Understanding the role of carboxylic acid surfactants in the growth inhibition effect during area-selective atomic layer deposition: the case of ZnO growth on Cu and Cu2O.

Herein, we report a detailed adsorption process of acetic acid (AA) as a model for the head group of carboxylic acid self-assembled monolayers on Cu and Cu2O (111) surfaces and the effect of diethyl zinc (DEZ) on its adsorption geometry on Cu2O (111) using quantum chemical calculations. The most stable adsorption configurations were obtained considering electrostatic potential compatibility from the molecule and surface. Overall, the adsorption behavior revealed bidentate binding as the most stable configuration. Weak van der Waals interactions are key in AA adsorption on Cu (111), while in Cu2O (111), coordination and hydrogen bonds dominated the interaction. AA adsorption geometry on Cu2O revealed that DEZ has no significative impact on the carbonyl-chemisorbed AA and bidentate adsorption modes. These results highlight the significance of the different adsorption modes for achieving area-selective deposition using atomic layer deposition and soft removal SAM molecules.

[Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of intestinal resection in incarcerated inguinal hernias]. / Otnoshenie neitrofilov k limfotsitam kak prediktor rezektsii kishki u bol'nykh s ushchemlennymi pakhovymi gryzhami.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia is defined as a projection of an organ through the inguinal canal. This can be incarcerated as a consequence of continuous inflammation of the hernial sac, which will prevent its return, causing damage to the venous and lymphatic return of the viscera. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily accessible inflammatory biomarker obtained from blood cell counts. Therefore, the objective was to determine if the NLR is useful as a predictor of intestinal resection in incarcerated inguinal hernias. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, analytical, diagnostic test and retrospective study was carried out in a hospital in northern Peru from January 2013 to August 2019 in the Department of General Surgery and Emergency Surgery and Critical Care. Patients diagnosed with unilateral inguinal hernia with intestinal obstruction were included. For the relationship between the event and the exposure, it was analyzed using Chi square (χ2) and T-Student. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of the NLR as well as the area under the ROC curve were found to determine the predictive accuracy. RESULTS: 161 patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia were studied: group I (20 patients with intestinal resection) and group II (141 patients without intestinal resection). The mean age in groups I and II were 69±16 and 60±17 years (p<0.05); the frequency in males was 70% in group I and 76% in group II (p>0.05). Intestinal obstruction and duration of incarceration >24 hours and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio demonstrated significant differences. With respect to NLR taking a cut-off point ≥6.5, a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 93.62%, a positive predictive value of 62.5% and a negative predictive value of 96.35% were observed; In addition, when analyzing with the ROC curve, a value of 5.14 was obtained as a predictor of intestinal resection with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 84.4% (p<0.001). Therefore, the NLR >5.14 predicts intestinal resection in patients with incarcerated inguinal hernias with an area under the curve of 0.92 at the Belen Hospital of Trujillo. CONCLUSIONS: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is useful for predicting intestinal resection with a diagnostic accuracy of 92%.

Granulomatous Panniculitis as an Initial Manifestation of Sjögren Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: A 65-year-old woman presented with unexplained weight loss, recurrent fever, and a dermatosis with painful nodules on the extremities. Biopsies showed focal lobular panniculitis with neutrophilic microgranulomas. Comprehensive investigations ruled out infection and hematologic and solid organ neoplasms. Laboratory results showed anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibody positivity, and elevated inflammatory markers. Dry mouth and eye were confirmed. The diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome with cutaneous panniculitis was established. Prednisone treatment with 30 mg/d resulted in remission of fever and pain improvement. This case emphasizes Sjögren syndrome as an autoimmune disease with multiple cutaneous manifestations and highlights its association with granulomatous panniculitis.

Coding-complete genome sequences of two bovine viral diarrhea virus 1a isolates from Uruguay.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an economically relevant pathogen affecting cattle production and reproduction worldwide. We report the coding-complete sequences of two BVDV-1a subtype isolates, circulating in Uruguay.

Effects of parity, seasonal heat stress, and colostrum collection time postpartum on colostrum quality of Holstein cattle in an arid region.

