Influence of different presentation forms of chlorhexidine on contaminated root canals during agitation.

This in vitro study aimed to verify the influence of chlorhexidine (CHX) (gel and solution) in association with different activation protocols on disinfection of root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. In total, 120 lower premolar roots were selected, contaminated and divided into 12 groups according to irrigation technique and substance. Samples were collected before and after each irrigation technique and analysed for colony-forming units (CFU). Three dentin discs were obtained for quantification of viable intratubular cells by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). CFU results showed that sonic and ultrasonic were more effective than conventional irrigation. Ultrasonic activation was more effective than sonic for CHX gel (p < 0.05). CLSM showed that either activation was better than conventional in all groups and root canal thirds (p < 0.05). It was concluded that ultrasonic/sonic activation was more effective than conventional techniques and CHX enhanced intratubular dentin decontamination across all irrigation methods.

Dentate nucleus: a review and implications for dentatotomy.

PURPOSE: The dentate nucleus (DN) is the largest, most lateral, and phylogenetically most recent of the deep cerebellar nuclei. Its pivotal role encompasses the planning, initiation, and modification of voluntary movement but also spans non-motor functions like executive functioning, visuospatial processing, and linguistic abilities. This review aims to offer a comprehensive description of the DN, detailing its embryology, anatomy, physiology, and clinical relevance, alongside an analysis of dentatotomy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We delve into the history, embryology, anatomy, vascular supply, imaging characteristics, and clinical significance of the DN. Furthermore, we thoroughly review the dentatotomy, emphasizing its role in treating spasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the intricacies of the anatomy, physiology, vasculature, and projections of the DN has taken on increased importance in current neurosurgical practice. Advances in technology have unveiled previously unknown functions of the deep cerebellar nuclei, predominantly related to non-motor domains. Such discoveries are revitalizing older techniques, like dentatotomy, and applying them to newer, more localized targets.

Magnetic resonance - guided treatment of low-flow vascular malformations and the technologies to potentiate adoption.

Vascular malformations are congenital, non-neoplastic lesions that arise secondary to defects in angiogenesis. Vascular malformations are divided into high-flow (arteriovenous malformation) and low-flow (venous malformations and lymphatic malformations). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard for pre-and post-intervention assessments, while ultrasound (US), X-ray fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) are used for intra-procedural guidance. Sclerotherapy, an image-guided therapy that involves the injection of a sclerosant directly into the malformation, is typically the first-line therapy for treating low-flow vascular malformations. Sclerotherapy induces endothelial damage and necrosis/fibrosis with eventual involution of the malformation. Image-guided thermal therapies involve freezing or heating target tissue to induce cell death and necrosis. MRI is an alternative for intra-procedural guidance and monitoring during the treatment of vascular malformations. MR can provide dynamic, multiplanar imaging that delineates surrounding critical structures such as nerves and vasculature. Multiple studies have demonstrated that MR-guided treatment of vascular malformations is safe and effective. This review will detail (1) the use of MR for the classification and diagnosis of vascular malformations, (2) the current literature surrounding MR-guided treatment of vascular malformations, (3) a series of cases of MR-guided sclerotherapy and thermal ablation for the treatment of vascular malformations, and (4) a discussion of technologies that may potentiate interventional MRI adoption including high intensity focused ultrasound and guided laser ablation.

Lysosome-related organelles contain an expansion compartment that mediates delivery of zinc transporters to promote homeostasis.

Zinc is an essential nutrient-it is stored during periods of excess to promote detoxification and released during periods of deficiency to sustain function. Lysosome-related organelles (LROs) are an evolutionarily conserved site of zinc storage, but mechanisms that control the directional zinc flow necessary for homeostasis are not well understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal cells, the CDF-2 transporter stores zinc in LROs during excess. Here, we identify ZIPT-2.3 as the transporter that releases zinc during deficiency; ZIPT-2.3 transports zinc, localizes to the membrane of LROs in intestinal cells, and is necessary for zinc release from LROs and survival during zinc deficiency. In zinc excess and deficiency, the expression levels of CDF-2 and ZIPT-2.3 are reciprocally regulated at the level of mRNA and protein, establishing a fundamental mechanism for directional flow to promote homeostasis. To elucidate how the ratio of CDF-2 and ZIPT-2.3 is altered, we used super-resolution microscopy to demonstrate that LROs are composed of a spherical acidified compartment and a hemispherical expansion compartment. The expansion compartment increases in volume during zinc excess and deficiency. These results identify the expansion compartment as an unexpected structural feature of LROs that facilitates rapid transitions in the composition of zinc transporters to mediate homeostasis, likely minimizing the disturbance to the acidified compartment.

