Astrocytes enhance plasticity response during reversal learning.

Astrocytes play a key role in the regulation of synaptic strength and are thought to orchestrate synaptic plasticity and memory. Yet, how specifically astrocytes and their neuroactive transmitters control learning and memory is currently an open question. Recent experiments have uncovered an astrocyte-mediated feedback loop in CA1 pyramidal neurons which is started by the release of endocannabinoids by active neurons and closed by astrocytic regulation of the D-serine levels at the dendrites. D-serine is a co-agonist for the NMDA receptor regulating the strength and direction of synaptic plasticity. Activity-dependent D-serine release mediated by astrocytes is therefore a candidate for mediating between long-term synaptic depression (LTD) and potentiation (LTP) during learning. Here, we show that the mathematical description of this mechanism leads to a biophysical model of synaptic plasticity consistent with the phenomenological model known as the BCM model. The resulting mathematical framework can explain the learning deficit observed in mice upon disruption of the D-serine regulatory mechanism. It shows that D-serine enhances plasticity during reversal learning, ensuring fast responses to changes in the external environment. The model provides new testable predictions about the learning process, driving our understanding of the functional role of neuron-glia interaction in learning.

Association of dead space fraction to mortality in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS: A historical cohort observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation of dead space fraction (VD/VT) measured through time capnography, corrected minute volume (CMV) and ventilation ratio (VR) with clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. DESIGN: Observational study of a historical cohort. SETTING: University hospital in Medellin, Colombia. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 15 and above with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis admitted to the ICU and requiring mechanical ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: Measurement of VD/VT, CMV, and VR in COVID-19 patients. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: VD/VT, CMV, VR, demographic data, oxygenation indices and ventilatory parameters. RESULTS: During the study period, 1047 COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation were analyzed, of whom 446 (42%) died. Deceased patients exhibited a higher prevalence of advanced age and obesity, elevated Charlson index, higher APACHE II and SOFA scores, as well as an increase in VD/VT ratio (0.27 in survivors and 0.31 in deceased) and minute ventilation volume on the first day of mechanical ventilation. The multivariate analysis revealed independent associations to in-hospital mortality, higher VD/VT (HR 1.24; 95%CI 1.003-1.525; p = 0.046), age (HR 1.024; 95%CI 1.014-1.034; p < 0.001), and SOFA score at onset (HR: 1.036; 95%CI: 1.001-1.07; p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: VD/VT demonstrated an association with mortality in COVID-19 patients with ARDS on mechanical ventilation. These findings suggest that VD/VT measurement may serve as a severity marker for the disease.

Decrease in the intensive care unit-acquired weakness with a multicomponent protocol implementation: A quasi-experimental clinical trial / Disminución de la debilidad muscular adquirida en una unidad de cuidados intensivos con la implementación de un protocolo multicomponente: ensayo clínico cuasiexperimental

Introduction: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness is a frequent complication that affects the prognosis of critical illness during hospital stay and after hospital discharge. Objectives: To determine if a multicomponent protocol of early active mobility involving adequate pain control, non-sedation, non-pharmacologic delirium prevention, cognitive stimulation, and family support, reduces intensive care unit-acquired weakness at the moment of discharge. Materials and methods: We carried out a non-randomized clinical trial in two mixed intensive care units in a high-complexity hospital, including patients over 14 years old with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. We compared the intervention ­the multicomponent protocol­ during intensive care hospitalization versus the standard care. Results: We analyzed 82 patients in the intervention group and 106 in the control group. Muscle weakness acquired in the intensive care unit at the moment of discharge was less frequent in the intervention group (41.3% versus 78.9%, p<0.00001). The mobility score at intensive unit care discharge was better in the intervention group (median = 3.5 versus 2, p < 0.0138). There were no statistically significant differences in the invasive mechanical ventilation-free days at day 28 (18 versus 15 days, p<0.49), and neither in the mortality (18.2 versus 27.3%, p<0.167). Conclusion: A multi-component protocol of early active mobility significantly reduces intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness at the moment of discharge.

