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We are currently facing a pandemic of COVID-19, caused by a spillover from an animal-originating coronavirus to humans occurring in the Wuhan region of China in December 2019. From China, the virus has spread to 188 countries and regions worldwide, reaching the Sahel region on 2 March 2020. Since whole genome sequencing (WGS) data is very crucial to understand the spreading dynamics of the ongoing pandemic, but only limited sequencing data is available from the Sahel region to date, we have focused our efforts on generating the first Malian sequencing data available. Screening 217 Malian patient samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in 38 positive isolates, from which 21 whole genome sequences were generated. Our analysis shows that both the early A (19B) and the later observed B (20A/C) clade are present in Mali, indicating multiple and independent introductions of SARS-CoV-2 to the Sahel region.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been investigated for the treatment of diseases that affect the cardiovascular system, including Chagas disease. MSCs are able to promote their beneficial actions through the secretion of proregenerative and immunomodulatory factors, including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which has proregenerative actions in the heart and skeletal muscle. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of IGF-1-overexpressing MSCs (MSC_IGF-1) in a mouse model of chronic Chagas disease. C57BL/6 mice were infected with Colombian strain Trypanosoma cruzi and treated with MSCs, MSC_IGF-1, or vehicle (saline) six months after infection. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of transplanted cells in both the heart and skeletal muscle tissues. Transplantation of either MSCs or MSC_IGF-1 reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the heart when compared to saline controls. Moreover, treatment with MSCs or MSC_IGF-1 significantly reduced TNF-α, but only MSC treatment reduced IFN-γ production compared to the saline group. Skeletal muscle sections of both MSC- and MSC_IGF-1-treated mice showed a reduction in fibrosis compared to saline controls. Importantly, the myofiber area was reduced in T. cruzi-infected mice, and this was recovered after treatment with MSC_IGF-1. Gene expression analysis in the skeletal muscle showed a higher expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules in MSC_IGF-1-treated mice compared to MSCs alone, which significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β. In conclusion, our results indicate the therapeutic potential of MSC_IGF-1, with combined immunomodulatory and proregenerative actions to the cardiac and skeletal muscles.

ObjectiveTo describe and compare characteristics of older adults who drive after drinking and those who do not, whether an intervention addressing at-risk drinking reduces risk among those reporting driving after drinking, and reasons reported for driving after drinking.MethodsSecondary data analysis of a randomized trial testing the efficacy of a multifaceted intervention to reduce at-risk drinking among adults with a mean age of 68 years in primary care (N = 631).ResultsAlmost a quarter of at-risk drinkers reported driving after drinking (N = 154). Compared to those who did not drive after drinking, those who did were more likely to be younger, male, and working. They consumed a higher average number of drinks per week, had more reasons they were considered at-risk drinkers, and were more likely to meet at-risk drinking criteria due to amount of drinking and binge drinking. Those driving after drinking at baseline reduced the frequency of this behavior at 3 and 12 months and there were no statistically significant differences in the proportions of persons still engaging in driving after drinking among those who were assigned to intervention or control groups. Reasons for driving after drinking included not thinking that it was a problem and having to get home.ConclusionsDriving after drinking is common in this population of older, at-risk drinkers recruited in primary care settings and, like younger adults, men and those reporting binge drinking are more likely to engage in this behavior. Given that this behavior is dangerous and the population of older adults is fast growing, interventions addressing driving after drinking are needed.

