Actitudes hacia la muerte expresadas por jóvenes en contexto COVID-19 en la región de Tarapacá

Esta investigación analizó las actitudes hacia la muerte expresadas por un grupo de adultos jóvenes en contexto COVID-19. Los participantes fueron 10 jóvenes residentes en la región de Tarapacá (60% mujeres, 40% hombres) entre 18 a 29 años. La metodología tuvo un enfoque mixto de preponderancia cualitativa y diseño secuencial. En la primera etapa, se administró el Perfil Revisado de Actitudes hacia la muerte [PAM-R] para medir cinco actitudes: Miedo a la muerte; Evitación de la muerte; Aceptación de acercamiento; Aceptación de escape; y Aceptación neutral. Posteriormente, se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas que profundizaron los resultados, mediante la exploración de las percepciones, emociones y pensamientos de los participantes durante la pandemia. Finalmente, se triangularon los datos cuantitativos y cualitativos para obtener una mayor validez. Los resultados señalan a estas actitudes como un fenómeno contextual, cuya expresión depende de diversos elementos personales y del entorno, siendo los más importantes los miedos asociados a familiares. En jóvenes, la muerte fue comprendida como una realidad lejana. Esto influyó en una alta neutralidad y bajo miedo a la muerte propia. El contexto COVID-19 actuó como un factor influyente en las actitudes, particularmente en el miedo al contagio o a la posibilidad de morir. Si bien los jóvenes reconocieron la peligrosidad del virus, sus necesidades emocionales-afectivas se vislumbraron como problemas más urgentes. Por lo tanto, los miedos en contexto COVID-19 no evitaron la exposición al contagio en compañía de amigos. Estas conductas fueron significadas como medidas de autocuidado psicológico, particularmente en jóvenes con Aceptación de Escape.

This research analyzed the attitudes towards death expressed by a group of young adults in a COVID-19 context. The participants were 10 young residents in the Tarapacá region (60% women, 40% men) between 18 and 29 years old. The methodology had a mixed approach of qualitative preponderance and sequential design. First, the Death Attitude Profile-Revised [DAP-R] was administered to measure five attitudes: Fear of Death, Death Avoidance, Approach Acceptance, Escape Acceptance, and Neutral Acceptance. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were applied that deepened the results, by exploring the perceptions, emotions and thoughts of the participants during the pandemic. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to obtain greater validity. The results point to these attitudes as a contextual phenomenon, the expression of which depends on various personal and environmental elements, the most important being the fears associated with family members. In young people, death was understood as a distant reality. This influenced a high neutrality and low fear of own death. The COVID-19 context acted as an influencing factor in attitudes, particularly in fear of contagion or the possibility of dying. Although the young people recognized the dangerousness of the virus, their emotional-affective needs were seen as more urgent problems. Therefore, fears in the COVID-19 context did not prevent exposure to contagion in the company of friends. These behaviors were signified as measures of psychological self-care, particularly in young people with Escape Acceptance.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as atitudes de um grupo de jovens adultos em relação a morte no contexto de COVID-19. Nela participaram 10 jovens que vivem na região de Tarapacá (60% mulheres, 40% homens) os quais tinham entre 18 e 29 anos. A metodologia da pesquisa teve uma abordagem mista de preponderância qualitativa e desenho de investigação sequencial. Na primeira etapa, foi administrado o Perfil Revisado de Atitudes em Relação a Morte [PAM-R] para medir cinco atitudes: Medo da morte; Evitar a morte; Aceitação de abordagem; Aceitação de fuga; e aceitação neutra. Posteriormente, foram aplicadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas que aprofundaram os resultados, explorando as percepções, emoções e pensamentos dos participantes durante a pandemia. Por fim, os dados quantitativos e qualitativos foram triangulados para obter maior validade. Os resultados apontam essas atitudes como um fenômeno contextual, cuja expressão depende de diversos elementos pessoais e do meio ambiente, sendo o mais importante deles, os medos associados aos parentes. Nos jovens, a morte era entendida como uma realidade distante. Isso influenciou uma alta neutralidade e pouco medo da propia morte. O contexto de COVID-19 atuou como um fator influente nas atitudes, particularmente no medo de contágio ou na possibilidade de morrer. Enquanto os jovens reconheciam o perigo do vírus, suas necessidades emotivas e afetivas eram vistas como problemas mais urgentes. Portanto, os temores no contexto de COVID-19 não impediram a exposição ao contágio na companhia de amigos. Esses comportamentos foram considerados como medidas de autocuidado psicológico, particularmente em jovens com Aceitação da Fuga da morte.

Actitudes hacia la muerte expresadas por jóvenes en contexto COVID-19 en la región de Tarapacá / The death attitudes expressed by young adults from Tarapacá region in COVID-19 context / Atitudes de jovens da região de Tarapacá em relação a morte no contexto de COVID-19

