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Contexto: los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) intestinales se desarrollan a partir de células especializadas del sistema endocrino difuso y pueden tener la capacidad de liberar, de manera excesiva, serotonina y otros péptidos vasoactivos, ocasionando síntomas que en conjunto se denominan síndrome carcinoide. Los TNE intestinales son heterogéneos en su biología y en su curso clínico, por lo que su diagnóstico histopatológico ofrece retos para los patólogos y las imágenes que se requieren para la estadificación y el seguimiento tienen particularidades técnicas, sumado a una disponibilidad limitada de algunas de ellas. Además, por su baja incidencia, se disminuyen las posibilidades de sospecha clínica en centros de atención primaria, ocasionando a menudo un retraso en el diagnóstico. Todos estos factores hacen que la ruta para el diagnóstico y las decisiones sobre el tratamiento sean complejas. Objetivo: definir los criterios para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de los pacientes con TNE intestinales secretores en Colombia. Metodología: se realizó un consenso tipo Delphi modificado. Para ello, se escogió un panel de médicos colombianos, expertos en el manejo de las neoplasias neuroendocrinas, donde los resultados fueron analizados y discutidos y, a partir de la consecución de consensos, se resumieron las conclusiones de las recomendaciones en los diferentes aspectos relacionados con los TNE intestinales secretores. Resultados: se obtuvieron recomendaciones para el abordaje del paciente con TNE intestinales y síndrome carcinoide en Colombia, incluyendo la sospecha clínica, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento. Conclusiones: en Colombia, es importante disminuir la variabilidad en la práctica clínica diaria, así como fortalecer el conocimiento del personal médico, desde el escenario de atención primaria hasta la atención de mayor nivel, respecto al diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes con TNE intestinales y síndrome carcinoide, con el objetivo de brindar un manejo oportuno y adecuado de la enfermedad.

Background:. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases oxygen concentration in affected tissues that enhance the cellular hypoxia recovery process, neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation, increased reactive oxygen species, suppression of proinflammatory states, and vascular compression. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the experience in the use of the hyperbaric chamber as an adjunctive management for the prompt recovery of patients who underwent aesthetic plastic surgery. Methods:. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between 2021 and 2023, involving 296 patients who received HBOT after aesthetic surgical procedures, to demonstrate the recuperation time rate and the complication incidence in postoperative patients using HBOT. Results:. Most participants were women, with a median age of 33.5 years. Surgical procedures were grouped in liposculpture, abdominoplasty, and breast interventions. Complications related to the surgical event were low (10.7%), with occurrences of hematomas (n = 14, 4.72%), anemias (n = 9, 3.04%), and wound dehiscence (n = 8, 2.70%). There were no reports of surgical site infections or necrosis. Recovery times to get back to work were 10 days for liposuction, 3 days for breast interventions, and 21 days for abdominoplasty. Conclusions:. This study demonstrated the experience of using a postoperative hyperbaric chamber in aesthetic plastic surgery to promote recovery processes. The patient cohort in this study showed shortened recovery times than the data obtained from the major international plastic surgery organizations. Also, HBOT patients had a low complication rate, without infections, indicating the potential efficacy of this adjunctive therapy. Overall, this study underscores the promising role of hyperbaric chamber therapy in facilitating postoperative recovery and mitigating complications.

The fossil-diagenetic characteristics, such as mineralogical aspects present in the ribs of Catonyx cuvieri (Lund, 1839) (Mammalia, Xenarthra), were analyzed in this work. These analyzed remains come from the Risso Cave, San Lazaro's District, Concepción Department, Paraguay. The vibrational response was studied using Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and the mineralogy and elemental compositions were examined using multiple characterizations techniques. The main functional groups belong to the mineral part of the bone, and specific functional groups were associated with organic components. The characterization indicated that material was composed of apatites and the original mineral structure was affected by partial ionic substitutions, probably due to the interaction of the fossil with the environment. A Gaussian deconvolution model (GM) was used to identify the individual overlapping bands in the regions of interest in the spectra. A diagenesis pathway for the fossil involved the inclusion of calcium carbonate on the surface of the bone due to the accumulation of moisture, which allowed the recrystallization of hydroxyapatite and the precipitation of calcite in the pores and silicates of the bone. It’s worth mentioning that this work is the first in the ground sloths C. cuvieri in South America. In addition, the material here constitutes the most complete fossil record of a member of the Pleistocene megafaunal of Paraguay.

Summary:. High-definition liposculpture with variable degrees of muscular definition allows both patients and surgeons to broaden the procedure to fit almost any individual preferences; however, skin laxity and those secondary cases still represent a big challenge for the surgeon to achieve optimal outcomes. We are reporting our experience with a new suture-splint procedure to reduce edema, avoid skin laxity, and increase muscular definition after liposculpture. We enrolled patients undergoing HDL with any risk factor that could compromise aesthetic outcomes. Tumescent technique with VASER fat emulsification and power-assisted liposuction were used to complete HDL. We performed a continuous suture over the midline and other areas of muscular definition right before patients awakened from anesthesia. Real-time ultrasound imaging was performed to ensure the safety of the procedure. A total of 52 consecutive patients were treated with MesHD in our study. Only two patients voluntarily dropped off from postoperative analysis due to geographical limitations. Postoperative edema was referred by only one patient after surgery. No major complications were reported. Three patients complained of stabbing pain over one of the stitches, which resolved completely after suture removal. All patients were satisfied with postoperative results. Mesh suture-splint at body areas with high risk of adverse effects after body contouring surgery may be an effective procedure to improve recovery by decreasing edema formation, enhancingmuscular definition, decreasing risk of fibrosis, and avoiding skin laxity postoperative appearance.

