Geometric Morphometric Assessment of Toe Shape in Forest and Urban Lizards Following Hurricane Disturbances.

Evidence suggests that hurricanes can influence the evolution of organisms, with phenotypic traits involved in adhesion, such as the toepads of arboreal lizards, being particularly susceptible to natural selection imposed by hurricanes. To investigate this idea, we quantified trait variation before and after Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017) in forest and urban populations of the Puerto Rican lizard Anolis cristatellus. We found that the hurricanes affected toe morphology differently between forest and urban sites. In particular, toepads of the forefeet were longer and narrower in forest, but wider in urban populations, compared to pre-hurricane measures. Toepads of the hind feet were larger in area following the hurricanes. Fore and rear toes increased in length following the hurricane. There were no changes in the number of lamellae scales or lamellae spacing, but lamellae 6-11 of the forefeet shifted proximally following the hurricane. We also measured clinging performance and toe shape. We found that toepad area and toe lengths were stronger predictors of adhesive forces than toepad shape. Our results highlight an interaction between urbanization and hurricanes, demonstrating the importance to consider how urban species will respond to extreme weather events. Additionally, our different results for fore and rear feet highlight the importance of evaluating both of these traits when measuring the morphological response to hurricanes in arboreal lizards.

La evidencia sugiere que los huracanes pueden influir en la evolución de los organismos, rasgos fenotípicos como las almohadillas distales de los lagartos arbóreos, son particularmente susceptibles a la selección natural impuesta por los huracanes. Para investigar esta idea, cuantificamos la variación de las almohadillas distales antes y después de los huracanes Irma y María (2017) en poblaciones de bosques y urbanas de las lagartijas puertorriqueña Anolis cristatellus. Encontramos que los cambios morfológicos luego de los huracanes variaron entre las poblaciones de bosque y urbanas. Para las poblaciones de bosque, las almohadillas de las patas delanteras eran más largas y estrechas luego de las tormentas. Por el contrario, las almohadillas delanteras de las poblaciones urbanas fueron más anchas luego de los huracanes. Las almohadillas de los pies traseros tenían un área más grande en todas las poblaciones luego de los huracanes. Los dedos delanteros y traseros aumentaron de longitud después del huracán. No hubo cambios en el número de escamas en las almohadillas distales ni en el ancho de estas escamas, pero las escamas 6­11 de las patas delanteras se desplazaron proximalmente después del huracán. También medimos las fuerzas adhesivas producida por las almohadillas distales para contrastar con la morfología de los dedos. Encontramos que el área de las almohadillas distales y la longitud de los dedos fueron los predictores más fuertes de las fuerzas adhesivas. Nuestros resultados destacan una interacción entre la urbanización y los huracanes, lo que demuestra la importancia de considerar cómo responderán las especies urbanas a los eventos climáticos extremos. Además, nuestros diferentes resultados para las patas delanteras y traseras resaltan la importancia de evaluar ambos rasgos al medir la respuesta morfológica a los huracanes en lagartijas arbóreos.

Putting the Pacific fat sleeper Dormitator latifrons (Pisces: Eleotridae) to sleep: effects of clove oil and lidocaine anesthetic.

Among the different handling techniques in aquaculture, the use of anesthetics has had a growing interest focused on guaranteeing animal welfare, and reducing possible stress situations during general handling. The aim of this study was to present the use of eugenol and lidocaine with non-invasive anesthesia procedures in Dormitator latifrons, in which the different stages of anesthesia (induction and recovery) were determined. One hundred and twenty healthy fish of average weight of 73.59 ± 13.53 g and standard length of 17 ± 1.36 cm were used. The experimental fish were subjected to fasting for 24 h prior to the tests. Five fish were subjected to eugenol (25, 50, 100, and 200 µL/L), and lidocaine (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/L), in triplicate. The time to reach deep and recovery anesthesia were recorded and the data analyzed using ANOVA (α= 0.05). Organisms exposed to anesthetics evidenced early episodes of fast, short-distance swimming (initial hyperactivity) for short periods of time. Survival was 100% with both compounds and concentrations. Fish exposed to a eugenol concentration of 200 µL/L had longer anesthesia times and took longer time to recover (P<0.05). The most effective concentrations for eugenol and lidocaine were of 200 µL/L and 400 µL/L in juvenile fish, promoting rapid inductions, without compromising the conditions for the recovery of the fish. This work provides practical information for handling and transportation D. latiforns with the least possible stress and ensuring animal welfare.

