Ageing kinetics of fern chlorophyllous spores during dry storage is determined by its antioxidant potential and likely induced by photosynthetic machinery.

Ageing in dry chlorophyllous propagules is leaded by photooxidation through the photosynthetic machinery, but why species differ in longevity and the ageing mechanisms of when light and oxygen are absent are unknown. We hypothesize that the cellular antioxidant capacity is key for the inter- and intra-specific differences in the ageing process. We have tested this hypothesis in chlorophyllous spores of two ferns. They were subjected to four different storage regimes resulting from light/dark and normoxia/hypoxia combinations. Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and photosynthetic pigments were analysed in parallel to germination and the recovery of Fv/Fm over a storage period of up to 22-months. We show that light and oxygen accelerate the ageing process, but their mechanisms (ROS, increase, antioxidant capacity decrease, loss of efficiency of the photosystem II, pigment degradation) appear the same under all conditions tested. The end of the asymptomatic phase of longevity, when a sudden drop of germination occurs, seems to be determined by a threshold in the depletion of antioxidants. Our results support the hypothesis that ageing kinetics in dry plant propagules is determined by the antioxidant system, but also suggests an active role of the photosynthetic machinery during ageing, even in darkness and hypoxia.

Homogenizing the Teaching of Engaged Medical Examinations to Large Numbers of Students: the Experience of the Digital Rectal Examination.

This project aims to complement and homogenise the teaching of indications and technique of digital rectal examination (DRE) through the use of simulators, and subsequently analysed the level of satisfaction with the training and skills acquired. The students were distributed into small groups. One of the workshop's coordinators synthesised indications and procedures of DRE. A teaching video was made with all the contents and was distributed between the trainers. During the workshop, trainers explained the indications and the method of performing the DRE. Then, the selected clinical cases were presented, followed by the DRE by specific simulators. Once the students had completed each exploration, the trainers explained each case and discussed it with students. The following week, an anonymous questionnaire was given to participants to evaluate the workshop. Of the 232 participating students, 53 (23%) responded to the questionnaire. The overall level of satisfaction was higher than 98% (score 4-5), reaching 100% in the evaluation of the practical contents, and 93% of the students would recommend the continuity of the workshop in the next courses. The DRE workshop was well received among medical students, with a high degree of voluntary participation and response rate to the subsequent survey. With this project, we have achieved a greater homogenisation of teaching within the subject of Urology, and greater confidence for the students when facing their future clinical practice.

Miller-Fisher syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION: On March 11th, 2020, the WHO declared the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Syndromes have been detected in relation to COVID-19 such as encephalitis, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy and cerebrovascular complications. There are also cases of peripheral nervous system involvement. METHODS: Our case would be the 3rd patient with MFS associated with COVID-19 as far as we know. RESULTS: We present a 51 years old female diagnosed with MFS two weeks after COVID-19. RTPCR to SARS-CoV-2 was negative but IgG was positive. CONCLUSION: Most of the cases were mild or moderate with typical signs and symptoms. All were treated with IV immunoglobulin with good response in most cases. Despite the short evolution time of the cases surviving the current pandemic, the description of cases of post-infectious neurological syndromes suggests that this is probably not an infrequent complication in the subacute stage of Covid-19 disease.

Estrés percibido y felicidad auténtica a través del nivel de actividad física en jóvenes universitarios / Perceived stress and authentic happiness through the level of physical activity in young university students / Estresse percebido e felicidade autêntica através do nível de atividade física em jovens estudantes universitários

