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Iron Formations (IF) are threatened by mining, particularly the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS), an understudied subterranean environment. We evaluate the spatiotemporal patterns of subterranean fauna in MSS of iron duricrust (canga) in the Iron Quadrangle and Southern Espinhaço Range, southeastern Brazil. Samplings took place between July 2014 and June 2022 using five trap types. We sampled 108,005 individuals, 1,054 morphospecies, and seven phyla, globally the largest dataset on MSS in IF. Arthropoda represented 97% of all invertebrates sampled. We identified 31 troglomorphic organisms, primarily Arthropoda and Platyhelminthes. MSS traps were the most efficient method, capturing 80% of all invertebrates. Morphospecies were more prevalent in each locality than shared among localities. Species replacement was the main processes to spatial differences. Over time, we found a decrease of total dissimilarity and importance of species replacement for troglomorphic organisms. A positive correlation between spatial distance and compositional dissimilarity of invertebrates was found. Iron Quadrangle and Southern Espinhaço Range showed marked differences in the spatiotemporal patterns of subterranean fauna. Brazilian IF are threatened, with their biological significance not fully understood but highly endangered due their limited distribution. Conservation efforts require a comprehensive understanding of both biotic and abiotic factors shaping the entire IF ecosystem.
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Biodiversidad , Ecosistema , Invertebrados , Animales , Brasil , Invertebrados/clasificación , Especies en Peligro de Extinción , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , MineríaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ketamine has gained prominence as one of the most effective therapeutic options in unipolar treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, most studies related to the antidepressant action of ketamine used intravenous (IV) or intranasal (IN) administration. The subcutaneous (SC) route of administration is a promising alternative, as it results in plasma levels comparable to IV, causes fewer side effects, and is easier and cheaper to administer than both IV and/or IN routes. METHODS: In this context, we conducted an open-label clinical trial for investigating the efficacy and safety of 8 weekly sessions of SC esketamine in TRD patients (n = 30). RESULTS: At the end of the treatment, a partial response rate of 26.09 %, a response rate of 52.17 % and remission rate of 34.78 % were observed, assessed by Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Moreover, the self-reported depressive symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), significantly decreased from the baseline to the final session, and the improvements were sustained throughout the week. Follow-up evaluations (BDI-II) up to the sixth month consistently showed scores lower than the baseline. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size and the drop-out during the follow-up phase may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the absence of a control group necessitates cautious interpretation of causality. CONCLUSIONS: This groundbreaking study, which addresses SC esketamine treatment for TRD, reported promising response and remission rates, as well as sustained antidepressant effects. It highlights the need for further research to improve and expand our knowledge of this innovative, more accessible, and cost-effective therapeutic approach.
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Abstract Metastases to the thyroid gland from nonthyroidal malignant tumors are rare but significant. They are often asymptomatic, indicating advanced-stage primary tumors and poor prognosis. Although infrequently, breast cancer (BC) can metastasize to the thyroid gland. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of BC who pre sented with a nodular goiter. Physical examination and im aging revealed a thyroid nodule and cervical lymph nodes with suspicious features. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) confirmed the presence of atypical epithelial cells in the thyroid nodule and lymph nodes. Further evaluation, including positron emission tomography, histological biop sy, and immunohistochemistry, supported the diagnosis of metastatic BC to the thyroid gland. Due to the local extent of the disease, total thyroidectomy was not feasible. The treatment with ribociclib and letrozole was initiated, but unfortunately, the patient had an unfavorable progression with the development of metastasis in the nervous system. Metastatic carcinoma to the thyroid gland is rare but has increased due to improved diagnostic techniques. BC can metastasize to the thyroid. Diagnosis involves imaging, FNAB, and immunohistochemistry. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but the prognosis is generally poor.