[Functional status and mortality in the elderly 3 months after hip fracture: when resources are limited]. / Estado funcional y mortalidad en el adulto mayor a tres meses de la fractura de cadera: cuando los recursos son limitados.

INTRODUCTION: hip fracture is the most common fracture in the elderly and its negative impact in functionality, life quality and expectancy are widely described. In Mexico, resources, infrastructure and programs for its attention are few and deficient. Associated factors to a better functional and life prognosis had been described in heterogeneous ways. The main objective of this work is to determine the associated factors to a better functional recovery and less mortality three months after hip fracture in the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: geriatric assessment was performed in all older adult patients admitted to the hospital with hip fracture. Telephone monitoring was done three months after hospital discharge. Survival, Barthel index, and March Capacity Evaluation Scale (FAC) was interrogated. Descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. For outcomes measures, univariate analysis was done, since data didn't have normal distribution. Age and Barthel index before fracture were included in linear regression model to evaluate impact over mortality and march capacity. RESULTS: three-month mortality was of 26.3% of the patients, with in- hospital hyponatremia as a risk factor (OR, 3.87, p = 0.03). The median difference in pre fracture and post fracture Barthel index was -25 points (-5010). The variables associated with worse functional outcome was patient´s expressed fear to walk again (p = 0.05) and cognitive impairment (p = 0.032). 47.4% of the patients could walk, most of them classified in FAC 4. 28% of the patients, reported walking impairment. Living in urbanity, fear to walk (OR, 4.83, p = 0.031) and malnutrition (OR, 5.52, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with walking impairment. CONCLUSIONS: multifactorial intervention for better functional and survival outcomes three-months after hip fracture are needed, even more in middle-income countries.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la fractura de cadera es la más común en el adulto mayor y tiene gran impacto negativo en funcionalidad, calidad y sobrevida. En México la infraestructura, recursos y programas para su atención son escasos. Los factores asociados, mejor pronóstico funcional y de vida han sido descritos de forma heterogénea. El objetivo principal del estudio fue determinar los factores asociados con mayor recuperación funcional y menor mortalidad a tres meses de la fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó valoración geriátrica integral a todos los pacientes mayores hospitalizados por fractura de cadera. Se dio seguimiento telefónico a tres meses del egreso hospitalario para revaloración de funcionalidad. Se interrogó sobrevida, escala de Barthel y FAC. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables. Para la valoración de desenlaces se hizo análisis univariado, ya que los datos no presentaron una distribución normal. Se incluyó edad y Barthel previo a fractura en un modelo de regresión lineal para valorar impacto en mortalidad y deambulación. RESULTADOS: la mortalidad a tres meses fue de 26.3%, con hiponatremia intrahospitalaria como factor de riesgo (OR, 3.87, p = 0.03). La mediana de diferencia en puntaje de Barthel preoperatorio y postoperatorio fue -25 puntos (-5010). Las variables asociadas a un peor desenlace funcional fue el miedo a volver a caminar (p = 0.05) y deterioro cognitivo (p = 0.032). De los pacientes, 47.4% lograba deambular, la mayoría clasificados con FAC 4; 28% de los pacientes no lograron deambulación. Vivir en urbanidad, el miedo a volver a caminar (OR, 4.83, p = 0.031) y un tamizaje positivo para malnutrición (OR, 5.52, p = 0.016) se asociaron a mayor incapacidad. CONCLUSIONES: es importante la intervención multifactorial para lograr mejores resultados funcionales y de sobrevida tres meses posteriores a la fractura de cadera.