Se ha demostrado en la literatura que el estrés y la felicidad se han relacionado de diversas maneras, y estas a su vez, también se relacionan con la práctica de actividad física (AF). El objetivo de este trabajo fue poner a prueba el papel de la AF en la reducción del estrés y el aumento de la felicidad, así como su rol mediador en la relación entre ambas variables. Concretamente, se pusieron a prueba las siguientes hipótesis: 1) la percepción del estrés (con o sin control de la situación estresante) y la felicidad auténtica difieren en función del nivel de AF; 2) a mayor práctica de AF, mayor percepción de control en la situación estresante y menor percepción de sentirse sobrepasado por la situación; 3) a mayor práctica de AF mayor felicidad auténtica; y 4) la relación entre la percepción del estrés (con o sin control de la situación estresante) y la felicidad auténtica está mediada por la AF. Participaron 938 estudiantes de licenciatura, con un rango de edad de 17 a 51 años (M = 20.25, DT = 3.34), 521 mujeres y 417 hombres. Respecto a la actividad física (AF) que realizan: 15.1% no realiza ninguna actividad; 19.7% realiza actividad irregular; 28% actividad física moderada (2hrs/sem); y 37.1% actividad intensa (20min/día, 5 veces/sem). Los participantes contestaron la PSS (Cohen, Kamarck, y Mermelstein, 1983) y el AHI (Shepherd, Oliver, y Schofield, 2015). Mediante análisis descriptivos, ANOVAs y modelos de regresión mediada se dio respuesta a las hipótesis. Los resultados muestran que la percepción del estrés (con o sin control de la situación estresante) y la felicidad auténtica difieren significativamente en función del nivel de AF. Concretamente, a mayor nivel de práctica de AF mayor percepción de control ante una situación estresante y mayor felicidad auténtica; mientras que a menor práctica de AF, mayor percepción de verse sobrepasado ante una situación estresante. Por último, el nivel de actividad física media la relación entre el estrés percibido (con control de la situación estresante y sin control de la situación estresante) y la felicidad auténtica. Con base a los resultados concluimos que la AF ayuda a percibir un menor estrés ante situaciones demandantes, por lo que promueve un bienestar psicológico

Previous literature has shown that stress and happiness are related in various ways, and both variables have been also related to physical activity (PA) practice. The objective of the present study was to test the role of PA in the decrement of stress and increment of happiness, and additionally to test its mediator role in the relationship between the two aforementioned variables. Concretely, the following hypotheses were tested: 1) the perceived stress (with or without control of the stressful situation) and the authentic happiness differ across different levels of PA; 2) subjects with higher practice of PA will show higher perceived control and lower loss of control in stressful situations; 3) subjects with higher practice of PA will show higher authentic happiness; and 4) the relationship between perceived stress (with or without control of the stressful situation) and authentic happiness is mediated by PA. Participants were 938 undergraduate students from different careers, with an age range from 17 to 51 years (M = 20.25, SD = 3.34), 521 women and 417 men. Regarding physical activity (PA) practice: 15.1% does not to do any activity; 19.7% does an irregular PA; 28% does moderate PA (2hrs / week); and 37.1% does intense PA (20min/day, 5 times/week). Participants answered the PSS (Cohen, Kamarck, y Mermelstein, 1983) and the AHI (Shepherd, Oliver, y Schofield, 2015). We used descriptive analysis, ANOVAs and mediated regression models to test the hypotheses. Results showed that perceived stress (with or without control of the stressful situation) and authentic happiness differ significantly across PA levels. Concretely, higher level of PA practices was related to higher perception of control in a stressful situation and to higher authentic happiness; otherwise, the lower the PA practice, the greater the perception of being overwhelmed by a stressful situation. Finally, the level of physical activity mediated the relationship between perceived stress (with and without control of the stressful situation) and authentic happiness. Based on these results, we concluded that PA helps to perceive less stress in demanding situations, thus promoting psychological well-being