Resumen Las metástasis en la glándula tiroides a partir de tu mores malignos no tiroideos son raras pero significativas. A menudo son asintomáticas, lo que indica tumores primarios en etapas avanzadas y un mal pronóstico. Aunque infrecuentemente, el cáncer de mama puede metastatizar en la glándula tiroides. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 56 años con antecedente de cáncer de mama que consultó por bocio nodular. El examen físico y las imágenes revelaron un nódulo tiroideo y ganglios linfáticos cervicales con características sospechosas. La punción aspiración con aguja fina confirmó la presencia de células epiteliales atípicas en el nódulo tiroideo y los ganglios linfáticos. Una evaluación adicional, que incluyó tomografía por emisión de positrones, biopsia histológica e inmunohistoquímica, respaldó el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama metastásico en la glándula tiroides. Debido a la extensión local de la enfermedad, no fue factible realizar una tiroidectomía total. Se inició el tratamiento con ri bociclib y letrozol, pero desafortunadamente la paciente tuvo una progresión desfavorable con el desarrollo de metástasis en el sistema nervioso. El carcinoma metas tásico en la glándula tiroides es raro, pero ha aumentado debido a las técnicas de diagnóstico mejoradas. El cáncer de mama puede metastatizar en la tiroides. El diagnóstico implica imágenes, punción aspiración con aguja fina e in munohistoquímica. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen cirugía, radioterapia y quimioterapia, pero el pronóstico generalmente es desfavorable.
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A global rise in the prevalence of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has led to a considerable and increasing burden to health systems, patients, and society. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are proven to reduce incidence of cardio-renal outcomes, including onset of ESKD. Recent post hoc analyses of SGLT2 inhibitor trials extrapolate substantial delays in the average time to ESKD over a patient's lifetime. In this article, we explore the possible real-world effects of such a delay by considering the available evidence reporting outcomes following onset of ESKD. From the patient perspective, a delay in reaching ESKD could substantially improve health-related quality of life and result in additional life years without the need for kidney replacement therapies, a target relevant to all CKD subpopulations. Furthermore, should a patient initiate dialysis at an older age as a result of CKD progression, the time spent in receipt of dialysis, and therefore associated healthcare costs, may also be reduced. A delay in progression may also lead to changes in the management of ESKD, such as increased election of conservative care in preference to dialysis, particularly in elderly populations. For younger patients with CKD, those who reach ESKD while employed face considerable work impairment and productivity loss, as may families and care partners of working age. Therefore, a delay to the onset of ESKD will reduce the proportion of their working lives affected by productivity losses or unemployment due to medical reasons. In conclusion, optimised treatment of CKD may lead to a shift in treatment options, but proper and timely implementation is essential for the realisation of improved outcomes.
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Progresión de la Enfermedad , Fallo Renal Crónico , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Inhibidores del Cotransportador de Sodio-Glucosa 2/uso terapéutico , Diálisis Renal , Insuficiencia Renal Crónica/terapia , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Aspergillus fumigatus causes aspergillosis and relies on asexual spores (conidia) for initiating host infection. There is scarce information about A. fumigatus proteins involved in fungal evasion and host immunity modulation. Here we analysed the conidial surface proteome of A. fumigatus, two closely related non-pathogenic species, Aspergillus fischeri and Aspergillus oerlinghausenensis, as well as pathogenic Aspergillus lentulus, to identify such proteins. After identifying 62 proteins exclusively detected on the A. fumigatus conidial surface, we assessed null mutants for 42 genes encoding these proteins. Deletion of 33 of these genes altered susceptibility to macrophage, epithelial cells and cytokine production. Notably, a gene that encodes a putative glycosylasparaginase, modulating levels of the host proinflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, is important for infection in an immunocompetent murine model of fungal disease. These results suggest that A. fumigatus conidial surface proteins are important for evasion and modulation of the immune response at the onset of fungal infection.