Estado funcional y mortalidad en el adulto mayor a tres meses de la fractura de cadera: cuando los recursos son limitados / Functional status and mortality in the elderly 3 months after hip fracture: when resources are limited

Resumen: Introducción: La fractura de cadera es la más común en el adulto mayor y tiene gran impacto negativo en funcionalidad, calidad y sobrevida. En México la infraestructura, recursos y programas para su atención son escasos. Los factores asociados, mejor pronóstico funcional y de vida han sido descritos de forma heterogénea. El objetivo principal del estudio fue determinar los factores asociados con mayor recuperación funcional y menor mortalidad a tres meses de la fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor. Material y métodos: Se realizó valoración geriátrica integral a todos los pacientes mayores hospitalizados por fractura de cadera. Se dio seguimiento telefónico a tres meses del egreso hospitalario para revaloración de funcionalidad. Se interrogó sobrevida, escala de Barthel y FAC. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables. Para la valoración de desenlaces se hizo análisis univariado, ya que los datos no presentaron una distribución normal. Se incluyó edad y Barthel previo a fractura en un modelo de regresión lineal para valorar impacto en mortalidad y deambulación. Resultados: La mortalidad a tres meses fue de 26.3%, con hiponatremia intrahospitalaria como factor de riesgo (OR, 3.87, p = 0.03). La mediana de diferencia en puntaje de Barthel preoperatorio y postoperatorio fue -25 puntos (-50-10). Las variables asociadas a un peor desenlace funcional fue el miedo a volver a caminar (p = 0.05) y deterioro cognitivo (p = 0.032). De los pacientes, 47.4% lograba deambular, la mayoría clasificados con FAC 4; 28% de los pacientes no lograron deambulación. Vivir en urbanidad, el miedo a volver a caminar (OR, 4.83, p = 0.031) y un tamizaje positivo para malnutrición (OR, 5.52, p = 0.016) se asociaron a mayor incapacidad. Conclusiones: Es importante la intervención multifactorial para lograr mejores resultados funcionales y de sobrevida tres meses posteriores a la fractura de cadera.

Abstract: Introduction: Hip fracture is the most common fracture in the elderly and its negative impact in functionality, life quality and expectancy are widely described. In Mexico, resources, infrastructure and programs for its attention are few and deficient. Associated factors to a better functional and life prognosis had been described in heterogeneous ways. The main objective of this work is to determine the associated factors to a better functional recovery and less mortality three months after hip fracture in the elderly. Material and methods: Geriatric assessment was performed in all older adult patients admitted to the hospital with hip fracture. Telephone monitoring was done three months after hospital discharge. Survival, Barthel index, and March Capacity Evaluation Scale (FAC) was interrogated. Descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. For outcomes measures, univariate analysis was done, since data didn't have normal distribution. Age and Barthel index before fracture were included in linear regression model to evaluate impact over mortality and march capacity. Results: Three-month mortality was of 26.3% of the patients, with in- hospital hyponatremia as a risk factor (OR, 3.87, p = 0.03). The median difference in pre fracture and post fracture Barthel index was -25 points (-50-10). The variables associated with worse functional outcome was patient´s expressed fear to walk again (p = 0.05) and cognitive impairment (p = 0.032). 47.4% of the patients could walk, most of them classified in FAC 4. 28% of the patients, reported walking impairment. Living in urbanity, fear to walk (OR, 4.83, p = 0.031) and malnutrition (OR, 5.52, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with walking impairment. Conclusions: Multifactorial intervention for better functional and survival outcomes three-months after hip fracture are needed, even more in middle-income countries.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in cats: survey of veterinary cardiologists and retrospective evaluation of a possible association with diet.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to conduct a survey of cardiologists on their recent experiences with cats that have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to retrospectively review individual cases of feline DCM. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Part one: A survey was distributed to cardiologists with questions regarding caseload and clinical management of cats with DCM diagnosed over the past two years. Part two: Cardiologists completing the survey were invited to submit data from cats recently diagnosed with DCM. Data on signalment, clinical signs, diet, echocardiographic measurements and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Part one: From 52 completed surveys, many cardiologists responded that measuring and supplementing taurine and recommending a diet change in cats with DCM are common practices. Few (15%) cardiologists reported an increase in the number of feline DCM cases over the past two years, although some had cases that improved even if taurine deficiency was not present. Part two: Twenty of 37 (54%) cats ate low pea/lentil (low PL) diets, and 14/37 (38%) ate high PL diets at the time of diagnosis; three had incomplete diet information. Two of 13 cats (15%) in which taurine was measured had levels below the reference range. After adjusting for other variables, cats eating high PL diets that changed diets after diagnosis had a significantly longer survival time than that of cats eating high PL diets that did not change diets after diagnosis (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is warranted to determine whether there could be a possible association between diet and DCM in cats.