Introducción: La debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos es una complicación frecuente de los pacientes con enfermedades críticas, que puede tener un impacto negativo en su pronóstico a corto y a largo plazo. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar si la utilización de un protocolo multicomponente, que incluye movilidad activa temprana, manejo efectivo del dolor, reducción de la sedación, medidas no farmacológicas para prevenir el delirium, estimulación cognitiva y apoyo familiar, puede disminuir la incidencia de debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al momento del egreso del paciente. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un ensayo clínico, no aleatorizado, en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos mixtas de un hospital de tercer nivel. Los participantes fueron pacientes mayores de 14 años con ventilación mecánica invasiva por más de 48 horas. Se aplicó como intervención un protocolo multicomponente y como control se utilizó el cuidado usual o estándar. RESULTADOS: Ingresaron 188 pacientes al estudio, 82 al grupo de intervención y 106 al grupo control. La tasa de debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al egreso de la unidad fue significativamente menor en el grupo de intervención (41,3 % versus 78,9 %, p<0,00001). La mediana del puntaje de movilidad al momento del alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue mayor en el grupo de intervención (3,5 versus 2, p<0,0138). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las medianas de días libres de respiración mecánica asistida, ni de unidad de cuidados intensivos al día 28, tampoco en la tasa de mortalidad general al egreso del hospital (18 versus 15 días, p<0,49; 18,2 % versus 27,3 %, p<0,167). CONCLUSIONES: Un protocolo multicomponente que incluía movilidad activa temprana tuvo un impacto significativo en la reducción de la debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al egreso en comparación con el cuidado estándar.

Disminución de la debilidad muscular adquirida en una unidad de cuidados intensivos con la implementación de un protocolo multicomponente: ensayo clínico cuasiexperimental / Decrease in the intensive care unit-acquired weakness with a multicomponent protocol implementation: A quasi-experimental clinical trial

Introducción. La debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos es una complicación frecuente de los pacientes con enfermedades críticas, que puede tener un impacto negativo en su pronóstico a corto y a largo plazo. Objetivos. Evaluar si la utilización de un protocolo multicomponente, que incluye movilidad activa temprana, manejo efectivo del dolor, reducción de la sedación, medidas no farmacológicas para prevenir el delirium, estimulación cognitiva y apoyo familiar, puede disminuir la incidencia de debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al momento del egreso del paciente. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un ensayo clínico, no aleatorizado, en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos mixtas de un hospital de tercer nivel. Los participantes fueron pacientes mayores de 14 años con ventilación mecánica invasiva por más de 48 horas. Se aplicó como intervención un protocolo multicomponente y como control se utilizó el cuidado usual o estándar. Resultados. Ingresaron 188 pacientes al estudio, 82 al grupo de intervención y 106 al grupo control. La tasa de debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al egreso de la unidad fue significativamente menor en el grupo de intervención (41,3 % versus 78,9 %, p<0,00001). La mediana del puntaje de movilidad al momento del alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue mayor en el grupo de intervención (3,5 versus 2, p<0,0138). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las medianas de días libres de respiración mecánica asistida, ni de unidad de cuidados intensivos al día 28, tampoco en la tasa de mortalidad general al egreso del hospital (18 versus 15 días, p<0,49; 18,2 % versus 27,3 %, p<0,167). Conclusiones. Un protocolo multicomponente que incluía movilidad activa temprana tuvo un impacto significativo en la reducción de la debilidad adquirida en las unidades de cuidados intensivos al egreso en comparación con el cuidado estándar.

