, as has been reported in Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen, 1858) and Neotermes chilensis (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae) (Blanchard, 1851). The effects of such competition have been described mainly at population and colony levels rather than at the individual level. In eusocial insects such as termites, intraspecific competition constitutes a stress factor imposed to a colony as a whole and should also cause developmental instability in soldiers produced under such conditions. Investment in the production of soldiers involves a trade-off between colony maintenance costs and defense benefits. Hence, we hypothesize that body size and fluctuating asymmetry, two indicators of developmental instability, will increase when two or more colonies of N. chilensis share a piece of wood (high intraspecific competition scenario). Our results showed that soldiers developing in multicolonial substrates were indeed larger and more asymmetric than soldiers developing in unicolonial substrates. The large body size in a soldier could improve its chance to win a physical contest with a non-nestmate opponent; thus, despite the high cost to produce large soldiers in small colonies, larger soldier production could be an adaptative strategy to avoid being outcompeted. However, the effects of deviations from perfect symmetry on soldier performance are not clear.

Myxomas represent the most common benign primary cardiac tumor, they usually grow out of the interatrial septum into the left atrium with a pedunculated base. Intracardiac masses can be found incidentally on imaging studies, but symptomatology may arise secondary to the mass effect, embolization, and valvular function impairment. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman who arrived at the emergency department with atrial fibrillation and NSTEMI segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) secondary to a highly vascularized neoplasm visible by coronary angiography and angiotomography. Scarce reports show high quality multi-imaging assessment of significantly vascularized myxomas with such atypical presentation. High-definition imaging studies played a fundamental role in the surgeon’s management of a mass with a complex neovascularization.

We describe the computed tomography angiography and histopathological features of intravenous leiomyomatosis, and discuss the patient outcome and complications associated with this condition.A 51-year-old woman with a history of atrial flutter presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of palpitations. Computed tomography angiography of the thorax and abdomen was requested, which revealed a tumor involving the right atrium, inferior vena cava, and bilateral iliac veins. Ten years ago, she had undergone hysterectomy for the removal of uterine leiomyomas. Surgery was performed to resect the intravascular and intracardiac tumor and was sent for histopathological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of intravenous leiomyomatosis.

BackgroundIncreased systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) could lead to the mechanical dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis of the right heart chambers. Echocardiographic strain analysis has not been adequately studied in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).Study design and methodsA cross-sectional cohort of patients with suspected PH and echocardiographic strain evaluation was recruited. The cut-off values of peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) with the low probability of PH (≤2.8 m/s), intermediate probability (2.9–3.4 m/s, without other echo PH signs), and high probability of PH (2.9–3.4 m/s with other echo PH signs and >3.4 m/s) categories were studied by right ventricular and right atrial (RA) strain analysis in a sample of 236 patients.ResultsThe results showed that 58 (56.9%) patients had low, 15 (14.7%) had intermediate, and 29 (28.4%) had a high probability of PH. We observed a negative association between right ventricular free wall strain (RV-FWS) and atrial global strain with sPAP. With the increase in PH severity, RA reservoir, conduit, and contraction (booster) strain values decreased. The identified cut-off values of strain parameters had an adequate ability to detect PH severity categories. In addition, the post-mortem biopsies of right heart chambers from subjects with known severe PH were analyzed to quantify myocardial fibrosis. Our sample of right heart biopsies (n = 12) demonstrated an association between increased sPAP before death and right ventricular and RA fibrosis.ConclusionMechanical dysfunction and fibrosis in the right chambers are associated with increased sPAP. Right ventricular and atrial strain could provide enhancement in the diagnosis and categorization of subjects with suspected PH.

