HRS-4642: The next piece of the puzzle to keep KRAS in check.

KRASG12D is the most frequent KRAS mutation in human cancer. In this issue, Zhou et al. describe a novel KRASG12D inhibitor, HRS-4642, that shows potent and selective anti-tumor activity across various models and synergizes with proteasome inhibitors. Responses have also been observed in patients during an ongoing phase 1 trial.

Indicators of Cobalamin Status During Pregnancy, Pregnancy Outcome and Long-Term Effects on Offspring Health.

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been given to prenatal cobalamin insufficiency in settings where dietary cobalamin intake is presumed adequate, such as populations with habitual intake of foods from animal sources. RESULTS: However, low cobalamin status in women of fertile age has been reported in Europe, United States, and Canada. In India, where cobalamin deficiency is highly prevalent, it has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, as well as insulin resistance and lower neurodevelopment scores in the offspring. Low cobalamin status in pregnancy has been associated with similar outcomes as those reported in the Indian studies although the evidence is scant and conflicting. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration should be given to maternal cobalamin status in the context of prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as cobalamin insufficiency both in the mother and the offspring during lactation. Further attention is now justified with the increasing tendency toward plant-based diets. Reference intervals for cobalamin status during each trimester of pregnancy are needed and further investigation of the long-term conse-quences of low cobalamin status during pregnancy for health and development in the offspring is warranted.

Plain language titleInadequate cobalamin status during critical periods of growth and development can have negative consequences on maternal and childhood health.

Navigating the diagnostic maze: A case presentation of C1q vasculitis mimicking hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

In rare instances, patients with SLE may exhibit atypical clinical manifestations, such as Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis, which can pose diagnostic challenges. Here, we present a case report of a 28-year-old female with a history of SLE with lupus nephritis clase IV who developed HUV-like symptoms, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of C1q Vasculitis. This case underscores the importance of considering C1q Vasculitis in SLE patients presenting with HUV-like features and highlights Rituximab as a promising therapeutic option for managing this rare condition.

Embedding research capacity strengthening in multi-country studies in low-and middle-income countries: learnings from sexual and reproductive health research.

Research capacity strengthening (RCS) can empower individuals, institutions, networks, or countries to define and prioritize problems systematically; develop and scientifically evaluate appropriate solutions; and reinforce or improve capacities to translate knowledge into policy and practice. However, how to embed RCS into multi-country studies focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is largely undocumented. We used findings from a qualitative study, from a review of the literature, and from a validation exercise from a panel of experts from research institutions that work on SRHR RCS. We provide a framework for embedded RCS; suggest a set of seven concrete actions that research project planners, designers, implementers, and funders can utilise to guide embedded RCS activities in low- and middle-income countries; and present a practical checklist for planning and assessing embedded RCS in research projects.

Paper ContextMain findings: Building on findings from a primary qualitative study, a literature review, and a consultation with experts on capacity strengthening in LMICs, we propose a systematic approach to embedded RCS.Added knowledge: We present a framework for embedding RCS in multi-country studies and propose seven action points and a checklist for the implementation of RCS in multi-country research projects with considerations for sexual and reproductive health and rights research.Global health impact for policy and action: An easy-to-use checklist can enable global health researchers and policymakers to ensure RCS is an integral component of multi-country research.

A Capsaicin-Based Phytogenic Solution Improves Performance and Thermal Tolerance of Heat-Stressed Growing Pigs.

Exposure to heat stress (HS) detrimentally affects pig performance. This study explored whether a dietary phytogenic solution based on Capsicum spp. (PHY) could enhance the thermal tolerance of heat-stressed growing pigs. Forty-two individually housed pigs were randomly assigned to three treatments: thermoneutral pigs on a control diet (TN-C) and pigs subjected to HS fed the control diet either without (HS-C) or with supplemental PHY (HS-PHY). The TN-C group exhibited increased average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (FI) compared to both HS-C (p < 0.01) and HS-PHY pigs (p < 0.05) and better feed efficiency compared to HS-C pigs only (p < 0.01). However, the HS-PHY pigs showed significantly higher FI (p < 0.01) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to HS-C pigs. HS pigs displayed higher body temperatures (BTs) than TN pigs (p < 0.01), yet HS-PHY pigs experienced a lesser increase in BT compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with PHY mitigated some effects of HS, increasing serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, reducing HSP90 expression in longissimus dorsi muscle, and elevating jejunal villus height compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05), reaching levels akin to TN-C pigs. Additionally, PHY supplementation resulted in lower serum urea levels than HS-C pigs (p < 0.01) and similar myosin gene expression to TN-C pigs (p > 0.1), suggesting enhanced amino acid post-absorptive utilization for lean tissue growth. In conclusion, dietary PHY supplementation partially offset the adverse effects of HS on pig performance by improving thermal tolerance.