Numerical Simulation of a Physiological Mathematical Model of Energy Consumption in a Sarcomere / Simulación Numérica de un Modelo Matemático Fisiológico de Consumo de Energía en un Sarcómero

ABSTRACT The paradigm of biological systems provides a framework to quantify the behavior of biological processes. Mathematical modeling is one of the analytical tools of biological systems used to reproduce the variables of a system for prediction. This article presents the analysis of muscular contraction, the physiological process responsible of generating force in skeletal muscle, from the point of view of mathematical modeling. The aim is to provide numerical evidences about the force generated by the sarcomere, and the energy required to produce such a force. The proposed scheme includes a model to activate the contractile cycle, based on the action potential that reaches the neuromuscular junction, the calcium release into the sarcoplasm, the contraction response, and the quantification of the energy that the sarcomere requires to perform mechanical work. The results shows that the proposed scheme is acceptable because it reproduces experimental data of force, velocity, and energy reported in the literature. The results of the proposed scheme are encouraging to scale the model at the muscle or muscle group level, in such a way that the quantification of energy can be an alternative to the indirect estimation methods of energy consumption that currently exist.

Effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exposure on microRNA expression and global DNA methylation in endothelial cells EA.hy926.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of AgNPs on the epigenome of endothelial cells EA.hy926, including the levels of expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and global DNA methylation patterns. In addition, evaluation of the expression of inflammatory genes and the levels of VCAM-1 protein (miRNA-126 target) was performed. The expression levels of analyzed miRNAs (microRNAs-126, 155 and 146) were reduced significantly and there were not observed changes in inflammatory gene expression. Regarding the levels of protein vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), they increase significantly to 0.5 µM AgNPs at 24 h of exposure. As far as DNA methylation is concerned, we found that AgNPs induce a state of global hyper-methylation. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that direct contact between AgNPs and endothelial cells resulted in the dysregulation of highly enriched and vastly functional miRNAs and DNA hypermethylation, that may have multiple effects on endothelium function and integrity.

Griffiths phase and spontaneous exchange bias in La1.5Sr0.5CoMn0.5Fe0.5O6.

La1.5Sr0.5CoMn0.5Fe0.5O6 (LSCMFO) compound was prepared by solid state reaction and its structural, electronic and magnetic properties were investigated. The material forms in rhombohedral [Formula: see text] structure, and the presence of distinct magnetic interactions leads to the formation of a Griffiths phase above its FM transition temperature (150 K), possibly related to the nucleation of small short-ranged ferromagnetic clusters. At low temperatures, a spin glass-like phase emerges and the system exhibits both the conventional and the spontaneous exchange bias (EB) effects. These results resemble those reported for La1.5Sr0.5CoMnO6 but are discrepant to those found when Fe partially substitutes Co in La1.5Sr0.5(Co1-x Fe x )MnO6, for which the EB effect is observed in a much broader temperature range. The unidirectional anisotropy observed for LSCMFO is discussed and compared with those of resembling double-perovskite compounds, being plausibly explained in terms of its structural and electronic properties.