Increased human activity on the Antarctic Peninsula has generated microplastic contamination in marine systems; however, less attention has been paid to soils so far. We investigated the occurrence of microplastics in 11 surface soils and intertidal sediments collected from Fildes Bay, King George Island. A transect of soils at Antarctic stations until Fildes Bay was made (i.e., S1–S5). Intertidal sediments along the shore (i.e., IS1–IS5) and a reference sample from Ardley Island (i.e., IS6) were also collected. All samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed for the organic matter content, particle size, and pH. Plastic particles were counted and classified by shape using metal dissecting forceps and a stereomicroscope and further analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). They were classified by length as fibers (length: 500–2,000 μm) and fragments (length: 20–500 μm). In soil, fragments reached an average of 13.6 particles/50 ml sample, while in intertidal sediments, no fragments were found, but a fiber abundance of 1.5 particles/50 ml sample was observed. The principal component analysis shows a relationship between fibers and intertidal sediments, whereas fragments present a relationship with soils. There were differences between the numbers of fragments found in soils and intertidal sediments (p = 0.003), with a high abundance of fragments at site S5, but no significant differences were observed for fibers. The physicochemical soil analysis revealed that larger particle sizes were observed in intertidal sediments (average = 706.94 ± 230.51 μm) than in soils (p = 0.0007). The organic matter content was higher in soil than in intertidal sediments (p = 0.006) reaching an average of 6.0%. Plastic fragments and organic matter were significantly correlated (r = 0.779, p = 0.005), while fibers were positively correlated with particle size (r = 0.713, p = 0.014). The fragments were composed of phenoxy resin with the same appearance, shape, and bright orange color as the coatings of the facilities. According to the FT-IR analysis, the fibers had different colors and were composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Cotton was also present at the sites surrounding the sampling site close to the base effluent. The presence of fiber on Ardley Island (i.e., control) may indicate that microplastic contamination has reached protected areas. This is the first study to confirm the presence of plastic debris in Antarctic soils. Further studies should focus on the identification of plastic sources and on the management of human activities and their eventual effects on biota.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the catalytic activity (CA) of the Fe3O4 magnetic system in the adsorption/degradation of methylene blue and esterification. The thermal decomposition method allowed the preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The crystallites of the Fe3O4 structural phase present an acicular form confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy results identified the acicular shape and agglomeration of the nanoparticles. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the spectrum is composed of five components at room temperature, a hyperfine magnetic field distribution (HMFD), two sextets, a doublet, and a singlet. The presence of the HMFD means that a particle size distribution is present. Fluorescence spectroscopy studied the CA of the nanoparticles with methylene blue and found adsorption/degradation properties of the dye. The catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated in the esterification reaction by comparing the results in the presence and absence of catalyst for the reaction with isobutanol and octanol, where it is observed that the selectivity for the products MIBP and MNOP is favored in the first three hours of reaction.

The resistance that Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, develops against radiotherapy is a complex phenomenon involving several regulators of cell metabolism and gene expression; understanding it is the only way to overcome it. We focused this review on the contribution of the two leading classes of regulatory non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), against ionizing radiation-based therapies. We found that these regulatory RNAs are mainly associated with DNA damage response, cell death, and cell cycle regulation, although they regulate other processes like cell signaling and metabolism. Several regulatory RNAs regulate multiple pathways simultaneously, such as miR-139-5p, the miR-15 family, and the lncRNA HOTAIR. On the other hand, proteins such as CHK1 and WEE1 are targeted by several regulatory RNAs simultaneously. Interestingly, the study of miRNA/lncRNA/mRNA regulation axes increases, opening new avenues for understanding radioresistance. Many of the miRNAs and lncRNAs that we reviewed here can be used as molecular markers or targeted by upcoming therapeutic options, undoubtedly contributing to a better prognosis for TNBC patients.

La diverticulitis del colon ascendente es una entidad poco común. Es frecuentemente indistinguible del cuadro clínico de la apendicitis aguda y comúnmente se confunde con el carcinoma del colon derecho, intraoperatoriamente. El propósito del informe del caso que se presenta es alertar al cirujano sobre esta forma infrecuente de presentación de la diverticulitis del colon. Es importante el conocimiento de las complicaciones de esta entidad para su adecuado tratamiento que generalmente es quirúrgico, teniendo en cuenta que es un hallazgo intraoperatorio en la mayoría de los casos. Vale observar que si se logra efectuar el diagnóstico preoperatoriamente, el tratamiento deberá ser conservador con base en antibióticos y soporte hidroelectrolítico y nutricional.