The aim of this study was to determine effects of parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), seasonal heat stress at calving (summer vs. winter), and time postpartum on some parameters associated with colostrum quality in Holstein cows reared in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Forty-seven cows (11 primiparous and 36 multiparous) expected to calve during summer, and 46 cows during winter (14 primiparous and 32 multiparous) were randomly selected. Management and feeding before and after parturition were similar for cows in both seasons. After parturition, colostrum from all cows was evaluated for volume, weight, temperature, density, and content of fat, protein, solids non-fat (SNF), and immunoglobulins (IGG). Data were analyzed with a model that included effects of parity status, calving season, and time postpartum, as well as all interactions. Colostrum produced in summer was warmer (P < 0.01) by almost 6 °C than winter colostrum, while colostrum from multiparous was warmer (P = 0.02) by 1.2 °C than that produced by primiparous cows. Colostrum volume and weight were not impacted by parity, calving season or time postpartum. Density, protein, and SNF content in colostrum were higher (P < 0.01) in multiparous vs. primiparous cows, as well as at parturition (0 h postpartum) than at 12 h postpartum (P < 0.01). At calving (0 h), spring colostrum had higher fat content (P < 0.01) and lower (P < 0.01) IGG concentration than that collected in summer, and no difference (P > 0.05) between seasons was observed for these components at 12 h postpartum. Multiparous cows produced colostrum with higher (P < 0.01) IGG concentrations than primiparous cows. In conclusion, only 0-h colostrum and that from multiparous cows was categorized as "Excellent," meanwhile the colostrum produced under summer heat stress was characterized as "Good" with reduced fat content. While the lacteal secretion collected at 12 post-partum still classified as colostrum, substantially lower contents of IGG, protein, fat, and SNF decreased its classification to "Poor" from the classification of "Excellent" at 0 h postpartum.

[Clinical and radiographic factors associated with the severity of paraspinal fatty infiltration in patients with degenerative low back disease]. / Factores clínicos y radiográficos asociados a la severidad de infiltración grasa paraespinal en pacientes con enfermedad lumbar degenerativa.

INTRODUCTION: Degenerative lumbar disease (DLE) is a spectrum of pathological changes from disc degeneration, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis and lumbar canal stenosis. The pain associated with it is multifactorial. Muscle cramps are among the most frequent causes. The relationship between muscle degeneration and DLE has already been studied in the past in multiple studies, highlighting the one carried out by Kjaer & cols. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence and severity of fatty degeneration in mutifidus spinae, and to study its relationship with clinical and radiographic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: observational and analytical study. Patients diagnosed with: herniated disc, lumbar canal stenosis or degenerative scoliosis were included. They were classified according to the Kjaer scale for paraspinal fatty infiltration in one of three groups. Clinical variables were analyzed: age, smoking, obesity, the presence of axial pain, temporality of pain, severity expressed with a visual analog scale (VAS); and radiographic: number of diseased segments, involved segments, diagnostic imaging and the presence of spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: 56 patients with an average age of 52.5 years (16 to 80) with a predominance of females with 62.5% were included. The diagnoses were nonspecific low back pain (1.8%), herniated disc (42.9%), narrow lumbar duct (46.4%) and lumbar duct with degenerative scoliosis deformity (8.9%). The distribution among the three groups described by Kjaer was as follows: 44.6% were classified with a fat infiltration score of 2. In groups 1 and 0, 39.3% and 16.1% were classified respectively. The variables significantly related to greater fat infiltration were: age > 60 years, diagnoses of lumbar canal stenosis and herniated disc; obesity, spondylolisthesis < 2 vertebral segments involved. Axial pain and VAS > 8 points were not related to greater muscle degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: fatty infiltration is present in all patients with some of the forms of DLE. Most patients > 60 years of age with advanced degenerative processes have a greater severity of infiltration. Other related variables are: obesity, spondylolisthesis and disease of < 2 vertebral segments. There is no relationship between a higher percentage of fatty infiltration and axial pain or higher VAS scores.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la enfermedad lumbar degenerativa (ELD) es un espectro de cambios patológicos desde la degeneración discal, la hernia discal, la espondilolistesis y el conducto lumbar estrecho. El dolor que se le asocia es multifactorial. Los espasmos musculares son de las causas más frecuentes. La relación que guarda la degeneración muscular y la ELD ya ha sido estudiada en múltiples trabajos, destacando el realizado por Kjaer y colaboradores. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia y severidad de la degeneración grasa en el mutifidus spinae, y estudiar su relación con variables clínicas y radiográficas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional y analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados con: hernia discal, conducto lumbar estrecho o escoliosis degenerativa. Se clasificaron de acuerdo con escala de Kjaer para infiltración grasa paraespinal en alguno de tres grupos. Se analizaron variables clínicas: edad, tabaquismo, obesidad, presencia de dolor tipo axial, temporalidad del dolor, severidad del dolor expresada con escala visual análoga (EVA); y radiográficas: número de segmento enfermos, segmentos involucrados, diagnóstico por imagen y presencia de espondilolistesis. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 56 pacientes con edad promedio de 52.5 años (rango 16 a 80) con predominio del sexo femenino (62.5%). Los diagnósticos fueron lumbalgia inespecífica (1.8%), hernia discal (42.9%), conducto lumbar estrecho (46.4%) y conducto lumbar con deformidad en escoliosis degenerativa (8.9%). La distribución entre los tres grupos descritos por Kjaer fue la siguiente: 44.6% fueron clasificados con un puntaje de infiltración grasa de 2. En los grupos 1 y 0, se clasificaron 39.3 y 16.1%, respectivamente. Las variables relacionadas con mayor infiltración grasa fueron: edad > 60 años, diagnósticos de conducto lumbar estrecho y hernia discal; obesidad, espondilolistesis < 2 segmentos vertebrales involucrados. El dolor mecánico y EVA > 8 puntos no se relacionaron con mayor degeneración muscular. CONCLUSIONES: la infiltración grasa está presente en todos los pacientes con alguna de las formas de ELD. La mayoría de los pacientes > 60 años con procesos degenerativos avanzados tienen mayor severidad de infiltración. Otras variables relacionadas son: obesidad, espondilolistesis y enfermedad < 2 segmentos vertebrales. No hay relación entre mayor porcentaje de infiltración grasa y dolor axial o puntajes más altos de dolor.