BACKGROUND: Functional mobility, comfort and the absence of pain are key goals of prosthetic treatment. Outcome measures (OMs) evaluate the impact of treatment and normative and minimal detectable change (MDC) values are key to interpreting these scores and measuring treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to 1) present practice-based normative values of four commonly used OMs at four prosthetic milestones and 2) explore the MDC of the measures over the treatment period. METHODOLOGY: A chart review was conducted of OMs collected with individuals with lower limb loss between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2023. This included data for individuals with unilateral transtibial (TT), transfemoral (TF) and rotationplasty (RP) amputations and bilateral transtibial amputation (BTT). OMs included the Socket Comfort Score (SCS), Pain Scale (PS), 2 Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M). Data were collected at four milestone time points: (1) Baseline and (2) Discharge from Rehabilitation for those in initial prosthetic rehabilitation, and (3) Initial Evaluation and (4) Definitive Delivery for those receiving a replacement socket. Normative values and MDC values were calculated. FINDINGS: Data from 30 individuals undergoing in-patient rehabilitation and 74 individuals receiving a replacement socket were included. Practice-based normative data were different for each level of amputation and milestone and had the following ranges: SCS: 5.7 – 9.1, PS: 0.8 – 3.7, 2MWT: 68.4 – 146.3 m and PLUS-M: 38.9 – 57.3. MDC values also varied based on time in treatment (Rehabilitation: SCS = 2.5, PS = 1.6, 2MWT = 32.6, PLUS-M = 8.8; Replacement Socket: SCS = 3.1, PS = 2.6, 2MWT = 38.9, PLUS-M = 4.0). All measures had a statistically significant change over the intervention, however, no average scores changed by greater than the MDC. CONCLUSIONS: The normative data and MDC scores demonstrate the PS & PLUS-M are useful measures of pain and mobility at all points within treatment. The 2MWT is indicated for individuals in rehabilitation, while the SCS is indicated for those receiving a replacement socket, as both effectively measure treatment goals that are particularly important for each phase of rehabilitation. This provides clinicians with practice-based evidence that enables them to interpret OM scores, a critical part of the decision-making process along the treatment journey. Layman's Abstract When someone receives a prosthesis, the key goals are to promote mobility and comfort and to reduce pain. Outcome measures are questionnaires or performance-based tests that measure the impact of prosthetic treatment. The scores are interpreted by comparing them to normal values and assessing changes over time against a predetermined threshold for what constitutes a significant amount of change. This study analyzed outcome measure scores collected in clinical practice over a 9-year period, from 2015 - 2023. We included individuals with lower limb loss and presented normal values along with threshold change values taken from a clinical setting for four commonly used measures that assess comfort, pain, and mobility. The data included 30 individuals currently attending initial rehabilitation and 74 individuals who had prior experience using a prosthesis. All the normal values were different for each level of amputation and each milestone within rehabilitation. Suggestions are provided regarding which outcome measures are most useful for assessing changes at different points in time. By providing clinicians with evidence based on clinical practice, we can help them use outcome measures to inform decision-making throughout the rehabilitation journey. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/43890/33243 How To Cite: Pousett B.M, Harasym C.C, Rapaport M.S, Richardson T, Spellen J, Moe D.W, et al. Detecting changes in comfort, pain, and mobility over clinical milestones for individuals with lower limb loss. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2024; Volume 7, Issue 1, No.7. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v7i1.43890 Corresponding Author: Brittany Mae Pousett, CP(C), MSc. 540 SE Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5X 2T4 Tel: 604.321.1115 E-Mail: brittany@pousett.ca ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2272-7847

A partir da campanha publicitária lançada em 2021 pela empresa norte-americana de cerveja Coors, na qual foi utilizado o protocolo conhecido como Target Dream Incubation (TDI) que tinha como objetivo o uso dos sonhos para fins publicitários, construímos no presente artigo uma reflexão teórico-filosófica do fenômeno que designamos como eletrificação das imagens oníricas. Aprofundamos a discussão sobre o processo histórico pelo qual as imagens vêm sendo destituídas de seu poder simbólico, até atingirmos o atual estágio que conta cada vez mais com intervenções do espaço onírico para fins mercadológicos com base na lógica do capital. Para isso, retomamos ideias de teóricos como Edgar Morin, Norval Baitello Jr., Jean Baudrillard e C. G. Jung, entre outros. Exploramos também a necessidade de pensar saídas criativas, imaginais e imaginativas para que a dimensão arquetípica da vida humana não seja negada, irrompendo assim de maneira patológica, individual e coletiva.