Resumen Esta investigación analizó las actitudes hacia la muerte expresadas por un grupo de adultos jóvenes en contexto COVID-19. Los participantes fueron 10 jóvenes residentes en la región de Tarapacá (60% mujeres, 40% hombres) entre 18 a 29 años. La metodología tuvo un enfoque mixto de preponderancia cualitativa y diseño secuencial. En la primera etapa, se administró el Perfil Revisado de Actitudes hacia la muerte [PAM-R] para medir cinco actitudes: Miedo a la muerte; Evitación de la muerte; Aceptación de acercamiento; Aceptación de escape; y Aceptación neutral. Posteriormente, se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas que profundizaron los resultados, mediante la exploración de las percepciones, emociones y pensamientos de los participantes durante la pandemia. Finalmente, se triangularon los datos cuantitativos y cualitativos para obtener una mayor validez. Los resultados señalan a estas actitudes como un fenómeno contextual, cuya expresión depende de diversos elementos personales y del entorno, siendo los más importantes los miedos asociados a familiares. En jóvenes, la muerte fue comprendida como una realidad lejana. Esto influyó en una alta neutralidad y bajo miedo a la muerte propia. El contexto COVID-19 actuó como un factor influyente en las actitudes, particularmente en el miedo al contagio o a la posibilidad de morir. Si bien los jóvenes reconocieron la peligrosidad del virus, sus necesidades emocionales-afectivas se vislumbraron como problemas más urgentes. Por lo tanto, los miedos en contexto COVID-19 no evitaron la exposición al contagio en compañía de amigos. Estas conductas fueron significadas como medidas de autocuidado psicológico, particularmente en jóvenes con Aceptación de Escape.

Abstract This research analyzed the attitudes towards death expressed by a group of young adults in a COVID-19 context. The participants were 10 young residents in the Tarapacá region (60% women, 40% men) between 18 and 29 years old. The methodology had a mixed approach of qualitative preponderance and sequential design. First, the Death Attitude Profile-Revised [DAP-R] was administered to measure five attitudes: Fear of Death, Death Avoidance, Approach Acceptance, Escape Acceptance, and Neutral Acceptance. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were applied that deepened the results, by exploring the perceptions, emotions and thoughts of the participants during the pandemic. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to obtain greater validity. The results point to these attitudes as a contextual phenomenon, the expression of which depends on various personal and environmental elements, the most important being the fears associated with family members. In young people, death was understood as a distant reality. This influenced a high neutrality and low fear of own death. The COVID-19 context acted as an influencing factor in attitudes, particularly in fear of contagion or the possibility of dying. Although the young people recognized the dangerousness of the virus, their emotional-affective needs were seen as more urgent problems. Therefore, fears in the COVID-19 context did not prevent exposure to contagion in the company of friends. These behaviors were signified as measures of psychological self-care, particularly in young people with Escape Acceptance.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as atitudes de um grupo de jovens adultos em relação a morte no contexto de COVID-19. Nela participaram 10 jovens que vivem na região de Tarapacá (60% mulheres, 40% homens) os quais tinham entre 18 e 29 anos. A metodologia da pesquisa teve uma abordagem mista de preponderância qualitativa e desenho de investigação sequencial. Na primeira etapa, foi administrado o Perfil Revisado de Atitudes em Relação a Morte [PAM-R] para medir cinco atitudes: Medo da morte; Evitar a morte; Aceitação de abordagem; Aceitação de fuga; e aceitação neutra. Posteriormente, foram aplicadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas que aprofundaram os resultados, explorando as percepções, emoções e pensamentos dos participantes durante a pandemia. Por fim, os dados quantitativos e qualitativos foram triangulados para obter maior validade. Os resultados apontam essas atitudes como um fenômeno contextual, cuja expressão depende de diversos elementos pessoais e do meio ambiente, sendo o mais importante deles, os medos associados aos parentes. Nos jovens, a morte era entendida como uma realidade distante. Isso influenciou uma alta neutralidade e pouco medo da propia morte. O contexto de COVID-19 atuou como um fator influente nas atitudes, particularmente no medo de contágio ou na possibilidade de morrer. Enquanto os jovens reconheciam o perigo do vírus, suas necessidades emotivas e afetivas eram vistas como problemas mais urgentes. Portanto, os temores no contexto de COVID-19 não impediram a exposição ao contágio na companhia de amigos. Esses comportamentos foram considerados como medidas de autocuidado psicológico, particularmente em jovens com Aceitação da Fuga da morte.

Transmission characteristics and prevention measures of Naegleria fowleri： a review / 上海预防医学

Objective To review the Naegleria fowleri and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by the naegleria fowleri， so as to strengthen the public awareness of the disease and its prevention. Methods We reviewed the literatures and reports， and summarized the following information： epidemic status， life cycle and characteristics， environmental distribution and infection routes， pathogenesis and clinical manifestations， diagnosis and treatment， prevention and control measures. Results Primary amoeba meningoencephalitis is a water-borne disease caused by the Naegleria fowleri， which enters human body through the nose and arrives at the central nervous system through olfactory nerve， leading to hemorrhagic and necrotic meningitis. Although the disease is rare， it has a fatality rate of 95%. Most of the patients reported were healthy children or young adults who had nasal contact with water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri a week before symptoms appeared. At present， its pathology can be divided into contact mechanism and non-contact mechanism. In contact mechanism， the Naegleria fowleri relies on the phagocytosis of food cup on its surface and the release of cytolytic molecules that directly destroy host cells. In non-contact mechanism， the Naegleria fowleri has toxic effects by secreting proteins. The clinical symptoms are episodic， with an average time of five days from illness to death. At beginning， the symptoms may include headache， vomiting， fever and other influenza-like symptoms， followed by central nervous system symptoms， such as stiff neck， drowsiness， anorexia， fear and so on. Intravenous or intrathecal injection of amphotericin B is considered to be the basic treatment of this disease， which can be combined with other adjunct therapies such as ventricular shunt and cooling to reduce encephaledema. Conclusion Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but highly fatal disease. We should strengthen the public awareness of the disease and its prevention， especially to avoid nasal contact with contaminated water. We should also strengthen scientific research， improve the level of diagnosis， and develop effective drugs to prevent the disease before it happens.