Tem sido demonstradona literatura que o stress e a felicidadetêm sido relacionados de várias formas, e estas, por sua vez, tambémestão relacionadas com a prática da actividade física (AP). O objetivo destetrabalhofoi testar o papel da AF naredução do estresse e no aumento da felicidade, bem como o seu papel mediador narelação entre ambas as variáveis. Especificamente, foram testadas as seguinteshipóteses: 1) a percepção do estresse (comousem controle da situaçãoestressante) e a autênticafelicidadediferem de acordocom o nível de AF; 2) quantomaior a prática de AF, maior a percepção de controle nasituaçãoestressante e menor a percepção de sentir-se sobrecarregado pela situação; 3) quantomaior a prática de AF, maior a autênticafelicidade; e 4) a relação entre a percepção do estresse (comousem controle da situaçãoestressante) e a autênticafelicidade é mediada pela AF. Um total de 938 estudantes de graduação, comidades entre 17 e 51 anos (M = 20,25, SD = 3,34), 521 mulheres e 417 homensparticiparam. Em relação à atividade física (AF) realizam: 15,1% nãorealizamnenhumaatividade; 19,7% realizamatividade irregular; 28% realizamatividade física moderada (2hrs/semana); e 37,1% realizamatividade intensa (20min/dia, 5 vezes/semana). Os participantes responderamao SHP (Cohen, Kamarck, e Mermelstein, 1983) e ao AHI (Shepherd, Oliver, e Schofield, 2015). Análisesdescritivas, ANOVAs, e modelos de regressão mediados foram usados para responder àshipóteses. Os resultados mostram que a percepção do estresse (comousem controle da situaçãoestressante) e a autênticafelicidadediferem significativamente dependendo do nível de AF. Especificamente, quantomaior o nível de prática de AF, maior a percepção de controle em umasituaçãoestressante e maior a felicidadeautêntica; enquanto que quanto menor o nível de prática de AF, maior a percepção de estar sobrecarregado em umasituaçãoestressante. Finalmente, o nível de atividade física medeia a relação entre o estressepercebido (com controle da situaçãoestressante e sem controle da situaçãoestressante) e a felicidadeautêntica. Com base nos resultados concluímos que a PA ajuda a perceber menos stress em situações exigentes, promovendoassim o bem-estar psicológico

Dissociable and Paradoxical Roles of Rat Medial and Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex in Visual Serial Reversal Learning.

Much evidence suggests that reversal learning is mediated by cortico-striatal circuitries with the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) playing a prominent role. The OFC is a functionally heterogeneous region, but potential differential roles of lateral (lOFC) and medial (mOFC) portions in visual reversal learning have yet to be determined. We investigated the effects of pharmacological inactivation of mOFC and lOFC on a deterministic serial visual reversal learning task for rats. For reference, we also targeted other areas previously implicated in reversal learning: prelimbic (PrL) and infralimbic (IL) prefrontal cortex, and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Inactivating mOFC and lOFC produced opposite effects; lOFC impairing, and mOFC improving, performance in the early, perseverative phase specifically. Additionally, mOFC inactivation enhanced negative feedback sensitivity, while lOFC inactivation diminished feedback sensitivity in general. mOFC and lOFC inactivation also affected novel visual discrimination learning differently; lOFC inactivation paradoxically improved learning, and mOFC inactivation had no effect. We also observed dissociable roles of the OFC and the IL/PrL. Whereas the OFC inactivation affected only perseveration, IL/PrL inactivation improved learning overall. BLA inactivation did not affect perseveration, but improved the late phase of reversal learning. These results support opponent roles of the rodent mOFC and lOFC in deterministic visual reversal learning.

[Primary care specific scorecards as management tools]. / Cuadros de mando específicos de atención primaria como herramienta de gestión.

INTRODUCTION: Specific Scorecards are a key element to improve strategic lines aimed at enhancing intermediate health outcomes. Their implementation, involving professionals, requires identifying indicators linked to the outcomes of healthcare actions that the scientific literature may endorse. In addition, the inclusion of objectives that can be defined by parameterized by indicators of intermediate results in the health centre program contract, conveys the relevance of health actions and their impact on health. OBJECTIVE: To describe the design, development and outcomes of the specific scorecards of indicators of intermediate health outcomes in the Primary Care information system (eSOAP) in order to promote the involvement of professionals in strategic management from clinical management. METHODS: Phase 1: description of the process (preparation and publication of 147 indicators, 46 of them of chronicity). Phase 2: observational descriptive study on the use of professionals and managers and data on the intermediate health outcomes obtained. RESULTS: A total of 268,849 reports were generated in 2017, with 35,835 reports of specific balanced scorecard (20%) being downloaded in just 6 months. One-quarter (25%) of the indicators of the Centre program contract are intermediate results. The percentage of diabetic patients controlled was 39.2%, and has improved significantly (P<.05) in 5 years. DISCUSSION: The specific scorecards with indicators of intermediate outcomes linked to strategic lines and their inclusion in the program contracts enables professionals to become involved in clinical and strategic management and improves the decision making of professionals and managers.