[Regulación de la expresión de IL-33 e IL-17 por la modulación farmacológica de HIF-1 en un modelo murino de inflamación alérgica pulmonar].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pharmacological modulation of HIF-1 on the expression of IL-33 and IL-17 in a murine model of allergic pulmonary inflam- mation (API) with different degrees of severity. Methods: 5 mice/group received ovalbumin (OVA) 1(mild), 2(moderate) or 3(severe) challenges via i.t. prior to allergen sensitization, in addition to the HIF-1 induction or inhibition groups, received EDHB (OVA+EDHB) i.p. or 2ME (OVA+2ME) i.t. respectively. Control groups received saline solution (SS) in the same way. HE (inflammatory infiltrate), PAS (mucus production) and immunohistochemical staining for HIF-1a, IL-33, IL-17 were performed, quantitatively analyzing by digital pathology. Results: We obtained different degrees of severity with a greater number of challenges, increasing the expression of HIF-1, correlating with the expression of IL-33/IL-17. Increasing or decreasing, respectively by pharmacological modulation. Conclusions: The above suggests that the high expression of HIF-1 favors the production of IL-33 and IL-17 contributing to the damage in lung tissue and the severity of the disease and these can be regulated through the modulation of HIF- 1.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la modulación farmacológica de HIF-1 en la expresión de IL-33 e IL-17 en un modelo murino de inflamación alérgica pulmonar (IAP) con diferentes grados de severidad. Métodos: 5 ratones/grupo recibieron ovoalbúmina (OVA) 1(leve), 2(moderada) o 3(severa) retos vía i.t. previa sensibilización como alergeno, además los grupos de inducción o inhibición de HIF-1a, recibieron EDHB (OVA+EDHB) i.p. o 2ME (OVA+2ME) i.t. respectivamente. Los grupos controles recibieron solución salina (SS) de igual forma. Se realizaron tinciones de HE (infiltrado inflamatorio), PAS (producción de moco) e inmunohistoquímicas de HIF-1a, IL-33, IL-17, analizando cuantitativamente por patología digital. Resultados: Obtuvimos diferentes grados de severidad a mayor número de retos, incrementando la expresión de HIF-1, correlacionando con la expresión de IL- 33/IL-17. Aumentando o disminuyendo, respectivamente por la modulación farmacológica. Conclusiones: Lo anterior sugiere que la alta expresión de HIF-1 favorece la producción de IL-33 e IL-17 contribuyendo al daño en el tejido pulmonar y la severi- dad de la enfermedad y estas pueden ser reguladas a través de la modulación de HIF-1.