Can SpRY recognize any PAM in human cells? / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) can be limited due to a lack of compatible protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences in the DNA regions of interest. Recently, SpRY, a variant of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9), was reported, which nearly completely fulfils the PAM requirement. Meanwhile, PAMs for SpRY have not been well addressed. In our previous study, we developed the PAM Definition by Observable Sequence Excision (PAM-DOSE) and green fluorescent protein (GFP)‍-reporter systems to study PAMs in human cells. Herein, we endeavored to identify the PAMs of SpRY with these two methods. The results indicated that 5'-NRN-3', 5'-NTA-3', and 5'-NCK-3' could be considered as canonical PAMs. 5'-NCA-3' and 5'-NTK-3' may serve as non-priority PAMs. At the same time, PAM of 5'-NYC-3' is not recommended for human cells. These findings provide further insights into the application of SpRY for human genome editing.

Influência da pandemia pelo Coronavírus na realização do exame papanicolau na atenção primária / Influence of the pandemic by Coronavírus on the performance of the papanicolau exam in primary healthcare / Influencia de la Pandemia del coronavírus en la realización del examen papanicolau em la atención primaria

Objetivo: analisar a influência da pandemia nas consultas preventivas da Saúde da Mulher na atenção primária, descrevendo a percepção das mulheres quanto à assistência de enfermagem e orientação prestada durante o período da pandemia e avaliando sobre o retorno da paciente para busca do resultado. Método: estudo de qualitativa e exploratório que utilizou os princípios de Gil. Entre março e dezembro de 2020, foram entrevistadas 11 mulheres com idade entre 18 e 23 anos, que responderam questões referentes ao exame Papanicolau realizado durante a pandemia e suas experiências. Resultados: Após a transcrição e análise das entrevistas, surgiram quatro categorias temáticas, a ser: motivos para realização do papanicolau; sobre a realização do papanicolau durante a pandemia; orientações sobre a covid-19 e sobre o exame papanicolau por parte da equipe durante a pandemia; e orientação sobre a importância da busca do resultado. Conclusão: As entrevistas evidenciaram que as mulheres se sentiram inseguras em realizar o exame, bem como a dificuldade em acessar os serviços de saúde durante a pandemia. Além da necessidade do fortalecimento de ações de educação em saúde que visem a realização, orientação e importância do retorno para busca do resultado

Objective: to assess the influence of the pandemic on preventive consultations in Women's Health, describing the perception of women in relation to the nursing care provided during the pandemic and evaluating the patient's return to search for the result. Method: qualitative and exploratory study that used Gil's principles. Between March and December 2020, 11 women aged between 18 and 23 years were interviewed, who answered questions regarding the Pap smear test performed during the pandemic and their experiences. Results: After the transcription and analysis of the interviews, four thematic categories appeared: reasons for performing the pap smear; on the performance of the pap smear during the pandemic; guidelines on covid-19 and the pap smear by the team during the pandemic; and guidance on the importance of the search for the result. Conclusion: The interviews showed that women felt insecure about taking the exam and had difficulty in accessing health services during the pandemic. In addition to the need to strengthen health education actions aimed at the achievement, guidance and importance of the return to search for the result.

Objetivo: evaluar la influencia de la pandemia en las consultas preventivas en salud de la mujer, describiendo la percepción de las mujeres en relación a los cuidados de enfermería brindados durante la pandemia y evaluando el retorno de la paciente para buscar el resultado. Método: estudio cualitativo y exploratorio que utilizó los principios de Gil. Entre marzo y diciembre de 2020 se entrevistó a 11 mujeres de entre 18 y 23 años, quienes respondieron preguntas sobre la prueba de Papanicolaou realizada durante la pandemia y sus experiencias. Resultados: Tras la transcripción y análisis de las entrevistas, aparecieron cuatro categorías temáticas: motivos para realizar la prueba de Papanicolaou; sobre la realización de la prueba de Papanicolaou durante la pandemia; directrices sobre covid-19 y la prueba de Papanicolaou por parte del equipo durante la pandemia; y orientación sobre la importancia de la búsqueda del resultado. Conclusión: Las entrevistas mostraron que las mujeres se sentían inseguras sobre la realización del examen y tenían dificultades para acceder a los servicios de salud durante la pandemia. Además de la necesidad de fortalecer las acciones de educación en salud orientadas al logro, orientación e importancia del retorno para la búsqueda del resultado.

Occurrence of The Pathogenic Amoeba Naegleria fowleri, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

@#Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that infects the central nervous system (CNS). The amoeba is present ubiquitously. The infection is rare but has a high mortality rate. The pathogenic amoeba reaches the host through the nasal passage and migrates along the olfactory nerves to reach the human brain and cause severe destruction of the CNS. As Malaysia has a large population that practising ablutions in daily routine, the risk of infection increases. Two mechanisms associated with the infection include contact-dependent and contact-independent. Signs and symptoms vary from early stage to later stage of infection. CSF and brain biopsy are the common specimens collected used to diagnose the PAM infection and usually detect and identify by PCR method. As for treatment, the CDC of United States America has recommended the usage of miltefosine that provides promising in vitro therapy against N. fowleri. This review will discuss more on the occurrence of N. fowleri, pathogenicity, diagnostic tools, and pharmacotherapy approach against N. fowleri infection.