Unraveling metabolic mechanisms behind chloroplast desiccation tolerance: Chlorophyllous fern spore as a new promising unicellular model.

Fern spores are unicellular structures produced by the sporophyte generation that give rise to the haploid gametophyte. When released from the sporangium, spores are desiccation tolerant (DT) in the royal fern (Osmunda regalis) and contain fully developed chloroplasts. As a consequence, this type of spores is called chlorophyllous spores (CS). Upon transfer to germination conditions, CS initiate a process of imbibition that suppresses DT in 72 h, before the germination starts. In parallel to such change in DT, thylakoids undergo a profound remodelling in composition and function. Firstly, sustained quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence is relaxed, giving rise to photochemically active CS, while lipid composition shifts from that of a resting structure to a metabolically active cell. Basically trigalactolipids decreased in favour of monogalactolipids, with a parallel desaturation of fatty acids. Storage lipids such as triacylglycerol were quickly depleted. These results highlight the importance of the structure of thylakoids lipid as a key to protect membrane integrity during desiccation, together with the saturation of fatty acids and the constitutive chlorophyll quenching to prevent oxidative damage. The CS used here, in which the same cell shifts from DT to sensitive strategy in 72 h, reveal their potential as unicellular models for future studies on DT.

Habitat-specific variation in gut microbial communities and pathogen prevalence in bumblebee queens (Bombus terrestris).

Gut microbial communities are critical for the health of many insect species. However, little is known about how gut microbial communities respond to anthropogenic changes and how such changes affect host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we used deep sequencing to investigate and compare the composition of gut microbial communities within the midgut and ileum (both bacteria and fungi) in Bombus terrestris queens collected from natural (forest) and urbanized habitats. Additionally, we investigated whether the variation in gut microbial communities under each habitat affected the prevalence of two important bumblebee pathogens that have recently been associated with Bombus declines (Crithidia bombi and Nosema bombi). Microbial community composition differed strongly among habitat types, both for fungi and bacteria. Fungi were almost exclusively associated with bumblebee queens from the forest habitats, and were not commonly detected in bumblebee queens from the urban sites. Further, gut bacterial communities of urban B. terrestris specimens were strongly dominated by bee-specific core bacteria like Snodgrassella (Betaproteobacteria) and Gilliamella (Gammaproteobacteria), whereas specimens from the forest sites contained a huge fraction of environmental bacteria. Pathogen infection was very low in urban populations and infection by Nosema was only observed in specimens collected from forest habitats. No significant relationship was found between pathogen prevalence and microbial gut diversity. However, there was a significant and negative relationship between prevalence of Nosema and relative abundance of the core resident Snodgrassella, supporting its role in pathogen defense. Overall, our results indicate that land-use change may lead to different microbial gut communities in bumblebees, which may have implications for bumblebee health, survival and overall fitness.

Infección severa por Strongyloides stercoralis en líquido ascítico / Severe infection by Strongyloides stercoralis in ascitic liquid

La estrongiloidiosis es una infección cuyos agentes responsables son Strongyloides stercoralis y S. fuelleborni. Estos nematodos son de localización intestinal, el factor de riesgo principal es el andar descalzo en lugares contaminados con las larvas filariformes. El estudio presenta a un paciente varón de 23 años de edad, residente de San Juan de Lurigancho, presentó 14 meses de enfermedad con signos de meteorismo, náuseas, vómitos y permaneció afebril, se indica también que 28 días antes presentó dolor del epigastrio irradiado a la espalda de duración constante. Al examen físico se encontró un abdomen distendido, blando timpánico doloroso a la palpación, el informe de ecografía abdominal evidenció dilatación de las asas intestinales, meteorismo, con presencia abundante de líquido libre en la cavidad abdominal (ascitis) y en los exámenes parasitológicos del líquido se observó larvas rabditoides L1, L2 y filariformes L3 de Strongyloides stercoralis; por lo que recibió tratamiento con Ivermectina, obteniéndose la recuperación del paciente.