A Neurological Surgery Care Protocol for the LGBTQIA+ Community.

This research aims to propose a neurological surgery care protocol for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. In recent years, people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community have started to come out and express their identity due to growing awareness and various factors like the implementation of legal protections and rights in several countries; it is well documented in the literature that this community faces unique health needs as well as barriers and inequalities in healthcare. The lack of tailored training for medical specialists affects the level of quality and access to medical care for these individuals, and neurosurgical care is no exception. This literature review included studies in scientific journals and articles discussing problems, best practices, and gaps in the existing neurological surgical care protocols for LGBTQIA+ people. Accordingly, it highlights shared challenges such as healthcare-related difficulties, communication barriers, discrimination, and stigmatization. The primary aim is to create a safe and respectful care environment that ensures fair medical treatment to all patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The review sheds light on the need for inclusive and sensitive neurosurgical care to improve clinical outcomes and the experience of patients belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, thereby ensuring an environment of dignified treatment and satisfactory recovery from neurosurgical events.

AlInAsSb Geiger-mode SWIR and eSWIR SPADs with high avalanche probability.

Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) that are sensitive to photons in the Short-wave infrared and extended short-wave infrared (SWIR and eSWIR) spectra are important components for communication, ranging, and low-light level imaging. The high gain, low excess noise factor, and widely tunable bandgap of AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y avalanche photodiodes (APDs) make them a suitable candidate for these applications. In this work, we report single-photon-counting results for a separate absorption, charge, and multiplication (SACM) Geiger-mode SPAD within a gated-quenching circuit. The single-photon avalanche probabilities surpass 80% at 80 K, corresponding with single-photon detection efficiencies of 33% and 12% at 1.55 µm and 2 µm, respectively.

A Potential Association between Abdominal Obesity and the Efficacy of Humoral Immunity Induced by COVID-19 and by the AZD1222, Convidecia, BNT162b2, Sputnik V, and CoronaVac Vaccines.

Abdominal obesity is highly prevalent in Mexico and has a poor prognosis in terms of the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and low levels of antibodies induced by infection and vaccination. We evaluated the humoral immune response induced by COVID-19 and five different vaccination schedules in Mexican individuals with abdominal obesity and the effects of other variables. This prospective longitudinal cohort study included 2084 samples from 389 participants. The levels of anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibodies were measured at various time points after vaccination. A high prevalence of hospitalization and oxygen use was observed in individuals with abdominal obesity (AO) who had COVID-19 before vaccination; however, they also had high levels of anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD-neutralizing IgG antibodies. The same was true for vaccination-induced antibody levels. However, their longevity was low. Interestingly, we did not observe significant differences in vaccine reactogenicity between abdominally obese and abdominally non-obese groups. Finally, individuals with a higher body mass index, older age, and previous COVID-19 had higher levels of antibodies induced by COVID-19 and vaccination. Therefore, it is important to evaluate other immunological and inflammatory factors to better understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in the presence of risk factors and to propose effective vaccination schedules for vulnerable populations.

A Cyclical Model of Barriers to Healthcare for the Hispanic/Latinx Population.

As the Hispanic/Latinx population in the United States continues to grow, disparities in health outcomes for this population continue to widen. Worse health outcomes can be attributed to a variety of barriers to healthcare specific to this population, but scant literature exists that presents the connections among them. Many of these barriers to healthcare stem from institutional racism, disparities in socioeconomic status, and xenophobia. To synthesize barriers that hinder the Hispanic/Latinx population from receiving quality healthcare, we propose a cyclical model. The model begins with obstacles present before even visiting a healthcare provider, including structural inequalities, cultural beliefs, documentation status, scheduling, and transportation. Next, the model poses barriers during the visit with a healthcare provider, including problems with provider bias, cultural barriers, and interpretation services. Finally, the model presents barriers that occur after the medical encounter, including payment, medication adherence, indigent care, and follow-up appointments or referrals. Once the patient needs to schedule a follow-up appointment or referral, the cycle restarts with the barriers present before accessing care. All of these barriers to healthcare are areas for potential mitigation of the healthcare disparities that currently disadvantage the Hispanic/Latinx population. The proposed Hispanic Cyclical Healthcare Barrier (HCHB) model helps organize solutions to the barriers, illustrating the need for multiple interventions due to the interconnectedness of the barriers.