BackgroundST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires revascularization treatment, preferably via primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI). There is a lack of data about contemporary management of STEMI in Latin America.MethodsThis was a multicenter, multinational, prospective, and dynamic registry of patients undergoing pPCI in Latin America for STEMI (STEMI/LATAMI Registry) that was carried out in nine centers from five countries (Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic) between June 2021 and June 2023. All interventionalists involved in the study were originally trained at the same institution (Centro de Estudios en Cardiología Intervencionista, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The primary objective was to evaluate procedural and in-hospital outcomes of pPCI in STEMI and in-hospital outcome in the Latin America (LATAM) region; as secondary endpoints, we analyzed the following subgroups: differences between pPCI vs. pharmaco-invasive or late presenters, gender, elderly and very elderly patients, cardiogenic shock outcomes, and causes of STEMI.ResultsIn total, 744 STEMI patients who underwent PCI between June 2021 and June 2023 in five countries (nine centers) in our continent were included; 76.3% had a pPCI, 8.1% pharmaco-invasive PCI, and 15.6% had late STEMI PCI. There were no differences in region or center when we evaluated in-hospital and 30 days of death. The rate of procedural success was 96.2%, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.2%. In the subgroup of pPCI, mean symptom onset-to-balloon time was 295.3 ± 246 min, and mean door-to-balloon time was 55.8 ± 49.9 min. The femoral approach was chosen in 60.5%. In 3.0% of patients, the left main disease was the culprit artery, with 1.63 ± 1.00 stents per patient (564 drug-eluting stents and 652 bare metal stents), with 34 patients receiving only plain optimal balloon angioplasty. Definitive stent thrombosis was related to the infarct artery as the primary cause of STEMI in 7.5% of patients. The use of assistant mechanical devices was low, at 2.1% in the pPCI group. Women were older, with large numbers in very elderly age (≥90 years), greater mortality, and incidence of spontaneous coronary dissection as a cause of STEMI (p

Abstract The anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein family regulates cancer cell survival, thus it represents an important therapeutic target. Indeed, a drug class, called BH3-mimetics, have been developed to directly target BCL2 proteins and promote cancer cell death. Conventional wisdom suggests that the primary anti-cancer effect of BCL-2 inhibition is through induction of cancer cell death. However, a recent study by Zhao and colleagues describes that BCL-2 inhibition also enhances the function of classical dendritic cells, unleashing their role in immunosurveillance, promoting T cell immunity and tumour regression. Thus, inhibiting anti-apoptotic BCL-2 function may have a multi-pronged anti-tumour action.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of finerenone, a selective, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes by age and/or sex.Design FIDELITY post hoc analysis; median follow-up of 3 years.Setting FIDELITY: a prespecified analysis of the FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD trials.Participants Adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease receiving optimised renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (N=13 026).Interventions Randomised 1:1; finerenone or placebo.Primary and secondary outcome measures Cardiovascular (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or hospitalisation for heart failure (HHF)) and kidney (kidney failure, sustained ≥57% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline or renal death) composite outcomes.Results Mean age was 64.8 years; 45.2%, 40.1% and 14.7% were aged

Abstract High throughput drug screening is an established approach to investigate tumor biology and identify therapeutic leads. Traditional platforms use two-dimensional cultures which do not accurately reflect the biology of human tumors. More clinically relevant model systems such as three-dimensional tumor organoids can be difficult to scale and screen. Manually seeded organoids coupled to destructive endpoint assays allow for the characterization of treatment response, but do not capture transitory changes and intra-sample heterogeneity underlying clinically observed resistance to therapy. We present a pipeline to generate bioprinted tumor organoids linked to label-free, time-resolved imaging via high-speed live cell interferometry (HSLCI) and machine learning-based quantitation of individual organoids. Bioprinting cells gives rise to 3D structures with unaltered tumor histology and gene expression profiles. HSLCI imaging in tandem with machine learning-based segmentation and classification tools enables accurate, label-free parallel mass measurements for thousands of organoids. We demonstrate that this strategy identifies organoids transiently or persistently sensitive or resistant to specific therapies, information that could be used to guide rapid therapy selection.

Abdominal ultrasonography is valuable in the diagnosis of equine colic. Fast localized abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) enables practitioners with limited experience to perform ultrasonography in emergency settings. However, many practitioners only possess rectal format linear array transducers (RFLT). The hypotheses are: (a) A low frequency curvilinear transducer (LFCT) and RFLT will detect free abdominal fluid and abnormal small intestinal loops with similar frequency during FLASH, and (b) there will be a difference between the transducers for detection of gastric abnormalities and nephrosplenic entrapment. The objective is to compare transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic detection of abnormalities in horses presenting with colic using a LFCT and RFLT. Twenty-four horses requiring FLASH for investigation of colic were enrolled. Horses that were too painful to undergo transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic examination were excluded. A single investigator performed FLASH on all horses using a RFLT, while one of three other clinicians simultaneously performed FLASH using a LFCT. Comparison of abnormal findings between the two transducers was performed using Chi square, Fisher’s exact or Wilcoxon tests. The incidence of identification of abnormal findings was similar between the two transducers for all comparisons except the visibility of the left kidney and stomach (kidney LFCT 81.25% vs. RFLT 22.92%, stomach LFCT 87.5% vs. RFLT 62.5%). While there are limitations to using a RFLT to identify nephrosplenic entrapment of the colon and detection of the stomach, it reliably detects other common abnormalities, including peritoneal effusion, lesions of the small intestine, and changes to the wall of the large colon and cecum.

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

Rationale & Objective: In FIDELITY, finerenone improved cardiorenal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This analysis explored the efficacy and safety of finerenone in Black patients. Study Design: Subanalysis of randomized controlled trials. Setting & Participants: Patients with T2D and CKD. Intervention: Finerenone or placebo. Outcomes: Composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure; composite of kidney failure, sustained ≥57% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline from baseline maintained for ≥4 weeks, or renal death. Results: Of the 13,026 patients, 522 (4.0%) self-identified as Black. Finerenone demonstrated similar effects on the cardiovascular composite outcome in Black (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.51-1.24]) and non-Black patients (HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.79-0.96; P = 0.5 for interaction]). Kidney composite outcomes were consistent in Black (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.43-1.16]) and non-Black patients (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P = 0.9 for interaction]). Finerenone reduced urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio by 40% at month 4 (least-squares mean treatment ratio, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.52-0.69; P

We used publicly available data to describe epidemiology, genomic surveillance, and public health and social measures from the first 3 COVID-19 pandemic waves in southern Africa during April 6, 2020–September 19, 2021. South Africa detected regional waves on average 7.2 weeks before other countries. Average testing volume 244 tests/million/day) increased across waves and was highest in upper-middle-income countries. Across the 3 waves, average reported regional incidence increased (17.4, 51.9, 123.3 cases/1 million population/day), as did positivity of diagnostic tests (8.8%, 12.2%, 14.5%); mortality (0.3, 1.5, 2.7 deaths/1 million populaiton/day); and case-fatality ratios (1.9%, 2.1%, 2.5%). Beta variant (B.1.351) drove the second wave and Delta (B.1.617.2) the third. Stringent implementation of safety measures declined across waves. As of September 19, 2021, completed vaccination coverage remained low (8.1% of total population). Our findings highlight opportunities for strengthening surveillance, health systems, and access to realistically available therapeutics, and scaling up risk-based vaccination.