Experiencia en el tratamiento del carcinoma basocelular localmente avanzado o metastásico con Vismodegib en el instituto nacional de cancerología entre los años 2014 y 2015 / Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma with Vismodegib: Experience at the national Institute of Cancerology during 2014 -2015

RESUMEN Introducción: El carcinoma basocelular es el cáncer de piel más frecuente, y en su patogenía se ha descrito la activación de la vía Hedgehog. El Vismodegib, un inhibidor selectivo de esta vía ha demostrado ser efectivo en el tratamiento de la enfermedad localmente avanzada irresecable o metastásica. El presente estudio describe la respuesta clínica al tratamiento con Vismodegib en una población de Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Presentamos una serie de casos entre enero de 2014-noviembre de 2015 del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (Bogotá Colombia). El tratamiento establecido fue Vismodegib (cápsulas de 150 mg vía oral diario), en ciclos cada 28 días hasta progresión o toxicidad limitante. El análisis estadístico se basó en el cálculo de proporciones en variables cualitativas, medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para las cuantitativas. Se realizó análisis de supervivencia descriptiva (Kaplan-Meier). El análisis estadístico se realizó por el software estadístico STATA 11.0. Resultados: 33 pacientes fueron incluidos, de los cuales el 73% recibieron al menos 3 ciclos de tratamiento. De estos el 63,6% tuvieron respuesta parcial y el 12,1% presentaron respuesta completa. La media de supervivencia global y libre de progresión fue de 21,7 meses (IC 95% 18,9 a 24,4 meses) y 22,3 meses (IC 95% 20,6 a 23,9 meses), respectivamente. Los eventos adversos más frecuentes fueron: espasmos musculares (35,2%), disgeusia (24,7%) y alopecia (15%). Conclusiones: En esta serie de casos, a pesar de las irregularidades en el inicio y continuidad del manejo con Vismodegib, se obtuvieron tasas de respuesta similares a las previamente descritas.

Abstract Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent skin cancer, and the activation of the Hedgehog pathway has been described in its pathogenesis. Vismodegib is a selective inhibitor of this pathway, that has shown to be effective in the treatment of locally unresectable or metastatic advanced disease. The present study describes the clinical response to treatment with vismodegib in a Colombian population. Methods: We present a case series, carried out between January 2014 and November 2015 at the National Institute of Cancerology (Bogotá, Colombia). The established treatment was Vismodegib (capsules of 150 mg orally daily), in cycles every 28 days until progression or limiting toxicity. The statistical analysis was based on the calculation of proportions in qualitative variables, measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative ones. Descriptive survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) was performed. The statistical analysis was performed by the statistical software STATA 11.0. Results: 33 patients were included, of which 73% received at least 3 treatment cycles. Of these, 63.6% had a partial response and 12.1% had a complete response. The mean of progression-free and overall survival was 21.7 months (95% CI 18.9 to 24.4 months) and 22.3 months (95% CI 20.6 to 23.9 months), respectively. The most frequent adverse events were: muscle spasms (35.2%), dysgeusia (24.7%) and alopecia (15%). Conclusion: In this series of cases, despite the irregularities in the initiation and continuity of management with Vismodegib, response rates were similar to those described in the literature.

Physical characteristics of nano-Hydroxyapatite Pickering-emulsions and their adjuvant activity on the antibody response towards the Bothros asper snake venom.