The strongyloidiasis is an infection whose responsible agents are Strongyloides stercoralis and S. fuelleborni. These nematodes have an intestinal location; the main risk factor is to be barefoot in places contaminated with filariform larvae. The study presents a male 23-year-old resident of San Juan de Lurigancho, with 14 months of illness with signs of bloating, nausea, vomiting and wasafebrile,also indicates that 28 days before he had epigastric pain irradiated to the back. On physical examination a distended abdomen was found, soft painful tympanic tenderness, the abdominal ultrasonography showed dilated bowel loops, bloat, with abundant presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and parasitological examinations observed, rabditoides larvae L1 and L2 and filariform L3 of Strongyloides stercoralis. He received Ivermectin, obtaining the patient's recovery.

Resultados visuales, independencia de gafas e insatisfacción tras implante de una lente intraocular difractiva trifocal / Visual outcomes, spectacle independence and satisfaction after diffractive trifocal intraocular lens implantation

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados visuales, la independencia de gafas y la satisfacción tras el implante de una lente intraocular trifocal. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 5.186 sujetos intervenidos de facoemulsificación con implante de la lente trifocal difractiva FineVision Micro F12 (PhysIOL, Liège, Bélgica). RESULTADOS: La queratometría media preoperatoria fue 43,61±1,55 D y el cilindro queratométrico medio -0,86 ± 0,66 D. A los 3 meses, cambiaron a 43,59±1,56 y −0,71±0,46 D respectivamente. La esfera media pasó de 2,04±2,60 a 0,14±0,38 D y el equivalente esférico medio de 1,64±2,61 a −0,05±0,36 D. Más del 60% alcanzaron una mejor agudeza visual corregida de lejos. La mayoría presentó un defecto residual final (predictibilidad) menor de 1 D (99,1%). El 14,3% precisó un ajuste refractivo, el 2,2% capsulotomía posterior y se recolocó la lente intraocular en 5 casos. Un porcentaje elevado estaba satisfecho en términos de visión e independencia de gafas en todas las distancias. Aunque un 2% refirió un empeoramiento en la visión nocturna, únicamente un 2% estaba poco satisfecho y 20 pacientes insatisfechos. Las causas fueron: visión borrosa (7 casos), necesidad de gafas (10), disfotopsias (7) y sequedad ocular (4). CONCLUSIONES: La implantación de esta lente permite obtener buenos resultados visuales en las 3 distancias así como un alto grado de independencia de gafas y de satisfacción

PURPOSE: To investigate visual outcomes, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction after trifocal intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted on 5,186 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and were implanted with a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (FineVision Micro F, PhysIOL SA, Liège, Belgium). RESULTS: The mean pre-operative keratometry was 43.61±1.55 D, and mean keratometric cylinder was -0.86±0.66 D. At 3 months post-operatively, values changed to 43.59±1.56 and -0.71±0.46 D, respectively. Mean sphere varied from 2.04±2.60 to 0.14±0.38 D, and mean spherical equivalent from 1.64±2.61 to -0.05±0.36 D. More than 60% of the patients achieved better corrected distance visual acuity. The majority had a final residual refractive error (predictability) lower than 1 D (99.1%), with 14.3% needing optical adjustment (bioptics). Posterior capsulotomy was performed in 2.2%, and the lens was replaced in 5 patients. A high percentage of patients were satisfied in terms of vision and spectacle independence at all distances. Although 2% referred to worsening of night vision quality, only 2% were not very satisfied and 20 patients were dissatisfied. The causes were: blurred vision (7 cases), spectacle dependence (10), dysphotopsia (7), and dry eye (4). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of this model provided good visual performance in all distances, as well as high levels of spectacle independence and satisfaction

Visual outcomes, spectacle independence and satisfaction after diffractive trifocal intraocular lens implantation. / Resultados visuales, independencia de gafas e insatisfacción tras implante de una lente intraocular difractiva trifocal.