The utilisation of seaweeds as feed supplements has been investigated for their potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants. Enteric methane emissions are the primary source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in livestock and significantly contribute to anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nutritional role and the in vitro effect on cumulative gas and methane production of Asparagopsis taxiformis (native species) and Asparagopsis armata (invasive species), two species of red algae from the Azorean Sea, as well as the ability to reduce biogas production when incubated with single pasture (Lolium perenne and Trifollium repens) as substrate. Four levels of concentrations marine algae were used (1.25%, 2.25%, 5%, and 10% DM) and added to the substrate to evaluate ruminal fermentation using the in vitro gas production technique. The total amount of gas and methane produced by the treatment incubation was recorded during 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that both algae species under investigation contain relatively high levels of protein (22.69% and 24.23%, respectively, for Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata) and significant amounts of minerals, namely magnesium (1.15% DM), sodium (8.6% DM), and iron (2851 ppm). Concerning in vitro ruminal fermentation, it was observed that A. taxiformis can reduce enteric methane production by approximately 86%, during the first 24 h when 5% is added. In the same period and at the same concentration, A. armata reduced methane production by 34%. Thus, it can be concluded that Asparagopsis species from the Azorean Sea have high potential as a protein and mineral supplement, in addition to enabling a reduction in methane production from rumen fermentation.

Abstract Background The AP-1 transcription factor, FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (FOS), is induced in adult muscle satellite cells (SCs) within hours following muscle damage and is required for effective stem cell activation and muscle repair. However, why FOS is rapidly downregulated before SCs enter cell cycle as progenitor cells (i.e., transiently expressed) remains unclear. Further, whether boosting FOS levels in the proliferating progeny of SCs can enhance their myogenic properties needs further evaluation. Methods We established an inducible, FOS expression system to evaluate the impact of persistent FOS activity in muscle progenitor cells ex vivo. We performed various assays to measure cellular proliferation and differentiation, as well as uncover changes in RNA levels and three-dimensional (3D) chromatin interactions. Results Persistent FOS activity in primary muscle progenitor cells severely antagonizes their ability to differentiate and form myotubes within the first 2 weeks in culture. RNA-seq analysis revealed that ectopic FOS activity in muscle progenitor cells suppressed a global pro-myogenic transcriptional program, while activating a stress-induced, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) transcriptional signature. Additionally, we observed various FOS-dependent, chromosomal re-organization events in A/B compartments, topologically associated domains (TADs), and genomic loops near FOS-regulated genes. Conclusions Our results suggest that elevated FOS activity in recently activated muscle progenitor cells perturbs cellular differentiation by altering the 3D chromosome organization near critical pro-myogenic genes. This work highlights the crucial importance of tightly controlling FOS expression in the muscle lineage and suggests that in states of chronic stress or disease, persistent FOS activity in muscle precursor cells may disrupt the muscle-forming process.

Cuba is immersed in the use of wind energy. However, for its development it has required various efforts in different fields, including the improvement of tools that make the wind predictable and, in turn, wind generation, such is the case of very short-term forecasts. For this reason, this paper compares the wind forecast of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) at 3 km spatial resolution a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model type. The comparison and evaluation of the forecasts of the models is carried out with data from the Gibara I and II wind farms and the Los Cocos wind survey mast, located in Holguín, Cuba, with wind speed measurements every 10 minutes at a height of 50 m. The LSTM were built by first training the observations and then combining the observations with the WRF model forecast. The results of the comparison were carried out for three study cases and indicate that both LSTM models present better results than the WRF model, although the differences do not exceed 1 m/s. However, for the case studies, the WRF model behaves well reproducing the daytime cycle, but with a MAE greater than 4 m/s.

Abstract The monotypic genus Pilobaloderes Kulzer (Pimeliinae: Praociini), endemic to Peruvian Andes, is revised. Based on examination of recently collected specimens, we describe the female of the type species and a new species, Pilobaloderes aquilonarius sp. nov., emphasizing dimorphic and diagnostic characters of the protibiae. A redescription of the genus and its species, with remarks about sexual dimorphism are included. Habitus photographs, illustrations of protibiae, genital features, and a distribution map are also presented.

The sedimentological characteristics and fossil vertebrates studies are notoriously increasing in the earth sciences field, as a way to infer reliable information about the biota and the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic context. In this framework, we establish relationships among the flora, fauna and the depositional environment during the Late Miocene in Northwestern Argentina. The sedimentology features are described in detail from sediments collected in the Quebrada Salta section, and the Xenarthra Cingulata Kraglievichia paranensis (Pampatheriidae) and Cranithlastus xibiensis (Glyptodontidae) are recorded for the first time in the Palo Pintado Formation (Salta Province, Argentina). The sedimentary observations support the presence of a sinuous sandy-gravel fluvial system with swamps and lacustrine, under a wet tropical climate. In this environment, the vertebrates here described would have inhabited open zones close to these freshwater bodies, predominated by xeric vegetation, mainly represented by grasses and sedges with scarce arboreous elements.

Abstract The Muaco and Taima-Taima sites, in Falcón State of northwestern Venezuela, are among the earliest sites of human occupation in South America containing artifacts associated with preserved megafaunal remains and dating between 19,810 and 15,780 calybp. Here we report novel visual and CT scanning analysis of six glyptodont skulls of Glyptotherium cf. cylindricum from these sites, of which four exhibit distinct and similar patterns of breakages in the fronto-parietal region that suggest intentional blows by direct percussion by humans, with fractures not being diagenetic but instead antemortem or transmortem. This hypothesized and unreported hunting technique focused in an area of the skull where the cephalic shield becomes thin, thus increasing the effectiveness of the blow. From Taima-Taima other glyptodont remains included an inverted carapace, also previously reported as probable evidence of human–glyptodont interaction during the latest Pleistocene. We estimated that roughly 150-170 Kg of potentially accessible muscles and fat of an adult Glyptotherium cylindricum could be used as food sources.