Translation and Validation of Patient Activation Measure (PAM R-13) in Kannada Language

In a country like India with a large population, with diverse culture, socioeconomic status and educational levels, there is a need to translate a Patient Activation Scale Measure (PAM®13) into a regional language which will reduce the language barrier, increases the understanding of patient’s disease condition, and improves their self-management skills. Hence, a reliable and validated instrument ‘Patient Activation Measure (PAM®13)’ is used for evaluating patient’s awareness, skills, and trust in self-management of disease. We wanted to translate and validate the PAM®-13 questionnaire in Kannada language and assess activation levels in diabetes mellitus patients. METHODSA cross-sectional analysis done among 200 adults with diabetes mellitus who speak Kannada. Patients of diabetes mellitus, aged 18 - 85 years from both sexes were included in the study. The PAM®-13 – was translated as recommended by World Health Organisation’s procedure for cross-cultural validation and adaptation of self- report measures. This involved forward translation, synthesis, backward translation, pre-testing and the final version which was performed by the professionals of Kannada and English language. Data was analysed using SPSS ver. 24.0 for mean, median, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s correlation. Stata 14 was used to analyse internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha, inter-item, inter-rest, inter-test correlation. RESULTSWe found that the mean of the Kannada version of the PAM®-13 was 55.68. The level of internal consistency was good (α=0.8357). CONCLUSIONSPAM® -13 in Kannada language has been demonstrated to be a valid and reliable measure of patient activation in the diabetic population and the present study suggests good psychometric properties.

Discordance of the PAM50 Intrinsic Subtypes Compared with Immunohistochemistry-Based Surrogate in Breast Cancer Patients: Potential Implication of Genomic Alterations of Discordance / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the discordance between immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based surrogate subtyping and PAM50 intrinsic subtypes and to assess overall survival (OS) according to discordance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 607 patients were analyzed. Hormone receptor (HR) expression was evaluated by IHC, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression was analyzed by IHC and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization. PAM50 intrinsic subtypes were determined according to 50 cancer genes using the NanoString nCounter Analysis System. We matched concordant tumor as luminal A and HR+/HER2–, luminal B and HR+/HER2+, HR–/HER2+ and HER2–enriched, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and normal- or basal-like. We used Ion Ampliseq Cancer Panel v2 was used to identify the genomic alteration related with discordance. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS. RESULTS: In total, 233 patients (38.4%) were discordant between IHC-based subtype and PAM50 intrinsic subtype. Using targeted sequencing, we detected somatic mutation–related discordant breast cancer including the VHL gene in the HR+/HER2– group (31% in concordant group, 0% in discordant group, p=0.03) and the IDH and RET genes (7% vs. 12%, p=0.02 and 0% vs. 25%, p=0.02, respectively) in the TNBC group. Among the luminal A/B patients with a discordant result had significantly worse OS (median OS, 73.6 months vs. not reached; p < 0.001), and among the patients with HR positivity, the basal-like group as determined by PAM50 showed significantly inferior OS compared to other intrinsic subtypes (5-year OS rate, 92.2% vs. 75.6%; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: A substantial portion of patients showed discrepancy between IHC subtype and PAM50 intrinsic subtype in our study. The survival analysis demonstrated that current IHC-based classification could mislead the treatment and result in poor outcome. Current guidelines for IHC might be updated accordingly.

Polysaccharide of atractylodes macrocephala inhibits the growth of mice in-situ colon cancer HT-29 cell xenograft via activating immune cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of polysaccharide of atractylodes macrocephala (PAM) on the growth of colon cancer cells in mice bearing in-situ colon cancer transplantation tumor. Methods: 1×107 colon cancer HT-29 cells labeled with luciferase were injected into colon serosa of the mice to establish the in-situ colon cancer transplantation tumor model. When the tumor volume reached 230 mm3, the mice were given 30 mg/kg PAM (PAM group) or equal volume of normal saline (Control group) by gavage for 10 consecutive days. The effect of PAM on the growth of colon cancer cells in mice was tested by in vivo tumor imaging technology. The expressions of MHCII and IL-12 in granulocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, the activation of lymphocytes, and IFN-γ expression in CD4+ and CD8+ cells of tumor tissues were detected by Flow cytometry. Results: PAM significantly inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in mice bearing in-situ colon cancer transplantation tumor (P<0.01). PAM activated immune cells though increasing the expression levels of MHCII and IL-12 in dendritic cells and macrophages (both P<0.01). PAM significantly increased the frequency of CD8+ cells, NK cells, CD44+/NK cells and CD44+/CD4+ cells in tumor tissues and the number of CD8+ cells and NK cells per unit volume (all P<0.01). PAM significantly increased the IFN-γ secretion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells (both P<0.01), too. Conclusion: PAM inhibits the growth of colon cancer by activating immune cells in tumor tissues of mice bearing in-situ colon cancer transplantation tumor.