Emulsions are crucial in the treatment of snake bites to bust the antibody response of the inmunogen. The widely used Freund's emulsion typically combines 50/50 water-oil (W/O) phase. However, its use is limited because it is associated with tissue damage. We formulated and characterized a Pickering Emulsion 70/30 (W/O) that uses a chemically modified hydrophobic hydroxyapatite as surfactant. This Pickering emulsion has similar rheologic behavior to Freund's emulsion 50/50, but with lower oil and surfactant concentration. Evaluation of cell recruitment, antibody response and adhering tissue in mice immunized with B. asper of Pacific venom and treated with Freund's and Pickering 70/30 emulsions resulted in similar adjuvant activity (only 18% lower in Pickering 70/30 emulsion). However, Pickering 70/30 emulsions minimized negative side effects in the host animals and showed better ease of flow that favors injection of the host. Our results open up room for optimization and improvement of Pickering emulsion based on modified nanoparticles for medical applications.

Models for saccadic motion and postsaccadic oscillations.

In a recent letter [S. Bouzat et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 178101 (2018)10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.178101], a mathematical model for eyeball and pupil motion was developed allowing for the understanding of the postsaccadic oscillations (PSO) as inertial effects. The model assumes that the inner part of the iris, which defines the pupil, moves driven by inertial forces induced by the eyeball rotation, in addition to viscous and elastic forces. Among other achievements, the model correctly reproduces eye-tracking experiments concerning PSO profiles and their dependence on the saccade size. In this paper we propose various extensions of the mentioned model, we provide analytical solutions, and we perform an exhaustive analysis of the dynamics. In particular, we consider a more general time dependence for the eyeball velocity enabling the description of saccades with vanishing initial acceleration. Moreover, we give the analytical solution in terms of hypergeometric functions for the constant parameter version of the model and we provide particular expressions for some cases of interest. We also introduce a new version of the model with inhomogeneous viscosity that can improve the fitting of the experimental results. Our analysis of the solutions explores the dependence of the PSO profiles on the system parameters for varying saccade sizes. We show that the PSO emerge in critical-like ways when parameters such as the elasticity of the iris, the global eyeball velocity, or the saccade size vary. Moreover, we find that the PSO profiles with the first overshoot smaller than the second one, which are usually observed in experiments, can be associated to parameter regions close to criticality.

Exome-wide association of deltamethrin resistance in Aedes aegypti from Mexico.

Aedes aegypti is the major vector of a number of arboviruses that cause disease in humans. Without vaccines or pharmaceuticals, pyrethroid insecticides remain the major tool for public health protection. Pyrethroid resistance is now widespread. Replacement substitutions in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) that reduce the stability of pyrethroid binding account for most of the resistance, but metabolic mechanisms also inactivate pyrethroids. High-throughput sequencing and the A. aegypti L5 annotated physical map has allowed interrogation of the exome for genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with pyrethroid resistance. We exposed females of A. aegypti from Mexico to a deltamethrin discriminating dose to designate them as resistant (active after 1 h) or susceptible (knocked down with no recovery after 4 h). The vgsc on chromosome 3 had the highest association, followed by genes proximal to vgsc. We identified potential detoxification genes located singly (eg HPX8C) or within clusters in chromosome 2 [three esterase clusters, two of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP)] and chromosome 3 (one cluster of 16 CYP325 and seven CYP9 genes). Deltamethrin resistance in A. aegypti is associated with mutations in the vgsc gene and a large assortment of genes.

On the deviation from a Curie-Weiss behavior of the ZnFe2O4 susceptibility: A combined ab-initio and Monte-Carlo approach.

We present a numerical study of the magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 using Monte-Carlo simulations performed considering a Heisenberg model with antiferromagnetic couplings determined by Density Functional Theory. Our calculations predict that the magnetic susceptibility has a cusp-like peak centered at 13 K, and follows a Curie-Weiss behavior above this temperature with a high and negative Curie-Weiss temperature ( Θ C W = - 170 K). These results agree with the experimental data once extrinsic contributions that give rise to the deviation from a Curie-Weiss law are discounted. Additionally, we discuss the spin configuration of ZnFe2O4 below its ordering temperature, where the system presents a high degeneracy.