Background: Chronic conditions increase the risk of invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD). Pneumococcal vaccination remarkably reduced IPD morbimortality in vulnerable populations. In Brazil, pneumococcal vaccines are included in the National Immunization Program (PNI): PCV10 for < 2 years-old, and PPV23 for high risk-patients aged ≥ 2 years and institutionalized ≥ 60 years. PCV13 is available in private clinics and recommended in the PNI for individuals with certain underlying conditions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using clinical data from all inpatients from five hospitals with IPD from 2016 to 2018 and the corresponding data on serotype and antimicrobial-non-susceptibility of pneumococcus. Vaccine-serotype-coverage was estimated. Patients were classified according to presence of comorbidities: healthy, without comorbidities; at-risk, included immunocompetent persons with specific medical conditions; high-risk, with immunocompromising conditions and others Results: 406 IPD cases were evaluated. Among 324 cases with information on medical conditions, children < 5 years were mostly healthy (55.9%), while presence of comorbidity prevailed in adults ≥ 18 years old (> 82.0%). Presence of ≥1 risk condition was reported in ≥ 34.8% of adults. High-risk conditions were more frequent than at-risk in all age groups. Among high-risk comorbidity (n = 211), cancer (28%), HIV/AIDS (25.7%) and hematological diseases (24.5%) were the most frequent. Among at-risk conditions (n = 89), asthma (16.5%) and diabetes (8.1%) were the most frequent. Among 404 isolates, 42.9% belonged to five serotypes: 19A (14.1%), 3 (8.7%), 6C (7.7%), 4 and 8 (6.2% each); 19A and 6C expressed antimicrobial-non-susceptibility. The vaccine-serotype-coverage was: PCV10, 19.1%, PCV13, 43.8%; PCV15, 47.8%; PCV20, 62.9%; PCV21, 65.8%, and PPV23, 67.3%. Information on hospital outcome was available for 283 patients, of which 28.6% died. Mortality was 54.2% for those with meningitis. Conclusion: Vaccine with expanded valence of serotypes is necessary to offer broad prevention to IPD. The present data contribute to pneumococcal vaccination public health policies for vulnerable patients, mainly those with comorbidity and the elderly.

Abstract Agriculture is responsible for a great share of the anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases that, by warming the earth, threaten its biodiversity. Among greenhouse gas emissions, enteric CH4 from livestock is an important target to slow down climate changes. The CH4 is originated from rumen fermentation and its concentration is affected by several factors, including genetics and nutrition. Ruminants have an extraordinary symbiosis with microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) that ferment otherwise indigestible carbohydrates, from which they obtain energy to grow and continue actively producing, among other products, volatile fatty acids, CO2 and H2. Detrimental ruminal accumulation of H2 is avoided by methanogenesis carried out by Archaea methanogens. Importantly, methanogenesis is not the only H2 sink pathway. In fact, other bacteria can reduce substrates using metabolic hydrogen formed during carbohydrate fermentation, namely propionate production and reductive acetogenesis, thus lowering the CH4 produced. Although the complexity of rumen poses challenges to mitigate CH4 production, the emergence of sequencing techniques that allow the study of microbial communities, gene expression, and metabolome are largely contributing to unravel pathways and key players in the rumen. Indeed, it is now recognized that in vivo emissions of CH4 are correlated to microbial communities, and particularly with the abundance of methanogens, several bacterial groups, and their genes. The goal of CH4 mitigation is to work in favor of the natural processes, without compromising rumen function, animal health, and productivity. Notwithstanding, the major challenge continues to be the feasibility and affordability of the proposed solutions.

Introducción: El material sólido obtenido a partir de un ataque hidrotermal básico sobre zeolita natural permite obtener un adsorbente para el ion Pb2+(ac). Objetivo: Determinar los parámetros cinético-termodinámicos que rigen la adsorción de iones plomo (II) en una zeolita artificial. Materiales y Métodos: Las concentraciones de las soluciones de plomo (II) son determinadas por Espectroscopía de Absorción Atómica. Estas son usadas para los estudios cinéticos y difusionales a las temperaturas de 298 K y 323 K. Resultados y Discusión: La energía de activación del proceso es 15,70 kJ/mol. Los coeficientes de difusión son bajos. Dados los valores de la energía libre, entropía y entalpía el proceso ocurre a cualquier temperatura. Conclusiones: Los mecanismos cinéticos responden a una adsorción de seudoprimer orden y prevalece una difusión en la película de líquido.

Background:. One big challenge of body contouring surgery is the liposculpture of the lower limbs, probably because of the imperative symmetry and the risk of contour irregularities. We are reporting our experience in fat grafting of the thighs and calves for men and women undergoing dynamic definition liposculpture. Methods:. We did cadaveric dissections of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles and identified each of their primary pedicles. We also performed fat grafting of these muscles in the contralateral virgin cadaveric specimen. We searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of the lower extremity in addition to dynamic definition liposculpture, from January 2016 to May 2022 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results:. Seventy-three consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria (26 men and 47 women). We grafted 102 gastrocnemius muscles, 86 vastus medialis muscles, 98 vastus lateralis muscles, and 22 rectus femoris muscles. Mean age was 34 and 41 years for men and women, respectively. Range of the fat graft volume was 50–200 mL. No complications were recorded related to fat grafting. Almost all patients were satisfied with the procedure (89%). Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 36 months. Conclusions:. Fat grafting of the lower limb muscles should be considered an alternative operative technique to enhance volume and athletic appearance of this body segment. Based on cadaveric dissections and clinical evidence, our technique is considered reliable and reproducible with remarkable outcomes and a very low complication rate.

Background:. Arm contouring usually represents a challenge for the surgeon due to zones with high risk of irregularities/asymmetries, the variable degree of skin laxity, and the differences between patient/gender preferences. In men, the bigger and muscular the arms the better, while women tend to prefer a slim and soft silhouette. Methods:. We performed arm cadaveric dissections and also searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of the arm in addition to HD2, from January 2016 to May 2022 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results:. Two hundred eighty-nine consecutive patients (275 men and 14 women) underwent high-definition lipoplasty/HD2 plus fat grafting of the biceps (72 muscles), the triceps (46 muscles), the deltoids (426 muscles), or a combination of them. Mean age was 39 and 36 years for men and women, respectively. Range of the fat graft volume was 30–150 ml. No major complications were reported. Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 24 months. Most patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions:. Men usually seek an overall well-toned and muscular extremity, while women tend to prefer a slim but also athletic contour. Such outcomes can be achieved through intramuscular fat grafting of the biceps, triceps, and deltoids. The proper recognition of the pedicles and a precise surgical technique will ensure both its safety and the reproducibility of the results.

Background:. The aesthetics for the male posterior torso remain a topic not fully studied in body contouring surgery, neither the lipoinjection of its muscles have been considered before. As a result, we carried out a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent fat grafting of either the trapezius or the latissimus dorsi muscles as part of dynamic definition liposculpture (HD2). Methods:. We performed cadaveric dissections to support the fat grafting technique for both the trapezius and the latissimus dorsi muscles. We also searched our records for patients who underwent fat grafting of these muscles in addition to HD2 from January 2016 to November 2021 at a single center in Bogotá, Colombia. Results:. Thirty-five consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. In total, 22 (63%) and 7 (20%) of 35 underwent fat grafting at the trapezius and the latissimus dorsi muscles alone, respectively, and 6 out of 35 (17%) of both. Mean age is 39 years (range = 22–63). All patients were men. No complications were recorded related to fat grafting. Almost all patients were satisfied with the procedure (97%). Follow-up period ranged from 2 to 48 months. Conclusions:. Liposuction might not be enough to achieve the ideal V-shape of the men’s back in some cases; hence, fat grafting of the power muscles becomes the best option. Recognition of the main neurovascular pedicle, proper preoperative markings, and a correct surgical technique ensure both the safety and the reproducibility of the technique.