Introduction. Intensive care unit-acquired weakness is a frequent complication that affects the prognosis of critical illness during hospital stay and after hospital discharge. Objectives. To determine if a multicomponent protocol of early active mobility involving adequate pain control, non-sedation, non-pharmacologic delirium prevention, cognitive stimulation, and family support, reduces intensive care unit-acquired weakness at the moment of discharge. Materials and methods. We carried out a non-randomized clinical trial in two mixed intensive care units in a high-complexity hospital, including patients over 14 years old with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. We compared the intervention -the multicomponent protocol- during intensive care hospitalization versus the standard care. Results. We analyzed 82 patients in the intervention group and 106 in the control group. Muscle weakness acquired in the intensive care unit at the moment of discharge was less frequent in the intervention group (41.3% versus 78.9%, p<0.00001). The mobility score at intensive unit care discharge was better in the intervention group (median = 3.5 versus 2, p < 0.0138). There were no statistically significant differences in the invasive mechanical ventilation-free days at day 28 (18 versus 15 days, p<0.49), and neither in the mortality (18.2 versus 27.3%, p<0.167). Conclusion. A multi-component protocol of early active mobility significantly reduces intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness at the moment of discharge.

Validación Chilena del Cuestionario de Evaluación de Apego en el adulto CaMir versión abreviada

El Cuestionario de Evaluación de Apego en el adulto CaMir, es un instrumento de auto-reporte basado en la Teoría del Apego que evalúa los modelos de relación en adultos y permite describir las estrategias de apego. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue desarrollar una versión breve para el contexto chileno, para lo cual se llevaron a cabo dos estudios. En el Estudio 1 se obtuvo una versión reducida del CaMir bajo una estrategia de validación cruzada. En el Estudio 2, se aplicó la versión reducida obtenida en el estudio 1 a una amplia muestra de adultos/as chilenos/as (n=1246). Los resultados muestran evidencias que apoyan la estructura interna propuesta, y los análisis de invarianza apoyan la existencia de equivalencia/invarianza de medida entre hombres y mujeres. Adicionalmente, esta versión obtuvo correlaciones significativas con la Escala de Dificultades de Regulación Emocional, el cuestionario de Experiencias en Relaciones Cercanas y la Escala de Depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos. En síntesis, los resultados muestran que esta nueva versión abreviada del CaMir, es un instrumento apropiado para el estudio de los modelos de relación y las estrategias de apego en adultos/as chilenos/as.

The CaMir Adult Attachment Assessment Questionnaire is a self-report instrument based on Attachment Theory that assesses relationship models in adults and allows describing attachment strategies. The objective of this research was to develop a short version for the Chilean context. The results of two studies are presented. In Study 1, a reduced version of CaMir was obtained under a cross-validation strategy. In Study 2, the reduced version obtained in Study 1 was applied to a large sample of Chilean adults (n=1246). The results show evidence that supports the proposed internal structure, and the invariance analysis support the existence of equivalence/invariance of measurement between men and women. Additionally, this version obtained significant correlations with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. In summary, the results show that this new abbreviated version of the CaMir is an appropriate instrument for the study of relationship models and attachment strategies in Chilean adults.

Gross Motor Development in Preschoolers through Conductivist and Constructivist Physical Recreational Activities: Comparative Research.

Developing gross motor function implies strengthening the basic body position and the balance associated with posture and mobility, for which different teaching models and psycho-pedagogical interventions are applied. OBJECTIVE: to develop gross motor function in male preschoolers through physical recreational activities based on conductivist (Group 1) and constructivist (Group 2) teaching and determine the best teaching paradigm. Two basic skills were studied in two homogeneous independent samples (walking: w = 0.641; running: w = 0.556), selecting 25 children for each group (3-4 years) through the use of intentional sampling. The gross skills evaluation was based on norms established by the Education Ministry, including a mood assessment. RESULTS: each group improved their basic skills in the post-test (Group 1: W = 0.001; W = 0.001. Group 2: W = 0.046; W = 0.038), but the conductivist paradigm was superior (w = 0.033; w = 0.027). Group 1 presented better indicators in the motor evaluations "Acquired" and "In Process" than Group 2, and lower percentages in the "Initiated" evaluation than Group 2 in the abilities "walking" as well as "running", which were significantly different in the "Initiated" evaluation (p = 0.0469) for the walking ability, and significantly different in the "Initiated" and "Acquired" evaluations (p = 0.0469; p = 0.0341, respectively) for the running skill. CONCLUSIONS: The conductivist teaching model was superior in terms of gross motor function optimization.