Metformin attenuates acute liver injury and inflammatory response induced by D-galactosamine in combination with Pam3CSK4 in SD rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the anti-injury and anti-inflammation protective effects of metformin in acute-liver-injury SD rat model induced by D-galactosamine and Pam3CSK4 .Methods Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with the mixture of D-galactosamine (350 mg/kg ) and Pam3CSK4 (50 μg/kg ) by intraperitoneal injection (i .p .) to construct acute liver injury model .The rats in intervention group were given PBS and metformin ,respectively .The liver and body weight were measured and the ratio of liver weight to body weight was calculated .HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the liver .Fasting serum was collected for detection of serological parameters .ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to determine the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.Finally , activation of MAPK signal pathway in rat liver was detected by Western blot .Results Compared with those in control group , the ratio of body weight to liver weight , serum transaminase and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a were all significantly increased in the two intervention groups .Meanwhile , hepatic degeneration and hepatic interstitial exudation indicated that D -galactosamine combined with Pam3CSK4 successfully constructed acute liver injury model in the SD rats.Compared with PBS group, the ratio of body weight to liver weight , hepatic damage , serum transaminase levels.and the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a were significantly decreased in metformin-treated group.Meanwhile,the expressions of p-ERKl/2,p-SAPK/JNK and p-P38 MAPK decreased in liver tissues by metformin pretreatment,suggesting that metformin may play an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusion Metformin attenuated inflammatory reactions in SD rats with acute liver injury induced by D -galactosamine and Pam3CSK4.

Economic and accounting evaluation of rice milled production chains in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and Uruguay with application of the Policy Analysis Matrix / Avaliação econômica e contábil das cadeias produtivas do arroz beneficiado no Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) e Uruguai com aplicação da Matriz de Análise de Políticas

ABSTRACT: Rice is the basis of diet for almost half of the world population, and its culture is one of the strategic agroindustrial production chains in the agribusiness environment, in both economic and social levels. Thus, the comparative analysis between the production chains of rice milled in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and Uruguay was mainly motivated by the interest in knowing the differences in the business environment and public policies that impact the competitiveness of this chain in both study regions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the economic efficiency, competitiveness, and effects of public policies of the rice production chain of milled rice in RS (Brazil) relative to Uruguay. The data collected in this study are from the 2011-2012 harvests and indicators were calculated by applying the concepts of the policy analysis matrix (PAM). Results showed that the chains in both study regions were competitive under the existing market and policy conditions, revealed comparative advantage, transferred a high load of resources to other sectors of the economy, and satisfactorily remuneration of the domestic production factors. However, the competitiveness and comparative advantage shown in this study were not due to the encouraging intervention policies, as both production systems pay high taxes.

RESUMO: O arroz é a base da alimentação para quase metade da população mundial, e sua cultura se situa como uma das cadeias produtivas agroindustriais estratégicas no ambiente do agronegócio, tanto no nível econômico como no social. Assim, a análise comparativa entre as cadeias produtivas do arroz beneficiado no Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil e no Uruguai foi motivada, principalmente, pelo interesse em conhecer as diferenças no ambiente de negócios e nas políticas públicas que afetam a competitividade desta cadeia nas respectivas regiões. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência econômica, competitividade, e efeitos de políticas públicas da cadeia produtiva de arroz beneficiado no RS (Brasil) em relação ao Uruguai. Os dados coletados neste estudo são das safras de 2011-2012 e, os indicadores foram calculados aplicando os conceitos da matriz de análise de políticas (MAP). Os resultados mostraram que as cadeias em ambas as regiões de estudo foram competitivas sob as condições de mercado e políticas existentes, evidenciaram vantagem comparativa, transferiram alto volume de recursos para outros setores da economia, remunerando satisfatoriamente os fatores domésticos de produção. Entretanto, tal competitividade e vantagem comparativa demonstrada não se deveram às intervenções políticas de incentivo, pois ambos sistemas de produção pagam elevados tributos.

Pretreatment with Pam3 CSK4 decreases inflammation in renal tissue from mice with systemic MRSA infection / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To observe whether pretreatment with Pam3CSK4,a TLR2 agonist,could decrease the inflammation response in kidney from mice with systemic MRSA infection,and to investigate the mechanism of the attenuation of inflammation with Pam3CSK4 pretreatment. Methods:BALB/c mice were pretreated with Pam3CSK4 (10 μg/100 μl/each mouse) or PBS via tail vein once daily for two consecutive days. All mice were infected with live MRSA (ATCC43300) at 2×107 CFU/each mouse (via tail vein) 24 h after the second treatment. The levels of cytokines in kidney were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR,respectively. The relative expression of TLR2,IRAKs etc. were detected by real-time PCR. Western blot was performed to detect the phosphorylation of NF-κB, the expression of IRAK-M and A20,respectively. Results:The level of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,CCL3 and IFN-γ in renal tissue from mice pretreated with Pam3CSK4 was decreased significantly compared with that from PBS-treated mice,respectively. Pam3CSK4 pretreatment down-regulated the relative expression of TLR2, inhibited the expression of IRAK-1 and the phosphorylation of NF-κB post infection. The expression of IRAK-M,one of the negative regulators in TLRs signaling pathway was increased significantly in renal tissue from Pam3CSK4-treated mice post infection. Conclusion:Pam3CSK4 pretreatment attenuated the inflammation response in kidney from mice with systemic MRSA infection,and these attenuation is related with up-regulation of IRAK-M.