We present the case of a young male patient with an initial diagnosis of a rhabdomyoma that was surgically treated at a different hospital when he was 17. After a 2-year disease-free period, the patient presented another intra-cardiac mass. He refused surgical treatment and died 5 years later. Post-mortem immunochemistry studies of both tumors led to the diagnosis of a primary malignant cardiac PEComa with histopathologic characteristics that resembled a rhabdomyoma with abundant “spider cells.”

La gobernanza de los Juegos Olímpicos de Barcelona’92 se desarrolló manteniendo diversos equilibrios. Por un lado, entre la rigidez de la tradición olímpica supervisada por el Comité Olímpico Internacional (COI) y las necesidades locales propias. Si bien los Juegos son un evento prefijado con normas impuestas por el COI, Barcelona pretendía usarlo en favor de un legado urbano en el medio-largo plazo. Por otro lado, el comité organizador de 1992 (COOB’92) se configuró según el peso y los intereses de cada administración destacando el gobierno municipal. Este artículo busca indagar las características de la gobernanza de los Juegos de Barcelona identificando el reparto de órganos de gobierno por los diversos agentes institucionales. Aunque es bien conocido que estos Juegos se concibieron al servicio de una profunda modernización de la ciudad, esta investigación se centra en aclarar el papel de los actores que gestionaron el proyecto.

El estudio que se presenta a continuación busca determinar las prácticas de enseñanza de la matemática y la valoración de la resolución de problemas enmarcados en la realidad. Durante mucho tiempo las matemáticas han sido sinónimo de complejidad e incluso de elaboración inútil de fórmulas; sin embargo, la matematización de los procesos académicos y formativos, principalmente, han traído como consecuencia el establecimiento de estrategias para la comprensión de la realidad y la gestión del desarrollo argumentativo. En este sentido, la relevancia de este trabajo radica en conocer la importancia que los estudiantes del Instituto de Ciencias Básicas de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí le dan a este proceso en las prácticas de enseñanza y evaluación que reciben. Cada vez más se otorga cierto sentido de pertinencia a la resolución de dificultades en el ámbito cotidiano y que la matematización procura resolver. Por ello, la mirada de esta investigación se centra en analizar la reflexión que surge a raíz de involucrar este tipo de criterios en el proceso educativo. Además se pretende determinar la forma en que la matematización también tiene cierta injerencia como eje transversal en contenidos tratados en otras disciplinas y temáticas abordadas en la cotidianidad de los estudiantes. La adquisición y construcción del conocimiento a partir de una perspectiva numérica razonada es un factor clave para entender procedimientos determinantes en la educación superior actual.

Within the current challenges in medicinal chemistry, the development of new and better therapeutic agents effective against infectious diseases produced by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites stands out. With chemotherapy as one of the main strategies against these diseases focusing on the administration of organic and inorganic drugs, the latter is generally based on the synergistic effect produced by the formation of metal complexes with biologically active organic compounds. In this sense, Schiff bases (SBs) represent and ideal ligand scaffold since they have demonstrated a broad spectrum of antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. In addition, SBs are synthesized in an easy manner from one-step condensation reactions, being thus suitable for facile structural modifications, having the imine group as a coordination point found in most of their metal complexes, and promoting chelation when other donor atoms are three, four, or five bonds apart. However, despite the wide variety of metal complexes found in the literature using this type of ligands, only a handful of them include on their structures tridentate SBs ligands and their biological evaluation has been explored. Hence, this review summarizes the most important antimicrobial activity results reported this far for pincer-type complexes (main group and d-block) derived from SBs tridentate ligands.

Lignocellulose digestion in termites is achieved through the functional synergy between gut symbionts and host enzymes. However, some species have evolved additional associations with nest microorganisms that collaborate in the decomposition of plant biomass. In a previous study, we determined that plant material packed with feces inside the nests of Cornitermes cumulans (Syntermitinae) harbors a distinct microbial assemblage. These food nodules also showed a high hemicellulolytic activity, possibly acting as an external place for complementary lignocellulose digestion. In this study, we used a combination of ITS sequence analysis, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics to investigate the presence and differential expression of genes coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) in the food nodules and the gut of workers and soldiers. Our results confirm that food nodules express a distinct set of CAZy genes suggesting that stored plant material is initially decomposed by enzymes that target the lignin and complex polysaccharides from fungi and bacteria before the passage through the gut, where it is further targeted by a complementary set of cellulases, xylanases, and esterases produced by the gut microbiota and the termite host. We also showed that the expression of CAZy transcripts associated to endoglucanases and xylanases was higher in the gut of termites than in the food nodules. An additional finding in this study was the presence of fungi in the termite gut that expressed CAZy genes. This study highlights the importance of externalization of digestion by nest microbes and provides new evidence of complementary digestion in the context of higher termite evolution.

