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Far-lateral intervertebral disk extrusions (IVDEs) have been reported infrequently in dogs in veterinary literature, mostly affecting the caudal lumbar intervertebral disks. We describe the clinical findings, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment, and outcome in 10 dogs with cervical far-lateral IVDEs. Patient databases of 3 small animal hospitals and 1 veterinary teleradiology service were retrospectively searched for patients in which imaging studies (CT or MRI) identified the presence of intervertebral disk material outside the limits of the intervertebral foramen. Presenting clinical signs included: episodic signs of cervical pain (6/10, 30%), persistent signs of cervical pain (3/10, 50%), nerve root signature or lameness (5/10, 50%), and abnormal cervical posture only (excluding nerve root signature) (1/10, 10%). Affected IVD spaces (for 11 IVDEs in 10 dogs) included: C3-4 (6/11, 55%), C5-6 (3/11, 27%), and C2-3 (2/11, 18%). Nerve root signature was not reported for C2-3 IVDEs. All cases were managed medically (without surgery). The top 3 used medications were gabapentinoids (10/10, 100%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (10/10, 100%), and paracetamol (3/10, 30%). Median treatment duration was 25 days (range 10–84). Short-term outcome (

Metabolic/neurodegenerative encephalopathies encompass a wide list of conditions that share similar clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, challenging the diagnostic process and resulting in numerous tests performed in order to reach a definitive diagnosis. The aims of this multicentric, retrospective and descriptive study are: (I) to describe the MRI features of dogs and cats with metabolic/neurodegenerative encephalopathies; (II) to attempt an MRI recognition pattern classifying these conditions according to the involvement of grey matter, white matter or both; and (III) to correlate the MRI findings with previous literature. A total of 100 cases were recruited, comprising 81 dogs and 19 cats. These included hepatic encephalopathy (20 dogs and three cats), myelinolysis (five dogs), intoxications (seven dogs and one cat), thiamine deficiency (two dogs and seven cats), hypertensive encephalopathy (three dogs and two cats), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (11 dogs and one cat), gangliosidosis (three dogs and two cats), fucosidosis (one dog), L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (13 dogs and one cat), Lafora disease (11 dogs), spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (one dog) and cerebellar cortical degeneration (four dogs and two cats). None of the hepatic encephalopathies showed the previously described T1-weighted hyperintensity of the lentiform nuclei. Instead, there was involvement of the cerebellar nuclei (8/23), which is a feature not previously described. Dogs with myelinolysis showed novel involvement of a specific white matter structure, the superior longitudinal fasciculus (5/5). Thiamine deficiency affected numerous deep grey nuclei with novel involvement of the oculomotor nuclei (3/9), thalamic nuclei, subthalamus and cerebellar nuclei (1/9). Cats with hypertensive encephalopathy had a more extensive distribution of the white matter changes when compared to dogs, extending from the parietal and occipital lobes into the frontal lobes with associated mass effect and increased brain volume. Lysosomal storage disease showed white matter involvement only, with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis characterised by severe brain atrophy when compared to gangliosidosis and fucosidosis. All patients with L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria had a characteristic T2-weighted hyperintense swelling of the cerebral and cerebellar cortical grey matter, resulting in increased brain volume. Lafora disease cases showed either normal brain morphology (5/11) or mild brain atrophy (6/11). Dogs with cerebellar cortical degeneration had more marked cerebellar atrophy when compared to cats. This study shows the important role of MRI in distinguishing different metabolic/neurodegenerative encephalopathies according to specific imaging characteristics.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand nursing students’ perception regarding Escape Room use to develop leadership skills. Methods: a qualitative exploratory-descriptive study, with 97 nursing students. Escape Room game sessions were held, totaling ten. Subsequently, a debriefing and analysis was carried out using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method, through the focus group technique. Ethical procedures were respected. Results: students’ perceptions about using this methodology to develop leadership skills were positive and significant. The effectiveness of the game in teaching and developing these skills in nursing practice stands out. Final Considerations: the game was an effective active methodology in approaching the proposed content, promoting satisfaction and easy assimilation.