PURPOSE: To investigate visual outcomes, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction after trifocal intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted on 5,186 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and were implanted with a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (FineVision Micro F, PhysIOL SA, Liège, Belgium). RESULTS: The mean pre-operative keratometry was 43.61±1.55 D, and mean keratometric cylinder was -0.86±0.66 D. At 3 months post-operatively, values changed to 43.59±1.56 and -0.71±0.46 D, respectively. Mean sphere varied from 2.04±2.60 to 0.14±0.38 D, and mean spherical equivalent from 1.64±2.61 to -0.05±0.36 D. More than 60% of the patients achieved better corrected distance visual acuity. The majority had a final residual refractive error (predictability) lower than 1 D (99.1%), with 14.3% needing optical adjustment (bioptics). Posterior capsulotomy was performed in 2.2%, and the lens was replaced in 5 patients. A high percentage of patients were satisfied in terms of vision and spectacle independence at all distances. Although 2% referred to worsening of night vision quality, only 2% were not very satisfied and 20 patients were dissatisfied. The causes were: blurred vision (7 cases), spectacle dependence (10), dysphotopsia (7), and dry eye (4). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of this model provided good visual performance in all distances, as well as high levels of spectacle independence and satisfaction.

[Severe infection by Strongyloides stercoralis in ascitic liquid]. / Infección severa por Strongyloides stercoralis en líquido ascítico.

The strongyloidiasis is an infection whose responsible agents are Strongyloides stercoralis and S. fuelleborni. These nematodes have an intestinal location; the main risk factor is to be barefoot in places contaminated with filariform larvae. The study presents a male 23-year-old resident of San Juan de Lurigancho, with 14 months of illness with signs of bloating, nausea, vomiting and wasafebrile,also indicates that 28 days before he had epigastric pain irradiated to the back. On physical examination a distended abdomen was found, soft painful tympanic tenderness, the abdominal ultrasonography showed dilated bowel loops, bloat, with abundant presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and parasitological examinations observed, rabditoides larvae L1 and L2 and filariform L3 of Strongyloides stercoralis. He received Ivermectin, obtaining the patient's recovery.

Mycorrhizal tomato plants fine tunes the growth-defence balance upon N depleted root environments.

In low nutritive environments, the uptake of N by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may confer competitive advantages for the host. The present study aims to understand how mycorrhizal tomato plants perceive and then prepare for an N depletion in the root environment. Plants colonized by Rhizophagus irregularis displayed improved responses to a lack of N than nonmycorrhizal (NM) plants. These responses were accomplished by a complex metabolic and transcriptional rearrangement that mostly affected the gibberellic acid and jasmonic acid pathways involving DELLA and JAZ1 genes, which were responsive to changes in the C/N imbalance of the plant. N starved mycorrhizal plants showed lower C/N equilibrium in the shoots than starved NM plants and concomitantly a downregulation of the JAZ1 repressor and the increased expression of the DELLA gene, which translated into a more active oxylipin pathway in mycorrhizal plants. In addition, the results support a priorization in AM plants of stress responses over growth. Therefore, these plants were better prepared for an expected stress. Furthermore, most metabolites that were severely reduced in NM plants following the N depletion remained unaltered in starved AM plants compared with those normally fertilized, suggesting that the symbiosis buffered the stress, improving plant development in a stressed environment.

Catalase is more sensible to the inhibitory effect of soluble component of tobacco smoke than Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase / Catalasa es más sensible a los efectos inhibitorios de los componentes solubles del humo de tabaco que Glutatión Peroxidasa y Superóxido Dismutasa