Factores clínicos y radiográficos asociados a la severidad de infiltración grasa paraespinal en pacientes con enfermedad lumbar degenerativa / Clinical and radiographic factors associated with the severity of paraspinal fatty infiltration in patients with degenerative low back disease

Resumen: Introducción: la enfermedad lumbar degenerativa (ELD) es un espectro de cambios patológicos desde la degeneración discal, la hernia discal, la espondilolistesis y el conducto lumbar estrecho. El dolor que se le asocia es multifactorial. Los espasmos musculares son de las causas más frecuentes. La relación que guarda la degeneración muscular y la ELD ya ha sido estudiada en múltiples trabajos, destacando el realizado por Kjaer y colaboradores. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y severidad de la degeneración grasa en el mutifidus spinae, y estudiar su relación con variables clínicas y radiográficas. Material y métodos: estudio observacional y analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados con: hernia discal, conducto lumbar estrecho o escoliosis degenerativa. Se clasificaron de acuerdo con escala de Kjaer para infiltración grasa paraespinal en alguno de tres grupos. Se analizaron variables clínicas: edad, tabaquismo, obesidad, presencia de dolor tipo axial, temporalidad del dolor, severidad del dolor expresada con escala visual análoga (EVA); y radiográficas: número de segmento enfermos, segmentos involucrados, diagnóstico por imagen y presencia de espondilolistesis. Resultados: se incluyeron 56 pacientes con edad promedio de 52.5 años (rango 16 a 80) con predominio del sexo femenino (62.5%). Los diagnósticos fueron lumbalgia inespecífica (1.8%), hernia discal (42.9%), conducto lumbar estrecho (46.4%) y conducto lumbar con deformidad en escoliosis degenerativa (8.9%). La distribución entre los tres grupos descritos por Kjaer fue la siguiente: 44.6% fueron clasificados con un puntaje de infiltración grasa de 2. En los grupos 1 y 0, se clasificaron 39.3 y 16.1%, respectivamente. Las variables relacionadas con mayor infiltración grasa fueron: edad > 60 años, diagnósticos de conducto lumbar estrecho y hernia discal; obesidad, espondilolistesis < 2 segmentos vertebrales involucrados. El dolor mecánico y EVA > 8 puntos no se relacionaron con mayor degeneración muscular. Conclusiones: la infiltración grasa está presente en todos los pacientes con alguna de las formas de ELD. La mayoría de los pacientes > 60 años con procesos degenerativos avanzados tienen mayor severidad de infiltración. Otras variables relacionadas son: obesidad, espondilolistesis y enfermedad < 2 segmentos vertebrales. No hay relación entre mayor porcentaje de infiltración grasa y dolor axial o puntajes más altos de dolor.

Abstract: Introduction: Degenerative lumbar disease (DLE) is a spectrum of pathological changes from disc degeneration, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis and lumbar canal stenosis. The pain associated with it is multifactorial. Muscle cramps are among the most frequent causes. The relationship between muscle degeneration and DLE has already been studied in the past in multiple studies, highlighting the one carried out by Kjaer & cols. Objective: to determine the prevalence and severity of fatty degeneration in mutifidus spinae, and to study its relationship with clinical and radiographic factors. Material and methods: observational and analytical study. Patients diagnosed with: herniated disc, lumbar canal stenosis or degenerative scoliosis were included. They were classified according to the Kjaer scale for paraspinal fatty infiltration in one of three groups. Clinical variables were analyzed: age, smoking, obesity, the presence of axial pain, temporality of pain, severity expressed with a visual analog scale (VAS); and radiographic: number of diseased segments, involved segments, diagnostic imaging and the presence of spondylolisthesis. Results: 56 patients with an average age of 52.5 years (16 to 80) with a predominance of females with 62.5% were included. The diagnoses were nonspecific low back pain (1.8%), herniated disc (42.9%), narrow lumbar duct (46.4%) and lumbar duct with degenerative scoliosis deformity (8.9%). The distribution among the three groups described by Kjaer was as follows: 44.6% were classified with a fat infiltration score of 2. In groups 1 and 0, 39.3% and 16.1% were classified respectively. The variables significantly related to greater fat infiltration were: age > 60 years, diagnoses of lumbar canal stenosis and herniated disc; obesity, spondylolisthesis < 2 vertebral segments involved. Axial pain and VAS > 8 points were not related to greater muscle degeneration. Conclusions: fatty infiltration is present in all patients with some of the forms of DLE. Most patients > 60 years of age with advanced degenerative processes have a greater severity of infiltration. Other related variables are: obesity, spondylolisthesis and disease of < 2 vertebral segments. There is no relationship between a higher percentage of fatty infiltration and axial pain or higher VAS scores.

Half-metallic and magnetic semiconductor behavior in CdO monolayer induced by acceptor impurities.