There is an increased interest in whether online arts interventions support mental health and social connections. This study explored eight weeks of online group dance as support for young people (aged 16–24) living with anxiety. The applicability of the ‘social cure’ theoretical framework to the novel context of an online dance class was sought. The study utilised an embedded QUAL+quan design, incorporating participatory focus group discussions (n = 3 groups; n = 11 participants) and one-on-one interviews (n = 2 participants), creative reflections (n = 16 participants) and ethnographic fieldnotes, and a repeated measures design with surveys at three timepoints (week 1, n = 27; week 4, n = 18; week 8, n = 14). Thematic analysis identified two overarching themes demonstrating how the dance classes (i) provided the opportunity to co-construct a meaningful shared identity and (ii) supported holistic wellbeing. The quantitative findings supported this, suggesting lower anxiety, depression, and loneliness and higher wellbeing, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and group closeness. This study expands the social cure to its application to an online dance context for the first time.

Case summary A 15-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat underwent an emergency craniotomy to remove an intracranial meningioma causing marked midline shift, caudal transtentorial and foramen magnum herniation. Because intracranial structures are enclosed in the cranium, any volume-occupying lesions might raise intracranial pressure (ICP), compromising cerebral perfusion. Relevance and novel information This case report discusses the anaesthetic management of a cat that presented with marked bradycardia and concomitant hypotension. Cushing’s reflex (CR) is a well-recognised cardiovascular reflex following sudden ICP increase, and it features an irregular breathing pattern and increased arterial blood pressure with reflex bradycardia. However, CR is reported to have a low sensitivity for the detection of raised ICP in humans with traumatic brain injury. In a previous study reporting seven cats undergoing surgical removal of intracranial meningioma, ICP was measured in four cases and, in these patients, CR was not observed during surgery. Because bradycardia was not secondary to hypertension, in this case, it might have been the result of direct compression of the nucleus of the vagus nerve. Based on the literature search, there is paucity of reports of cardiovascular changes in cats with increased ICP and their perianaesthetic management.

Case series summary A 1-year-old castrated male Maine Coon cat was referred because of a 1-week history of progressive spastic non-ambulatory paraparesis. An MRI examination of the thoracolumbar spine showed multiple lytic lesions, with the most aggressive one centred on the adjacent endplates of L1–L2 and its associated disc. Ventral new bone formation, L1 vertebral body shortening and mild dorsal displacement of the caudal aspect of L1 were noted. Contrast enhancement of both paravertebral soft tissue and extradural lesion was present. These findings were compatible with L1–L2 discospondylitis (DS), spinal epidural empyema (SEE), with secondary L1 pathological vertebral fracture, subluxation and spinal cord compression. CT of the thoracolumbar spine, abdomen and thorax confirmed these findings. The patient deteriorated to paraplegia with absent nociception, despite initial medical therapy. A right-sided L1–L2 hemilaminectomy and spinal decompression were then performed, followed by application of a unilateral construct comprising four smooth arthrodesis wires and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). S taphylococcus aureus was isolated from both epidural material, intraoperatively sampled and blood culture. Antibiotic therapy was continued for 6 weeks, based on susceptibility results. The outcome was excellent, with a gradual improvement and complete neurological recovery at the 8-week postoperative check. Repeated spinal radiographs showed an intact apparatus and marked signs of vertebral fusion. At the 14-month follow-up examination, the cat remained free of clinical signs. Relevance and novel information To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of SEE and DS in a cat that required surgical stabilisation. The outcome was still optimal, despite the rapid neurological deterioration.