Individualised, perioperative open-lung ventilation strategy during one-lung ventilation (iPROVE-OLV): a multicentre, randomised, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether individualisation of the perioperative open-lung approach (OLA) to ventilation reduces postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing lung resection. We compared a perioperative individualised OLA (iOLA) ventilation strategy with standard lung-protective ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised controlled trial enrolled patients scheduled for open or video-assisted thoracic surgery using one-lung ventilation in 25 participating hospitals in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, and Ecuador. Eligible adult patients (age ≥18 years) were randomly assigned to receive iOLA or standard lung-protective ventilation. Eligible patients (stratified by centre) were randomly assigned online by local principal investigators, with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Treatment with iOLA included an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre to 40 cm H2O of end-inspiratory pressure followed by individualised positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titrated to best respiratory system compliance, and individualised postoperative respiratory support with high-flow oxygen therapy. Participants allocated to standard lung-protective ventilation received combined intraoperative 4 cm H2O of PEEP and postoperative conventional oxygen therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of severe postoperative pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days, including atelectasis requiring bronchoscopy, severe respiratory failure, contralateral pneumothorax, early extubation failure (rescue with continuous positive airway pressure, non-invasive ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, or reintubation), acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary infection, bronchopleural fistula, and pleural empyema. Due to trial setting, data obtained in the operating and postoperative rooms for routine monitoring were not blinded. At 24 h, data were acquired by an investigator blinded to group allocation. All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03182062, and is complete. FINDINGS: Between Sept 11, 2018, and June 14, 2022, we enrolled 1380 patients, of whom 1308 eligible patients (670 [434 male, 233 female, and three with missing data] assigned to iOLA and 638 [395 male, 237 female, and six with missing data] to standard lung-protective ventilation) were included in the final analysis. The proportion of patients with the composite outcome of severe postoperative pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days was lower in the iOLA group compared with the standard lung-protective ventilation group (40 [6%] vs 97 [15%], relative risk 0·39 [95% CI 0·28 to 0·56]), with an absolute risk difference of -9·23 (95% CI -12·55 to -5·92). Recruitment manoeuvre-related adverse events were reported in five patients. INTERPRETATION: Among patients subjected to lung resection under one-lung ventilation, iOLA was associated with a reduced risk of severe postoperative pulmonary complications when compared with conventional lung-protective ventilation. FUNDING: Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the European Regional Development Funds.

Lhermitte-Duclos Disease: A Case Series.

Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD), or dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma, is a rare benign tumor characterized by unilateral hemispheric cerebellar expansion. It is linked to mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, which inhibit the phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase pathway, leading to increased cell division and defective neuronal migration. This study aims to compare the clinical, radiological, histopathological, surgical resolution, and follow-up characteristics of reported cases of this rare condition. An in-depth search of LDD patients' clinical records at our institute between 2003 and 2023 was conducted, in addition to a systematic literature review on PubMed. Three patients with a diagnosis of LDD were found. Cerebellar abnormalities, varying headaches, and visual impairment were all present clinically. On T2 in the posterior fossa, all three MRI scans displayed the typical hyperintense parallel streak appearance. The histopathological report showed that large ganglion cells had replaced the granular layer, Purkinje cells had degenerated, the molecular layer had become hyper-myelinated, and synaptophysin and chromogranin were positive. Partial tumor resection and avoiding intracranial hypertension were the main goals of treatment. Genetic follow-up was conducted for all three patients. Neurosurgeons must be aware of LDD to provide close genetic monitoring despite the benign nature of the tumor because of its link to Cowden syndrome and elevated risk of cancer in other organs.

Effects and Assessment of the Optic Pathway After Management with Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Tumors: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Intracranial tumors are treated through a minimally invasive procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), which uses precisely targeted radiation beams. When SRS is used to treat tumors in or near the optic pathway, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain, it is essential to assess the effects of treatment on visual function. The optic pathway is considered relatively radiation-sensitive, and high doses of radiation can lead to visual impairment or loss. Various methods can be used to assess the effects of SRS on the optic pathway, including visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and imaging studies. These assessments can be performed before and after treatment to track changes in visual function and detect potential complications or side effects. Assessing the optic pathway after management with SRS for intracranial tumors is essential to the treatment process to ensure that patients receive the best possible outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. Close collaboration between the multidisciplinary team is often necessary to optimize treatment planning and monitoring of treatment response. In this review, we conducted an extensive analysis of the effects of radiation in patients with intracranial tumors after receiving radiotherapy.