In this work, a doping approach is explored as a possible method to induce novel features in the CdO monolayer for spintronic applications. Monolayer CdO is a two-dimensional (2D) non-magnetic semiconductor material with a band gap of 0.82 eV. In monolayer CdO, a single Cd vacancy leads to magnetization of the monolayer with a total magnetic moment of -2µB, whereas its non-magnetic nature is preserved upon creating a single O vacancy. Doping the Cd sublattice with Cu-Ag and Au induces half-metallic character with a total magnetic moment of -1 and 1µB, respectively. Dopants and their neighboring O atoms produce mainly magnetic properties. By contrast, doping with N, P, and As at the O sublattice leads to the emergence of magnetic semiconductor behavior with a total magnetic moment of 1µB. Herein, magnetism originates mainly from the spin-asymmetric charge distribution in the outermost orbitals of the dopants. Bader charge analysis and charge density difference calculations indicate charge transfer from Cu, Ag and Au dopants to the host monolayer, whereas the N, P and As dopants exhibit important charge gains. These results suggest that doping with acceptor impurities is an efficient approach to functionalize the CdO monolayer to generate spin currents in spintronic devices.

Hydrothermal synthesis of a photocatalyst based on Byrsonima crassifolia and TiO2 for degradation of crystal violet by UV and visible radiation.

This work presents a one-step synthesis methodology for preparing a hydrochar (HC) doped with TiO2 (HC-TiO2) for its application on the degradation of crystal violet (CV) using UV and visible radiation. Byrsonima crassifolia stones were used as precursors along with TiO2 particles. The HC-TiO2 sample was synthesized at 210 °C for 9 h using autogenous pressure. The photocatalyst was characterized to evaluate the TiO2 dispersion, specific surface area, graphitization degree, and band-gap value. Finally, the degradation of CV was investigated by varying the operating conditions of the system, the reuse of the catalyst, and the degradation mechanism. The physicochemical characterization of the HC-TiO2 composite showed good dispersion of TiO2 in the carbonaceous particle. The presence of TiO2 on the hydrochar surface yields a bandgap value of 1.17 eV, enhancing photocatalyst activation with visible radiation. The degradation results evidenced a synergistic effect with both types of radiation due to the hybridized π electrons in the sp2-hybridized structures in the HC surface. The degradation percentages were on average 20% higher using UV radiation than visible radiation under the following conditions: [CV] = 20 mg/L, 1 g/L of photocatalyst load, and pH = 7.0. The reusability experiments demonstrated the feasibility of reusing the HC-TiO2 material up to 5 times with a similar photodegradation percentage. Finally, the results indicated that the HC-TiO2 composite could be considered an efficient material for the photocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with CV.

Facilitators of peer leader retention within a Type 2 diabetes intervention trial for US Latinos/Hispanics of Mexican origin.

Peer support is effective in improving self-management behaviors and health outcomes among individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Volunteer peer support programs offer a cost-effective resource for diabetes self-management support; however, factors affecting the retention of volunteer peer leaders remain understudied. Herein, we examined factors associated with volunteer retention and satisfaction among 34 predominantly Mexican-origin peer leaders who assisted patients from a Federally Qualified Health Center located on the US/Mexico border with their diabetes management. Peer leaders completed surveys with open- and close-ended questions at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses were guided by the Volunteer Process Model. Using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests, self-efficacy as a peer leader at 6 months was most associated with interest to continue volunteering (P = 0.01), and satisfaction with support from the program at 12 months was most associated with interest to continue volunteering (P = 0.01). The qualitative data indicated that the relationship between the peer leaders and their patients was the primary factor for a satisfying volunteer experience. Future research should focus on increasing peer leaders' self-efficacy and satisfaction with program support and examine how organizations can support the development of the patient-peer relationship. Practitioners should consider appealing to volunteer peers' motivations to promote their retention.

Contribution of halloysite as nanotubular clay mineral on mechanism and adsorption rate of Cd(II) onto nanocomposites alginate-halloysite.

In this work nanocomposites based on alginate (Alg) and halloysite as a nanotubular clay (Hy) were developed. Characterization techniques reveal that Hy/Alg nanocomposites are cation exchangers with predominantly negative charge density and good thermal stability. The adsorption equilibrium of Cd(II) in aqueous solution onto Hy/Alg nanocomposites revealed that by increasing the mass of halloysite in the nanocomposite, the adsorption capacity diminished significantly due to the halloysite-alginate interactions. Maximum adsorption capacities of 8, 65, 88, and 132 mg/g of Cd(II) were obtained for samples Hy, Hy/Alg 50%, Hy/Alg 95%, and Alg, respectively. In addition, the adsorption equilibrium of Cd(II) on the Hy/Alg bionanocomposites was affected by the pH and temperature of the solution, demonstrating the presence of electrostatic interactions during adsorption and that this is an exothermic process. The controlling mechanism of adsorption was cation exchange influenced by electrostatic forces. The Cd(II) adsorption rate studies were interpreted by the diffusion-permeation model and reveal that the presence of Hy in the structure of the nanocomposites enhances the permeation coefficient, that is, the adsorption rate was increased. The values of the permeation coefficient varied from 1.95 × 10-7 to 8.50 × 10-7 cm2/s for Hy/Alg 50% and from 1.70 × 10-7 to 3.55 × 10-7 cm2/s for Hy/Alg 95%.