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Aspergilosis , Aspergillus fumigatus , Proteínas Fúngicas , Evasión Inmune , Proteoma , Esporas Fúngicas , Aspergillus fumigatus/inmunología , Aspergillus fumigatus/genética , Animales , Esporas Fúngicas/inmunología , Ratones , Proteoma/genética , Proteínas Fúngicas/genética , Proteínas Fúngicas/metabolismo , Proteínas Fúngicas/inmunología , Aspergilosis/inmunología , Aspergilosis/microbiología , Humanos , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno/inmunología , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno/genética , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/microbiología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Proteínas de la Membrana/inmunología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Células Epiteliales/microbiología , Células Epiteliales/inmunología , Células Epiteliales/metabolismo , FemeninoRESUMEN
AIMS: This study aimed to describe the bacterial microbiome associated with the carapace of three species of Galapagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis porteri, Chelonoidis donfaustoi, and Chelonoidis vandenburghi) and determine the potential effect of the whitish lesions caused by the fungus Aphanoascella galapagosensis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used Oxford Nanopore's MinION to evaluate the external bacterial microbiome associated with the carapaces from the aforementioned species. Taxonomic assignment was carried out by Bugseq and the bacterial communities were compared between carapaces with and without lesions using a NMDS with Bray-Curtis as the dissimilarity index. We found four genera of bacteria that were ubiquitous throughout all individuals, suggesting the presence of shared taxa. The results also displayed a significant difference in the microbiome between carapaces with and without lesions, and for species-carapace interaction, but not among species. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a baseline of the bacterial diversity of the carapace within three Galapagos giant tortoise species, showcasing the presence of a distinctive microbial community. Furthermore, our findings suggest a significant influence of the fungus Aphanoascella galapagosensis on the bacterial populations inhabiting the carapace of these reptiles.
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Bacterias , Microbiota , Tortugas , Animales , Tortugas/microbiología , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Exoesqueleto/microbiología , BiodiversidadRESUMEN
Metastases to the thyroid gland from nonthyroidal malignant tumors are rare but significant. They are often asymptomatic, indicating advanced-stage primary tumors and poor prognosis. Although infrequently, breast cancer (BC) can metastasize to the thyroid gland. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with a history of BC who presented with a nodular goiter. Physical examination and imaging revealed a thyroid nodule and cervical lymph nodes with suspicious features. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) confirmed the presence of atypical epithelial cells in the thyroid nodule and lymph nodes. Further evaluation, including positron emission tomography, histological biopsy, and immunohistochemistry, supported the diagnosis of metastatic BC to the thyroid gland. Due to the local extent of the disease, total thyroidectomy was not feasible. The treatment with ribociclib and letrozole was initiated, but unfortunately, the patient had an unfavorable progression with the development of metastasis in the nervous system. Metastatic carcinoma to the thyroid gland is rare but has increased due to improved diagnostic techniques. BC can metastasize to the thyroid. Diagnosis involves imaging, FNAB, and immunohistochemistry. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but the prognosis is generally poor.