Abstract Background Status epilepticus (SE) is an emergency associated with serious consequences for both patient and owner. Data regarding risk factors for short‐term mortality or recurrence in dogs with SE is limited. Objective Identify risk factors associated with short‐term mortality (euthanasia or spontaneous death) and recurrence of SE in dogs. Animals One hundred twenty‐four client‐owned dogs that sustained an episode of SE. Methods Retrospective multicenter study using data collected from medical records of dogs presented in SE to the contributing institutions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using a manual backwards stepwise approach to identify risk factors associated with short‐term mortality and recurrence of SE after discharge. Results Short‐term mortality for affected dogs was 29.8%. Factors significantly associated with short‐term mortality included increased patient age, shorter duration of hospitalization, development of SE before arrival, and SE caused by a potentially fatal etiology. Status epilepticus recurred in 27% of dogs that survived to discharge. Factors significantly associated with recurrence of SE included prior history of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and predominance of a focal seizure phenotype. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our results may be used to inform clinicians and dog owners regarding risk factors for both short‐term mortality and recurrence in dogs with SE.

Na presente pesquisa buscou-se compreender as percepções de colaboradores de uma agência de Publicidade e Propaganda que atuam na modalidade home office quanto a gestão de tempo, desempenho e produtividade. A pesquisa caracterizou-se como estudo de caso, qualitativa e exploratória. Para a coleta dos dados, utilizou-se de um questionário com perguntas abertas. Averiguou-se que a produtividade está diretamente atrelada à autonomia e à flexibilidade que esta metodologia de trabalho proporciona. Apesar das interferências que o ambiente domiciliar pode causar, os colaboradores conseguem gerenciam e conciliar as atividades paralelas ao trabalho sem que estas interfiram em seu desempenho.

Cisplatin induces DNA crosslinks that are highly cytotoxic. Hence, platinum complexes are frequently used in the treatment of a broad range of cancers. Efficiency of cisplatin treatment is limited by the tumor-specific DNA damage response to the generated lesions. We reasoned that better tools to investigate the repair of DNA crosslinks induced by cisplatin would therefore be highly useful in addressing drug limitations. Here, we synthesized a series of cisplatin derivatives that are compatible with click chemistry, thus allowing visualization and isolation of DNA-platinum crosslinks from cells to study cellular responses. We prioritized one alkyne and one azide Pt(II) derivative, Pt-alkyne-53 and Pt-azide-64, for further biological characterization. We demonstrate that both compounds bind DNA and generate DNA lesions and that the viability of treated cells depends on the active DNA repair machinery. We also show that the compounds are clickable with both a fluorescent probe as well as biotin, thus they can be visualized in cells, and their ability to induce crosslinks in genomic DNA can be quantified. Finally, we show that Pt-alkyne-53 can be used to identify DNA repair proteins that bind within its proximity to facilitate its removal from DNA. The compounds we report here can be used as valuable experimental tools to investigate the DNA damage response to platinum complexes and hence might shed light on mechanisms of chemoresistance.

Abstract Solitary osseous plasmacytomas affecting the vertebrae, the zygomatic arch, and ribs occur in dogs. In this report, we describe clinical and imaging features of a solitary osseous plasmacytoma affecting the skull with deposition of amyloid forming a mass‐like lesion. To the authors' knowledge, no similar cases have been reported before.

Despite its prominence, the ability to engineer Cupriavidus necator H16 for inorganic carbon uptake and fixation is underexplored. We tested the roles of endogenous and heterologous genes on C. necator inorganic carbon metabolism. Deletion of β-carbonic anhydrase can had the most deleterious effect on C. necator autotrophic growth. Replacement of this native uptake system with several classes of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) transporters from Cyanobacteria and chemolithoautotrophic bacteria recovered autotrophic growth and supported higher cell densities compared to wild-type (WT) C. necator in batch culture. Strains expressing Halothiobacillus neopolitanus DAB2 (hnDAB2) and diverse rubisco homologs grew in CO2 similarly to the wild-type strain. Our experiments suggest that the primary role of carbonic anhydrase during autotrophic growth is to support anaplerotic metabolism, and an array of DIC transporters can complement this function. This work demonstrates flexibility in HCO3- uptake and CO2 fixation in C. necator, providing new pathways for CO2-based biomanufacturing.