Pretreatment with Pam3 CSK4 decreases inflammation in renal tissue from mice with systemic MRSA infection / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To observe whether pretreatment with Pam3CSK4,a TLR2 agonist,could decrease the inflammation response in kidney from mice with systemic MRSA infection,and to investigate the mechanism of the attenuation of inflammation with Pam3CSK4 pretreatment. Methods:BALB/c mice were pretreated with Pam3CSK4 (10 μg/100 μl/each mouse) or PBS via tail vein once daily for two consecutive days. All mice were infected with live MRSA (ATCC43300) at 2×107 CFU/each mouse (via tail vein) 24 h after the second treatment. The levels of cytokines in kidney were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR,respectively. The relative expression of TLR2,IRAKs etc. were detected by real-time PCR. Western blot was performed to detect the phosphorylation of NF-κB, the expression of IRAK-M and A20,respectively. Results:The level of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,CCL3 and IFN-γ in renal tissue from mice pretreated with Pam3CSK4 was decreased significantly compared with that from PBS-treated mice,respectively. Pam3CSK4 pretreatment down-regulated the relative expression of TLR2, inhibited the expression of IRAK-1 and the phosphorylation of NF-κB post infection. The expression of IRAK-M,one of the negative regulators in TLRs signaling pathway was increased significantly in renal tissue from Pam3CSK4-treated mice post infection. Conclusion:Pam3CSK4 pretreatment attenuated the inflammation response in kidney from mice with systemic MRSA infection,and these attenuation is related with up-regulation of IRAK-M.

Increasing antimicrobial activity of macrophage to methicillin resistant staphylo-coccus aureus via TLR2 agonist-Pam3Csk4 / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To evaluate immune response of murine peritoneal macrophage challenging by methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA)after pretreatment with Pam3Csk4(TLR2 agonist).Methods: Murine peritoneal macrophage was pretreated with Pam3Csk4(1 μg/ml).Following pretreatment 12 h later,heat-killed MRSA( HK-MRSA) was added and incubated for another 2 or 6 hours.The protein and mRNA level of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 were determined by ELISA and Q-PCR, respectively.To estimate phagocytosis of macrophage,HK-MRSA/MSSA labeled with FITC( FITC-HK-MRSA/MSSA) were added to well and incubated for 30 min.After washing 5 times with PBS,intracellular FITC-HK-MRSA was detected by flow cytometry.To estimate antimicrobal activity of macrophage,live MRSA and MSSA were added to well and incubated at indication time,the CFU of s.aureus was estimated via a 10-fold serial dilution on agar media.cDNA was further quantitative assessed using primers for mouse FCR-Ⅰ,FCR-Ⅲ,CR-1,CR-3,iNOS and LL37 by Q-PCR .Results: Compared with saline-pretreated cell, the protein and mRNA level of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 were markely reduced, respectively.However, both the phagocytosis and antimicrobal activity to S.aureus were significantly increased in macrophages pretreated with Pam3Csk4.Further study found that the macrophages had higher FCR-Ⅰ,FCR-Ⅲ,CR-1,CR-3,iNOS and LL37 expression at 6 h and 12 h post-stimulation Pam3Csk4.Conclusion: The results suggest that Pam3Csk4 could activate murine antimicrobal activity of peritoneal macrophage challenging by methicillin-resistant Saureus via increasing opsonophagocytosis in depended antibodies, complements manners.The results suggest Pam3Csk4 probably be a novel immunotherapy candidate against MRSA.

Syndromic surveillance in Vanuatu since Cyclone Pam: a descriptive study

In 2012, Vanuatu designed and implemented a syndromic surveillance system based on the guidelines developed by the Pacific Community and the World Health Organization to provide early warning of outbreaks and other important public health events. Four core syndromes were endorsed for surveillance: acute fever and rash, prolonged fever, influenza-like illness and acute watery diarrhoea. In March 2015, Vanuatu was struck by Cyclone Pam, after which several important changes and improvements to the country's syndromic surveillance were made. To date, there has been no formal evaluation of whether regular reports are occurring or that core syndromes are being documented. We therefore carried out a descriptive study in the 11 sentinel sites in Vanuatu conducting syndromic surveillance between July and December 2015. There was a total of 53 822 consultations which were higher in the first 13 weeks (n = 29 622) compared with the last 13 weeks (n = 24 200). During the six months, there were no cases of acute fever and rash or prolonged fever. There were cases with influenza-like illness from week 27 to 35, but no case was reported after week 35. Acute watery diarrhoea occurred in one or two cases per week during the whole study period. For these two core syndromes, there were generally more females than males, and about one third were children aged under 5 years. In conclusion, Vanuatu implemented changes to its new syndromic surveillance system from July to December 2015, although laboratory components had not yet been incorporated. The laboratory components are working in 2016 and will be the subject of a further report.

Immunosuppression mediated by porcine FcγRⅢin PRRSV infection to PAMS / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To study immunosuppression mediated by the porcine FcγRⅢ in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus ( PRRSV ) infection to pulmonary alveolar macrophages ( PAMS ).Methods: In this study pulmonary alveolar macrophages cells were treated with containing 200 TCID50 PRRSV,lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/ml) and purified mouse anti-pig FcγRⅢIgG (550 μg/ml) separately,simultaneously,PAM cells treated with purified mouse anti-pig FcγRⅢIgG (550 μg/ml) was infected by 200 TCID50 PRRSV ,untreated PAM cells as the control group.Each group were post-cultured 12,24,36,48,60,72 h, the cells and the supernatant were collected.The dynamic variation of PRRSV RNA copies in inoculation group were detected by using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method.mRNA level of IFN-αand TNF-αin each group were detected by using relative fluorescence quantitative PCR.Results:The result showed that mRNA level of IFN-αwas improved during PRRSV infection to PAMS 12-24 h,and mRNA level of IFN-αwas inhibited during 36-72 h,then mRNA level of IFN-αrecovered normally; mRNA level of TNF-αwas increased slightly post-infection 12-72 h.IFN-αand TNF-αmRNA levels of PAM cells treated with LPS were both up-regu-lated,using the purified mouse anti-pig FcγRⅢ IgG to treat the PAM cells,selective activation of porcine FcγRⅢ in the PAM cells down-regulated significantly mRNA levels of IFN-αand TNF-α.PRRSV infection assay mediated by selective activation FcγRⅢof the PAM cells inhibited antiviral cytokine ( IFN-αand TNF-α) mRNA levels.Conclusion:The results show selective activation of FcγRⅢinhibited significantly mRNA levels of the antiviral cytokine IFN-αand TNF-αof host cells,and innate antiviral immune response to PRRSV infection.