Las metástasis en la glándula tiroides a partir de tumores malignos no tiroideos son raras pero significativas. A menudo son asintomáticas, lo que indica tumores primarios en etapas avanzadas y un mal pronóstico. Aunque infrecuentemente, el cáncer de mama puede metastatizar en la glándula tiroides. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 56 años con antecedente de cáncer de mama que consultó por bocio nodular. El examen físico y las imágenes revelaron un nódulo tiroideo y ganglios linfáticos cervicales con características sospechosas. La punción aspiración con aguja fina confirmó la presencia de células epiteliales atípicas en el nódulo tiroideo y los ganglios linfáticos. Una evaluación adicional, que incluyó tomografía por emisión de positrones, biopsia histológica e inmunohistoquímica, respaldó el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama metastásico en la glándula tiroides. Debido a la extensión local de la enfermedad, no fue factible realizar una tiroidectomía total. Se inició el tratamiento con ribociclib y letrozol, pero desafortunadamente la paciente tuvo una progresión desfavorable con el desarrollo de metástasis en el sistema nervioso. El carcinoma metastásico en la glándula tiroides es raro, pero ha aumentado debido a las técnicas de diagnóstico mejoradas. El cáncer de mama puede metastatizar en la tiroides. El diagnóstico implica imágenes, punción aspiración con aguja fina e inmunohistoquímica. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen cirugía, radioterapia y quimioterapia, pero el pronóstico generalmente es desfavorable.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Neoplasias de la Tiroides , Humanos , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Neoplasias de la Mama/secundario , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/secundario , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/diagnóstico por imagen , Biopsia con Aguja Fina , Resultado Fatal , Tomografía de Emisión de PositronesRESUMEN
Background and objectives: The neurodevelopment of the offspring is suggested to be influenced by the maternal immune system's responses throughout pregnancy, which in turn is also vulnerable to maternal psychosocial stress conditions. Therefore, our main goal was to investigate whether maternal peripheral immunological biomarkers (IB) during two stages of gestation are associated with distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories in the first two years of life. As a second goal, we also explored the association between maternal distal (childhood) and proximal (gestation) stressful experiences and the immunological markers assessed during pregnancy. Methods: Maternal childhood trauma, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and peripheral IB (IFNγ, IL-10, IL1ß, IL6, IL8, TNFα, EGF, IL13, IL17, IL1Ra and IL4) were measured at baseline (8-16 weeks of pregnancy) and at 30 weeks of pregnancy in 160 women. The participants had the blood samples collected from two randomized clinical trials conducted by the same team and methods in the same community. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was implemented to create meaningful composite variables that describe the cytokines joint variation. Finally, linear mixed-effects modeling was used to investigate the influence of inflammatory biomarkers, maternal childhood trauma, anxiety, and depressive symptoms on Bayley's III scores trajectories. Results: The IB profile during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy predicted the offspring's neurodevelopmental trajectories in the first two years of life. The components derived from PCA were important predictors and captured different immune responses, reflecting both pro- and anti-inflammatory states. Maternal stressful experiences did not correlate with the immunological markers. Although not a reliable predictor alone, maternal psychosocial stress at the 1st trimester of pregnancy interacted with the mother's immune response while predicting the neurodevelopmental scores during the first two years of life. Conclusions: Our results underscore the importance of the maternal immune response during pregnancy in shaping the neurodevelopmental trajectory of the offspring. Additionally, we observed that the maternal distress at the early stages of pregnancy has an incremental effect on the neurodevelopmental outcome but depends upon the immune response.
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PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of four weeks of age-dependent detraining on army soldiers' cardiorespiratory fitness and maximal and explosive strength. METHODS: Fourteen volunteer tactical athletes participated, divided into two age groups (20 to 29 and 30 to 40 years). Before and after the detraining period, we assessed their anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, fat mass, and fat-free mass), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max] and ventilatory thresholds [VT1 and VT2]), and kinematic properties during a single-leg counter-moving jump (CMJ) test for both the dominant and non-dominant legs. Two-way ANOVA followed by the Holm-Sidak post hoc test was used. RESULTS: The anthropometric and cardiovascular variables did not show significant differences between the groups. However, both groups exhibited a significantly reduced maximum time and speed at the VO2max. Furthermore, the flight time and maximum height during the CMJ significantly decreased in the non-dominant leg for both age groups. Notably, the dominant leg's concentric impulse (CI) significantly reduced during the CMJ, but this effect was observed only in the 30-40 age group. There were significant differences between the two age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that four weeks of detraining negatively impacts aerobic fitness and muscular strength, independently of age. However, the dominant leg may be more susceptible to detraining effects in army soldiers aged 30-40. Furthermore, as a perspective, our results strongly suggest that a detraining period could affect successful missions (aerobic performance deterioration), as well as promote a muscle imbalance between the legs, which could encourage muscle injuries and endanger combat missions.