Abstract Background It is known that the elderly population remains most of the time in light activity. Physical activity plays a key role in the primary prevention of chronic diseases to mitigate various deleterious effects of aging and improve quality of life. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the time that postmenopausal women remain in light activities during the day are related to better quality of life and compare these results with the quality of life of those who remain longer in moderate intensity and vigorous activity. Methods This is a cross sectional study there were evaluated 102 women, aged 50 to 79 years, all postmenopausal. Physical activity was measured by triaxial accelerometers. The quality of life was assessed using a Brazilian validated version of the SF-36 questionnaire. The sample was divided in three groups (G1, G2 and G3) according to tercile of time spent per week on light, moderate and moderate+vigorous physical activity. The comparisons between groups were made by ANOVA One Way, and the relationship between variables were made through the Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and the significance was set at 5%. Results We found that the amount of time of light physical activity shows a higher correlation values compared to the moderate and moderate+vigorous physical activity (p

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. Early detection of patients with complicated appendicitis leads to prompt surgical management and better outcome. This study investigated the relationship between the severity of acute appendicitis and the presence of preoperative hyponatremia. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of adult patients operated on for acute appendicitis over a 6-year period. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium level of ≤135 mEq/L. Patients were classified into complicated appendicitis and noncomplicated appendicitis according to operative findings and/or histopathology reports. Results. A total of 129 patients were identified and included in this study. Complicated appendicitis was found more frequently in female patients and older patients. Hyponatremia was found significantly more frequently in patients with complicated appendicitis (p

En esta investigación se presenta un estudio sobre la identificación de riesgos ergonómicos que están presentes en ambientes de trabajo y estudio en la educación a distancia que se implementó a causa del virus SARS-COV-2 el cual originó la pandemia de COVID-19. En Panamá a inicios del mes de marzo del año 2020, las autoridades universitarias desarrollaron un plan de contingencia para facilitar las clases a distancia a nivel nacional. Tanto docentes como estudiantes, crearon espacios de trabajo en sus residencias. Para el desarrollo de este estudio, se levantó un marco de referencia de docentes y estudiantes de la Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Centro Regional de Chiriquí, utilizando una encuesta que permitiera conocer e identificar aquellos factores de riesgos ergonómico-presentes. Los resultados muestran que los riesgos posturales y las condiciones ambientales (ruido, iluminación, temperatura) se encuentran presentes en los entornos virtuales de educación a distancia, debido principalmente a los siguientes factores de riesgo: espacio y mobiliario de trabajo inadecuado, periodos prolongados en la misma postura, iluminación incorrecta o insuficiente, ruido ambiental, exposición prolongada a pantallas de visualización de datos, generando afectaciones a la salud tanto de docentes como estudiantes, especialmente en cuello, hombros, espalda dorsal y lumbar.

Abstract Background Urinary (UI) and fecal (FI) incontinence occur in up to 7.5% and 32% of dogs, respectively, after thoracolumbar acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). Hypotheses/Objectives To investigate clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic predictors of UI and FI in dogs with ANNPE affecting the T3‐L3 spinal cord segments. Animals Hundred and eighty‐seven dogs with T3‐L3 ANNPE diagnosed based on clinical and MRI findings. Methods Multicenter retrospective study. Data were obtained from medical records and telephone questionnaires and analyzed by logistic regression. Results UI and FI were reported in 17 (9.1%) and 44 (23.5%) dogs, respectively. Paraplegic dogs were 3 times (95% CI = 1.25, 10.87) more likely to develop UI (P = .018) and 4 times (95% CI = 1.94, 12.56) more likely to develop FI (P = .001) compared to nonparaplegic dogs. Dogs with an intramedullary hyperintensity greater than 40% of the cross‐sectional area of the spinal cord at the same level on transverse T2‐weighted MRI images were 4 times more likely to develop UI (95% CI = 1.04, 21.72; P = .045) and FI (95% CI = 1.56, 10.39; P = .004) compared to dogs with smaller lesions. FI was 3 times (95% CI = 1.41, 7.93) more likely in dogs that were not treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after diagnosis compared to dogs administered NSAIDs (P = .006) and 2 times (95% CI = 1.12, 5.98) more likely in dogs presented with clinical signs compatible with spinal shock compared to dogs without (P = .026). Conclusion and Clinical Importance The identification of clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic predictors of UI and FI in dogs with T3‐L3 ANNPE can help to approach these autonomic dysfunctions occurring after spinal cord injury.