Acute pesticide poisoning: Comparison of epidemiological characteristics between the rural and urban population

Objective: To analyze the behavior of pesticide poisoning associated with lethality in rural and urban populations in Colombia from 2007 to 2017. Methodology: Retrospective observational study that included a descriptive cross-sectional study and an ecological design that analyzed aggregate measures of morbidity, mortality, and risk attributable to the population in rural and urban areas. In the cross-sectional study, the relative risk was estimated to measure the factors associated with lethality among intoxications using Poisson regression with logarithmic function. For the time series, the trends were established with simple linear regression, and the seasonal decomposition was performed using the multiplicative model. Autocorrelations were tested using the Box-Ljung statistic. Results: Between 2007-2017; 89 490 cases were reported. The Morbidity due to poisoning showed a higher proportion in the rural population 36.03 cases per 100 000; this indicator was three times higher than in urban areas (12.33 cases per 100 000). The mortality rates in rural and urban areas were 1.00 and 0.13 cases per 100 000, respectively. The relative risk of fatality in case of intoxication was associated with the intention of suicide in the rural population Relative Risk (RR): 5.9 (95% CI: 5.0-6.9). Conclusion: A higher proportion of lethality associated with these events occurred in populations living in rural areas and reporting cases of suicidal intent. In addition, morbidity and mortality due to pesticide poisoning had the highest proportion in rural areas and a growing trend over time.

Objetivo: Analizar el comportamiento de las intoxicaciones por plaguicidas en poblaciones rurales y urbanas asociadas a la letalidad en Colombia durante 2007-2017. Metodología: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó: un estudio descriptivo transversal y un diseño ecológico que analizó medidas agregadas de morbilidad, mortalidad y riesgo atribuibles a la población en áreas rurales y urbanas. En el estudio transversal se estimó el riesgo relativo para medir los factores asociados a la letalidad entre las intoxicaciones mediante regresión de Poisson con función logarítmica. Para la serie de tiempo, las tendencias se establecieron con regresión lineal simple y la descomposición estacional se realizó mediante el modelo multiplicativo. Las autocorrelaciones se probaron mediante el estadístico Box-Ljung. Resultados: Entre 2007-2017; Se notificaron 89 490 casos. La Morbilidad por intoxicación presentó mayor proporción en la población rural 36,03 casos por 100 000; este indicador fue tres veces mayor que en las áreas urbanas (12,33 casos por 100 000). Las tasas de mortalidad en el área rural y urbana fueron de 1,00 y 0,13 casos por 100 000, respectivamente. El riesgo relativo de fatalidad en caso de intoxicación se asoció con la intención de suicidio en la población rural RR: 5,9 (IC 95%: 5,0-6,9). Conclusión: Una mayor proporción de letalidad asociada a estos eventos ocurrió en poblaciones que viven en áreas rurales y reportan casos de intención suicida. Además, la morbilidad y mortalidad por intoxicación por plaguicidas tuvo la mayor proporción en las zonas rurales y una tendencia creciente en el tiempo.