Spatial pH variability of coral reef flats of Kiritimati Island, Kiribati.

Ocean acidification poses a threat to carbonate-dominated marine systems, such as tropical coral reefs, as it impacts the ability of organisms to calcify. For assessing the susceptibility of coral reef flats to open ocean acidification it is crucial to better understand the dynamics between the carbonate chemistry of open ocean waters flowing onto coral reef flats and the ecological and hydrodynamic processes that locally modify seawater conditions. In this study, variations in seawater pH and temperature were measured along cross-reef flat transects in high resolution (∼0.3 m) and complemented by surveys of the benthic community composition and reef flat bathymetry. Results represent a snapshot in time and suggest that reef flat hydrodynamic processes determine spatial pH modifications, with little influence of variations in benthic community composition. As mean reef flat pH largely equals ocean conditions, ocean acidification has had and will have an unhampered impact on narrow fringing reef flats.

Los objetivos de la investigación

Introducción: Un objetivo, es la intención explícita de un investigador de alcanzar un resultado a lo largo de una investigación, son decisivos en un estudio investigativo pues constituyen el eje en torno al cual se diseña la estructura del estudio. Objetivo: Brindar información sobre la redacción de los objetivos en los trabajos de investigación. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos TESEO, PubMed, Scopus, Latindex, SciELO, Redalycs, Hinari y Dialnet, donde se encontraron documentos que trataron el tema relacionado con los objetivos. Resultados: Se hace referencia a la definición, características, tipos y estructura de los objetivos de investigación, la importancia del alcance de la investigación en su formulación, relación de los objetivos con el problema y el título. Por último, se señalan los errores frecuentes que se repiten en la redacción de los objetivos. Se localizaron 28 publicaciones y se seleccionaron 23 que se consideraron relevantes para la revisión. Se consideró relevante a las publicaciones efectuadas en los últimos cinco años y aquellas que abordaron el tema a profundidad. Conclusiones: Los objetivos son decisivos en un estudio investigativo, su correcta formulación evita desviaciones del proceso y facilita la solución al problema que se investiga.

Introduction: Objectives are an important component to support and guide the implementation of a research proposal. Objective: To provide information about on the most important aspects to writing research objectives. Methods: A review of literature was done in the main database focused aspects related to writing research objectives. Results: Reference is made to definition, components, characteristics, types, and prioritization of research objectives, and the relationship between the research problem, objectives and title. Finally, it was pointed the frequent errors that are repeated in the writing of the objectives. Twenty-eight publications were located and 23 that were considered relevant to the review were selected. Publications made in the last five years and those that addressed the subject in depth were considered relevant. Conclusions: The objectives are decisive in an investigative study, their correct formulation avoids deviations from the process and facilitates the solution to the problem under investigation.

La evaluación del involucramiento cultural en personas indígenas: escala para un pueblo andino / The evaluation of cultural involvement in indigenous people: scale for an Andean people

Objetivo: diseñar y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de una escala para medir el involucramiento cultural en un pueblo andino. Metodología: investigación psicométrica. Fueron desarrolladas las fases de: a) revisión teórica; b) abordaje cualitativo, entrevistas semiestructuradas a 16 Lickanantay; c) diseño de la escala preliminar; d) evaluación cognitiva (5 Lickanantay); e) evaluación psicométrica con 200 Lickanantay, siendo 124 mujeres (62%) y 76 hombres (38%). Resultados principales: la escala quedó constituida por 10 ítems que identifican el involucramiento cultural a partir de la participación en actividades tradicionales Lickanantay como festividades y ceremonias. El análisis factorial entregó una solución unifactorial con un α de Cronbach de 0.924 y los índices de bondad de ajuste dan cuenta de un ajuste excelente del modelo. Conclusión principal: La escala permitirá evaluar el efecto y relación del involucramiento cultural en la salud y el bienestar de personas y comunidades del pueblo andino Lickanantay.(AU)