Antecedentes: El rabdomiosarcoma alveolar es un sarcoma con diferenciación de músculo esquelético que ocurre con mayor frecuencia en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Se considera de mal pronóstico. La ubicación más frecuente son las extremidades. Descripción del caso: Mujer de 78 años, quien presenta masa heterogénea en muslo izquierdo de ocho meses de evolución, alcanzando un tamaño de 11 cm de diámetro, con compromiso vascular. La biopsia mostró un RMSa con expresión aberrante de marcadores epiteliales y neuroendocrinos. Conclusiones: En la categoría de los RMSa es importante conocer el inmunofenotipo que los caracteriza, así como la expresión aberrante de marcadores epiteliales y neuroendocrinos.

ImportanceSARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects after the acute phase of infection; termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are ill-defined. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC in Adults (RECOVER-Adult) are to: (1) characterize PASC prevalence; (2) characterize the symptoms, organ dysfunction, natural history, and distinct phenotypes of PASC; (3) identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors for PASC onset and recovery; and (4) define the biological mechanisms underlying PASC pathogenesis.MethodsRECOVER-Adult is a combined prospective/retrospective cohort currently planned to enroll 14,880 adults aged ≥18 years. Eligible participants either must meet WHO criteria for suspected, probable, or confirmed infection; or must have evidence of no prior infection. Recruitment occurs at 86 sites in 33 U.S. states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, via facility- and community-based outreach. Participants complete quarterly questionnaires about symptoms, social determinants, vaccination status, and interim SARS-CoV-2 infections. In addition, participants contribute biospecimens and undergo physical and laboratory examinations at approximately 0, 90 and 180 days from infection or negative test date, and yearly thereafter. Some participants undergo additional testing based on specific criteria or random sampling. Patient representatives provide input on all study processes. The primary study outcome is onset of PASC, measured by signs and symptoms. A paradigm for identifying PASC cases will be defined and updated using supervised and unsupervised learning approaches with cross-validation. Logistic regression and proportional hazards regression will be conducted to investigate associations between risk factors, onset, and resolution of PASC symptoms.DiscussionRECOVER-Adult is the first national, prospective, longitudinal cohort of PASC among US adults. Results of this study are intended to inform public health, spur clinical trials, and expand treatment options.RegistrationNCT05172024.

Introduction: Non-compliance to post-treatment cancer surveillance can lead to late detection of recurrence. This study aims to identify patients at high risk for loss of follow-up after radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods: Consecutive patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (2013–2020) at a community cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome was overall follow-up compliance rate over time. Additionally, specialist-specific follow-up times, reasons for discontinuation and predictors of loss of follow-up events were evaluated. Results: The median age of the 154 patients included was 46.5 years (range: 26–84). The 6-month, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall loss of follow-up rates were: 5.3%, 15.3%, 33.6%, and 48.2%, respectively. After a median overall follow-up time of 21.0 months, the median specialist-specific surveillance times were 17 months and 6 months with gynecologic and radiation oncologists, respectively (p

Quantifying entericCH4 from grazing systems is a challenge for all regions of the world, especially when cattle feed mostly on pasture throughout the year, as pasture quality varies with the seasons. In this study, we examine the influence of seasonality on enteric methane emissions in the Azores, considering the most recent IPCC updates, to minimise errors in estimating enteric methane emissions in this region. For this purpose, samples of corn and grass silage, different types of concentrate, and pasture were collected throughout the year, and their nutritional value and digestibility were determined according to standard conventional methods. The estimation of methane production was conducted using the 2006 IPCC Tier 2 methodology, refined in 2019. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the chemical composition of winter and summer pastures. However, it was in the autumn that these pastures presented the best nutritional quality. We estimated that the total volume of enteric methane produced in the Azores was 20,341 t CH4, with peak enteric methane emissions (5837 t CH4) reached during the summer. Breeding bulls, beef cows, and heifers are the categories that produce the highest amount of methane per animal. However, if we consider the total number of animals existing in the region, pregnant dairy cows are the category of cattle with the highest emissions of CH4. Thus, considering the current system of cattle production in the region, we can infer that the pastures are better managed during the autumn, which translates into lower emissions of enteric methane into the atmosphere during this season.

Abstract Background Urushiols are pro-electrophilic haptens that cause severe contact dermatitis mediated by CD8+ effector T-cells and downregulated by CD4+ T-cells. However, the molecular mechanism by which urushiols stimulate innate immunity in the initial stages of this allergic reaction is poorly understood. Here we explore the sub-cellular mechanisms by which urushiols initiate the allergic response. Results Electron microscopy observations of mouse ears exposed to litreol (3-n-pentadecyl-10-enyl-catechol]) showed keratinocytes containing swollen mitochondria with round electron-dense inclusion bodies in the matrix. Biochemical analyses of sub-mitochondrial fractions revealed an inhibitory effect of urushiols on electron flow through the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which requires both the aliphatic and catecholic moieties of these allergens. Moreover, urushiols extracted from poison ivy/oak (mixtures of 3-n-pentadecyl-8,11,13 enyl/3-n-heptadecyl-8,11 enyl catechol) exerted a higher inhibitory effect on mitochondrial respiration than did pentadecyl catechol or litreol, indicating that the higher number of unsaturations in the aliphatic chain, stronger the allergenicity of urushiols. Furthermore, the analysis of radioactive proteins isolated from mitochondria incubated with 3H-litreol, indicated that this urushiol was bound to cytochrome c1. According to the proximity of cytochromes c1 and b, functional evidence indicated the site of electron flow inhibition was within complex III, in between cytochromes bL (cyt b566) and bH (cyt b562). Conclusion Our data provide functional and molecular evidence indicating that the interruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain constitutes an important mechanism by which urushiols initiates the allergic response. Thus, mitochondria may constitute a source of cellular targets for generating neoantigens involved in the T-cell mediated allergy induced by urushiols.