Association of Obesity with SARS-CoV-2 and Its Relationship with the Humoral Response Prior to Vaccination in the State of Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of contracting infections. This study aimed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 infection associated with obesity and to assess its role in the specific antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in 2021. This study included 980 participants from the State of Mexico who participated in a serological survey where they were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD antibodies and asked for height, weight, and previous infection data via a questionnaire. Of the cohort of 980 participants, 451 (46.02%) were seropositive at the time of recruitment (45.2% symptomatic and 54.8% asymptomatic). The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection with obesity was 2.18 (95% CI: 1.51-3.16), 2.58 (95% CI: 1.63-4.09), and 1.88 (95% CI: 1.18-2.98) for seropositive, asymptomatic, and symptomatic individuals, respectively, compared to those with normal weight. Anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibodies tended to be higher in overweight and obese participants in the seropositive group and stratified by different obesity classes. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibodies and BMI in both men and women in the seropositive group. Obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection when adjusted for confounding variables; however, the relationship between BMI and anti-S1/S2 and anti-RBD IgG antibody levels differed markedly in the presence or absence of symptoms.

Nivel de estrés en los padres con hijos prematuros hospitalizados en la Sala de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatal del Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel durante el mes de Julio del 2022

Introducción: Un parto prematuro es un acontecimiento inesperado para los padres, generando miedo, ansiedad y culpa, por la culminación del embarazo y la condición del bebé. La madre con un hijo prematuro es tres veces más propensas a tener una depresión post parto.El avance de la tecnología ha aumentado las probabilidades de supervivencia en los prematuros, pero son propensos a tener complicaciones a mediano y largo plazo. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, aplicando una encuesta a 52 padres con prematuros menor o igual a 36 Semanas de Edad Gestacional (SEG), que permanecierón 7 o más dias hospitalizados en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UCIN), en la Sala de Neonatología del Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel, durante el mes de Julio del 2022, trasladado del Hospital Santo Tomás. Resultados: Según los resultados de nuestro estudios, los padres se percibieron de nada a levemente estresados en un 69.2%, pero al subdividir las escala en el nivel de es trés extra e intrapersonales, en esta última cursaron con un nivel de estrés de moderado a extremadamente estresante en 75%, por lo tanto, el 94.2% expreso el deseo contar con un grupo de apoyo. Conclusión: Es indispensable para los padres contar con un grupo de apoyo.

Introduction: A premature birth is an unexpected event for the parents, generating fear, anxiety and guilt, due to the termination of pregnancy and the baby's condition. The mother with a premature child is three times more likely to have postpartum depression, and advances in technology have increased the chances of survival in premature babies, but they are prone to have complications in the medium and long term. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, descriptive study, applying a survey to 52 parents with preterm infants less than or equal to 36 Weeks of Gestational Age (WGA), who remained 7 or more days hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), in the Neonatology Ward of the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel, during the month of July 2022, transferred from the Hospital Santo Tomás. Results: According to the results of our study, parents perceived themselves as not at all to slightly stressed in 69.2%, but when subdividing the scale in the level of extra and intrapersonal stress, in the latter they had a stress level of moderate to extremely stressful in 75%, therefore, 94.2% expressed the desire to have a support group. Conclusion: It is indispensable for parents to have a support group.

Photo-Stacking Technique for Neuroanatomical High-Definition Photography and 3-Dimensional Modeling.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) neuroanatomical knowledge is vital in neurosurgery. Technological advances improved 3D anatomical perception, but they are usually expensive and not widely available. The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed description of the photo-stacking technique for high-resolution neuroanatomical photography and 3D modeling. METHODS: The photo-stacking technique was described in a step-by-step approach. The time for image acquisition, file conversion, processing, and final production was measured using 2 processing methods. The total number and file size of images are presented. Measures of central tendency and dispersion report the measured values. RESULTS: Ten models were used in both methods achieving 20 models with high-definition images. The mean number of acquired images was 40.6 (14-67), image acquisition time 51.50 ± 18.8 s, file conversion time 250 ± 134.6 s, processing time 50.46 ± 21.46 s and 41.97 ± 20.84 s, and 3D reconstruction time was 4.29 ± 0.74 s and 3.89 ± 0.60 s for methods B and C, respectively. The mean file size of RAW files is 1010 ± 452 megabyte (MB) and 101.06 ± 38.09 MB for Joint Photographic Experts Group files after conversion. The mean size of the final image means size is 71.9 ± 0.126 MB, and the mean file size of the 3D model means is 37.4 ± 0.516 MB for both methods. The total equipment used was less expensive than other reported systems. CONCLUSIONS: The photo-stacking technique is a simple and inexpensive method to create 3D models and high-definition images that could prove valuable in neuroanatomy training.