Abstract Over the last quarter century, increasing honey bee colony losses motivated standardized large-scale surveys of managed honey bees (Apis mellifera), particularly in Europe and the United States. Here we present the first large-scale standardized survey of colony losses of managed honey bees and stingless bees across Latin America. Overall, 1736 beekeepers and 165 meliponiculturists participated in the 2-year survey (2016–2017 and 2017–2018). On average, 30.4% of honey bee colonies and 39.6% of stingless bee colonies were lost per year across the region. Summer losses were higher than winter losses in stingless bees (30.9% and 22.2%, respectively) but not in honey bees (18.8% and 20.6%, respectively). Colony loss increased with operation size during the summer in both honey bees and stingless bees and decreased with operation size during the winter in stingless bees. Furthermore, losses differed significantly between countries and across years for both beekeepers and meliponiculturists. Overall, winter losses of honey bee colonies in Latin America (20.6%) position this region between Europe (12.5%) and the United States (40.4%). These results highlight the magnitude of bee colony losses occurring in the region and suggest difficulties in maintaining overall colony health and economic survival for beekeepers and meliponiculturists.

This paper investigates the spatiotemporal variations of the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) computed as the difference of urban and rural land surface temperatures for the three major cities of Argentina: Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Cordoba. Satellite-based data of 1 km x 1 km resolution available through the Global Surface UHI Explorer were used to estimate mean and maximum values, trends and percentage of each urban area with positive/negative intensities of SUHI for the period 2003-2017. Results indicate that, on average the nocturnal urban surface temperature is higher than the rural one (positive SUHI) for the annual, winter and summer mean for the three cities. The greatest contrast corresponds to Buenos Aires, where the maximum SUHI magnitude is +2°C in summer and the minimum is +1,5°C in winter. Both Rosario and Cordoba exhibit a difference in magnitude between summer and winter of only 0,1°C. The percentage of the area of each city with nocturnal surface temperatures greater than the rural ones is on average, 93 % for Buenos Aires, 97% for Rosario and 89% for Cordoba. During daytime, in some cases the SUHI intensity is negative generating a cold island. This effect is observed in the three cities during the cold season and in Rosario and Cordoba for the annual mean. In Buenos Aires, that hosts more than 30 % of the total population of the country, there is a significant positive trend in the daytime mean and maximum SUHI intensity. The comparison between the Buenos Aires' SUHI and canopy UHI (derived from standard air temperature measurements) shows positive intensities during night-time in both cases, although the mean annual and summer SUHI are warmer than the UHI in +0,3°C and +0,6°C, respectively. Additionally, there is a trend towards warmer daytime intensities of both types of heat islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity and the metabolism of the brain change rhythmically during the day/night cycle. Such rhythmicity is also observed in cultured neurons from the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is a critical center in rhythm maintenance. However, this issue has not been extensively studied in cultures from areas less involved in timekeeping, as the hippocampus. Using neurons cultured from the hippocampi of newborn rats (both male and female), we observed significant time-dependent changes in global activity, in synaptic vesicle dynamics, in synapse size, and in synaptic mRNA amounts. A transcriptome analysis of the neurons, performed at different times over 24 h, revealed significant changes only for RNA-binding motif 3 (Rbm3). RBM3 amounts changed, especially in synapses. RBM3 knockdown altered synaptic vesicle dynamics and changed the neuronal activity patterns. This procedure also altered local translation in synapses, albeit it left the global cellular translation unaffected. We conclude that hippocampal cultured neurons can exhibit strong changes in their activity levels over 24 h, in an RBM3-dependent fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este artigo traz uma análise da reportagem sobre a síndrome de burnout publicada pela revista Exame, edição 1203, de fevereiro de 2020. Problematiza acerca das escolhas editoriais da matéria sobre o tema, assim como procura entender os alinhamentos ideológicos desta categoria de mídia, analisando seu conteúdo em perspectiva simbólica a partir das teorias do imaginário, conforme Malena Contrera e James Hillman, e com o apoio de autores da área da Sociologia do Trabalho, como Richard Sennett e Dietmar Kamper.

