Description of Post-discharge Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 in a Tertiary Referral Center in the Philippines.

Background and Objectives: The immediate post-discharge period of COVID-19 patients is a vulnerable state due to several complications that may arise during this time. Some patients get readmitted shortly after being discharged while others report persistence of symptoms, develop specialized needs, or observe a decline from their baseline functional capacity. Information on the outcomes of post-COVID discharge patients in our institution is currently lacking. This study described the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 after their discharge from the service areas of Philippine General Hospital. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review involving charts of all adult patients discharged from the PGH COVID service areas last August 2021 to October 2021. Data from their follow up consults at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-discharge were reviewed. Baseline characteristics and post-discharge outcomes including post-COVID symptoms, special care needs, mortality, rehospitalization, emergency consult, level of dependence, and ability to return to work were assessed. Results: A total of 171 patient charts were included. The mean age of patients was 53.7 years. Most were male (60.2%), unemployed (59.7%), non-smoker (55%), hypertensive (57.9%), diabetic (50.2%), and obese (50.2%). Most of them were oxygen requiring (80%) and with severe to critical COVID infection (72.5%) during admission. At 3 months post-discharge, 113 (66%) were stable and able to complete the follow up, 8 (4.6%) died, 9 (5.2%) got readmitted, and 41 (23.9%) were lost to follow up. Among those who were able to follow up after 3 months, 84 (74%) were asymptomatic. Among those who remained symptomatic, the most common symptoms were dyspnea, fatigue, and cough. After 3 months, 100 (88%) did not require special care needs, 100 (88%) were fully independent, and 45 (39.8%) were able to return to baseline work. Conclusions: Despite the majority of patients having severe to critical COVID infection during admission, most were asymptomatic within 3 months post-discharge. In those who developed persistent symptoms, dyspnea, cough, and fatigue were the most common symptoms identified regardless of COVID severity. Majority did not require special care needs.

Validating a measure for eco-anxiety in Portuguese young adults and exploring its associations with environmental action.

BACKGROUND: Worsening environmental conditions may amplify people's emotional responses to an environmental crisis (eco-anxiety). In Portugal, young people seem to be especially concerned about climate change. However, this phenomenon needs to be interpreted using accurate instruments. Thus, this study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) in young adults and examine the associations among eco-anxiety, sociodemographic characteristics, and pro-environmental behaviours. METHODS: A survey was administered to 623 Portuguese university students aged between 18 and 25 years. The survey included our Portuguese translation of the HEAS (obtained through a back-translation and pretesting process), a sociodemographic assessment, and questions related to pro-environmental behaviours. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the construct validity of the Portuguese version of the HEAS, and global fit indices were used to assess whether the original four-dimensional structure of the scale was reproduced. The reliability of the Portuguese version of the HEAS was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Measurement invariance examined sex differences in scale interpretation. Linear regressions were used to detect whether sociodemographic variables predict eco-anxiety and whether eco-anxiety predicts pro-environmental behaviours. RESULTS: The factorial structure of the original scale was replicated in the Portuguese version of the HEAS, showing good internal consistency, reliability over time and strict invariance between men and women. A higher paternal education level predicted greater eco-anxiety in children. Two dimensions of eco-anxiety-namely, rumination and anxiety about personal impacts on the environment-predicted higher engagement in pro-environmental behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The translated scale is an appropriate tool to measure eco-anxiety in the Portuguese context and should be used to collect evidence to drive environmental and health policies. An individual's education level should be considered a determinant of their emotional response to environmental conditions. Importantly, eco-anxiety can act as a protective emotional response to preserving the planet.

When Type 2 Processing Misfires: The Indiscriminate Use of Statistical Thinking about Reasoning Problems.

Research on dual-process theories of judgment makes abundant use of reasoning problems that present a conflict between Type 1 intuitive responses and Type 2 rule-based responses. However, in many of these reasoning tasks, there is no way to discriminate between the adequate and inadequate use of rules based on logical or probabilistic principles. To experimentally discriminate between the two, we developed a new set of problems: rule-inadequate versions of standard base-rate problems (where base rates are made irrelevant). Across four experiments, we observed conflict sensitivity (measured in terms of response latencies and response confidence) in responses to standard base-rate problems but also in responses to rule-inadequate versions of these problems. This failure to discriminate between real and merely apparent (or spurious) conflict suggests that participants often misuse statistical information and draw conclusions based on irrelevant base rates. We conclude that inferring the sound use of statistical rules from normatively correct responses to standard conflict problems may be unwarranted when this kind of reasoning bias is not controlled for.