Abstract Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) provide a safe, effective alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment, as shown via intention-to-treat comparative effectiveness analysis. However, on-treatment analysis is imperative in observational studies because anticoagulation choice and duration are at investigators' discretion. Objectives The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of DOACs and VKAs on 12-month outcomes in VTE patients using on-treatment analysis. Methods The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD - VTE (GARFIELD-VTE) is a world-wide, prospective, non-interventional study observing treatment of VTE in routine clinical practice. Results In total, 8,034 patients received VKAs (n = 3,043, 37.9%) or DOACs (n = 4,991, 62.1%). After adjustment for baseline characteristics and follow-up bleeding events, and accounting for possible time-varying confounding, all-cause mortality was significantly lower with DOACs than VKAs (hazard ratio: 0.58 [95% confidence interval 0.42–0.79]). Furthermore, patients receiving VKAs were more likely to die of VTE complications (4.9 vs. 2.2%) or bleeding (4.9 vs. 0.0%). There was no significant difference in rates of recurrent VTE (hazard ratio: 0.74 [0.55–1.01]), major bleeding (hazard ratio: 0.76 [0.47–1.24]), or overall bleeding (hazard ratio: 0.87 [0.72–1.05]) with DOACs or VKAs. Unadjusted analyses suggested that VKA patients with active cancer or renal insufficiency were more likely to die than patients treated with DOAC (52.51 [37.33–73.86] vs. 26.52 [19.37–36.29] and 9.97 [7.51–13.23] vs. 4.70 [3.25–6.81] per 100 person-years, respectively). Conclusion DOACs and VKAs had similar rates of recurrent VTE and major bleeding. However, DOACs were associated with reduced all-cause mortality and a lower likelihood of death from VTE or bleeding compared with VKAs.

Introducción: Los carbones obtenidos por activación “química” de producción nacional pueden ser utilizados como adsorbentes de iones de elevado índice técnico. Objetivo: Obtener carbón activado con buenas propiedades adsortivas a partir de bagazo de caña de azúcar, bambú y marabú, que permita la eliminación de iones Pb (II) de soluciones acuosas. Materiales y Métodos: Se preparan carbones activados con bagazo de caña de azúcar (BC), marabú (M) y bambú (B) para adsorber Pb (II). BC, M y B se carbonizan a 400°C por 1 hora, activados con ácidos fosfóricos y modificados con ácido nítrico con calentamiento posterior. Son aplicados los modelos cinéticos y difusivos de seudoprimer orden, seudosegundo orden, Elovich, difusión en la película de líquido, difusión intrapartícula, modelo de Bangham y difusividad efectiva. Se determina el parámetro termodinámico variación de la energía libre. Resultados y Discusión: Para los tres productos el modelo cinético de seudoprimer orden se ajusta al coeficiente de determinación aplicado. La constante aparente de velocidad de adsorción es mayor en el bagazo y menor en el bambú. La constante de equilibrio es mayor en el bambú y menor en el marabú. En cuanto al calor isostérico es mayor (modular) para el bagazo y menor para el marabú. La mayor capacidad de adsorción la posee el bambú 111,15 mg/g. Conclusiones: El carbón obtenido por activación “química” de bambú es el que presenta el mejor resultado como adsorbente, cuya capacidad de adsorción es de 111,15 mg/g.

La distribución de la tribu Epitragini en Perú se actualiza a partir de la revisión de colecciones entomológicas peruanas y la recopilación de registros previamente publicados. Se presentan nuevos registros y preferencias de hábitat para ocho especies de los géneros Epitragopsis, Parepitragus y Phytophilus. También se proporcionan registros disponibles para cinco especies que no han sido halladas en colecciones peruanas y mapas de distribución.

Introducción: En los últimos años se han estudiado una gran cantidad de materiales de bajo costo y con potencial de ser utilizados en la biosorción de metales pesados; estos incluyen residuos, principalmente agrícolas y forestales. El níquel es empleado en la fabricación de acero y en algunas aleaciones. Su consumo provoca diferentes problemas de salud. Objetivo: Determinar el modelo cinético y la difusividad correspondientes a la adsorción en el sistema heterogéneo de masa solución acuosa de iones Ni 2+ y serrín de cedro. Materiales y Métodos: Se utiliza el serrín de cedro como material adsorbente. Se expone el modelo cinético que rige la adsorción de iones Ni 2+ en serrín de cedro a las temperaturas de 25, 35 y 45oC. Se determina desde el punto de vista cinético el orden del modelo para la adsorción, la energía de activación y el calor isostérico. Se obtiene las constantes de equilibrio y con ello la energía libre, la entalpía y entropía de adsorción y los coeficientes de difusión. Resultados y Discusión: El modelo de seudoprimer orden refleja el proceso adsortivo con una energía de activación de 38,4 kJ/mol que refrenda un proceso físico. Los valores de ΔHads = -36,6 kJ/mol y ΔSads= -0,14 kJ/(mol.K) refleja un proceso exotérmico. Los coeficientes de difusión oscilan del orden de 10-16 a 10-17 m2/s. Conclusiones: La adsorción de iones Ni2+ en solución acuosa, obedece a un modelo de seudosegundo orden. Los coeficientes de difusión a las tres temperaturas oscilan del orden de 10-16 a 10-17 m2/s.

Introducción: Los silicatos amorfos son utilizados como adsorbentes de metales pesados en solución acuosa. Objetivo: Determinar las isotermas correspondientes a la adsorción en el sistema heterogéneo de masa solución acuosa de iones Cu (II) y silicatos amorfos de magnesio, calcio, aluminio y zinc. Materiales y Métodos: Se expone la isoterma que rige el proceso de adsorción de iones Cu (II) en régimen estático desde disoluciones acuosas en varios productos de base silícica con agua de comportamiento zeolítico en su estructura. El proceso de adsorción de iones se lleva a cabo con determinadas condiciones de acidez, temperatura, concentración de iones Cu2+, diámetro de partícula y tiempo de interacción. Las disoluciones tienen un pH de 5,06 unidades, con agitación a 300 rpm en un agitador mecánico AGU-10 Bunsen a 25oC. Se toman 40 mL de solución y se ponen en contacto durante 30 minutos, con 0,2 g del silicato del metal correspondiente con la agitación propuesta a la temperatura de 25oC; luego se filtra, y se determina la concentración final por Espectroscopia de Absorción Atómica. Se implementan las isotermas de Langmuir, Langmuir-Freundlich, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, BET, Redlich, Radke-Prausnitz y Tempkin. Resultados y Discusión: El modelo de Langmuir para la isoterma de adsorción es el que mejor ajusta a la adsorción de los iones Cu (II) en solución acuosa. Conclusiones: Los silicatos de calcio, zinc, magnesio y aluminio son materiales ligeros y con moderada superficie específica. Presentan moderadas capacidades de adsorción de los iones Cu (II) en solución acuosa.