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The hypoxic chemoreflex and the arterial baroreflex are implicated in the ventilatory response to exercise. It is well known that long-term exercise training increases parasympathetic and decreases sympathetic tone, both processes influenced by the arterial baroreflex and hypoxic chemoreflex function. Hypobaric hypoxia (i.e., high altitude [HA]) markedly reduces exercise capacity associated with autonomic reflexes. Indeed, a reduced exercise capacity has been found, paralleled by a baroreflex-related parasympathetic withdrawal and a pronounced chemoreflex potentiation. Additionally, it is well known that the baroreflex and chemoreflex interact, and during activation by hypoxia, the chemoreflex is predominant over the baroreflex. Thus, the baroreflex function impairment may likely facilitate the exercise deterioration through the reduction of parasympathetic tone following acute HA exposure, secondary to the chemoreflex activation. Therefore, the main goal of this review is to describe the main physiological mechanisms controlling baro- and chemoreflex function and their role in exercise capacity during HA exposure.
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Composted materials serve as an effective soil nutrient amendment. Organic matter in compost plays an important role in quantifying composted materials overall quality and nutrient content. Measuring organic matter content traditionally takes considerable time, resources, and various laboratory equipment (e.g., oven, muffle furnace, crucibles, precision balance). Much like the quantitative color indices (e.g., sRGB R, sRGB G, sRGB B, CIEL*a* b*) derived from the low-cost NixPro2 color sensor have proven adept at predicting soil organic matter in-situ, the NixPro2 color sensor has the potential to be effective for predicting organic matter in composted materials without the need for traditional laboratory methods. In this study, a total of 200 compost samples (13 different compost types) were measured for organic matter content via traditional loss-on-ignition (LOI) and via the NixPro2 color sensor. The NixPro2 color sensor showed promising results with an LOI-prediction model utilizing the CIEL*a* b* color model through the application of the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) algorithm yielding an excellent prediction accuracy (validation R2 = 0.87, validation RMSE = 4.66 %). Moreover, the PCA scoreplot differentiated the three lowest organic matter compost types from the remaining 10 compost types. These results have valuable practical significance for the compost industry by predicting compost organic matter in real time without the need for laborious, time-consuming methods.
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Color , Compostaje , Suelo , Compostaje/métodos , Suelo/químicaRESUMEN
Gold cyanidation facilities in the Arequipa Region of Peru are challenged by the availability and quality of water for processing in an arid environment. The facilities reuse decant water which recycles residual cyanide but also undesirable constituents. To understand the impact of intensive water recycling on cyanide and metals concentrations, we collected barren water, decant water, and tailings samples from six gold cyanidation facilities with ore capacities of 10-430 tons per day. Processing facilities in Arequipa recycle all effluents, with decant waters making up 58 ± 11 % of process waters. Decant water contained non-target metals: copper (394 ± 161 mg/L), iron (59 ± 34 mg/L), and zinc (74 ± 42 mg/L). In addition, decant water mean free and complexed cyanide concentrations were 534 ± 129 mg/L and 805 ± 297 mg/L, respectively. Complexed cyanide concentrations remained more constant than free cyanide concentrations with 786 ± 299 mg/L for barren water and 805 ± 297 mg/L for decant water. Cyanide mass balances showed between 21 % and 42 % of unaccounted free cyanide from the start of gold cyanidation and discharge to the tailings storage facility (TSF). Free cyanide estimated losses due to volatilization were 0.8 kg and 2.5 kg of hydrogen cyanide per ton of ore processed at barren water pH of 10.1 and 9.7. Together these results indicate two acute hazards: 1) volatilization of free cyanide during processing and 2) loading and retention of cyanides and metals into TSFs. This study elucidates the extent of uncontrolled vapor phase cyanide release during gold processing operation and contaminant concentrations in the tailings storage facilities. The data highlights the need for improvement oversight, accountability, and regulation of gold processing facilities practicing intensive recycling and zero discharge.