Tobacco smoke causes oxidative damage directly by the effect of their oxidants or indirectly through the induction of endogenously produced oxidants and/or inactivation of antioxidants. The oxidative effect of tobacco smoke depends on many variables: dose, time of exposure, tissue or cell type and endogenous antioxidant status. In an attempt to simplify this complex scenario, we examined the effect of a soluble extract of tobacco smoke on the activity of purified antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and in human plasma. Our results revealed that catalase and glutathione peroxidase were inhibited with an IC50 of 18 and 80 smoker equivalents (arbitrary units), respectively; meanwhile superoxide dismutase was not affected. A similar effect of soluble extract of tobacco smoke was obtained for antioxidant enzymes in human plasma, where catalase was inhibited, while superoxide dismutase was little affected, and glutathione peroxidase increased 20% its activity. Benzo[a]pyrene, a well-known component of tobacco smoke, was partly responsible for catalase inactivation. Although soluble extract of tobacco smoke and benzo[a]pyrene both induced carbonylation of plasma proteins, we ruled out that catalase inhibition would be caused by carbonylation, since the inhibition was reversed by dialysis. Considering the higher sensitivity of catalase to inhibition induced by soluble extract of tobacco smoke and its important role in peroxide elimination, we conceived that benzo[a]pyrene and other compounds of tobacco smoke extract promote a transient peroxide accumulation which could be one of the factors responsible for the oxidative damage in respiratory tract and other tissues in smokers (AU)

El humo de tabaco causa daño oxidativo directamente por efecto de sus oxidantes o indirectamente por la inducción de la producción de oxidantes endógenos y/o inactivación de antioxidantes. El efecto oxidativo del humo de tabaco depende de varias variables: dosis, tiempo de exposición, tejido o tipo cleular y estado antioxidante. En un intento de simplificar este complejo escenario, examinamos el efecto de un extracto soluble de humo de tabaco en la actividad de tres enzimas antioxidantes en estado purificado y en plasma humano (catalasa, glutatión peroxidasa and superóxido dismutasa). Nuestro resultados revelan que catalasa y glutatión peroxidasa fueron inhibidas con un IC50 de 18 y 80 equivalentes de fumador (unidades arbirtarias), respectivamente; mientras que superóxido dismutasa no fue afectada. Encontramos un efecto similar del extracto soluble de humo de tabaco en las enzimas antioxidantes plasmáticas, donde catalasa fue más inhibida que superóxido dismutasa y glutatión peroxidasa aumentó 20% su actividad. Benzo[a]pireno, un conocido componente del humo de tabaco, fue parcialmente responsable del la inhibicicón de catalasa. Aunque el extracto soluble del humo de tabaco y el benzo[a]pireno indujeron carbonilación de las proteínas plasmáticas, descartamos que esta modificación sera responsable de la inhibición de catalasa, porque la diálisis revertió su efecto. Considerando la alta sensibilidad de catalasa a la inhibición por extracto de humo de tabaco y benzo[a]pireno en particular, concluimos que el extracto de humo de tabaco promueve una acumulación transiente de peróxidos que podría ser uno de los factores responsables del daño oxidativo observado en el tracto respiratorio y en otros tejidos de sujetos fumadores (AU)

Targeting accuracy of single-isocenter intensity-modulated radiosurgery for multiple lesions.

To investigate the targeting accuracy of intensity-modulated SRS (IMRS) plans designed to simultaneously treat multiple brain metastases with a single isocenter. A home-made acrylic phantom able to support a film (EBT3) in its coronal plane was used. The phantom was CT scanned and three coplanar small targets (a central and two peripheral) were outlined in the Eclipse system. Peripheral targets were 6 cm apart from the central one. A reference IMRS plan was designed to simultaneously treat the three targets, but only a single isocenter located at the center of the central target was used. After positioning the phantom on the linac using the room lasers, a CBCT scan was acquired and the reference plan were mapped on it, by placing the planned isocenter at the intersection of the landmarks used in the film showing the linac isocenter. The mapped plan was then recalculated and delivered. The film dose distribution was derived using a cloud computing application (www.radiochromic.com) that uses a triple-channel dosimetry algorithm. Comparison of dose distributions using the gamma index (5%/1 mm) were performed over a 5 × 5 cm2 region centered over each target. 2D shifts required to get the best gamma passing rates on the peripheral target regions were compared with the reported ones for the central target. The experiment was repeated ten times in different sessions. Average 2D shifts required to achieve optimal gamma passing rates (99%, 97%, 99%) were 0.7 mm (SD: 0.3 mm), 0.8 mm (SD: 0.4 mm) and 0.8 mm (SD: 0.3 mm), for the central and the two peripheral targets, respectively. No statistical differences (p > 0.05) were found for targeting accuracy between the central and the two peripheral targets. The study revealed a targeting accuracy within 1 mm for off-isocenter targets within 6 cm of the linac isocenter, when a single-isocenter IMRS plan is designed.