Objetivo: Analisar o comportamento das intoxicações por agrotóxicos em populações rurais e urbanas associadas à letalidade na Colômbia durante 2007-2017. Metodologia: Estudo observacional retrospectivo que incluiu: estudo transversal descritivo e delineamento ecológico que analisou medidas agregadas de morbidade, mortalidade e risco atribuíveis à população em áreas rurais e urbanas. No estudo transversal, o risco relativo foi estimado para medir os fatores associados à letalidade entre as intoxicações por meio da regressão de Poisson com função logarítmica. Para as séries temporais, as tendências foram estabelecidas com regressão linear simples e a decomposição sazonal foi realizada usando o modelo multiplicativo. As autocorrelações foram testadas usando a estatística Box-Ljung. Resultados: Entre 2007-2017; 89.490 casos foram notificados. A Morbidade por intoxicação apresentou maior proporção na população rural 36,03 casos por 100.000; este indicador foi três vezes superior ao das zonas urbanas (12,33 casos por 100 000). As taxas de mortalidade nas áreas rural e urbana foram de 1,00 e 0,13 casos por 100.000 habitantes, respectivamente. O risco relativo de fatalidade em caso de intoxicação associou-se à intenção de suicídio na população rural RR: 5,9 (IC 95%: 5,0-6,9). Conclusão: Maior proporção de letalidade associada a esses eventos ocorreu em populações residentes em áreas rurais e com relato de casos de intenção suicida. Além disso, a morbimortalidade por intoxicação por agrotóxicos teve maior proporção na zona rural e tendência crescente ao longo do tempo.

[Restless sleep disorder a new entity to considered in children]. / Trastorno de sueño inquieto: una nueva entidad clínica a considerar en niños.

Restless sleep disorder (RSD) is a condition recently described by a group of sleep experts who developed diagnostic and polysomnographic criteria after conducting a comprehensive review of the available literature where poor sleep or restless sleep is a symptom alone or that accompanies other disorders. This group defined RSD as a condition characterized by parental complaints of frequent jerking movements during sleep, position changes, and sleep disruption that cause significant impairment during the day. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of symptoms for at least 3 months, 3 times a week, and at least 5 movements per hour on polysomnography. Changes in behavior during the day, such as drowsiness, irritability, and hyperactivity that are not explained by a medical, pharmacological, or behavioral condition, should be considered. Its estimated prevalence is 7.7% of children referred for sleep problems. Children often have ferritin levels below 50 µg/l, a point in common with restless legs syndrome. Treatment consists of iron supplements, which have shown benefits in these children. To establish the diagnosis, secondary symptoms of medical origin or other sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder must be ruled out. The objective of this report is to review the current recommendations on this entity, describe the clinical, pathophysiological, and polysomnographic keys, in order to highlight the need to publicize this condition and expand studies in age groups other than those already defined and to generate treatment guidelines.

Toxicological assessment of pristine and degraded forms of graphene functionalized with MnOx nanoparticles using human in vitro models representing different exposure routes.

The development of novel advanced nanomaterials (NMs) with outstanding characteristics for their use in distinct applications needs to be accompanied by the generation of knowledge on their potential toxicological impact, in particular, that derived from different occupational risk exposure routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. The harmful effects of novel graphene-metal oxide composites on human health are not well understood, many toxicological properties have not been investigated yet. The present study has evaluated several toxicological effects associated with graphene decorated with manganese oxide nanoparticles (GNA15), in a comparative assessment with those induced by simple graphene (G2), on human models representing inhalation (A549 cell line), ingestion (HT29 cell line) and dermal routes (3D reconstructed skin). Pristine and degraded forms of these NMs were included in the study, showing to have different physicochemical and toxicological properties. The degraded version of GNA15 (GNA15d) and G2 (G2d) exhibited clear structural differences with their pristine counterparts, as well as a higher release of metal ions. The viability of respiratory and gastrointestinal models was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of both GNA15 and G2 pristine and degraded forms. Besides this, all NMs induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both models. However, the degraded forms showed to induce a higher cytotoxicity effect. In addition, we found that none of the materials produced irritant effects on 3D reconstructed skin when present in aqueous suspensions. These results provide novel insights into the potentially harmful effects of novel multicomponent NMs in a comprehensive manner. Furthermore, the integrity of the NMs can play a role in their toxicity, which can vary depending on their composition and the exposure route.

ZnO-Loaded Graphene for NO2 Gas Sensing.

This paper investigates the effect of decorating graphene with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) for the detection of NO2. In this regard, two graphene sensors with different ZnO loadings of 5 wt.% and 20 wt.% were prepared, and their responses towards NO2 at room temperature and different conditions were compared. The experimental results demonstrate that the graphene loaded with 5 wt.% ZnO NPs (G95/5) shows better performance at detecting low concentrations of the target gas than the one loaded with 20 wt.% ZnO NPs (G80/20). Moreover, measurements under dry and humid conditions of the G95/5 sensor revealed that the material is very sensitive to ambient moisture, showing an almost eight-fold increase in NO2 sensitivity when the background changes from dry to 70% relative humidity. Regarding sensor selectivity, it presents a significant selectivity towards NO2 compared to other gas compounds.