Novel lanthanide (Ln) compounds [Ln(L)2]Cl.xH2O (Ln = La3+, Ce3+, Sm3+) containing aromatic N,O-chelate ligands [HL1 = 4-amino-2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol; HL2 = 5-amino-2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenol] have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectroscopy, molar conductance measurements, and mass spectrometry (MS). The spectroscopic data suggested that the benzimidazolyl-phenol ligands act as N,O-chelate ligands through the iminic nitrogen and phenolic oxygen atoms. Elemental analysis indicated that lanthanide compounds were formed in a 1:2 stoichiometry (metal:ligand). In vitro biological evaluation was carried out using these complexes, exhibiting moderate cytotoxicity against six different human tumor cell lines (U251, human glioblastoma; HCT-15, colorectal carcinoma; MCF-7, breast epithelial adenocarcinoma; PC-3, prostate cancer; K562, myelogenous leukemia; SKLU-1, lung carcinoma) and lower toxicity against a non-cancerous cell line (COS-7, primate kidney). In addition, the antibacterial activity of the compounds was assessed against two gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115) and two gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27583) using the microdilution method. The results obtained show that the metal complexes exhibit higher biological activity than the free ligands, confirming a synergistic effect. Further benzimidazolyl-phenol derivatives were explored for the detection of bacteria using fluorescence imaging studies. Interestingly, the fluorescent properties of these compounds make them potential candidates to monitor the morphology of bacteria at different compound concentrations. Hence, the interaction of the ligand and complexes with model membranes mimicking those of bacteria was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and molecular dynamics (MD), showing that both compounds decreased the enthalpy of transition in two model membranes as the concentration of the compounds increased. In addition, the main transition temperature was slightly reduced as a result of these interactions.

This paper reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of six novel lanthanide complexes of La(III), Eu(III) and Nd(III) with N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from the 2-carboxybenzaldehyde. The IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic studies confirmed the coordination of the thiocarbonyl (C=S), azomethine (C=N) and carboxylate (COO-) groups to the metal centers, and the carboxylate was coordinated in a bidentate manner. The elemental and thermal analyses suggest that lanthanide complexes were formed in 1:2 molar ratios (metal:ligand). The molar conductivity values confirmed the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by UV absorption and viscosity measurements. It was found that the Eu(III) and Nd(III) complexes could roll along the DNA strands through groove interactions. Furthermore, lanthanide complexes could promote the oxidative cleavage of plasmid pBR322 in a high-oxidative stress environment. Finally, the Schiff base ligands (L) and their complexes were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using a microdilution procedure. The results indicate that the lanthanide complexes exhibit more potent antibacterial activity than the free ligands.

Chagas disease is a chronic and potentially lethal disorder caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and an effective treatment has not been developed for chronic Chagas disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a therapeutic DNA vaccine containing T. cruzi genes in dogs with experimentally induced Chagas disease through clinical, pathological, and immunological analyses. Infection of Beagle dogs with the H8 T. cruzi strain was performed intraperitoneally with 3500 metacyclic trypomastigotes/kg body weight. Two weeks after infection, plasmid DNA immunotherapy was administered thrice at 15-day intervals. The clinical (physical and cabinet studies), immunological (antibody and cytokine profiles and lymphoproliferation), and macro- and microscopic pathological findings were described. A significant increase in IgG and cell proliferation was recorded after immunotherapy, and the highest stimulation index (3.02) was observed in dogs treated with the pBCSSP4 plasmid. The second treatment with both plasmids induced an increase in IL-1, and the third treatment with the pBCSSP4 plasmid induced an increase in IL-6. The pBCSP plasmid had a good Th1 response regulated by high levels of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, whereas the combination of the two plasmids did not have a synergistic effect. Electrocardiographic studies registered lower abnormalities and the lowest number of individuals with abnormalities in each group treated with the therapeutic vaccine. Echocardiograms showed that the pBCSSP4 plasmid immunotherapy preserved cardiac structure and function to a greater extent and prevented cardiomegaly. The two plasmids alone controlled the infection moderately by a reduction in the inflammatory infiltrates in heart tissue. The immunotherapy was able to reduce the magnitude of cardiac lesions and modulate the cellular immune response; the pBCSP treatment showed a clear Th1 response; and pBCSSP4 induced a balanced Th1/Th2 immune response that prevented severe cardiac involvement. The pBCSSP4 plasmid had a better effect on most of the parameters evaluated in this study; therefore, this plasmid can be considered an optional treatment against Chagas disease in naturally infected dogs.