Pleuropulmonary involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a Latin American inception cohort (GLADEL).

Objectives The objectives of this study were to examine the demographic and clinical features associated with the occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Materials and methods The association of pleuropulmonary manifestations with demographic and clinical features, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality were examined in GLADEL patients by appropriate univariable and multivariable analyses. Results At least one pleuropulmonary manifestation occurred in 421 of the 1480 SLE patients (28.4%), pleurisy being the most frequent (24.0%). Age at SLE onset ≥30 years (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10-1.83), the presence of lower respiratory tract infection (OR 3.19; 95% CI 2.05-4.96), non-ischemic heart disease (OR 3.17; 95% CI 2.41-4.18), ischemic heart disease (OR 3.39; 95% CI 2.08-5.54), systemic (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.37-2.91), ocular (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.16-2.14) and renal manifestations (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.09-1.83) were associated with pleuropulmonary manifestations, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.76). Non-ischemic heart disease (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.63-3.09), SDI scores ≥1 (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.10-2.17) and anti-La antibody positivity (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.39-4.57) independently predicted their subsequent occurrence. Cutaneous manifestations were protective of the subsequent occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.90). Pleuropulmonary manifestations independently contributed a decreased survival (HR: 2.79 95% CI 1.80-4.31). Conclusion Pleuropulmonary manifestations are frequent in SLE, particularly pleuritis. Older age, respiratory tract infection, cardiac, systemic and renal involvement were associated with them, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated. Cardiac compromise, SDI scores ≥1 and anti-La positivity at disease onset were predictive of their subsequent occurrence, whereas cutaneous manifestations were protective. They independently contributed to a decreased survival in these patients.

Negative induced mood influences word production: An event-related potentials study with a covert picture naming task.

The present event-related potentials (ERPs) study investigated the effects of mood on phonological encoding processes involved in word generation. For this purpose, negative, positive and neutral affective states were induced in participants during three different recording sessions using short film clips. After the mood induction procedure, participants performed a covert picture naming task in which they searched letters. The negative compared to the neutral mood condition elicited more negative amplitudes in a component peaking around 290ms. Furthermore, results from source localization analyses suggested that this activity was potentially generated in the left prefrontal cortex. In contrast, no differences were found in the comparison between positive and neutral moods. Overall, current data suggest that processes involved in the retrieval of phonological information during speech generation are impaired when participants are in a negative mood. The mechanisms underlying these effects were discussed in relation to linguistic and attentional processes, as well as in terms of the use of heuristics.

Affective norms of 875 Spanish words for five discrete emotional categories and two emotional dimensions.

In the present study, we introduce affective norms for a new set of Spanish words, the Madrid Affective Database for Spanish (MADS), that were scored on two emotional dimensions (valence and arousal) and on five discrete emotional categories (happiness, anger, sadness, fear, and disgust), as well as on concreteness, by 660 Spanish native speakers. Measures of several objective psycholinguistic variables--grammatical class, word frequency, number of letters, and number of syllables--for the words are also included. We observed high split-half reliabilities for every emotional variable and a strong quadratic relationship between valence and arousal. Additional analyses revealed several associations between the affective dimensions and discrete emotions, as well as with some psycholinguistic variables. This new corpus complements and extends prior databases in Spanish and allows for designing new experiments investigating the influence of affective content in language processing under both dimensional and discrete theoretical conceptions of emotion. These norms can be downloaded as supplemental materials for this article from www.dropbox.com/s/o6dpw3irk6utfhy/Hinojosa%20et%20al_Supplementary%20materials.xlsx?dl=0 .