Systematic Review of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Patients with Exercise-Induced Leg Pain.

Background and Objectives: To determine the most commonly used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in exercise-induced leg pain (EILP) and to identify specific PROMs for EILP in order to evaluate their psychometric properties and methodological quality. Materials and Methods: A strategic search was performed in different databases to identify and extract the characteristics of studies based on the use of PROMs in patients with EILP. Specific PROMs were evaluated according to the Terwee et al. and COSMIN criteria. Results: Fifty-six studies were included in the review. The Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Score (MTSSS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Exercise-Induced Leg Pain Questionnaire (EILP-Q) were identified as specific PROMs for EILP. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was the most widely used instrument in the assessment of EILP. The methodological quality assessment showed six positive values for the LEFS, four for the MTSSS and three for the EILP-Q for the eight psychometric properties analyzed according to the COSMIN criteria. The evaluation of the nine psychometric properties according to Terwee showed five positive values for the LEFS and MTSSS, and three for the EILP-Q. Conclusions: The overall methodological quality of the PROMs used was low. The VAS was the most widely used instrument in the assessment of EILP, and the LEFS was the highest quality PROM available for EILP, followed by the MTSSS and EILP-Q, respectively.

Expression Profile of Genes Related to the Th17 Pathway in Macrophages Infected by Leishmania major and Leishmania amazonensis: The Use of Gene Regulatory Networks in Modeling This Pathway.

Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania major are the causative agents of cutaneous and mucocutaneous diseases. The infections' outcome depends on host-parasite interactions and Th1/Th2 response, and in cutaneous form, regulation of Th17 cytokines has been reported to maintain inflammation in lesions. Despite that, the Th17 regulatory scenario remains unclear. With the aim to gain a better understanding of the transcription factors (TFs) and genes involved in Th17 induction, in this study, the role of inducing factors of the Th17 pathway in Leishmania-macrophage infection was addressed through computational modeling of gene regulatory networks (GRNs). The Th17 GRN modeling integrated experimentally validated data available in the literature and gene expression data from a time-series RNA-seq experiment (4, 24, 48, and 72 h post-infection). The generated model comprises a total of 10 TFs, 22 coding genes, and 16 cytokines related to the Th17 immune modulation. Addressing the Th17 induction in infected and uninfected macrophages, an increase of 2- to 3-fold in 4-24 h was observed in the former. However, there was a decrease in basal levels at 48-72 h for both groups. In order to evaluate the possible outcomes triggered by GRN component modulation in the Th17 pathway. The generated GRN models promoted an integrative and dynamic view of Leishmania-macrophage interaction over time that extends beyond the analysis of single-gene expression.

Relationship between Running Spatiotemporal Kinematics and Muscle Performance in Well-Trained Youth Female Athletes. A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the relationship of neuromuscular performance and spatiotemporal parameters in 18 adolescent distance athletes (age, 15.5 ± 1.1 years). Using the OptoGait system, the power, rhythm, reactive strength index, jump flying time, and jump height of the squat jump, countermovement jump, and eight maximal hoppings test (HT8max) and the contact time (CT), flying time (FT), step frequency, stride angle, and step length of running at different speeds were measured. Maturity offset was determined based on anthropometric variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of repeated measurements showed a reduction in CT (p < 0.000) and an increase in step frequency, step length, and stride angle (p < 0.001), as the velocity increased. The HT8max test showed significant correlations with very large effect sizes between neuromuscular performance variables (reactive strength index, power, jump flying time, jump height, and rhythm) and both step frequency and step length. Multiple linear regression found this relationship after adjusting spatiotemporal parameters with neuromuscular performance variables. Some variables of neuromuscular performance, mainly in reactive tests, were the predictors of spatiotemporal parameters (CT, FT, stride angle, and VO). Rhythm and jump flying time in the HT8max test and power in the countermovement jump test are parameters that can predict variables associated with running biomechanics, such as VO, CT, FT, and stride angle.

Perceived Causes and Attitudes Regarding Overindebtedness and Their Effects on Public Agreement With Government Financial Aid.