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OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the impact of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI) on the physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites (ECRs) featuring reduced concentrations of camphorquinone (CQ)/amine. METHODS: Five concentrations of CQ (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mol%) with dimethylaminoethyl amine benzoate (EDAB) in a 1:2 mol% ratio (CQ:EDAB) were incorporated into a 50:50 mass% monomer blend of bisphenol glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). An additional 5 groups with the same CQ:EDAB concentrations had 0.5 mol% DPI added. Each resin group contained 60 wt% of 0.7 µm barium-alumino-silicate glass. Light transmission (n = 3), real-time degree of polymerization (n = 3), temperature change during polymerization (n = 5), polymerization shrinkage strain (n = 3), flexural strength, and modulus (n = 12), as well as water sorption and solubility (n = 5), were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Light transmission was reduced in groups containing 0.125 and 0.25 mol% of CQ without DPI. DPI increased temperature, degree and rate of polymerization, despite the reduction in CQ/amine concentration. Additionally, there was an increase in polymerization shrinkage strain, flexural strength and modulus, and a reduction in water sorption and solubility in ECRs with DPI, even with lower concentrations of CQ/EDAB. SIGNIFICANCE: DPI improved the assessed properties of composites across various concentrations of CQ/EDAB, showing the benefit of reducing the quantity of CQ used without compromising the properties and curing of the resin composites.
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Resinas Compuestas , Ensayo de Materiales , Polietilenglicoles , Polimerizacion , Ácidos Polimetacrílicos , Terpenos , Resinas Compuestas/química , Terpenos/química , Polietilenglicoles/química , Ácidos Polimetacrílicos/química , Bisfenol A Glicidil Metacrilato/química , Propiedades de Superficie , Compuestos Onio/química , Poliuretanos/química , Resinas Acrílicas , Compuestos de Bifenilo , Alcanfor/análogos & derivadosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is an effective technique for treating large midline and off-midline hernias. Recent studies have demonstrated that robotic TAR (rTAR) is technically feasible and associated with improved outcomes compared to open surgery. There is no published experience to date describing abdominal wall reconstruction using the novel robotic platform HUGO RAS System (Medtronic®). METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a rTAR in our institution were included. Three of the four arm carts of the HUGO RAS System were used at any given time. Each arm configuration was defined by our team in conjunction with Medtronic® personnel. rTAR was performed as previously described. Upon completion of the TAR on one side, a redocking process with different, mirrored arms angles was performed to continue with the contralateral TAR. Operative variables and early morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in this study. The median BMI was 31 (21-40.6) kg/m2. The median height was 1.6 m (1.5-1.89 m). A trend of decreased operative time, console time, and redocking time was seen in these consecutive cases. No intraoperative events nor postoperative morbidity was reported. The median length of stay was 3 (1-6) days. CONCLUSION: Robotic TAR utilizing the HUGO RAS system is a feasible and safe procedure. The adoption of this procedure on this novel platform for the treatment of complex abdominal wall hernias has been successful for our team.
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Músculos Abdominales , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Robotizados , Humanos , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Robotizados/métodos , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tempo Operativo , Adulto , Anciano , Herniorrafia/métodos , Tiempo de Internación/estadística & datos numéricos , Hernia Ventral/cirugíaRESUMEN
Preclinical research has provided compelling evidence indicating that exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) results in a deterioration of spermatogenesis. This adverse effect extends to the underlying molecular mechanisms, progressively leading to impairments in the seminiferous epithelium and germ cells and alterations in semen parameters. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated that animals exposed to HH, whether in natural high-altitude environments or under simulated hypoxic conditions, exhibit damage to the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogenesis, an increase in germline cell apoptosis, and structural alterations in the seminiferous tubules. One of the primary mechanisms associated with the inhibition of differentiation and an increase in apoptosis among germ cells is an elevated level of oxidative stress, which has been closely associated with HH exposure. Human studies have shown that individuals exposed to HH, such as mountaineers and alpinists, exhibit decreased sperm count, reduced motility, diminished viability, and increased sperm with abnormal morphology in their semen. This evidence strongly suggests that exposure to HH may be considered a significant risk factor that could elevate the prevalence of male infertility. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive description and propose potential mechanisms that could elucidate the infertility processes induced by HH. By doing so, it contributes to expanding our understanding of the challenges posed by extreme environments on human physiology, opening new avenues for research in this field.