The first-year course of urine MCP-1 and its association with response to treatment and long-term kidney prognosis in lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to assess the course of uMCP-1 and its association with response to therapy and long-term kidney function in a prospective cohort of adults who received a kidney biopsy for suspicion of active lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS: Subjects were segregated into a histologically active LN group and a histologically chronic LN group. Both groups were followed for > = 36 months and urine were collected at flare, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. The association between the course of uMCP-1, response to treatment, and progression to 30% loss of the eGFR was evaluated by linear mixed models for repeated measures. RESULTS: A kidney biopsy was performed on 125 subjects. In 114, the report was consistent with histologically active LN; in 11, with histologically chronic LN. Urine MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in the active LN than in the chronic LN group. Urine MCP-1 levels correlated with the histological findings of cellular crescents, endocapillary hypercellularity, interstitial inflammation, glomerular sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy. The mean estimates of uMCP-1 at flare were higher in the non-response group than in the complete response group, and decreased in the complete/partial response groups by the third month, while they remained elevated in the non-response group. The mean estimates for uMCP-1 were higher at LN flare and remained elevated in patients who progressed to loss of 30% of the eGFR, while they decreased in patients with stable kidney function. CONCLUSION: The first-year course of uMCP-1 is associated with response to therapy and kidney survival in LN. Key Points •Urine MCP-1 levels differentiate histologically-active lupus nephritis from histologically-chronic lupus nephritis •Urine MCP-1 levels decrease by 3 months of therapy in subjects with a favorable response whose kidney function remains stable long-term •Urine MCP-1 levels remain elevated during the first year of therapy in subjects the will later lose kidney function.

[Biopsychosocial Factors Influencing Mortality and Functional Recovery in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Prone Positioning: A Prospective Observational Study]. / Factores biopsicosociales asociados a la mortalidad y recuperación funcional de pacientes ingresados con COVID-19 severo en posición decúbito prono: estudio observacional prospectivo.

Patients placed in a prone position due to COVID-19 present a more severe disease, longer stay in ICU and have more significant complications associated with positioning than other patients. AIM: To identify social, health, and hospital factors associated with mortality and functional recovery in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 who were in the prone position. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study between June 2021 and March 2022 at the San José Clinical Hospital. The study included people 18 years of age or older admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 who were in the prone position. Using logistic regression, we searched for factors associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality. Using linear regression, we also analyzed factors associated with functional recovery in ADL at discharge and post-discharge. RESULTS: In 85 patients included, being men, older age, history of mental health, cardiorespiratory disease, and living in a commune of high social priority were associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. A greater number of days of hospitalization was associated with less functional recovery at discharge and post-discharge. In contrast, more cycles in prone position during hospitalization and higher education level were associated with greater post-discharge functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The survival and functional prognosis of patients with severe COVID-19 can be predicted early through a biopsychosocial evaluation of their characteristics. Intrahospital actions could improve functional recovery in ADL in the short term in critically ill patients surviving COVID-19.

[Impact of COVID-19 pandemic confinement on musculoskeletal pain and quality of life]. / Impacto del confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19 en el dolor musculoesquelético y la calidad de vida.

INTRODUCTION: in March 2020, lockdown was established in Spain because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess its impact on pain and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: prospective study including 490 individuals grouped in: 140 people without pain, 140 people with musculoskeletal pain but without any related pathology diagnosed, 140 patients diagnosed for a musculoskeletal condition and 70 patients in surgical waiting list (SWL) for a musculoskeletal condition. Data regarding pain, physical activity and quality of life (EuroQol-5D) was collected at the beginning of lockdown and one year after (March 2021). RESULTS: mean age was 53 ± 17.5 years old (18-88) and 51.3% were women. Patients in SWL referred significantly more pain than the rest of groups (p < 0.001), with a score in the visual analogue scale of 6.3 ± 1.9. Groups 3 and 4 suffered a significant increase of their pain from 2020 to 2021 (p < 0.001), while decreasing in group 2 (p < 0.001). Analgesics intake grew from 2020 to 2021 (39.9% versus 44.3%, p = 0.007). 70.2% experienced a worsening of at least one dimension of EuroQol-5D over last year, with patients in SWL being the most affected (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: lockdown has caused in patients with musculoskeletal conditions a greater aggravation of pain and deterioration of quality of life than in the general population, especially in patients in SWL, translating in an increase in analgesics intake.