Objective: to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale to measure cultural involvement in an Andean town. Methodology: psychometric research. The following phases were developed: a) theoretical review; b) qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews with 16 Lickanantay; c) preliminary scale design; d) cognitive evaluation (5 Lickanantay); e) psychometric evaluation with 200 Lickanantay, being 124 women (62%) and 76 men (38%). Main results: the scale was made up of 10 items that identify cultural involvement from participation in traditional Lickanantay activities such as festivities and ceremonies. The factorial analysis provided a unifactorial solution with a Cronbach's α of 0.924 and the goodness of fit indices show an excellent fit of the model. Main conclusion: The scale will allow evaluating the effect and/or relationship of cultural involvement in the health and/or well-being of people and/or communities of the Lickanantay Andean people.(AU)

Shannon entropy as a reliable score to diagnose human fibroelastic degenerative mitral chords: A micro-ct ex-vivo study.

This paper is aimed at identifying by means of micro-CT the microstructural differences between normal and degenerative mitral marginal chordae tendineae. The control group is composed of 21 normal chords excised from 14 normal mitral valves from heart transplant recipients. The experimental group comprises 22 degenerative fibroelastic chords obtained at surgery from 11 pathological valves after mitral repair or replacement. In the control group the superficial endothelial cells and spongiosa layer remained intact, covering the wavy core collagen. In contrast, in the experimental group the collagen fibers were arranged as straightened thick bundles in a parallel configuration. 100 cross-sections were examined by micro-CT from each chord. Each image was randomized through the K-means machine learning algorithm and then, the global and local Shannon entropies were obtained. The optimum number of clusters, K, was estimated to maximize the differences between normal and degenerative chords in global and local Shannon entropy; the p-value after a nested ANOVA test was chosen as the parameter to be minimized. Optimum results were obtained with global Shannon entropy and 2≤K≤7, providing p < 0.01; for K=3, p = 2.86·10-3. These findings open the door to novel perioperative diagnostic methods in order to avoid or reduce postoperative mitral valve regurgitation recurrences.

Adenocarcinoma primario de pulmón con células en anillo de sello y reordenamiento de ALK. Reporte de dos casos / Primary adenocarcinoma of the lung with signet-ring cells and ALK rearrangement. Two case reports.

El adenocarcinoma primario de pulmón con células en anillo de sello representa una variante rara y muy agresiva de cáncer de pulmón. El carcinoma de células en anillo de sello es un tipo particular de adenocarcinoma secretor de mucina, que se deposita intracitoplasmáticamente y desplaza el núcleo hacia la periferia de la célula. El origen pulmonar de este subtipo tumoral es raro y el hallazgo de reordenamiento de ALK es una asociación común. Presentamos dos casos de adenocarcinomas mucinosos primarios de pulmón con células en anillo de sello y reordenamiento de ALK. Todos los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón deben contar con estudios histopatológicos, inmunohistoquímicos y de biología molecular con los que se puedan obtener las principales características del tumor, que permitan ofrecer la mejor opción terapéutica para el paciente.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the lung with signet-ring cells represents a rare and highly aggressive variant of lung cancer. Signet­ring cell carcinoma is a particular type of mucin­secreting adenocarcinoma, which is deposited intracytoplasmatically and displaces the nucleus towards the periphery of the cell. The pulmonary origin of this tumor subtype is rare, and the finding of ALK rearrangement is a common association. We present two cases of primary mucinous adenocarcinomas of the lung with signet-ring cells and ALK rearrangement. All patients with lung cancer must have histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biology studies with which the main features of the tumor can be obtained, which allow the clinician to offer the best possible treatment for the patient.