Se evaluaron las características químicas, mineralógicas y de reactividad puzolánica en las arcillas del depósito arcilloso Mir para su uso como material cementicio suplementario. Se realizaron muestreos para la selección del material arcilloso mediante el método de surco, para la posterior elaboración de muestras compósito que garantizan una mayor homogeneidad del material estudiado. Se utilizaron técnicas de Difracción de Rayos X y Fluorecencia de Rayos X para la caracterización del material natural y el Protocolo de Aluminio-Silicio soluble y el método de R3 para evaluar la reactividad puzolánica de la arcillas activadas térmicamente. Mediante el análisis químico se determinaron altos valores de alúmina y sílice, y bajas concentraciones de sodio, potasio, hierro, azufre y titanio. Se estableció que la paragénesis mineral que compone a estas arcillas está constituida por caolinita, dickita, cuarzo, albita, moscovita, hematita y material amorfo. Se observa que el aumento de la reactividad puzolánica en condiciones de disminución de superficie especifica puede ser atribuible a cambios estructurales y morfológicos de la estructura cristalina de las fases minerales que participan en el proceso de activación térmica.

Despite the introduction of drug-eluting stents (DES) significantly improved the efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), particularly in a high-risk group of patients, the gap between PCI with his competitor’s coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and/or optimal medical treatment alone was not reduced. In this revision, we highlighted the fact that in recent years landmark randomized studies reported at mid and long-term follow-ups a high incidence of non-cardiac death, cancer incidence, or both in the DES group of patients. The overall incidence of non-cardiac death was significantly higher in the DES vs. the comparator arm: 5.5% and 3.8%, respectively, p = 0.000018, and non-cardiac death appears to be more divergent between DES vs. the comparator at the extended follow-up to expenses of the last one. One of these trials reported five times greater cancer incidence in the DES arm at late follow-up, 5% vs. 0.7% p < 0.0018. We review the potential reason for these unexpected findings, although we can discard that DES biology could be involved in it. Until all these issues are resolved, we propose that DES implantation should be tailored accorded patient age, life expectancy, and lesion complexity.

Livestock production is the main economic engine of the Azores. Given the role nutrition plays in animal performance and the context of limited Averages sharing the same letter are noagricultural area of the archipelago, optimising the quality and availability of the fodder used in feeds takes on an important role in increasing the competitiveness and viability of the industry. This work evaluated the potential of NIR spectroscopy to quantify several chemical and biological parameters used to assess silage quality in the specific agroclimatic context of the Azores. Reference values were determined for 400 grass silage and 400 corn silage samples. The corresponding NIR spectra were extracted, and mathematical models capable of correlating these readings with the various parameters were built. The best results were obtained for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and crude ash for both fresh and dry samples. For the biological parameters concerning gas production, no satisfactory results were reached. It was concluded that it was feasible to build models capable of accurately predicting these important quality parameters, which demonstrates that NIRS is a viable technique that can be used in the Azores to perform a close and timely monitoring of forage quality and to facilitate the management and optimisation of diets.

Reversing climate change requires broad, cohesive, and strategic plans for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from animal farming. The implementation and evaluation of such plans demand accurate and accessible methods for monitoring on-field CH4 concentration in eructating breath. Therefore, this paper describes a longitudinal study over six months, aiming to test a protocol using a laser methane detector (LMD) to monitor CH4 emissions in semi-extensive dairy farm systems. Over 10 time points, CH4 measurements were performed in dry (late gestation) and lactating cows at an Azorean dairy farm. Methane traits including CH4 concentration related to eructation (E_CH4) and respiration (R_CH4), and eructation events, were automatically computed from CH4 measured values using algorithms created for peak detection and analysis. Daily CH4 emission was estimated from each profile’s mean CH4 concentration (MEAN_CH4). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model, including breed, lactation stage, and parity as fixed effects, and cow (subject) and time point as random effects. The results showed that Holsteins had higher E_CH4 than Jersey cows (p < 0.001). Although a breed-related trend was found in daily CH4 emission (p = 0.060), it was not significant when normalized to daily milk yield (p > 0.05). Methane emissions were lower in dry than in lactation cows (p < 0.05) and increased with the advancement of the lactation, even when normalizing it to daily milk yield (p < 0.05). Primiparous cows had lower daily CH4 emissions related to R_ CH4 compared to multiparous (p < 0.001). This allowed the identification of periods of higher CH4 emissions within the milk production cycle of dairy cows, and thus, the opportunity to tailor mitigation strategies accordingly.

Using invasive plants in animal production can provide an economical and eco-sustainable competitive advantage in a globalized market. The Opuntia ficus-indica and the Agave americana L. are invasive plants historically used by Azorean farmers as an alternative ruminant water source in the summer. This study aims to better understand their properties and how they vary throughout the year, so their use to complement animal diets can be optimised. Six samples of each species were collected on the Terceira Island during 2 growth seasons: winter (January 2021) and summer (September 2021), and their chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and gas production, were determined. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in all parameters between the summer and the winter, with larger variations in both fibre (NDF and ADF) and digestibility parameters found between the Opuntia and the Agave. Gas production was greater in the summer for Opuntia and in the winter for Agave. Even though the digestibility was lower in the summer, we found that both plants offer a viable ruminant feed complement in both seasons, providing a cheap and eco-sustainable alternative water source, that can be associated to dry forage and compound feeding stuff with a high crude protein content when designing ruminant diets.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional potential of unconventional plants: Pittosporum undulatum, Cryptomeria japonica, Acacia melanoxylon, Hedychium gardnerianum, Eucalyptus globulus, and Arundo donax, as an alternative roughage for ruminants. Chemical composition, gross energy, in vitro gas production, kinetics, and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter in vitro were determined for each species. The obtained results showed variations between the studied forages concerning crude protein, and the different fiber fractions: NDF, ADF, and ADL The P. undulatum with a relative food value of 92.12%, showed a significant difference compared to the other species under study. After 96 h of incubation, the plants that produced, on average, less in vitro gas were A. melanoxylon and E. globulus. Among the studied species, A. donax stands out as the species that presented the highest gas production, with 31.53 mL. 200 mg−1 DM, observing a significant difference compared to the other plants. This is a reflection of it having the highest DMD (60.44 ± 1.22%) as well. P. undulatum was the species with the longest colonization time (4.8 h). Among the plants studied, we highlight P. undulatum as presenting a good quality in the RFV index and A. donax as having good digestibility. Both can be used as roughage in periods of greater shortage of pastures.