INTRODUCCIÓN: en Marzo de 2020 se estableció el confinamiento en España debido a la pandemia por COVID-19. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar su impacto en el dolor y la calidad de vida de personas con dolor osteomuscular. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo que incluyó 490 personas agrupadas en: 140 personas sin dolor (grupo 1), 140 personas con dolor osteomuscular, pero sin patología diagnosticada (grupo 2), 140 pacientes con patología musculoesquelética (grupo 3) y 70 pacientes en lista de espera quirúrgica (LEQ) por patología musculoesquelética (grupo 4). Se recogieron datos sobre el dolor, la actividad física y la calidad de vida (EuroQol-5D) al inicio del confinamiento y un año después. RESULTADOS: la edad media fue de 53 ± 17.5 años (18-88) y 51.3% fueron mujeres. Las personas en LEQ refirieron un dolor significativamente mayor que el resto de grupos (p < 0.001) con una puntuación en la escala visual analógica del dolor de 6.3 ± 1.9. Los grupos 3 y 4 sufrieron un aumento significativo de su dolor desde 2020 hasta 2021 (p < 0.001), mientras que en el grupo 2 disminuyó (p < 0.001). El consumo de analgésicos creció de 2020 a 2021 (39.9% versus 44.3%, p = 0.007); 70.2% sufrió un empeoramiento en alguna de las dimensiones del EuroQol-5D, siendo el grupo en LEQ el más afectado (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: el confinamiento ha producido en pacientes con patología musculoesquelética un empeoramiento del dolor y de calidad de vida mayor que en el resto de personas, especialmente en aquéllas en espera de cirugía, traduciéndose en un aumento del consumo de analgésicos.

Survey of selected pathogens in free-ranging pinnipeds in Uruguay.

Marine mammals, regarded as sentinels of aquatic ecosystem health, are exposed to different pathogens and parasites under natural conditions. We surveyed live South American fur seals Arctocephalus australis and South American sea lions Otaria flavescens in Uruguay for Leptospira spp., canine distemper virus (CDV), Mycobacterium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum. Samples were collected from 2007 to 2013. The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was 37.6% positive, 50.9% negative, and 11.5% suspect for A. australis (n = 61) while for O. flavescens (n = 12) it was 67% positive, 25% negative, and 8% suspect. CDV RNA was not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Most animals tested seropositive to tuberculosis antigens by WiZo ELISA (A. australis: 29/30; O. flavescens: 20/20); reactivity varied with a novel ELISA test (antigens MPB70, MPB83, ESAT6 and MPB59). Seroprevalence against N. caninum and T. gondii was 6.7 and 13.3% positive for O. flavescens and 0 and 2.2% positive for A. australis respectively. To evaluate possible sources of infection for pinnipeds, wild rats Rattus rattus and semi-feral cats Felis catus were also tested for Leptospira spp. and T. gondii respectively. Water samples tested for Leptospira revealed saprofitic L. bioflexa. Pathogenic Leptospira were detected in the kidneys of 2 rats, and cats tested positive for T. gondii (100%). These results represent a substantial contribution to the study of the health status of wild pinnipeds in Uruguay.

Origin and spreading of canine morbillivirus in South America.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a Morbillivirus (Canine morbillivirus) that greatly impacts domestic and wildlife carnivores worldwide. The CDV RNA genome has high genetic variability, evidenced by several lineages that follow a global geographic pattern. The evolutionary trajectories and population dynamics of CDV lineages are still unclear and debatable, particularly in South America, where relatively few sequences are available. We performed phylogenetic and Bayesian analyses using an updated dataset of the highly variable hemagglutinin (H) gene, including seven South American countries. The time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of the current CDV lineages was dated to the early 1900s in North America. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian maximum clade credibility phylogenies showed similar topologies with two main branches (L1 and L2) corresponding to the NA1 lineage (L1) and the remaining lineages worldwide (L2). The four circulating lineages in South America (EU1/SA1, SA2, SA3, NA4/SA4) arose from independent migration events from North America and Europe. North American strains colonized most northern South American countries via Ecuador and then Colombia and Peru, originating the SA3 and NA4/SA4 lineages during their spread. The entry and expansion in the southern part of South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay) occurred through three independent migration events and gave rise to the EU1/SA1 and SA2 lineages. South American lineages have specific combinations of amino acids under positive selection that constitute signatures of taxonomic and evolutionary relevance. Our findings provide a comprehensive scenario for the origin and migration routes of Canine morbillivirus in South America and highlight the importance of phylodynamics in understanding the geographic patterns of modern genetic variability.