Lung Metastasectomy from Colorectal Cancer, 10-year Experience in a South American Cancer Center.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the survival outcomes and factors associated with prognosis in patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy with colorectal cancer (CRC) in a cancer center in South America. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of patients that underwent lung metastasectomy due to CRC at National Cancer Institute (INC), Colombia between 2007 and 2017 was performed and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis along with log-rank test and Cox regression multivariate analysis were completed. Results: Seventy-five patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. Of them, 57.3% were women with a median age of 62 years [interquartile ranges (IQR): 18.5]. For 45.3% the adenocarcinoma was located in the rectum and 29.3% had stage IV at diagnosis. 56% had a history of controlled extrapulmonary metastasis and 20% of the cases had a history of the metastasis of the liver. The median follow-up was 36.8 months (IQR: 27.4). Three-year and five-year overall survival (OS) was 57.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 47.0-70.4] and 33.2% (95% CI, 23.4-47.2), respectively. Patients with bilateral, more than one pulmonary metastasis, abnormal postmetastasectomy carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), history of liver metastasis, and disease-free interval (DFI) ≤12 months had worse OS. Three-year and five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 30.1% (95% CI, 20.8-43.6) and 21.6% (95% CI, 13.0-35.9), respectively. Bilateral, more than one pulmonary metastasis, and patients with stage IV at diagnosis had the worst DFS. Multivariate analysis in the Cox regression model showed that abnormal postmetastasectomy CEA [Hazard Ratio (HR):1.97, 95% CI, 1.01-3.86, p = 0.045] and DFI ≤ 12 months (HR: 3.08, 95% CI, 1.26-7.53, p = 0.014) were independent factors for worst OS. Conclusions: The OS found falls within the wide range described in the world literature but interestingly it falls at the bottom end of this range. The factors associated with worst survival were identified as bilateral, more than one pulmonary metastasis, abnormal postmetastasectomy CEA, history of liver metastasis, and DFI ≤12 months. Contribution to the field: Pulmonary metastasectomy is the standard of care in patients with metastatic CRC. However, the literature supporting this conduct is based on retrospective studies and the only randomized controlled trial conducted to date was stopped due to poor recruitment. Limited information is available in South America about survival and factors associated with prognosis in patients with metastatic CRC. While this study is another series that adds to the many studies across the world that describe the use of pulmonary metastasectomy in CRC, it presents critical data as it is one of the few studies carried out in South America. As described in a wide range of world literature, OS found falls in patients that underwent lung metastasectomy due to CRC however; interestingly, in the South American population analyzed here it falls at the bottom end of this range. This may be explained by a large number of patients included with a history of extrapulmonary metastasis as well as may reflect inadequate patient access to reference cancer centers in Colombia. Factors associated with worst survival in our population were bilateral, more than one pulmonary metastasis, abnormal postmetastasectomy CEA, history of liver metastasis, and interval from diagnosis to development of pulmonary metastasis ≤12 months.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Confianza Diádica en personas gays y lesbianas en pareja / Psychometric Properties of the Dyadic Trust Scale in Gay and Lesbian People with a Partner

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Confianza Diádica (ECD, Larzelere & Huston, 1980) en personas gays y lesbianas de Chile. Para ello, se evaluó una muestra de 360 personas chilenas gay o lesbianas involucradas en una relación de pareja. Los datos obtenidos proporcionan evidencia de que el instrumento se ajusta de manera aceptable a una estructura unidimensional y que es invariante entre personas gay y lesbianas. Adicionalmente, se identificó que posee una consistencia interna adecuada, así como una asociación inversa entre los niveles de confianza diádica y la ansiedad y evitación del apego. En conclusión, la ECD posee propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para la evaluación de la confianza diádica en personas gays y lesbianas en el contexto chileno.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chilean version of the Dyadic Trust Scale (DTS, Larzelere & Huston, 1980). For this purpose, a sample of 360 Chilean gay or lesbian people involved in a couple relationship was evaluated. The data obtained provide evidence that the instrument conforms acceptably to a unidimensional structure and scores are invariant between gay and lesbian persons. Additionally, it has adequate internal consistency, as well as an inverse association between levels of dyadic trust and attachment anxiety and avoidance. In conclusion, the ECD has adequate psychometric properties for the assessment of dyadic trust in gay and lesbian persons in the Chilean context.