Effect of computed tomography angiography prior to bronchial embolization on radiation dose and recurrent hemoptysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether pre-procedure Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) improves radiation exposure, procedure complexity, and symptom recurrence after bronchial embolization for massive hemoptysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for massive hemoptysis was performed for procedures between 2008 and 2019. Multi-variate analysis was performed to determine the significance of pre-procedure CTA and etiology of hemoptysis on patient radiation exposure (reference point air kerma, RPAK) and rate of recurrent hemoptysis. RESULTS: There were 61 patients (mean age 52.5 years; SD = 19.2 years, and 57.3% male) and CTA was obtained for 42.6% (26/61). Number of vessels selected was a mean of 7.2 (SD = 3.4) in those without CTA and 7.4 (SD = 3.4) in those with CTA (p = 0.923). Mean procedure duration was 1.8 h (SD = 1.6 h) in those without CTA and 1.3 h (SD = 1.0 h) in those with CTA (p = 0.466). Mean fluoroscopy time and RPAK per procedure were 34.9 min (SD = 21.5 min) and 1091.7 mGy (SD = 1316.6 mGy) for those without a CTA and 30.7 min (SD = 30.7 min) and 771.5 mGy (SD = 590.0 mGy) for those with a CTA (p = 0.523, and p = 0.879, respectively). Mean total iodine given was 49.2 g (SD = 31.9 g) for those without a CTA and 70.6 g (SD = 24.9 g) for those with a CTA (p = 0.001). Ongoing hemoptysis at last clinical follow up was 13/35 (37.1%) in those without CTA and 9/26 (34.6%) in those with CTA (p = 0.794). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-procedure CTA did not improve radiation effective dose and symptom recurrence after BAE and is associated with significant increases in total iodine dose.

Current concepts of pain pathways: a brief review of anatomy, physiology, and medical imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although the essential components of pain pathways have been identified, a thorough comprehension of the interactions necessary for creating focused treatments is still lacking. Such include more standardised methods for measuring pain in clinical and preclinical studies and more representative study populations. OBJECTIVE: This review describes the essential neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of pain nociception and its relation with currently available neuroimaging methods focused on health professionals responsible for treating pain. METHODS: Conduct a PubMed search of pain pathways using pain-related search terms, selecting the most relevant and updated information. RESULTS: Current reviews of pain highlight the importance of their study in different areas from the cellular level, pain types, neuronal plasticity, ascending, descending, and integration pathways to their clinical evaluation and neuroimaging. Advanced neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI, PET, and MEG are used to better understand the neural mechanisms underlying pain processing and identify potential targets for pain therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The study of pain pathways and neuroimaging methods allows physicians to evaluate and facilitate decision-making related to the pathologies that cause chronic pain. Some identifiable issues include a better understanding of the relationship between pain and mental health, developing more effective interventions for chronic pain's psychological and emotional aspects, and better integrating data from different neuroimaging modalities for the clinical efficacy of new pain therapies.

Effect of species-level trait variation on urban exploitation in mammals.

Identifying drivers of urban association in wildlife is a central challenge in conservation biology. Traits facilitating access to novel resources and avoiding humans often correspond with urban exploitation in mammal species, but these relationships differ by taxa and trophic guild. Variation among or within traits may be a yet untested explanation for the non-generality of species-trait relationships in cities. Using camera trap data from 1492 sites throughout the contiguous USA in 2019, we investigated if mammal species with greater intraspecific trait variation have higher degrees of urban occupancy. We hypothesized that intraspecific trait variation would correspond with urban occupancy, but that the strength of these relationships would vary by taxonomic order due to expected phylogenetic constraints. Mean trait values (average home range size, body mass, group size, weaning age, litter size, and diet composition) varied widely across orders. The only traits that affected urban association across all species corresponded with demography (litter size), while responses across orders were more variable and informative. Mean trait values associated with home range and body size had informative relationships with urbanization for Cetartiodactyla, Rodentia, and Carnivora, while intraspecific variation in traits corresponding with diet (Carnivora), demography (Cetartiodactyla, Carnivora, Rodentia), and temporal responses to humans (Carnivora) had informative relationships to urbanization. This is the first study investigating mammalian species-level trait variation and its relationship to urban exploitation across many traits and taxa. Since natural selection requires trait variation, the variation of demographic traits, like litter size, can have significant implications for wildlife management and conservation. Our results also provide further evidence for omnivory as a form of dietary plasticity supporting urban accessibility in higher trophic guilds (e.g., Carnivora). Using this information, we can better manage and understand which species occupy and adapt to cities, thereby promoting human-wildlife coexistence.