In order to better understand how the problem of overindebtedness is perceived from a laypeople standpoint, Study 1 inquired both overindebted and non-overindebted consumers on the perceived causes of and attitudes toward the overindebted. Situational and dispositional factors were perceived to have similar impact as causes of overindebtedness, but non-overindebted consumers showed stronger agreement with those causes than overindebted consumers. Regarding attitudes, non-overindebted consumers tended to blame overindebted people for their situation rather than perceiving them as victims, whereas overindebted consumers showed the opposite pattern. Study 2 used a sample of (non-overindebted) consumers to assess the impact of perceived causes of overindebtedness, attitudes toward the overindebted, and political orientation on public support of government policies for aiding overindebted people. We discuss the contributions of the present findings to design public policies aimed at aiding overindebted households that are more aligned with the beliefs and attitudes of the general public.

On the Relation Between Over-Indebtedness and Well-Being: An Analysis of the Mechanisms Influencing Health, Sleep, Life Satisfaction, and Emotional Well-Being.

This paper aims to explore the association between over-indebtedness and two facets of well-being - life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Although prior research has associated over-indebtedness with lower life satisfaction, this study contributes to the extant literature by revealing its effects on emotional well-being, which is a crucial component of well-being that has received less attention. Besides subjective well-being (SWB), reported health, and sleep quality were also assessed. The findings suggest that over-indebted (compared to non-over-indebted) consumers have lower life satisfaction and emotional well-being, as well as poorer (reported) health and sleep quality. Furthermore, over-indebtedness impacts life satisfaction and emotional well-being through different mechanisms. Consumers decreased perceived control accounts for the impact of over-indebtedness on both facets of well-being (as well as on reported health and sleep). Financial well-being (a specific component of life satisfaction), partly mediates the impact of indebtedness status on overall life satisfaction. The current study contributes to research focusing on the relationship between indebtedness, well-being, health, and sleep quality, and provides relevant theoretical and practical implications.

Attitudes Toward Money and Control Strategies of Financial Behavior: A Comparison Between Overindebted and Non-overindebted Consumers.

This paper addresses whether overindebted and non-overindebted consumers differ in their attitude toward money (specifically, the degree to which consumers care about money and feel difficulties keeping track of their money) and how this attitude impacts three different financial behavior categories: record keeping (e.g., recording spending in writing), adjusting balance (e.g., trying to find ways to decrease one's expenses to match income), and monitoring balance (e.g., monitoring one's spending to see if it is in line with what is expected). Overindebted consumers were recruited via an NGO for consumer defense and were categorized (whenever possible) into two subgroups: consumers who became overindebted due to internal causes (e.g., bad financial management) and consumers who became overindebted due to external causes (e.g., unemployment). Non-overindebted consumers were a convenience sample. Non-overindebted consumers showed more positive attitudes toward money than both groups of overindebted consumers and overindebted due to external causes showed more positive attitudes than overindebted consumers due to internal causes. All groups share similar financial management behaviors except for monitoring balance, which was more frequent among non-overindebted consumers. Furthermore, a regression analysis indicates that money attitudes helped explain financial behavior differences between consumers above and beyond their indebtedness status. Consumers' attitude predicted financial behaviors, even when controlling for relevant socioeconomic variables (education, income, age, and gender). Further analyses comparing money attitudes and financial behavior for the three subgroups (non-overindebted, overindebted due to internal causes, and overindebted due to external causes) showed no differences.

Morph-agronomic characterization of watermelon accessions with resistance to Fusarium Wilt.

Fifty-five watermelon accessions were inoculated in pots using Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum chlamydospores in a completely randomized design with five replications. Among the 42 accessions that were resistant, twelve accessions with a mean score ≤1 were selected for morpho-agronomic characterization. 'Sugar Baby' and 'Charleston Gray' were used as controls. Field research was conducted over two production cycles in a randomized block design with three replications and five plants per plot. For the characterization 13 quantitative agronomic traits were used. The dissimilarity measures were obtained by the sum of the matrices of standardized mean Euclidean distance. Coefficients of variation ranged from 5.33% (number of days until 50% of plants with at least one female flower) and 17.20% (mass of characterized fruit). In the second cycle, a reduction in days was observed for the flowering. For soluble solids content, the accession BGH-UNIVASF 40 was statistically equal to the commercial cultivars in the second cycle. Accessions were grouped similarly using two grouping methods, Tocher and the farthest neighbor method. The most promising accessions were BGH-UNIVASF 40, 169, 177 and 210 for use in future hybridizations. BGH-UNIVASF 76, 128 and 185 (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) can be used as resistant Fusarium wilt rootstocks.