Biological membranes are complex dynamic systems composed of a great variety of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, which together play a pivotal role in the protection of organisms and through which the interchange of different substances is regulated in the cell. Given the complexity of membranes, models mimicking them provide a convenient way to study and better understand their mechanisms of action and their interactions with biologically active compounds. Thus, in the present study, a new Schiff base (Bz-Im) derivative from 2-(m-aminophenyl)benzimidazole and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Interaction studies of (Bz-Im) with two synthetic membrane models prepared with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and DMPC/1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DMPG) 3:1 mixture, imitating eukaryotic and prokaryotic membranes, respectively, were performed by applying differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Molecular dynamics simulations were also developed to better understand their interactions. In vitro and in silico assays provided approaches to understand the effect of Bz-Im on these lipid systems. The DSC results showed that, at low compound concentrations, the effects were similar in both membrane models. By increasing the concentration of Bz-Im, the DMPC/DMPG membrane exhibited greater fluidity as a result of the interaction with Bz-Im. On the other hand, molecular dynamics studies carried out on the erythrocyte membrane model using the phospholipids POPE (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine), SM (N-(15Z-tetracosenoyl)-sphing-4-enine-1-phosphocholine), and POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) revealed that after 30 ns of interaction, both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds were responsible for the affinity of Bz-Im for PE and SM. The interactions of the imine with POPG (1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoglycerol) in the E. coli membrane model were mainly based on hydrophobic interactions.

Metal-based drugs, including lanthanide complexes, have been extremely effective in clinical treatments against various diseases and have raised major interest in recent decades. Hence, in this work, a series of lanthanum (III) and cerium (III) complexes, including Schiff base ligands derived from (1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)aniline, salicylaldehyde, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde were synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic methods. Besides their cytotoxic activities, they were examined in human U-937 cells, primate kidney non-cancerous COS-7, and six other, different human tumor cell lines: U251, PC-3, K562, HCT-15, MCF-7, and SK-LU-1. In addition, the synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antiparasitic activity against Leishmania braziliensis, Plasmodium falciparum, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Additionally, antibacterial activities were examined against two Gram-positive strains (S. aureus ATCC® 25923, L. monocytogenes ATCC® 19115) and two Gram-negative strains (E. coli ATCC® 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC® 27583) using the microdilution method. The lanthanide complexes generally exhibited increased biological activity compared with the free Schiff base ligands. Interactions between the tested compounds and model membranes were examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and interactions with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated by ultraviolet (UV) absorption. Molecular docking studies were performed using leishmanin (1LML), cruzain (4PI3), P. falciparum alpha-tubulin (GenBank sequence CAA34101 [453 aa]), and S.aureus penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2A; 5M18) as the protein receptors. The results lead to the conclusion that the synthesized compounds exhibited a notable effect on model membranes imitating mammalian and bacterial membranes and rolled along DNA strands through groove interactions. Interactions between the compounds and studied receptors depended primarily on ligand structures in the molecular docking study.