Número óptimo de ovocitos: modelo de predicción para fertilización in vitro / Optimal number of oocytes: In vitro fertilization predictive model

Resumen OBJETIVO: desarrollar un modelo de predicción para conseguir un recién nacido vivo con el menor número de ovocitos capturados. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, longitudinal y retrolectivo, efectuado en el Instituto Nacional de Perinatología entre 2011 y 2016 en ciclos de FIV en fresco. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad, con diagnóstico de infertilidad, a quienes se realizó fertilización in vitro con transferencia de embriones en fresco (FIV-TE). Las variables de estudio fueron: edad, IMC, concentración basal de FSH, tipo de infertilidad, tiempo de infertilidad y número de ovocitos capturados. Se elaboró un árbol de decisión tipo CHAID y un modelo binario de regresión logística. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Se consideró significativa la probabilidad de error alfa < 5%. RESULTADOS: se registraron 673 ciclos, de los que se obtuvieron 5,910 óvulos. El número óptimo de ovocitos recuperados fue mayor de 12 (independientemente de la edad), con RM = 4.666, IC95%: 2.676-8.137, p = <0.01. Las mujeres menores de 37 años de edad, con concentración basal de FSH <4.2 mUI/mL y recuperación de hasta 5 ovocitos tuvieron mayor posibilidad (28%) de obtener un recién nacido vivo (χ2 = 7.797; gl = 1, p = <0.047); por su parte, las pacientes entre 38 y 40 años de edad (RM = 0.338, IC95%: 0.147-0.776, p = <0.011) y tiempo de infertilidad de 10 a 12 años de evolución (RM = 0.394, IC95%: 0.181-0.858, p = 0.019) tuvieron menor posibilidad de obtener un recién nacido vivo. CONCLUSION: el número óptimo de ovocitos a recuperar es mayor de 12 (independientemente de la edad). Las mujeres menores de 37 años de edad, con concentración basal de FSH <4.2 mUI/mL y captura de hasta 5 ovocitos tienen mayor posibilidad de tener un recién nacido vivo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Develop a model to optimize the reproductive outcome (live birth rate). Identify the minimal number of oocytes to capture. MAERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, and retrolective study was made. In fresh IVF cycles, performed at INPer between 2011-2016. A logistic regression model was fitted with a CHAID, and performed a decision tree to predict live birth (LBR). Inclusion criteria: patients over 18 years of age, diagnosed with infertility, who underwent in vitro fertilization with fresh embryo transfer (FIV-TE). The study variables were: age, BMI, basal FSH concentration, type of infertility, time of infertility and number of oocytes captured. A decision tree type CHAID and a binary logistic regression model were performed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the statistical analysis. The probability of error alpha <5% was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 673 cycles were studied. The optimal number was >12 oocytes (OR = 4.666, 95% CI: 2.676-8.137, p=<0.01). The highest chance to have LB (28%), was in women <37 years old, with FSH <4.2 mIU / mL and <5 oocytes; χ2 = 7.797 (df = 1, p = <0.047). The lowest chance was in 38-40 years (OR = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.147-0.776, p = <0.011) with a longer lapse of infertility; 10-12 years (OR = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.181-0.858, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that in the >12 oocytes may be the optimal number to obtain, independent of the age. On the other hand the best chance to have a live birth is with an age <37, FSH <4.2 mIU/mL and <5 oocytes. Fewer oocytes than previously deemed optimal, because the probability of having a euploid embryo in this group of people is much bigger.

Molecular tweezers target a protein-protein interface and thereby modulate complex formation.

Molecular tweezers for lysine and arginine select a few residues on a protein surface and by their unique complexation mode disrupt a critical protein-protein interaction. Detailed structural information was gained by NMR experiments, strongly supported by QM/MM calculations and further substantiated by ITC, fluorescence anisotropy, ELISA and bio-layer-interference studies.