Glyptodonts (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Glyptodontidae) represent a diversified radiation of large armored herbivores, mainly related to open biomes in South America, with an extensive fossil history since the late Eocene (ca. 33 Ma) until their extinction in the latest Pleistocene–earliest Holocene. During the Pliocene and Pleistocene, glyptodonts arrived in Central and North America as part of the Great American Biotic Interchange. Within glyptodont diversity, one of the most enigmatic groups (and also one of the least known) are the Doedicurinae, mainly recognized by the enormous Pleistocene Doedicurus, with some specimens reaching ca. two tons. Almost nothing is known about the Neogene evolutionary history of this lineage. Some very complete specimens of the previously scarcely known Eleutherocercus solidus, which in turn becomes the most complete Neogene Doedicurinae, are here described in detail and compared to related taxa. The materials come from the Andalhuala and Corral Quemado formations (north-western Argentina), specifically from stratigraphic levels correlated to the Messinian–Piacenzian interval (latest Miocene–Pliocene). The comparative study and the cladistic analysis support the hypothesis that Doedicurinae forms a well supported monophyletic group, located within a large and diversified clade mostly restricted to southern South America. Within Doedicurinae, the genus Eleutherocercus (E. antiquus + E. solidus) is the sister group of the Pleistocene Doedicurus. Unlike most of the late Neogene and Pleistocene lineages of glyptodonts, doedicurins show along its evolutionary history a latitudinal retraction since the Pleistocene, ending with the giant Doedicurus restricted to the Pampean region of Argentina, southernmost Brazil, and southern Uruguay. This hypothetic relationship between body mass and latitudinal distribution suggests that climate could have played an active role in the evolution of the subfamily.

We conduct molecular dynamics simulations of model heterogeneous membranes and their interactions with a 24-amino acid peptide—NAF-144–67. NAF-144–67 is an anticancer peptide that selectively permeates and kills malignant cells; it does not permeate normal cells. We examine three membranes with different binary mixtures of lipids, DOPC–DOPA, DOPC–DOPS, and DOPC–DOPE, with a single peptide embedded in each as models for the diversity of biological membranes. We illustrate that the peptide organization in the membrane depends on the types of nearby phospholipids and is influenced by the charge and size of the head groups. The present study sheds light on early events of permeation and the mechanisms by which an amphiphilic peptide crosses from an aqueous solution to a hydrophobic membrane. Understanding the translocation mechanism is likely to help the design of new permeants.

Se realizó un estudio preliminar para caracterizar ensambles de artrópodos epígeos en entornos costeros con influencia urbana cerca de la ciudad de El Altet (Alicante, España), que incluyen duna fija, tomillar, duna móvil y vegetación ruderal. Para ello, se realizó una serie de métricas de diversidad y análisis multivariado con base en un relevamiento realizado desde noviembre de 2004 a marzo de 2005. El hábitat de vegetación ruderal (RV) tuvo mayor abundancia y baja diversidad de artrópodos epigeicos, así como predominio de taxones sinantrópicos, principalmente Dermaptera (Forficulidae) e Isopoda (Armadillidae, Porcellionidae). En contraste, el hábitat de dunas móviles (YD) tuvo abundancia intermedia y baja diversidad, con predominio de coleópteros psamófilos, particularmente Tenebrionidae. Mientras que los hábitats de tomillar y duna fija (HD + GD) tuvieron baja abundancia y alta diversidad, siendo Chrysomelidae y Tenebrionidae nativos sus taxones más representativos.

Introduction The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases during pregnancy and the puerperium such that VTE is a leading cause of maternal mortality. Methods We describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic strategies, treatment patterns, and outcomes of women with pregnancy-associated VTE (PA-VTE) enrolled in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD)-VTE. Women of childbearing age (

Dengue virus infection (DENV-2) is transmitted by infected mosquitoes via the skin, where many dermal and epidermal cells are potentially susceptible to infection. Most of the cells in an area of infection will establish an antiviral microenvironment to control viral replication. Although cumulative studies report permissive DENV-2 infection in dendritic cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, among other cells also infected, little information is available regarding cell-to-cell crosstalk and the effect of this on the outcome of the infection. Therefore, our study focused on understanding the contribution of fibroblast and dendritic cell crosstalk to the control or promotion of dengue. Our results suggest that dendritic cells promote an antiviral state over fibroblasts by enhancing the production of type I interferon, but not proinflammatory cytokines. Infected and non-infected fibroblasts promoted partial dendritic cell maturation, and the fibroblast-matured cells were less permissive to infection and showed enhanced type I interferon production. We also observed that the soluble mediators produced by non-infected or Poly (I:C) transfected fibroblasts induced allogenic T cell proliferation, but mediators produced by DENV-2 infected fibroblasts inhibited this phenomenon. Additionally, the effects of fibroblast soluble mediators on CD14+ monocytes were analyzed to assess whether they affected the differentiation of monocyte derived dendritic cells (moDC). Our data showed that mediators produced by infected fibroblasts induced variable levels of monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells, even in the presence of recombinant GM-CSF and IL-4. Cells with dendritic cell-like morphology appeared in the culture; however, flow cytometry analysis showed that the mediators did not fully downregulate CD14 nor did they upregulate CD1a. Our data revealed that fibroblast-dendritic cell crosstalk promoted an antiviral response mediated manly by type I interferons over fibroblasts. Furthermore, the maturation of dendritic cells and T cell proliferation were promoted, which was inhibited by DENV-2-induced mediators. Together, our results suggest that activation of the adaptive immune response is influenced by the crosstalk of skin resident cells and the intensity of innate immune responses established in the microenvironment of the infected skin.

This work aimed to determine and compare the effect of elevation and season on the productivity and the nutritive value of pastures in the Azores (Terceira Island). Forage was collected and analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ether extract (EE), mineral ash (Ash), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The net productivity (NP) was higher in the low elevation pasture A (1.80 g m−2), lower in pasture B (0.98 g m−2) and peaked in the winter in both pastures A (3.57 g m−2) and B (2.33 g m−2) and during the summer in the high elevation pasture C (2.15 g m−2). The soil chemical proprieties varied significantly among the three pastures. The highest soil pH, available P, K, Ca and Mg were recorded in pasture A. Positive correlations were observed between all soil parameters analysed and NP, except for the OM content. The DM, PB and EE changed significantly with elevation, while all nutritive parameters (except CP, EE and Ash) increased significantly along the growth season. Environmental factors influenced the nutritive parameters and productivity, suggesting that climate change might have significant impacts on forage production and quality.