Genetic polymorphisms rs1800871 and rs1800872 of IL-10 gene are associated with dengue infection, especially with serotype 1 and DwoWS in Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue infection is generated by a complex interaction between DENV (Dengue Virus) and the host's immune response. Interleukin-10 is an immunoregulatory cytokine during DENV infection. The objective of this study was to investigate whether genetic variants in IL-10 could be useful as a predictive and susceptibility marker in the prognosis of DENV infection, particularly with serotype 1, and in participants with dengue without warning signs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study of cases (n = 365) and controls (n = 364) was carried out. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Sample size power was calculated using Quanto software RESULTS: This is the first report showing the independent association of the T allele of rs1800871 (P = 0.023) and the A allele of rs1800872 (P = 0.010) with the risk of dengue infection. Statistical analysis established the genotypic association of IL-10 SNPs with DENV infection under different inheritance models. Our results also showed the association of the CC, TC, and CA haplotypes (P = 0.0064, P = 0.0032, and P = 0.0010 respectively) with infection. Furthermore, both polymorphic sites were associated with the risk of DwoWS and serotype 1 (Den-1) under different inheritance models. Finally, under the dominant model, we identified a positive correlation between IL-10 levels vs. IFN-γ and IL-8. CONCLUSION: Our results show the first independent association of the T and A alleles of the polymorphic sites rs1800871 and rs1800872, with dengue infection, particularly with Den-1, and in participants with DwoWs.

Conductive organic electrodes for flexible electronic devices.

The paper reports on a novel process flow to manufacture conductive organic electrodes from highly conductive doped PEDOT:PSS polymer films that can be patterned and display a good adhesion to oxidized Si wafers as well as to flexible substrates, such as Mylar. Among other results, it is shown that multiple depositions of PEDOT:PSS increase the electrical conductivity by more than two orders of magnitude without increasing the film thickness of PEDOT:PSS significantly. An exponential dependence between sheet resistance and the number of PEDOT:PSS coatings has been found. The electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS can be increased by another two orders of magnitude doping with Cu nanoparticles when coated on the surface of a soft-baked PEDOT:PSS film. It is found, however, that both kinds of conductivity enhancement are not additive. Adhesion of PEDOT:PSS to oxidized Si wafers and BoPET (Mylar) has been ensured by applying an oxygen plasma cleaning step before spin coating. The manufactured high-conductivity PEDOT:PSS film can be patterned using a sacrificial metal layer with subsequent etching of PEDOT:PSS in oxygen plasma, followed by the removal of the patterned segments of the sacrificial metal layer in an aqueous acid solution.

Usability and perceptions of a one-on-one telementoring program for young physicians in rural settings of Peru: a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: Telementoring seems to be a promising strategy to deliver training and counselling to physicians in remote areas. In Peru, early graduated physicians must work for the Rural and Urban-Edge Health Service Program where they face important training needs. The aim of this study was to describe the usage of a one-on-one telementoring program for rural physicians and evaluate the aspects related to the perceptions of acceptability and usability. METHODS: Mixed methods study on recently graduated physicians who work in rural areas and participate in the telementoring program. The program used a mobile application to connect these young doctors with specialized mentors to answer queries about real-life problems raised by working in a rural area. We summarize administrative data to assess participant characteristics and their participation in the program. Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews to explore the perceived usability, ease of use, and reason for non-use of the telementoring program. RESULTS: Of 74 physicians (mean age 25, 51.4% women) enrolled, 12 (16.2%) actively used the program and performed a total of 27 queries, which received response in an average time of 5.4 ± 6.3 h. In the interviews, the main reasons for non-use were connectivity issues, feelings of shame, and self-efficacy. For those who used the telementoring program they referred it was easy to use and solve their inquiries timely. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a telementoring program sought to provide guidance to recently graduated physicians working in rural areas. Low use rates show that administrative and process-related deficiencies in the program implementation need to be improved.