Machine Learning Approach for Predictive Maintenance of the Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs).

Electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) are considered the second-most widely used artificial lift method in the petroleum industry. As with any pumping artificial lift method, ESPs exhibit failures. The maintenance of ESPs expends a lot of resources, and manpower and is usually triggered and accompanied by the reactive process monitoring of multivariate sensor data. This paper presents a methodology to deploy the principal component analysis and extreme gradient boosting trees (XGBoosting) in predictive maintenance in order to analyze real-time sensor data to predict failures in ESPs. The system contributes to an efficiency increase by reducing the time required to dismantle the pumping system, inspect it, and perform failure analysis. This objective is achieved by applying the principal component analysis as an unsupervised technique; then, its output is pipelined with an XGBoosting model for further prediction of the system status. In comparison to traditional approaches that have been utilized for the diagnosis of ESPs, the proposed model is able to identify deeper functional relationships and longer-term trends inferred from historical data. The novel workflow with the predictive model can provide signals 7 days before the actual failure event, with an F1-score more than 0.71 on the test set. Increasing production efficiencies through the proactive identification of failure events and the avoidance of deferment losses can be accomplished by means of the real-time alarming system presented in this work.

Identification of an interactome network between lncRNAs and miRNAs in thyroid cancer reveals SPTY2D1-AS1 as a new tumor suppressor.

Thyroid cancer is the most common primary endocrine malignancy in adults and its incidence is rapidly increasing. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), generally defined as RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides with no protein-encoding capacity, are highly tissue-specific molecules that serve important roles in gene regulation through a variety of different mechanisms, including acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that 'sponge' microRNAs (miRNAs). In the present study, using an integrated approach through RNA-sequencing of paired thyroid tumor and non-tumor samples, we have identified an interactome network between lncRNAs and miRNAs and examined the functional consequences in vitro and in vivo of one of such interactions. We have identified a likely operative post-transcriptional regulatory network in which the downregulated lncRNA, SPTY2D1-AS1, is predicted to target the most abundant and upregulated miRNAs in thyroid cancer, particularly miR-221, a well-known oncomiRNA in cancer. Indeed, SPTY2D1-AS1 functions as a potent tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo, it is downregulated in the most advanced stages of human thyroid cancer, and it seems to block the processing of the primary form of miR-221. Overall, our results link SPTY2D1-AS1 to thyroid cancer progression and highlight the potential use of this lncRNA as a therapeutic target of thyroid cancer.

Dopamine and serotonin interplay for valence-based spatial learning.

Dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) are important neuromodulators of synaptic plasticity that have been linked to learning from positive or negative outcomes or valence-based learning. In the hippocampus, both affect long-term plasticity but play different roles in encoding uncertainty or predicted reward. DA has been related to positive valence, from reward consumption or avoidance behavior, and 5-HT to aversive encoding. We propose DA produces overall LTP while 5-HT elicits LTD. Here, we compare two reward-modulated spike timing-dependent plasticity (R-STDP) rules to describe the action of these neuromodulators. We examined their role in cognitive performance and flexibility for computational models of the Morris water maze task and reversal learning. Our results show that the interplay of DA and 5-HT improves learning performance and can explain experimental evidence. This study reinforces the importance of neuromodulation in determining the direction of plasticity.

National evaluation of risk factors for unplanned readmission after lung resection.