Estudio comparativo de la sensibilidad del MAMMI-PET en el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama con respecto a otras pruebas de imagen / Comparative study of the sensitivity of MAMMI-PET in the diagnosis of breast cancer with regard to other imaging tests

Introducción: el empleo de dispositivos de tomografía por emisión de positrones mamodedicados (dbPET) mejora la resolución espacial respecto a la PET corporal total. La mamografía mediante imagen molecular PET (MAMMI-PET) es una nueva técnica, pero los estudios clínicos realizados son escasos. El objetivo del trabajo es determinar la sensibilidad, especificidad, los valores predictivos positivos y negativos de la MAMMI-PET, así como comparar el dispositivo con las pruebas de imagen tradicionales. Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo y analítico sobre una muestra de pacientes con cáncer de mama confirmado histológicamente, atendidas en el Hospital General de Valencia (enero 2017-noviembre 2018). Se realizó un estudio preoperatorio con ecografía, mamografía, resonancia magnética nuclear y MAMMI-PET. Se consideró a la anatomía patológica como el patrón oro del número y tipo de lesiones existentes en cada mama. Se comprobó si el diagnóstico del MAMMI-PET para cada lesión coincidió con el resultado de la anatomía patológica. Se comparó la sensibilidad de cada prueba con la del MAMMI-PET empleando la prueba de Chi cuadrado con nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: se evaluaron los datos de 32 pacientes y 44 lesiones (36 malignas y 8 benignas). Dos pacientes fueron excluidas del estudio. Se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 75% para el MAMMI-PET. La mejor sensibilidad se obtuvo para la resonancia magnética nuclear con 85,3% mientras que para la ecografía y la mamografía fue de 77,8 y 69,4%, respectivamente. No se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el estudio comparativo entre el MAMMI-PET y el resto de las pruebas de imagen. Conclusiones: la sensibilidad del MAMMI-PET (75%) para el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama fue similar a las otras pruebas de imagen. (AU)

Introduction: The use of mammo dedicated breast PET (dbPET) scanners improves spacial resolution compared to Whole Body Pet images (WBPET). Mammography with Molecular Imaging PET (MAMMI-PET) is a new device with hardly any clinical studies. The aim of the study is to estimate the sensitivity of MAMMI-PET and compare it with classic imaging devices. Material and methods: A prospective and analytical observational study was carried out in a sample of patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer who were treated at our hospital between January 2017 and November 2018. Preoperative study of patients was performed with ultrasound, mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MAMMI-PET. Findings (number and benignant/malignant lesions) of the anatomopathological (AP) study were used as the gold standard. Results between MAMMI-PET and AP were compared. The sensitivity of each test was compared with that of the MAMMI-PET using the Chi square test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Data from 32 patients and 44 lesions (36 malignant and 8 benign) were evaluated. Two patients were excluded. The MAMMI-PET sensitivity was 75%. The best sensitivity was obtained for MRI with 85.3%, while for ultrasound and mammography it was 77.8% and 69.4% respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the sensitivity of MAMMIPET and the rest of the imaging tests. Conclusions: The sensitivity obtained for the MAMMI-PET scanner (75%) was similar to the other imaging tests. (AU)