An entomological and seroepidemiological study of the vectorial-transmission risk of Chagas disease in the coast of northern Chile.

Four species of triatomines are known from Chile: Triatoma infestans Klug, Mepraia spinolai Porter, M. gajardoi Frías, Henry & González, and M. parapatrica Frías (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), the last three are endemic. The geographical distribution of M. gajardoi includes the coastal areas in the north of Chile between 18° and 21°S, an area with both a resident workforce and summer-season visitors. A study was developed to assess the risk of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease by M. gajardoi in hut settlements on the coast of the Tarapacá Region, in particular in Caleta San Marcos and Caleta Río Seco. The study comprised fingerstick sampling of 95 persons, venous samples from 29 domestic dogs and capture of 52 triatomines, from both fishing coves. The samples were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The results show that, of the total number of persons studied, 100% were negative for Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) antibodies, 10.34% of canids were positive for the antibody and 5.8% of M. gajardoi were infected to the PCR technique. The presence of this species in areas close to human settlements constitutes a risk to human populations established on the coast of northern Chile.

Epidermal growth factor receptor exon 20 insertions in advanced lung adenocarcinomas: Clinical outcomes and response to erlotinib.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertions (exon20ins) represent approximately 10% of EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinomas, and are associated with resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Clinical outcomes in comparison with patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations are not well established. METHODS: Patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinomas with EGFR exon20ins were identified through routine molecular testing. Clinicopathologic data were collected. Overall survival (OS) was measured from the diagnosis of stage IV disease, and in patients treated with EGFR TKIs, the time to progression (TTP) on erlotinib was measured. RESULTS: One thousand eight hundred and eighty-two patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinomas were identified: 46 patients had EGFR exon20ins (2%), and 258 patients had an EGFR exon 19 deletion (exon19del)/L858R point mutation (14%). Among 11 patients with lung adenocarcinomas with EGFR exon20ins who received erlotinib, 3 patients (27%) had a partial response (FQEA, 1; ASV, 1; and unknown variant, 1). TTP for patients with EGFR exon20ins and patients with EGFR exon19del/L858R on erlotinib were 3 and 12 months, respectively (P < .01). Responses to chemotherapy were similar for patients with lung adenocarcinomas with EGFR exon20ins and patients with lung adenocarcinomas with EGFR exon19del/L858R. Median OS from the diagnosis of stage IV disease for patients with EGFR exon20ins and patients with EGFR exon19del/L858R was 26 months (95% confidence interval, 19 months-not reached n = 46) and 31 months (95% confidence interval, 28-33 months; n = 258), respectively (P = .53). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas harboring EGFR exon20ins do not respond to EGFR TKI therapy. Standard chemotherapy should be used as first-line therapy. These patients have an OS similar to that of patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations. Individuals with certain variants such as FQEA and ASV may respond to erlotinib.

Improving preclinic preparation for patients with chronic conditions in quito, ecuador: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives. As in many settings, patients in community health centers in Ecuador do not complete previsit forms or receive assistance to identify questions and concerns they would like to address in brief clinic visits with physicians. We examined the comparative effectiveness of providing (1) a previsit form to complete; (2) a previsit form along with assistance in completing the form; and (3) usual care. Methods. Parallel, three-arm randomized controlled trial in two health centers serving indigent to low-income communities in Quito, Ecuador, among 199 adult patients who took medications for at least one chronic condition. Outcome measures were self-reported satisfaction with the visit, confidence in asking questions, and extent to which patients' objectives were met. Results. Patients who received assistance in completing a previsit form were more than twice as likely as participants in usual care to report achieving everything they wanted during their visit (AOR 2.2, P = 0.039). There were no differences in any outcomes between the groups who received the previsit form with no assistance and usual care. Conclusions. For high-quality patient-centered primary care, it is important to develop and test innovative and scalable interventions for patients and physicians to make the best use of limited clinic time.