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned readmission is defined as the return to inpatient hospitalization within 30 days after discharge. Worldwide, its incidence after lung resection ranges between 8% and 50%, and it has been shown to impact both patient recovery and healthcare resources. Our goal was to identify the risk factors to prioritize early follow-ups. METHODS: We analysed data from the database of the Grupo Español de Cirugía Torácica Video-Asistida from 33 thoracic surgery departments over 15 months. Standard tests were used to compare the different risk groups. Our goal was to present the most relevant explanatory variables for readmission. RESULTS: A total of 174 of 2808 patients (6%) underwent unplanned readmission after a lobectomy. Of all the preoperative individual characteristics, only lung function was found to be a risk factor for readmission [forced expiratory volume in 1 s < 80%, risk ratio (RR) 1.78, P < 0.001; diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide <60%, RR 1.6, P = 0.02; and VO2 < 20 ml/kg/min, RR 1.59, P = 0.02]. The tumour's characteristics and the stage of the disease did not have an influence on the readmission rates. In the readmitted cohort, an open approach or thoracotomy was associated with more frequent readmissions (RR 1.77; P < 0.001). Strong adhesions (RR 1.81; P < 0.001) or adhesions occupying more than half of the hemithorax (RR 1.73, P < 0.001) were also found to be risk factors for readmission and for longer operative times. A length of stay of >10 days after a lobectomy was found to be a risk factor for readmission (RR 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: We identified preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative risk factors for readmission. This information can be a useful tool to help with the prioritization of early follow-ups, especially in centres with high workloads.

Deficiencias en las tesis de grado de los residentes

Introducción: La tesis de grado es una investigación que se presenta en medicina como trabajo de terminación para optar por una especialidad. Es frecuente observar dificultades en los informes finales que se presentan para su evaluación, lo que constituye una preocupación. Objetivo: Señalar las deficiencias de los informes finales de las tesis de grado de los residentes de Medicina General Integral del municipio Guáimaro durante el quinquenio 2016-2021. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo a través de la revisión documental del informe final de las tesis de los residentes del municipio Guáimaro en el quinquenio 2016-2021. El universo quedó conformado por la totalidad de los informes finales de la tesis de los residentes que se presentaron en la predenfensa. La información se recolectó en un formulario de recogida de datos donde se listaron aspectos propios del informe de investigación. Resultados: El análisis de los informes finales de las tesis mostraron deficiencias en el título, el planteamiento y la formulación del problema de investigación, los objetivos generales y específicos, clasificación de los estudios, definición del universo y la muestra, operacionalización de variables, discusión de los resultados y en las conclusiones. Conclusiones: Los resultados evidencian que persisten deficiencias en muchos aspectos de los informes finales de la tesis, las sugerencias metodológicas realizadas pueden servir a los docentes que asesoran la formación académica y a los propios investigadores en su actividad científica.

Introduction: The grade thesis is a research work that is presented in medicine as a completion work to opt for a specialty. Difficulties are often observed in the final reports that are submitted for evaluation, which is a concern. Objective: To show the deficiencies of the final reports of the degree thesis of the residents of the Guáimaro municipality during a five-year period 2016-2021. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out with the purpose of identifying the committed deficiencies through a documental review of the grade thesis´ final reports of the residents of from the municipality of Guáimaro, between the school years 2016 and 2021.The universe was made up of all the final reports of the thesis of the residents who were presented in the pre-defense. For collecting the primary information, a collection sheet was elaborated listing items that are proper of the research reports. Results: The analysis of the final reports of the thesis showed deficiencies in the title, the approach and the formulation of the research problem, the general and specific objectives, classification of the studies, definition of the universe and the sample, operationalization of variables, discussion of the results and conclusions. Conclusions: The results show that deficiencies persist in many aspects of the final reports of the thesis, the methodological suggestions made can serve the teachers who advise the academic training and the researchers themselves in their scientific activity.