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Altitud , Semen , Animales , Masculino , Humanos , Femenino , Hipoxia , Espermatogénesis , EspermatozoidesRESUMEN
Poison frogs (Dendrobatidae) are famous for their aposematic species, having a combination of diverse color patterns and defensive skin toxins, yet most species in this family are inconspicuously colored and considered non-aposematic. Epipedobates is among the youngest genus-level clades of Dendrobatidae that includes both aposematic and inconspicuous species. Using Sanger-sequenced mitochondrial and nuclear markers, we demonstrate deep genetic divergences among inconspicuous species of Epipedobates but relatively shallow genetic divergences among conspicuous species. Our phylogenetic analysis includes broad geographic sampling of the inconspicuous lineages typically identified as E. boulengeri and E. espinosai, which reveals two putative new species, one in west-central Colombia (E. sp. 1) and the other in north-central Ecuador (E. aff. espinosai). We conclude that E. darwinwallacei is a junior subjective synonym of E. espinosai. We also clarify the geographic distributions of inconspicuous Epipedobates species including the widespread E. boulengeri. We provide a qualitative assessment of the phenotypic diversity in each nominal species, with a focus on the color and pattern of inconspicuous species. We conclude that Epipedobates contains eight known valid species, six of which are inconspicuous. A relaxed molecular clock analysis suggests that the most recent common ancestor of Epipedobates is â¼11.1 million years old, which nearly doubles previous estimates. Last, genetic information points to a center of species diversity in the Chocó at the southwestern border of Colombia with Ecuador. A Spanish translation of this text is available in the supplementary materials.
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Anuros , Ranas Venenosas , Animales , Filogenia , Anuros/genética , Mitocondrias , EcuadorRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: We sought to test whether a 2-week Total Worker Health (TWH) training mapped to TWH education competencies could be administered to a Mexican audience of occupational safety and health professionals and could lead to positive changes to knowledge and behaviors. METHODS: This study used robust program evaluation methods collected before and after each of the nine training days and at the end of the course. RESULTS: Overall course quality received a mean score of 4.6 (SD = 0.6) and 98.8% of participants agreed that their TWH knowledge increased. All participants intended to make at least one change to their professional practice, most frequently helping companies assess their organizational culture to support health, safety, and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: This TWH training was well received and led to positive self-reported increase in knowledge and abilities to influence workers' health, safety, and well-being.
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Salud Laboral , Humanos , México , Salud Laboral/educación , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Promoción de la Salud/métodos , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Cultura OrganizacionalRESUMEN
Introduction Human papillomavirus-related (HPV + ) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing in incidence and presents diagnostic challenges given its unique clinical presentation. Objective The purpose of the present study is to characterize the impact of the unique clinical presentation of HPV-related OPSCC on delays in diagnosis. Methods Retrospective review of presenting symptoms and clinical characteristics of 284 patients with OPSCC treated from 2002-2014. Delay in diagnosis was defined as the presence of any of the following: multiple non-diagnostic fine needle aspirate (FNA) biopsies; two or more courses of antibiotic therapy; surgery with incorrect preoperative diagnosis; evaluation by an otolaryngologist without further workup; or surgery without definitive postoperative diagnosis. Results p16+ tumors demonstrated a distinct clinical presentation that more commonly involved a neck mass (85.1% versus 57.3% of p16-; p < 0.001) and less frequently included odynophagia (24.6% versus 51.7% of p16-; p < 0.001). Patients who experienced diagnostic delay were more likely to have p16+ tumors (77.7% delayed versus 62.8% not delayed; p = 0.006). p16+ primary tumors were more likely to be undetectable by physical examination of the head and neck including flexible laryngoscopy (19.0% versus 6.7% of p16-; p = 0.007) and more frequently associated with nondiagnostic FNA biopsies of a cervical nodal mass (11.8% versus 3.4% of p16-, p = 0.03). Conclusions Compared with non-HPV related OPSCC, the unique clinical presentation and characteristics of HPV+ OPSCC are associated with an increased incidence of diagnostic delay. Targeted education of appropriate care providers may improve time to diagnosis and treatment.