Hemichorea-Hemiballismus as a Presentation of Cerebritis from Intracranial Toxoplasmosis and Tuberculosis.

Background: There is limited literature documenting hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) resulting from co-infection of toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis (TB) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Toxoplasmic abscess is the most common cause while TB is a rare etiology. Case Description: We describe a 24-year-old male with AIDS-related HCHB as the presentation of cerebritis on the right subthalamic nucleus and cerebral peduncle from intracranial toxoplasma and TB co-infection. Antimicrobials and symptomatic therapy were given. Marked improvement was seen on follow-up. Discussion: HCHB may be the initial presentation of intracranial involvement of this co-infection in the setting of AIDS and is potentially reversible with timely management. Highlights: Hemichorea-hemiballismus (HCHB) may be an initial presentation of intracranial involvement of concomitant toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis causing focal cerebritis in the contralateral subthalamic nucleus and cerebral peduncle, particularly in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection.Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related HCHB is potentially reversible with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Circulating miR-30b-5p levels in plasma as a novel potential biomarker for early detection of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recently, microRNAs have been demonstrated to be potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis assessment or prediction of response to treatment in cancer. In this study, we evaluate the potential of miR-30b-5p as a biomarker for early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) in tissue and plasma. METHODS: Expression of miR-30b-5p was determined in a series of 112 BC and 40 normal breast tissues. Circulating miR-30b-5p levels in plasma samples were determined in a discovery cohort of 38 BC patients and 40 healthy donors and in a validation cohort of 83 BC patients and 83 healthy volunteers. miR-30b-5p expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was carried out. RESULTS: The miR-30b-5p expression was significantly lower in BC tissue than in healthy breast samples. In contrast, circulating miR-30b-5p levels were significantly higher in BC patients compared with healthy donors. Furthermore, circulating miR-30b-5p levels were significantly higher in patients with positive axillary lymph node and de novo metastatic patients. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis demonstrated a good diagnostic potential of miR-30b-5p to detect BC even at an early stage of the disease. CONCLUSION: Thus, we highlight the potential of miR-30b-5p as a non-invasive, fast, reproducible and cost-effective diagnostic biomarker of BC.

Age and Training-Related Changes on Body Composition and Fitness in Male Amateur Cyclists.

Master athletes are considered as a model of healthy aging because they can limit the age-related decline of physiological abilities compared to sedentary individuals. The main objective of this study is to analyze age-related changes and annual training on body composition (BC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) parameters. The participants in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 176 male cyclists, aged 40-60 years. BC was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and CRF was determined by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. A comparative study between age groups was carried out through a one-way ANOVA test and the associations between the variables were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis to estimate the performance. Training was generally associated with a decrease in both body weight and body fat (p < 0.05). A decrease in resting heart rate was observed as a vagal effect of kilometers cycled per year (p < 0.05). Kilometers cycled per year were associated with an increase in peak power output, which was larger in the master 40 group (p < 0.05) with a non-significant upward in VO2max (p > 0.05). In the performance prediction model, the included variables explained 52% of the variance. In summary, the changes induced by age were minimal in BC and negligible in CRF, whereas HR decreased with age. Training load was generally associated with a decrease in body weight, BMI and body fat percentage that was particularly notable in the abdominal skin folds. A decrease in HRrest was observed as a vagal effect due to kilometers cycled per year, and age did not seem to have a significant effect. The annual cycling kilometers were associated with to high PPO that is greater in the M40 group and a non-significant upward trend in VO2max.

The Predictive Role of Raw Bioelectrical Impedance Variables in Disordered Eating Attitudes in Female Ballet Dance Students.