A partir de dados empíricos levantados pelas áreas de educação e saúde, o texto apresenta uma reflexão teórica acerca do quadro radical de imersão digital da sociedade contemporânea, propondo uma reflexão acerca dos impactos desse fenômeno na propriocepção corporal, incidindo nos processos imaginativos, de memória, de consciência e de identidade, gerando um quadro comportamental que tem sido designado como cansaço (Han, 2015), sedação (Baitello, 2012), ou ainda desaparecimento de si (Breton, 2003).

IntroductionThe low pregnancy rate by artificial insemination in sheep represents a fundamental challenge for breeding programs. In this species, oestrus synchronization is carried out by manipulating hormonal regimens through the insertion of progestogen intravaginal devices. This reproductive strategy may alter the vaginal microbiota affecting the artificial insemination outcome.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the vaginal microbiome of 94 vaginal swabs collected from 47 ewes with alternative treatments applied to the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (probiotic, maltodextrin, antibiotic and control), in two sample periods (before placing and after removing the devices). To our knowledge, this is the first study using nanopore-based metagenome sequencing for vaginal microbiome characterization in livestock.ResultsOur results revealed a significant lower abundance of the genera Oenococcus (Firmicutes) and Neisseria (Proteobacteria) in pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes. We also detected a significant lower abundance of Campylobacter in the group of samples treated with the probiotic.DiscussionAlthough the use of probiotics represents a promising practice to improve insemination results, the election of the suitable species and concentration requires further investigation. In addition, the use of progestogen in the synchronization devices seemed to increase the alpha-diversity and decrease the abundance of harmful microorganisms belonging to Gammaproteobacteria and Fusobacteriia classes, suggesting a beneficial effect of their use.

O texto propõe uma análise dos termos mais pesquisados da plataforma Google nos últimos dez anos, visando mapear, pela ferramenta Google Trends, a irrupção de conteúdos do imaginário na comunicação em rede. Buscou-se uma adaptação da proposta de Mitodologia de Gilbert Durand para se identificar o mito que irrompe na mídia eletrônica. A partir desses dados levantados, propôs-se uma reflexão sobre o Arquétipo de Tânatos e seus desdobramentos simbólicos para a sociedade mediática, questionando acerca do papel dos meios de comunicação e das práticas comunicativas nesse cenário cultural que elege a morte como seu símbolo diretor. Recorreuse às contribuições da Teoria do Imaginário, Teoria da Comunicação e da Mídia, estabelecendo cruzamentos teóricos que nos forneçam ferramentas cognitivas para pensar a contemporaneidade.

Introducción al Dossier

O suicídio é um fenômeno complexo e multifatorial, atravessado tanto por questões individuais quanto por referências sociais, culturais e históricas. A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) aponta a ocorrência de cerca de 800.000 por ano, o equivalente a um suicídio a cada 40 segundos, o que o torna uma questão epidêmica e de saúde pública. Os jovens são os mais atingidos, principalmente os que estão na faixa dos 15 aos 24 anos. De acordo com o órgão, a mídia exerce papel fundamental tanto na prevenção quanto na disseminação do suicídio, pois este pode ser contagioso. O objetivo do artigo é analisar o fenômeno do suicídio – compreendido como fator social – e refletir sobre o papel da mídia eletrônica nesse processo. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão bibliográfica. A discussão, de base interdisciplinar, busca ferramentas teóricas nas áreas da Psicologia, Saúde Pública e Etologia para ampliar e compreender o que é próprio da prática comunicativa e em quais momentos os saberes se interpenetram em busca da ampliação da compreensão sobre as relações entre mídia e suicídio.