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COVID-19 may have residual consequences in multiple organs, including the cardiovascular system. The purpose of the present investigation is to quantify myocardial function in symptomatic individuals with long COVID and investigate the association between illness severity and myocardial function. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in which symptomatic individuals with previous COVID-19 underwent echocardiographic analysis of left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and myocardial work (MW). Individuals also performed cardiopulmonary testing (CPX) to assess peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Differences between illness severity subgroups were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations were calculated using the Spearman correlation test. Multilinear regressions were performed to evaluate the influences of COVID-19 severity, body mass index, age, and sex on MW. Fifty-six individuals were included (critical subgroup: 17; moderate/severe subgroup: 39), 59% females; median age: 56 years (IQR: 43-63). CPX revealed a substantial reduction in VO2peak (median of 53% of predicted values). LVGLS were not statistically different between subgroups. Global wasted work (GWW) was higher in the critical subgroup [146 (104-212) versus 121 (74-163) mmHg%, p = 0.01], and global work efficiency (GWE) was lower in this subgroup [93 (91-95) versus 94 (93-96), p = 0.03]. Illness severity was the only independent predictor of GWW and GWE (GWW: r2 = 0.167; p = 0.009; GWE: r2 = 0.172; p = 0.005) in multilinear regressions. In our study with long COVID-19 individuals, despite having a similar LVGLS, patients had subclinical LV dysfunction, demonstrated only by an increase in GWW and a decrease in GWE.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Humanos , COVID-19/complicaciones , COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/fisiopatología , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Ecocardiografía , Función Ventricular Izquierda , SARS-CoV-2 , Consumo de Oxígeno , Disfunción Ventricular Izquierda/fisiopatología , Disfunción Ventricular Izquierda/diagnóstico por imagen , Prueba de EsfuerzoRESUMEN
Swimmer athletes showed a decreased ventilatory response and reduced sympathetic activation during peripheral hypoxic chemoreflex stimulation. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that swimmers develop a diminished cardiorespiratory coupling due to their decreased hypoxic peripheral response. To resolve this hypothesis, we conducted a study using coherence time-varying analysis to assess the cardiorespiratory coupling in swimmer athletes. We recruited 12 trained swimmers and 12 control subjects for our research. We employed wavelet time-varying spectral coherence analysis to examine the relationship between the respiratory frequency (Rf ) and the heart rate (HR) time series during normoxia and acute chemoreflex activation induced by five consecutive inhalations of 100% N2 . Comparing swimmers to control subjects, we observed a significant reduction in the hypoxic ventilatory responses to N2 in swimmers (0.012 ± 0.001 vs. 0.015 ± 0.001 ΔVE /ΔVO2 , and 0.365 ± 0.266 vs. 1.430 ± 0.961 ΔVE /ΔVCO2 /ΔSpO2 , both p < 0.001, swimmers vs. control, respectively). Furthermore, the coherence at the LF cutoff during hypoxia was significantly lower in swimmers compared to control subjects (20.118 ± 3.502 vs. 24.935 ± 3.832 area under curve [AUC], p < 0.012, respectively). Our findings strongly indicate that due to their diminished chemoreflex control, swimmers exhibited a substantial decrease in cardiorespiratory coupling during hypoxic stimulation.