Western Eurasia witnessed several large-scale human migrations during the Holocene1-5. Here, to investigate the cross-continental effects of these migrations, we shotgun-sequenced 317 genomes-mainly from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods-from across northern and western Eurasia. These were imputed alongside published data to obtain diploid genotypes from more than 1,600 ancient humans. Our analyses revealed a 'great divide' genomic boundary extending from the Black Sea to the Baltic. Mesolithic hunter-gatherers were highly genetically differentiated east and west of this zone, and the effect of the neolithization was equally disparate. Large-scale ancestry shifts occurred in the west as farming was introduced, including near-total replacement of hunter-gatherers in many areas, whereas no substantial ancestry shifts happened east of the zone during the same period. Similarly, relatedness decreased in the west from the Neolithic transition onwards, whereas, east of the Urals, relatedness remained high until around 4,000 BP, consistent with the persistence of localized groups of hunter-gatherers. The boundary dissolved when Yamnaya-related ancestry spread across western Eurasia around 5,000 BP, resulting in a second major turnover that reached most parts of Europe within a 1,000-year span. The genetic origin and fate of the Yamnaya have remained elusive, but we show that hunter-gatherers from the Middle Don region contributed ancestry to them. Yamnaya groups later admixed with individuals associated with the Globular Amphora culture before expanding into Europe. Similar turnovers occurred in western Siberia, where we report new genomic data from a 'Neolithic steppe' cline spanning the Siberian forest steppe to Lake Baikal. These prehistoric migrations had profound and lasting effects on the genetic diversity of Eurasian populations.

In this paper, an algorithm to retrieve surface soil moisture from GNSS-R (Global Navigaton Satellite System Reflectometry) observations is presented. Surface roughness and vegetation effects are found to be the most critical ones to be corrected. On one side, the NASA SMAP (Soil Moisture Active and Passive) correction for vegetation opacity (multiplied by two to account for the descending and ascending passes) seems too high. Surface roughness effects cannot be compensated using in situ measurements, as they are not representative. An ad hoc correction for surface roughness, including the dependence with the incidence angle, and the actual reflectivity value is needed. With this correction, reasonable surface soil moisture values are obtained up to approximately a 30° incidence angle, beyond which the GNSS-R retrieved surface soil moisture spreads significantly.

This study assessed tutors' level of ICT competencies and factors that influenced application of ICT-pedagogical competencies in teaching in two Teachers' Colleges. It adopted the level of ICT competencies from the UNESCO ICT-Competence Framework for Teachers. A self-rating questionnaire was used to collect numeric data involving 70 tutors. Two Focus group Interviews involving eight (8) participants in each college among the 70 respondents were used to collect qualitative data. Mean scores and independent sample t-test were used to compare respondents' level of ICT competencies. Standard multiple regression was used to evaluate the contribution of factors in predicting ICT-pedagogical competencies. The findings revealed that knowledge acquisition was high, which signifies confidence in basic ICT skills. Knowledge deepening was low, which signifies low application of ICT-pedagogical competencies in teaching across subjects. Regression results revealed that practice had a positive unique influence in predicting tutors' competencies in knowledge deepening. These findings suggest that tutors need more hands-on training in applying ICT-pedagogical competencies in their classroom practice.