Comparison of efficacy of atropine versus atropine with pralidoxime in organophosphorus poisoning.

Background: Comparison of the efficacy of atropine alone against atropine with pralidoxime in the treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning. Methods: Forty two patients between the age group of 18 to 65 years, treated for OP poisoning and matched for baseline characteristics, were included in two groupsbased on treatment received as “Atropine only” or “Atropine plus pralidoxime(PAM)”.Main outcomes of the study were ICU stay, total hospital stay and mortality. ICU and hospital stay were compared using ‘t’ test while mortality was compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Total hospital stay was not significantly different between the treatment groups (95% CI of difference: -4.227, 0.784). Length of stay was also not significantly different between patients who received atropine plus PAM within 6 hours of consumption of poison and those who received 6 hours later (95% CI of difference: -4.154, 0.954; p value: 0.2). Conclusion: Our data supports the use of only atropine over atropine plus PAM in patients with OP poisoning on account of no significant difference /reduction of hospital/ICU stay and mortality in the latter group. However, a study with a larger sample needs to be conducted, to be able to draw a definitive conclusion.

Lipidated promiscuous peptide augments the expression of MHC-II molecules on dendritic cells and activates T cells.

Background & objectives: In spite of the fact that BCG is the most widely used vaccine, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major killer disease in TB-endemic regions. Recently, many emerging evidences from the published literature indicate the role of environmental mycobacteria in blocking the processing and presentation of BCG antigens and thereby impairing with suboptimal generation of protective T cells. To surmount this problem associated with BCG, we constructed a novel lipopeptide (L91) by conjugating a promiscuous peptide consisting of CD4+ T-helper epitope of sequence of 91-110 of 16 kDa antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Pam2Cys, an agonist of Toll-like receptor-2. Methods: Mice were immunized subcutaneously with 20 nmol of L91, followed by a booster with 10 nmol, after an interval of 21 days of primary immunization. Animals were sacrificed after seven days of post-booster immunization. L91 induced immune response was characterized by the expression of MHC-II and CD74 on the surface of dendritic cells (DCs) by flowcytometry. Cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) secretion and anti-peptide antibodies were measured by ELISA. Results: Self-adjuvanting lipopeptide vaccine (L91) was directly bound to MHC-II molecules and without requiring extensive processing for its presentation to T cells. It stimulated and activated dendritic cells and augmented the expression of MHC-II molecules. Further, it activated effector CD4 T cells to mainly secrete interferon (IFN)-γ but not interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. L91 did not elicit anti-peptide antibodies. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings suggest that L91 evokes maturation and upregulation of MHC class II molecules and promotes better antigen presentation and, therefore, optimum activation of T cells. L91 mainly induces effector Th1 cells, as evidenced by predominant release of IFN-γ, consequently can mount favourable immune response against M. tuberculosis. As L91 does not provoke the generation of anti-peptide antibodies, there is no fear of the efficacy of the vaccine being neutralized by pre-existing anti-mycobacterial antibodies in TB-endemic population. In conclusion, L91 may be considered as a future potential candidate vaccine against TB.

Spanish version of the Psychosis Attachment Measure: adaptation process and psychometric properties / Proceso de adaptación al español y propiedades psicométricas de la Psychosis Attachment Measure

Introduction Attachment theory has recently been postulated as a useful framework for enhancing our understanding of the role of psychosocial and environmental factors in relation to the vulnerability, expression, and course of psychosis. In this paper we present the Spanish adaptation and psychometric properties of the Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM), a 16-item self-report scale specifically designed to measure adult attachment in people with psychosis. Method In study 1, the PAM was adapted into Spanish following the translation/back-translation procedure and was administered to 24 early psychosis patients to evaluate its intelligibility. In study 2, the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed in a sample of 235 university students. The students completed the PAM and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) via an Internet website. Results Results from study 1 demonstrated that the Spanish version of the scale is semantically and conceptually equivalent to the original English version and that it is appropriate for use with people experiencing psychotic symptoms. Paralleling the findings from the English version of the instrument, results from study 2 indicated that two factors, conceptually representing anxiety and avoidance, underlie the Spanish version of the PAM. The anxiety and avoidance subscales were found to have adequate levels of internal reliability and to be associated in a theoretically predicted fashion with the four prototypes of adult attachment measured with the RQ. Discussion The good psychometric properties exhibited by the instrument support its use for the assessment of adult attachment styles in the Spanish cultural context and allow for the comparability of findings across cultures. Having a Spanish instrument for assessing attachment in psychosis populations is a relevant contribution that opens up new avenues for research and clinical applications.