Chagas disease is a major public health problem in Latin America. The mixed Th1/Th2 immune response is required against Trypanosoma cruzi. Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) has been shown to have germicidal efficacy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the EOW effectiveness in T. cruzi-infected BALB/c mice clinically, immunologically, and histologically. The severity of the infection was assessed by parasitaemia, general health condition, mortality, mega syndromes, and histological lesions. IgG, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-1 beta levels were quantified. The EOW administration showed a beneficial effect on parasitaemia, general physical condition, and mortality. High levels of IgG1 at 50 days postinfection were observed. Prophylactic EOW treatment was able to induce a predominantly TH1 immune response based on an IgG2a levels increase at the late acute phase, and a 10-fold increase of IFN-gamma in whole acute phase. EOW was able to control the acute phase infection as effectively as benznidazole. Splenomegaly was caused by EOW treatment and lymphadenopathy was stimulated by T. cruzi infection in all groups. Severe tissue damage was not prevented by EOW treatments. Moderate efficacy may be due to immunomodulatory properties and not to a direct toxic effect on the parasite.

Antimicrobial resistance reduces the efficacy of antibiotics. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR), Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKp) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPa), are a serious threat to global health. However, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are promising as an alternative therapeutic strategy against MDR strains. In this study, the inhibitory activity of a cationic peptide, derived from cecropin D-like (ΔM2), against MDRKp and MDRPa clinical isolates, and its interaction with membrane models and bacterial genomic DNA were evaluated. In vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution test, whereas interactions with lipids and DNA were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and electronic absorption, respectively. A strong bactericidal effect of ΔM2 against MDR strains, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) between 4 and 16 μg/mL, was observed. The peptide had a pronounced effect on the thermotropic behavior of the 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)/1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol (DMPG) membrane models that mimic bacterial membranes. Finally, the interaction between the peptide and genomic DNA (gDNA) showed a hyperchromic effect, which indicates that ΔM2 can denature bacterial DNA strands via the grooves.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease, which is considered by the World Health Organization to be a neglected tropical disease. Two drugs exist for the treatment of Chagas disease, nifurtimox and benznidazole; they are only effective in the acute phase, and a vaccine is currently not available. In this study, we used the recombinant enolase from T. cruzi H8 strain (MHOM/MX/1992/H8 Yucatán) (rTcENO) and its encoding DNA (pBKTcENO) to immunize mice and evaluate their protective effects in an experimental murine model of acute phase infection. Our results showed that mice vaccinated with rTcENO or its encoding DNA were able to generate typical specific antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), suggesting that a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response was induced. The parasite burden in the blood was reduced to 69.8% and 71% in mice vaccinated with rTcENO and pBKTcENO, respectively. The group vaccinated with rTcENO achieved 75% survival, in contrast to the group vaccinated with pBKTcENO that showed no survival in comparison to the control groups. Moreover, rTcENO immunization elevated the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 after the parasite challenge, suggesting that the Th1-type immune response was polarized. These results indicated that rTcENO could be used as a vaccine against Chagas disease.

Primary cardiac malignancies are rare entities. Although sarcomas enclosed the main group of malignant heart neoplasms, primary cardiac leiomyosarcomas are extremely rare and constitutes less than 8% of cardiac tumors. Leiomyosarcoma usually originates from the pulmonary veins and have a worm-like shaped structure. In this article, we present a case of a 40-year-old Hispanic man diagnosed with a cardiac tumor who underwent surgical resection, during pathological examination the tissue samples were consistent with a malignancy of mesenchymal origin that contained irregular bundles of spindle cells. Subsequent immunohistochemical study categorized the mass as a primary heart leiomyosarcoma with positive smooth muscle actin and muscle specific actin. As usual in this type of malignancy, patient’s clinical status declined overtime, recurrence was diagnosed two months after surgery, and four months after the procedure the patient was discharge for palliative care.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effector molecules of the innate immune system and have been isolated from multiple organisms. Their antimicrobial properties are due to the fact that they interact mainly with the anionic membrane of the microorganisms, permeabilizing it and releasing the cytoplasmic content. Alyteserin 1c (+2), an AMP isolated from Alytes obstetricans and its more cationic and hydrophilic analogue (+5) were synthesized using the solid phase method, in order to study the interaction with model membranes by calorimetric and spectroscopic assays. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that both peptides had a strong effect when the membrane contained phosphatidylcholine (PC) alone or was mixed with phosphatidylglycerol (PG), increasing membrane fluidization. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to study the secondary structure of the peptide. Peptide +2 exhibited a transition from β-sheet/turns to β-sheet/α-helix structures after binding with model membranes, whereas peptide +5 had a transition from aggregation/unordered to β-sheet/α-helix structures after binding with membrane-contained PC. Interestingly, the latter showed a β-sheet structure predominantly in the presence of PG lipids. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) results showed that the carboxy-terminal of the peptide +5 has the ability to insert into the surface of the PC/PG membranes, resulting in the increase of the membrane fluidity.