Pregnancy homocysteine and cobalamin status predict childhood metabolic health in the offspring.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate pregnancy cobalamin status has been associated with adverse offspring metabolic health in Indian and Nepalese studies. Studies of pregnancy cobalamin status and mid-childhood health outside of Asia are scarce. METHODS: Associations between pregnancy fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), cobalamin status (plasma cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA)) and mid-childhood metabolic score (MetSco) ((including fat mass index (zFMI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (zHOMA-IR) and dyslipidemia (zTG - zHDLc)/2) z-scores)) were investigated in a prospective study of 293 mother-child dyads. RESULTS: Highest versus low-mid pregnancy tHcy tertile was associated with higher mid-childhood MetSco, specifically with higher child zFMI. Stratifying by sex, the maternal tHcy-child MetSco association was limited to boys and confirmed for zFMI and zHOMA-IR. The maternal tHcy-child zFMI association was not mediated by birth weight z-score. First trimester plasma cobalamin was not associated with child outcomes, but other indicators of cobalamin status were. Lowest versus mid-high plasma holoTC tertile was associated with MetSco (specifically zFMI and zHOMA-IR) and highest versus low-mid plasma MMA tertile with higher MetSco and dyslipidemia in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Moderately elevated pregnancy tHcy and low cobalamin status were associated with mid-childhood metabolic score in boys. The pregnancy tHcy-child zFMI association was not mediated by birth weight. IMPACT: Fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) during pregnancy and low cobalamin status during early pregnancy are associated with mid-childhood metabolic score and its components in the offspring. These findings were only significant in male offspring. The study provides new evidence that impaired one carbon metabolism during pregnancy is associated with negative health outcomes in the offspring, in a population with low prevalence of cobalamin deficiency. The maternal-offspring associations were observed in the functional markers of cobalamin status (holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid) and tHcy, not with plasma cobalamin concentration. Screening for low pregnancy cobalamin status should be considered.

Toxicology assessment of manganese oxide nanomaterials with enhanced electrochemical properties using human in vitro models representing different exposure routes.

In the present study, a comparative human toxicity assessment between newly developed Mn3O4 nanoparticles with enhanced electrochemical properties (GNA35) and their precursor material (Mn3O4) was performed, employing different in vitro cellular models representing main exposure routes (inhalation, intestinal and dermal contact), namely the human alveolar carcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT29), and the reconstructed 3D human epidermal model EpiDerm. The obtained results showed that Mn3O4 and GNA35 harbour similar morphological characteristics, whereas differences were observed in relation to their surface area and electrochemical properties. In regard to their toxicological properties, both nanomaterials induced ROS in the A549 and HT29 cell lines, while cell viability reduction was only observed in the A549 cells. Concerning their skin irritation potential, the studied nanomaterials did not cause a reduction of the skin tissue viability in the test conditions nor interleukin 1 alpha (IL- 1 α) release. Therefore, they can be considered as not irritant nanomaterials according to EU and Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling Chemicals. Our findings provide new insights about the potential harmful effects of Mn3O4 nanomaterials with different properties, demonstrating that the hazard assessment using different human in vitro models is a critical aspect to increase the knowledge on their potential impact upon different exposure routes.

Phytochemicals and modulation of exercise-induced oxidative stress: a novel overview of antioxidants.

The practice of physical exercise induces a series of physiological changes in the body at different levels, either acutely or chronically. During exercise, the increase in oxygen consumption promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are necessary to maintain homeostasis. ROS/RNS activate cellular signaling pathways, such as the antioxidant cytoprotective systems, inflammation, and cell proliferation, which are crucial for cell survival. However, in exhaustive-extended physical exercise, workloads can exceed the endogenous antioxidant defenses, which may be related to impairment of muscle contraction, fatigue, and a decrease in athletic performance. This review addresses the role of some antioxidants from plant-derived extracts called phytochemicals that can mediate the response to oxidative stress induced by physical exercise by activating signaling pathways, such as Nrf2/Keap1/ARE, responsible for the endogenous antioxidant response and possibly having an impact on sports performance.

Riesgo suicida y estrategias de afrontamiento al estrés en población campesina colombiana / Suicidal risk and strategies for coping with stress in Colombian rural population

Resumen Introducción: El comportamiento suicida hace referencia a las diversas conductas para dejar de vivir es un fenómeno multifactorial ampliamente estudiado en población urbana, sin embargo, la población campesina, especialmente agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas están entre los grupos de alto riesgo. Objetivo: Evaluar las relaciones entre el riesgo suicida y las estrategias de afrontamiento al estrés en una muestra de 76 campesinos entre los 18 y 79 años del municipio de El Santuario, Colombia, durante la emergencia sanitaria por Covid-19. Método: Para este estudio se utilizó un diseño descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal y se emplearon como instrumentos la Escala de Evaluación de Riesgo Suicida -ERS- y la Escala de Estilos y Estrategias de Afrontamiento (EEEAE). Resultados: Los resultados encontrados en la Escala ERS no indicaron niveles clínicos de riesgo suicida. Y respecto a la EEEAE casi siempre los participantes usaban las estrategias de Reevaluación positiva, Apoyo social, Desconexión cognitiva y Resolver el problema. Hubo correlaciones negativas entre todas las dimensiones de la escala ERS con EEEAE, menos entre las dimensiones Depresión/Desesperanza y Aislamiento/Soporte social (ERS) con la Desconexión cognitiva (EEEAE) y especialmente la estrategia de Reevaluación Positiva tuvo un peso significativo sobre riesgo suicida. Conclusiones: La Reevaluación Positiva es una estrategia de afrontamiento que puede proteger la salud mental ante situaciones de estrés asociados con el riesgo suicida de la población campesina, los agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas.