The present study used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to investigate the accuracy of body composition and raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in correctly classifying disordered eating attitudes (DEA) in dance students. Participants were 81 female dancers assigned in two groups: beginner training (BT; age (mean ± SD) = 10.09 ± 1.2 years, n = 32) and advanced training (AT; age = 15.37 ± 2.1 years, n = 49). Fat mass (FM) was estimated by Slaughter's equation and skeletal muscle with Poortman's equation. Impedance (Z), resistance (R), reactance (Xc) and phase angle (PhA) were obtained through multifrequency BIA at a frequency of 50 kHz. Fat-free mass (FFM) was assessed using Sun's equation. For evaluation of DEA, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) questionnaire was performed. We defined an EAT-26 score ≥ 20 as positive for DEA. Comparisons between groups were performed by a one-way ANOVA test or Kruskall-Wallis test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were performed to assess associations between variables. ROC curve analysis was utilized to test the accuracy of body composition and BIA variables in predicting DEA. In the BT group, Xc and PhA demonstrated high accuracy in predicting DEA with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.976 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-1.00) and 0.957 (95% CI: 0.82-0.99), respectively, (both p < 0.0001). FFM Sun had an AUC of 0.836 (95% CI: 0.66-0.94) (p < 0.0001) in the BT group and FFM Slaughter was 0.797 (95% CI: 0.66-0.90) (p < 0.001) in the AT group. Reactance and Phase angle were excellent and useful predictors of DEA in the BT group.

Somatotype Components as Useful Predictors of Disordered Eating Attitudes in Young Female Ballet Dance Students.

The current study used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to examine the accuracy of somatotype components in correctly classifying disordered eating attitudes (DEA) in female dance students. Participants were a sample of 81 female dancers distributed in two groups: beginner training (BT; age (mean ± SD) = 10.09 ± 1.2 years, n = 32) and advanced training (AT; age = 15.37 ± 2.1 years, n = 49). For evaluation of DEA, the Eating Attitudes Test- 26 (EAT-26) questionnaire was used. We defined an EAT-26 score ≥20 as positive for DEA. Somatotype components were calculated using the Heath-Carter anthropometric method. The risk of presenting DEA was 28.1% (n = 9) in the BT group and 6.1% (n = 3) in the AT group. In the BT group, mesomorphy demonstrated moderate-high accuracy in predicting DEA (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64-0.93). The optimal cut-off of 6.34 yielded a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.95. Ectomorphy showed moderate accuracy in predicting DEA (AUC = 0.768, 95% CI: 0.58-0.89). The optimal cut-off of 2.41 yielded a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.78. In the AT group, none of the components demonstrated accuracy in predicting DEA. Somatotype components were good predictors of disordered eating attitudes in the younger dance student group (beginner training). Further research is needed to identify the determinants of these differences between the two groups.

Clinician Assessment Tools for Patients with Diabetic Foot Disease: A Systematic Review.

The amputation rate in patients with diabetes is 15 to 40 times higher than in patients without diabetes. To avoid major complications, the identification of high-risk in patients with diabetes through early assessment highlights as a crucial action. Clinician assessment tools are scales in which clinical examiners are specifically trained to make a correct judgment based on patient outcomes that helps to identify at-risk patients and monitor the intervention. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review of valid and reliable Clinician assessment tools for measuring diabetic foot disease-related variables and analysing their psychometric properties. The databases used were PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, CINAHL, Cochrane, PEDro, and EMBASE. The search terms used were foot, ankle, diabetes, diabetic foot, assessment, tools, instruments, score, scale, validity, and reliability. The results showed 29 validated studies with 39 Clinician assessment tools and six variables. There is limited evidence on all of the psychometric characteristics of the Clinician assessment tools included in this review, although some instruments have been shown to be valid and reliable for the assessment of diabetic neuropathy (Utah Early Neuropathy Scale or UENS); ulceration risk (Queensland High Risk Foot Form or QHRFF); diabetic foot ulcer assessment, scoring, and amputation risk (Perfusion, extent, depth, infection and sensation scale or PEDIS and Site, Ischemia, Neuropathy, Bacterial Infection, and Depth score or SINBAD); and diabetic foot ulcer measurement (Leg Ulcer Measurement Tool LUMT).

Memory illusions and category malleability: False recognition for goal-derived reorganizations of common categories.

Four studies explore semantic memory intrusions for goal-derived subcategories (e.g., "sports good for backache") embedded in taxonomic categories (e.g., "sports"). Study 1 presented hybrid lists (composed of typical items from both representations: taxonomic categories and subcategories) together with names of subcategories, names of taxonomic categories, or with no names. Subcategory names produced levels of false recognitions for critical lures from subcategories comparable with critical lures from taxonomic categories. Study 2 presented lists of exemplars either from taxonomic categories or subcategories (between participants). Lists of subcategories paired with their names produced higher levels of false recognition for subcategories lures compared with taxonomic lures. Study 3 replicated this result and showed that even though distinctiveness of taxonomic lures in a subcategory context (i.e., subcategory list with a subcategory name) may facilitate rejection of these lures, subcategory lures were still more falsely recognized than were taxonomic lures when retrieval monitoring was hindered through speeded recognition. Study 4 replicated the results with lists in which production frequency was better controlled and with a larger sample allowing for increased power of the test. Although confirming the critical role of preexistent categorical structures in the generation of false memories, results show that false memories for goal-derived subcategories can occur with the same frequency as false memories stemming from better established taxonomic categories. Such results broaden the scope of occurrence of false memories to goal-derived semantic organizations, which are often closer to categorizations used in real-world environments.

Hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe renal cell tumor: An integrated genetic and epigenetic characterization of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe tumor (HOCT) is a renal cell neoplasm displaying overlapping cellular and architectural features of both renal oncocytoma (RO) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC). It has been described in the context of oncocytosis, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, and also sporadically. Thus far, HOCT immunohischemical profile and cytogenetic alterations have been reported, but not epigenetic alterations. Herein, we characterize a HOCT case, including microRNA expression, comparing it to sporadic RO and chRCC. METHODS: An HOCT was entirely submitted. Representative paraffin blocks were selected for histochemical, immunohistochemical and FISH analyses. MicroRNAs were extracted from the two components separately and selected microRNA expression was performed. RESULTS: This 4 cm HOCT, from a 69 year-old female, was composed mainly by oncocytic cells with an insular distribution (RO-like) and areas of larger clarified cells (chRCC-like). The two areas displayed different features: RO-like areas showed negative colloidal iron staining, multifocal CD15, negative CK7, focal multiple tetrasomies, and higher miR21 expression; chRCC-like areas showed colloidal iron diffuse staining with moderate intensity, focal CD15 and CK7, no numeric chromosomic alterations, and higher miR141 and miR200b expression. CONCLUSION: microRNA expression in the two HOCT components is similar to its sporadic tumors counterparts. Morphologic, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic and epigenetic data on this case suggest either two independent pathogenic pathways or an early pathogenic divergence for RO-like and chRCC-like components of HOCT.

Peptide Vaccines for Leishmaniasis.

Due to an increase in the incidence of leishmaniases worldwide, the development of new strategies such as prophylactic vaccines to prevent infection and decrease the disease have become a high priority. Classic vaccines against leishmaniases were based on live or attenuated parasites or their subunits. Nevertheless, the use of whole parasite or their subunits for vaccine production has numerous disadvantages. Therefore, the use of Leishmania peptides to design more specific vaccines against leishmaniases seems promising. Moreover, peptides have several benefits in comparison with other kinds of antigens, for instance, good stability, absence of potentially damaging materials, antigen low complexity, and low-cost to scale up. By contrast, peptides are poor immunogenic alone, and they need to be delivered correctly. In this context, several approaches described in this review are useful to solve these drawbacks. Approaches, such as, peptides in combination with potent adjuvants, cellular vaccinations, adenovirus, polyepitopes, or DNA vaccines have been used to develop peptide-based vaccines. Recent advancements in peptide vaccine design, chimeric, or polypeptide vaccines and nanovaccines based on particles attached or formulated with antigenic components or peptides have been increasingly employed to drive a specific immune response. In this review, we briefly summarize the old, current, and future stands on peptide-based vaccines, describing the disadvantages and benefits associated with them. We also propose possible approaches to overcome the related weaknesses of synthetic vaccines and suggest future guidelines for their development.

Longitudinal validity of abdominal adiposity assessment by regional bioelectrical impedance.

The main goal of this study was to analyze the longitudinal agreement between changes in trunk and abdominal adiposity variables assessed by DXA and portable bioimpedance device (ViScan). A total of 44 women, enrolled in a 4-month exercise intervention, were included in this analysis. Trunk/abdominal compartments were assessed by ViScan and DXA. Adjusted correlations for age and FM at first assessment (pre) were utilized to perform concurrent validation among methods and completed with an agreement analysis. We observed significant differences between the changes detected by DXA and ViScan for %TFM (difference = -1.41%; p < 0.05), and proportional bias (Kendall's Tau = 0.53; p < 0.0001). Changes in abdominal adiposity were similar (difference = -0.1037 z-score units, p = 0.53), although there was proportional bias (Kendall's Tau = -0.24, p < 0.022). ViScan has a limited capability to evaluated changes in trunk and abdominal adiposity, at least for clinical purposes in adult women.