Tres complejos de Ru(II) con ligandos trifenilfosfina y 2, 3 y 4-aminopiridina fueron sintetizados. Los patrones de difracción de rayos X en polvo (DRX) demuestran que los compuestos presentan estructura cristalina. La actividad catalítica de los complejos sintetizados fue evaluada en la hidroformilación de estragol en fase homogénea empleando diferentes condiciones de reacción como temperatura, presión (H2/CO) y relación catalizador:sustrato. Los productos de hidroformilación se cuantificaron empleando cromatografía de gases acoplado a masas, permitiendo verificar los aldehídos mediante sus fragmentaciones características. Se encontró que el complejo con 2-aminopiridina es quimioselectivo al producto de isomerización en la mayoría de las condiciones, mientras que los complejos con 3-aminopiridina y con 4-aminopiridina son regioselectivos a los productos 3-(4-metoxifenil)-2-metilpropanal y 4-(4-metoxifenil)butanal, cuando se emplea una presión de 60 bar. También se determinó que los catalizadores sintetizados con 2 y 4-aminopiridina son más activos (conversión >95%) cuando la reacción se lleva a cabo en 24 h, 40 bar, 100 ºC y relación 1:500.

Existem pacientes que, apesar dos esforços da equipe do programa de cessação tabágica, mostram-se refratários à redução do tabagismo. Entre os motivos mais citados para isso, estão abuso de álcool, ansiedade e depressão. Além desses, o tremor essencial, frequentemente negligenciado pelos pacientes e médicos, tem implicações clínicas diretas e indiretas para aqueles que desejam parar de fumar. Antes entendida como uma doença benigna, o tremor essencial tem fortes associações com transtornos psiquiátricos, além de piorar com a abstinência de nicotina e com o uso de determinados medicamentos para a cessação. Descrevemos um caso de tremor essencial e comorbidades psiquiátricas no seu percurso para a abstinência tabágica. Com relação à associação entre nicotina e o curso do tremor essencial, maiores estudos são necessários. Mas diagnosticar sua presença apresenta relevância clínica, podendo ser um marcador de pior prognóstico para a cessação.There are patients that are resistant to reducing tobacco use, despite the effort of the professionals helping them to quit. Among the most cited motives, there are alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, frequently neglected by patients and doctors, essential tremor has direct and indirect clinical implications for those who want to stop smoking. Once known as a benign condition, essential tremor has strong association with psychiatric disorders and can get worse because of nicotine abstinence and certain medications used in smoking cessation. We report a case of essential tremor and psychiatric comorbidities on the path towards tobacco abstinence. Regarding the link between nicotine and the course of essential tremor, further studies are necessary. However, diagnosing its presence is clinically relevant and should be considered a marker of worse prognosis in smoking cessation.

Objetivo: Relatar e discutir o caso de um paciente com tumor de células gigantes da nona vértebra torácica com evolução peculiar. Relato do caso: Paciente com dor torácica radicular, detectada lesão na nona vértebra torácica, foi operado e recebeu diagnóstico anatomopatológico de tumor de células gigantes (TCG). Apresentou três recorrências locais, sendo a primeira manejada com reintervenção cirúrgica em dois tempos, na segunda também foi realizada reintervenção cirúrgica, porém com fenolização do sítio cirúrgico, preenchimento com metilmetacrilato e radioterapia pós-operatória. Apresentou semeadura de tumor retroesternal, o qual foi ressecado cirurgicamente, não tendo sido realizada terapia complementar. Uma terceira recorrência foi detectada durante procedimento de correção de falência da artrodese posterior, sendo realizada ressecção da lesão e quimioterapia pós-operatória. Durante o tratamento, desenvolveu imunossupressão e evoluiu para óbito em decorrência de suas complicações. Conclusão: O TCG acometendo a coluna torácica é pouco frequente. Trata-se de uma lesão benigna, agressiva localmente e com comportamento incerto. A ressecção cirúrgica com margens amplas é o tratamento padrão-ouro, porém nem sempre factível, em decorrência da localização da lesão.