Abstract Introduction: Suicidal behavior refers to the various behaviors to stop living, it is a multifactorial phenomenon widely studied in the urban population, however, the rural population, especially farmers and agricultural workers, are among the high-risk groups. Objective: Evaluate the relationships between suicidal risk and stress coping strategies in a sample of 76 peasants between 18 and 79 years of age from the municipality of El Santuario, Colombia during the Covid-19 health emergency. Method: For this study, a cross-sectional correlational descriptive design was used. The Suicide Risk Assessment Scale -SRAS- and the Coping Styles and Strategies Scale were used as measurement instruments (CSSS). Results: The results found in the SRAS Scale did not indicate clinical levels of suicidal risk. And regarding the EEEAE, the participants almost always used the strategies of Positive Reappraisal, Social Support, Cognitive Disconnection and Problem-Solving skills. There were negative correlations between all the dimensions of the SRAS scale with CSSS, less between the dimensions Depression/Hopelessness and Isolation/social support (SRAS) with Cognitive Disconnection (CSSS) and especially the Positive Reappraisal had a significant weight on suicidal risk. Conclusions: Positive Reappraisal is a coping strategy that can protect mental health in situations of stress associated with suicidal risk of the rural population, farmers, and agricultural workers.

Gender disparities in multiple sclerosis research and leadership: A Colombian perspective.

Background: The neurological academic field is an illustrative example of persistent gender-related disparities reflected in compensation, funding, leadership, promotion, publishing, and recognition. Several studies indicate that neurology is one of the most underrepresented specialties with female physicians as first authors, but also has one of the highest gender payment gaps. Neglecting the role of women in academic leadership positions hinders the visibility and recognition of research and leadership in multiple sclerosis (MS). Increasing diversity within academia has positive effects, such as widening focus and expanding the plurality of research outputs. The gender gap and visibility of female MS clinicians and researchers remains an unexplored research topic in our country despite the rising number of female neurologists. Objective: This study aims to establish the gender distribution between researchers and clinical neurologists in multiple sclerosis in Colombia and raise awareness about gender disparities in this area. Methods: We applied a cross-sectional survey study of Colombian neurologists and neurology residents currently members of the Colombian Neurology Association. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were used for quantitative variables and frequency for qualitative variables. To evaluate the influence of gender, logarithmic regression was used. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26. Results: A total of 201 participants agreed to complete the survey, most of whom were female (n = 135, 67.2%). All the Colombian regions were represented in the survey. Of those surveyed, 31.5% (n = 64) had an interest in demyelinating diseases and MS, of which 46.8% (n = 30) were female. Of the women with MS training, only 50% (n =5) had more than three publications as the first author of a scientific article compared to men (n = 5, 83%). After adjusting the number of publications by gender, there were no significant differences between men and women (median 2.0[2, 1.21] vs. 2[2, 0.5], p = 0.904). However, only 16.6% (n = 5) of women had a visible academic, leadership, or teaching position compared with men 75.7% (n = 25). When adjusting the salary income by gender, we found a statistically significant difference between women and men (median 2.0 [5, 1.47] vs. 3 [5, 1.65], p = 0.006). Women in MS earned between USD 2,500 and 3,800 per month; while men earned between USD 3,800 to 5,070. Conclusion: Despite a higher number of female neurologists trained in MS in Colombia, our data suggest considerable differences and gender gaps with regard to diverse opportunities at the academic, salary promotion, leadership, teaching, and recognition levels between male and female MS neurologists.