O presente artigo analisa os padrões de manifestação dos ‘desafios da internet’, manifestação viral da qual participam principalmente pré-adolescentes e adolescentes, e que estimulam teleparticipação mundial em desafios geradores de estados alterados de consciência que carregam um risco de morte em potencial. Objetivou-se traçar os padrões de incidência da ferramenta Google Trends para mapear padrões de manifestação que são analisados do ponto de vista dos contágios psíquicos das massas próprios das sociedades tomadas pelas redes de comunicação. À análise dos padrões de incidência segue-se uma reflexão teórica sobre o fenômeno e os seus desdobramentos a partir das teorias da comunicação, da mídia e da psicologia junguiana, especialmente acerca dos fenômenos das massas. Para a discussão, utilizaram-se como referências básicas Dietmar Kamper, Jean Baudrillard, Norval Baitello Junior e Malena Segura Contrera.

Frecuentemente, el caso argentino es presentado como un ejemplo de justicia transicional. Se propone una mirada crítica de este paradigma a la luz del análisis de las tres etapas de juzgamiento del genocidio argentino. La hipótesis que guía el trabajo es que la potencialidad de los juicios a los crímenes de Estado no radica en su capacidad de resolver o dejar atrás al pasado, sino de anudarlo al presente a partir de su eficacia simbólica. Se hace énfasis en el proceso de juzgamiento que se desarrolla desde 2006 en los tribunales nacionales ordinarios, analizando sus particularidades dentro y fuera del territorio judicial.

El escenario judicial se constituyó tempranamente en un ámbito privilegiado para la disputa por el sentido del pasado en el caso del genocidio argentino (1975-1983). Removidos los obstáculos que impedían el juzgamiento, en 2005 se reabrieron los juicios. A partir de la incorporación de sobrevivientes, familiares y organismos de derechos humanos como querellantes, se instalaron distintos debates que hicieron que el proceso trascendiera los límites de los tribunales. El principal de ellos: la disputa por la calificación de genocidio. Luego de trece años de juicios, se presenta un análisis del proceso de juzgamiento a la luz de este debate. Los argumentos jurídicos en uno y otro sentido trascienden ampliamente los límites de los tribunales y se articulan con las disputas por el sentido que se le asigna al pasado, permeando los modos como los tribunales asumen la responsabilidad de juzgar los hechos y atribuir responsabilidades. El análisis del conjunto de las sentencias emitidas entre agosto 2006 y junio 2019 muestra el avance del debate en términos argumentales así como las incidencias de las conceptualizaciones a la hora de condenar o absolver a los imputados, o asignar las penas de los condenados.

A periguete é um fenômeno dos anos 2000, caracterizado por mulheres sensuais, que se sobressaem pela exposição do próprio corpo, utilizado como estratégia para inserção social e visibilidade cultural. Neste artigo, intenta-se relacionar o surgimento mediático da periguete enquanto modelo de consumo para a nova classe média – que ascendeu no esteio do crescimento econômico do Brasil, aumentando sua visibilidade enquanto mercado consumidor –, a partir de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com métodos bibliográfico e documental, sob um enfoque do paradigma da complexidade.

El Juicio a las Juntas constituyó un hecho de transcendencia no solo para la búsqueda de Justicia, sino en la construcción de Memoria y Verdad. Hoy en día, la sentencia es citada en los tribunales nacionales como jurisprudencia y como voz de autoridad. En el presente artículo se propone un análisis de la estructura de sentido sobre el proceso histórico producido en esta sentencia con el objetivo de aportar a la comprensión de los modos en que esos sentidos son retomados, transformados, descartados, es decir, resignificados, en los procesos judiciales en la actualidad, para lo que se analizan a modo de ejemplo las sentencias de las Causas “Mansión Seré” (2008) y “Fiochetti” (2009).