Plant volatiles are important cues for the orientation of herbivorous insects. It is possible that these compounds indicate whether the plant is suitable for feeding and larval development, or for mating aggregation. Vernonia condensata (Asteraceae) is known to attract species of leafhoppers, most of them important vectors of the citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). In this study, we evaluated the role of volatiles of V. condensata on the orientation of Bucephalogonia xanthophis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Four-arm olfactometer bioassays showed that only males were attracted to the volatiles of the host-plants Citrus sp. and V. condensata. Furthermore, fresh leaves of V. condensata induced a stronger response than volatiles from hexane-extracted leaves. This study opens the possibility to utilize V. condensata volatiles for pest management programs of B. xanthopis.Os voláteis de plantas são sinais importantes para a orientação de insetos herbívoros. É possível que esses compostos indiquem que a planta é apropriada para alimentação e desenvolvimento larval, ou para agrupamento reprodutivo. Vernonia condensata (Asteraceae) atrai espécies de cigarrinhas, muitas delas vetores da clorose variegada dos citros (CVC). Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o papel dos voláteis de V. condensata na orientação de Bucephalogonia xanthophis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Bioensaios em olfatômetro de quatro braços mostraram que somente os machos foram atraídos pelos voláteis das plantas hospedeiras Citrus sp. e V. condensata, sendo que os voláteis das folhas frescas de V. condensata induziram uma maior resposta quando comparada aos extratos hexânicos da planta. A possibilidade de usar os voláteis de V. condensata abre novas perspectivas para programas e alternativas para o manejo de pragas.

Chironomid assemblages and sedimentological parameters (grain size, organic content, mineralogy) of a short sediment core from Lake Galletué (38°41' S, 71°17' W) were analysed. The sedimentary record includes one volcanic ash (tephra) layer, which has a completely different composition than the host sediment in terms of organic content, grain size, and mineralogy. According to the geochronology (210Pb and 137Cs), this ash layer corresponds to the eruption of Llaima Volcano in 1956-1957. The tephra deposition had an impact on chironomid assemblages producing, among other changes, an increase in Parakiefferiella and a decrease in Ablabesmyia, although no noticeable change was detected in the diversity index. When compared with other studies, our results also show an impact in terms of the presence of chironomid head capsules within the tephra. The presence of these head capsules could result from the effects of percolation, since the coarse grain size of the tephra particles provides large interstitial spaces. The recovery in the abundances of some taxa after the tephra input, suggests the lake is probably restoring the conditions prevailing before the tephra fallSe analizan las asociaciones de restos sub-fósiles de quironómidos y los parámetros sedimentológicos de un núcleo sedimentario del lago Galletué (38°41' S, 71°17' O). Es evidente en este núcleo la presencia de un estrato de sedimentos volcánicos (tefra) de una composición distinta en el contenido deµmateria orgánica, en el tamaño de partícula y en la mineralogía, respecto de los sedimentos del lago. De acuerdo a la geocronología isotópica (210Pb y 137Cs), los sedimentos de esta tefra podrían corresponder a la erupción del volcán Llaima de 1956-1957. Por otra parte la depositación de esta tefra también provocó un cambio en las asociaciones de quironómidos, siendo evidente el aumento de Parakiefferiella y la disminución de Ablabesmyia dentro del estrato de tefra. Si bien nuestros resultados, al igual que estudios previos, registran un cambio en las asociaciones de quironómidos debido a la entrada de sedimentos volcánicos, un aspecto diferente es la presencia de cápsulas cefálicas dentro de la tefra. Una posible explicación a tal diferencia podría ser la percolación de los restos de quironómidos por los espacios intersticiales de la tefra. La recuperación en la abundancia de algunos taxa luego de la depositación de la tefra, sugiere que el lago restablecería las condiciones existentes previo a la caída de la tefra