Correlation between MAMMI-PET findings and anatomopathological outcomes in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Imaging tests are a key element in the preoperative diagnosis of patients with breast cancer. Whole-body PET-computed tomography (PET/CT) breast studies have a limited spatial resolution, although dedicated breast PET (dbPET) devices such as the Mammography with Molecular Imaging PET (MAMMI-PET), have an increased sensitivity to detect tumor foci, especially those smaller than 2 cm. The purpose of this study is to define the validity and reliability of this new device. METHODS: A prospective and analytical observational study was carried out in a sample of patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer who were treated at our hospital between January 2017 and November 2018. The anatomopathological study findings for the surgical pieces were used as gold standards and we calculated their concordance with the findings from the MAMMI-PET as well as the validity and reliability parameters for this test. RESULTS: Data from 32 patients and 44 lesions (36 malignant and 8 benign) were evaluated. The mean patient age was 51.50 ± 11.68 years. Twenty patients had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The technique concordance rate was weak ( K = 0.349, P = 0.001) and was 84.3% for benign lesions and 62.6% for malignant ones. The MAMMI-PET sensitivity was 75%, whereas its specificity was 57.1%; the positive predictive value was 81.8% and the negative predictive value was 47.1%, with an overall precision of 70%. The MAMMI-PET sensitivity was higher in patients who had not undergone NACT and was significantly higher in patients with luminal B breast cancer compared to the luminal A subtype. CONCLUSION: The MAMMI-PET device had acceptable sensitivity and a high positive predictive value for the preoperative evaluation of patients with breast cancer; it was especially useful for lesions whose diagnosis with other imaging tests had been doubtful.

Determining the pre-grazing sward height of Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus - Hochst. ex Chiov.) for optimizing nutrient intake rate of dairy heifers.

Understanding the grazing process and animal response to sward structures (e.g., sward height) is key to setting targets for efficient grazing management. We hypothesized that the short-term intake rate (STIR) of dry matter (DM) and digestible organic matter (OM) by dairy heifers is maximized with Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus-Hochst. ex Chiov.) of intermediate sward heights. The treatments consisted of five pre-grazing sward heights (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm) randomly assigned to two of ten paddocks. The experimental design included two measurements of each paddock at different periods and times of day. Three Holstein heifers (440 ± 42 kg body weight) were used to determine the STIR, which was estimated using the double-weighing technique with correction for insensible weight losses. The bite mass (BM), bite rate (BR), sward structural characteristics, and nutritional value of herbage samples were assessed. The data were analyzed using mixed models with a factorial arrangement of five sward heights, two times of day, and two evaluation periods. The sward height of Kikuyu grass that maximized both STIRs was approximately 20 cm. The STIR of the DM was 30% and 15% lower than the maximum in the shortest and tallest swards tested, respectively. In swards shorter than 20 cm, the STIR was lower because the BM decreased with sward height, whereas in those greater than 20 cm, the lower BM and STIR of DM was explained by a decrease in bulk density and bite volume. The top stratum was composed mainly of highly digestible leaf blades with similar nutrient content across sward heights; therefore the STIR of digestible OM was also maximized at 20 cm. Hence, the optimal pre-grazing sward height of Kikuyu grass should be managed at 20 cm under rotational stocking systems to maximize nutrient intake rate of dairy heifers.

Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Quantitative Systematic Review.

The prevalence and risk factors of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke HT have not been adequately delineated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify English-language prospective observational MEDLINE and EMBASE-listed reports of acute ischemic stroke with HT published from 1985-2017. Studies that used the ECASS-2 definitions of hemorrhagic transformation subtypes, hemorrhagic infarction (HI), and parenchymal hematoma (PH) were included. Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) were compared with those who did not receive thrombolysis. A total of 65 studies with 17,259 patients met inclusion criteria. Overall, HT prevalence was 27%; 32% in patients receiving IV-tPA vs. 20% in those without. Overall PH prevalence was 9%; 12% in IV-tPA treated patients vs. 5% in those without. HT was associated with a history of atrial fibrillation (OR 2.94) and use of anticoagulants (OR 2.47). HT patients had higher NIHSS (Hedge's-G 0.96) and larger infarct volume (diffusion-weighted MRI, Hedge's-G 0.8). In IV-tPA treated patients, PH correlated with antiplatelet (OR 3) and statin treatment (OR 4). HT (OR 3) and PH (OR 8) were associated with a poor outcome at 90-day (mRS 5-6). Hemorrhagic transformation is a frequent complication of acute ischemic stroke and is associated with poor outcome. Recognition of risk factors for HT and PH may reduce their incidence and severity.