Introducción Recientemente se ha postulado a la teoría del apego como un marco conceptual de gran utilidad para mejorar la comprensión del papel de los factores psicosociales y ambientales en relación con la vulnerabilidad, expresión y curso evolutivo de la psicosis. En este artículo presentamos la adaptación española y las propiedades psicométricas de la Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM), una escala de 16 reactivos diseñada para medir el apego adulto en población con psicosis. Método En el estudio 1, la PAM se adaptó al español siguiendo la metodología de traducción/retrotraducción y se administró a 24 pacientes con psicosis temprana para evaluar su comprensión del instrumento. En el estudio 2 se analizaron sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de 235 estudiantes universitarios. Los estudiantes completaron la PAM y el Cuestionario de Relación (RQ) a través de una página de Internet. Resultados Los resultados del estudio 1 demostraron que la adaptación del instrumento es conceptual y semánticamente equivalente a la versión original en inglés y que es apropiada para usarse en personas que presentan síntomas psicóticos. Replicando los hallazgos obtenidos con la medida original, los resultados del estudio 2 indicaron que dos factores, que conceptualmente representan ansiedad y evitación, subyacen a la versión española de la PAM. Las subescalas de ansiedad y evitación mostraron tener una consistencia interna adecuada, así como estar asociadas de forma teóricamente coherente con los cuatro prototipos de apego medidos con el RQ. Discusión La escala presenta unas propiedades psicométricas adecuadas, lo cual apoya su utilización para la evaluación de los estilos de apego adulto en el contexto cultural español y hace posible la comparación de resultados obtenidos en diferentes culturas. Disponer de un instrumento en español para evaluar el apego en población con psicosis es una aportación relevante que abre nuevos panoramas en ámbitos clínicos y de investigación.

The effects of Rheu compositus on alveolar macrophages NF-κB activity and inflammatory cytokine expres-sion in rats with ARDS / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective Tostudy the effects ofRheu compositus (Dachengqi Decoction, DD) on the NF-κBactivity of alveolar macrophages in ARDS rats and its inflammatory cytokine expression, and hence to explore the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of DD. Method The 65 male Wistar rats were randomly di-vided into the control group (n = 12), the ARDS model group (n = 21), the DD treatment group (n = 16) and the dexamethasone treatment group (n = 16). The rots of model group received 1 mg/(kg·0.5 mL) LPS injected intra-poritoneally and LPS in dose of 5 mg/(kg·0. 5 mL) was administrated by slow dropping endotracbeally 16 hours later. Modeling was successfully established 6 hours later evidenced by arterial gas analysis. The rats of con-trol group received 0.5 mL normal saline injected intravenously through tail vein instead of LPS. Three days after establishment of modeling, DD was given to rats of DD treatment group by intragastric instillation for 3 days in dose of 2.31 g/(kg·d),in which the weight of drug was calculated on the basis of dried herbal medicine. In dexam-ethasone treatment group, rats had intra-peritoneal injection of 2 mg/kg dexamethasone for 3 days after modeling was established. Seventy-two hours later, the arterial blood gas analysis and pathological study were carried out, in rats of all groups, and the findings were graded. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-10 both in the plasma and in the brenchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined by using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides the nucleopretein concentration of pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) was maeasuredwith the BAC method, and the NF-κB activity was determined with the Western Blotting, and with the evaluation of the DD' s effect on the transcription activity of PAM inflammatory cytokines. All the experimental data were processed by the SPSS 13.0 for statistical analysis. The analysis of variance was used for the comparison between groups, and P < 0. 05 showed the statistical significance of the difference. Results DD didn' t significantly reduce the TNF-α level [(510.97±76.20) pg/mL,(476.16±98.03) pg/mL, P >0.05], but significantly deceased the plasma IL-1 level [(381.99±34.30) pg/mL, (300.69 ± 50.99) pg/mL, P <0.05]. At the same time, there was no signif-icant changes in the plasma IL-10 level [(345.96 ± 67.72) pg/mL, (345.30 ± 78.52) pg/mL, P > 0.05]. Whereas TNF-α level in BALF was significantly decreased [(130.94 ± 33.51) pg/mL, (106.59 ± 26.64) pg/ mL, P < 0. 05, so was the IL-1 level in BALF (82.5 ± 25.36) pg/mL, (63.89 ± 22.96) pg/mL, P < 0. 05], but IL-10 level in the BALF was significantly increased[(77.09 ± 26.05) pg/mL, (148.05 ± 53.50) pg/mL, P <0.01]. DD significantly reduced the nueleoprotein level of PAM[(5.35 ± 2.44) μg/μL, (3.54 ± 2.01) μg/ μL, P < 0.05]and significantly inhibited the NF-κB activity [electrophoretic band optical density × area/consult mtio:(1.45±0.71),(1.11±0.28), P <0.05]aswell. Conclusions DD regulated systemic pro-inflammato-ry media/anti-inflammatory media balance in rats with ARDS by mainly reducing the level of IL-1. The regulatory effects of DD on the local lung injury not only inhibit the producing of TNF-α and IL-1 level,but also increase the IL-10 level to reestablish the local pro-inflammatory factors/anti-inflammatory factors balance so as to inhibit the lo-cal excessive irranune response. DD inhibits the NF-κB activity in the PAM of ARDS rats so as to restrain the pro-duction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1). This kind of multi-target bidirectional regulation plays an active role in regulating the immune balance and protecting the target organ from the excessive injury.