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify new single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with mastitis resistance in Assaf sheep by using the Illumina Ovine Infinium® HD SNP BeadChip (680K). In total, 6173 records from 1894 multiparous Assaf ewes with at least three test day records and aged between 2 and 7 years old were used to estimate a corrected phenotype for somatic cell score (SCS). Then, 192 ewes were selected from the top (n = 96) and bottom (n = 96) tails of the corrected SCS phenotype distribution to be used in a GWAS. Although no significant SNPs were found at the genome level, four SNPs (rs419096188, rs415580501, rs410336647, and rs424642424) were significant at the chromosome level (FDR 10%) in two different regions of OAR19. The SNP rs419096188 was located in intron 1 of the NUP210 and close to the HDAC11 genes (61 kb apart), while the other three SNPs were totally linked and located 171 kb apart from the ARPP21 gene. These three genes were related to the immune system response. These results were validated in two SNPs (rs419096188 and rs424642424) in the total population (n = 1894) by Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping. Furthermore, rs419096188 was also associated with lactose content.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used to identify genomic regions influencing seasonality reproduction traits in Rasa Aragonesa sheep. Three traits associated with either ovarian function based on blood progesterone levels (total days of anoestrus and progesterone cycling months) or behavioral signs of oestrous (oestrous cycling months) were studied. The GWAS included 205 ewes genotyped using the 50k and 680k Illumina Ovine Beadchips. Only one SNP associated with the progesterone cycling months overcame the genome-wide significance level (rs404991855). Nine SNPs exhibited significant associations at the chromosome level, being the SNPs rs404991855 and rs418191944, that are located in the CD226 molecule (CD226) gene, associated with the three traits. This gene is related to reproductive diseases. Two other SNPs were located close to the neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene, which is involved in circadian rhythms. To validate the GWAS, partial characterization of both genes by Sanger sequencing, and genotyping of two synonymous and two nonsynonymous SNPs in the NPY and CD226 genes, respectively, were performed. SNP association analysis showed that only SNP rs404360094 in the exon 3 of the CD226 gene, which produces an amino acid substitution from asparagine (uncharged polar) to aspartic acid (acidic), was associated with the three seasonality traits. Our results suggest that the CD226 gene may be involved in the reproductive seasonality in Rasa Aragonesa.

The aim of this study was to characterize and identify causative polymorphisms in the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene responsible for the seasonal variation of reproductive traits in sheep. Three reproductive seasonality traits were studied: the total days of anoestrous (TDA), the progesterone cycling months (P4CM) and the oestrous cycling months (OCM). In total, 18 SNPs were detected in 33 ewes with extreme values for TDA and OCM. Six SNPs were non-synonymous substitutions and two of them were predicted in silico as deleterious: rs596133197 and rs403578195. These polymorphisms were then validated in 239 ewes. The SNP rs403578195, located in exon 8 and leading to a change of alanine to glycine (Ala284Gly) in the extracellular domain of the protein, was associated with the OCM trait, being the G allele associated with a decrease of 12 percent of the OCM trait. Haplotype analyses also suggested the involvement of other non-synonymous SNP located in exon 20 (rs405459906). This SNP also produces an amino acid change (Lys1069Glu) in the intracellular domain of the protein and segregates independently of rs403578195. These results confirm for the first time the role of the LEPR gene in sheep reproductive seasonality.

O texto trata do atual estatuto da imagem simbólica na contemporaneidade, considerando o contexto da sociedade mediática e o apagamento das vivências corporais concretas. Questionando-se a respeito de qual a imagem que uma psique que dissociou o corpo pode gerar, a reflexão segue tratando do domínio do diabólico sobre o simbólico e apontando alguns sintomas dessa perda do sentido. Propõe ainda a possibilidade do resgate da imaginação criativa como estratégia de resiliência e de reintrodução do simbólico no mundo contemporâneo.