Impacto del confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19 en el dolor musculoesquelético y la calidad de vida / Impact of COVID-19 pandemic confinement on musculoskeletal pain and quality of life

Resumen: Introducción: En Marzo de 2020 se estableció el confinamiento en España debido a la pandemia por COVID-19. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar su impacto en el dolor y la calidad de vida de personas con dolor osteomuscular. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo que incluyó 490 personas agrupadas en: 140 personas sin dolor (grupo 1), 140 personas con dolor osteomuscular, pero sin patología diagnosticada (grupo 2), 140 pacientes con patología musculoesquelética (grupo 3) y 70 pacientes en lista de espera quirúrgica (LEQ) por patología musculoesquelética (grupo 4). Se recogieron datos sobre el dolor, la actividad física y la calidad de vida (EuroQol-5D) al inicio del confinamiento y un año después. Resultados: La edad media fue de 53 ± 17.5 años (18-88) y 51.3% fueron mujeres. Las personas en LEQ refirieron un dolor significativamente mayor que el resto de grupos (p < 0.001) con una puntuación en la escala visual analógica del dolor de 6.3 ± 1.9. Los grupos 3 y 4 sufrieron un aumento significativo de su dolor desde 2020 hasta 2021 (p < 0.001), mientras que en el grupo 2 disminuyó (p < 0.001). El consumo de analgésicos creció de 2020 a 2021 (39.9% versus 44.3%, p = 0.007); 70.2% sufrió un empeoramiento en alguna de las dimensiones del EuroQol-5D, siendo el grupo en LEQ el más afectado (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: El confinamiento ha producido en pacientes con patología musculoesquelética un empeoramiento del dolor y de calidad de vida mayor que en el resto de personas, especialmente en aquéllas en espera de cirugía, traduciéndose en un aumento del consumo de analgésicos.

Abstract: Introduction: In March 2020, lockdown was established in Spain because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess its impact on pain and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Material and methods: Prospective study including 490 individuals grouped in: 140 people without pain, 140 people with musculoskeletal pain but without any related pathology diagnosed, 140 patients diagnosed for a musculoskeletal condition and 70 patients in surgical waiting list (SWL) for a musculoskeletal condition. Data regarding pain, physical activity and quality of life (EuroQol-5D) was collected at the beginning of lockdown and one year after (March 2021). Results: Mean age was 53 ± 17.5 years old (18-88) and 51.3% were women. Patients in SWL referred significantly more pain than the rest of groups (p < 0.001), with a score in the visual analogue scale of 6.3 ± 1.9. Groups 3 and 4 suffered a significant increase of their pain from 2020 to 2021 (p < 0.001), while decreasing in group 2 (p < 0.001). Analgesics intake grew from 2020 to 2021 (39.9% versus 44.3%, p = 0.007). 70.2% experienced a worsening of at least one dimension of EuroQol-5D over last year, with patients in SWL being the most affected (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Lockdown has caused in patients with musculoskeletal conditions a greater aggravation of pain and deterioration of quality of life than in the general population, especially in patients in SWL, translating in an increase in analgesics intake.

Relationship between fluoride exposure and count of Streptococcus mutans in supragingival biofilm of mexican scholar children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The use of fluoride is known to reduce the risk of dental caries. There is limited information on the relationship between Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and fluoride exposure. This study investigated the association between the count of S. mutans on supragingival biofilm and fluoride exposure of scholar children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 56 children from 9 to 11 years of age were selected. Fluoride concentration in drinking water, urine and saliva of each participant were assessed. The count of S. mutans was estimated by calculating the DNA copy number through a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Also, sociodemographic data, oral and general health information and variables related to caries risk were evaluated. A stepwise multiple linear regression was performed in all caries related predictor variables with the count of S. mutans as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the concentration of fluoride in saliva (ß = -3.029, p < 0.001) and urine (ß = -2.057, p = 0.017), time of last visit to the dentist (ß = 1.968, p = 0.001), plaque index (ß = 1.637, p = 0.006) and number of surfaces with codes 3-6 (D3-6MFS) of ICDAS II criteria (ß = 0.283, p = 0.076) were significantly associated with the count of S. mutans (Adjusted R square = 0.427, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fluoride levels in urine and saliva were negatively associated with the count of S. mutans in supragingival biofilm. Plaque index, D3-6MFS and time of last visit to the dentist showed a positive association.