Linear IgA bullous dermatosis in a latin adolescent treated with cyclosporine and prednisone.

INTRODUCTION: Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune disease. Although dapsone is the initial treatment, other immunomodulators are used in resistant cases or when dapsone is unavailable. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old Mexican child, with no relevant medical history, developed in May 2023 a disseminated dermatosis affecting all body segments, including mucous membranes, characterized by erythematous patches and plaques evolving into the formation of serous and serosanguinous blisters and vesicles, distributed in a "string of pearls" pattern. LABD was suspected and confirmed by skin biopsy, which showed a subepidermal blister with neutrophilic infiltration and linear Immunoglobulin A deposits at the dermo-epidermal junction by direct immunofluorescence. Treatment with prednisone (2 mg/kg/day) and cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) resulted in improvement and lesion remission within 2 weeks. Both drugs needed to be discontinued for 3 months due to intermittent blistering. Cyclosporine was continued as maintenance therapy at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: The report highlights the use of cyclosporine as an alternative immunomodulator for DAAL, an immunosuppressive agent used in autoimmune disorders. Few cases, including this one, have described complete remission and control of the dermatosis with cyclosporine, accompanied by prednisone at the start of treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La dermatosis ampollosa por IgA lineal es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria rara. Aunque la dapsona es el tratamiento inicial, se usan otros inmunomoduladores en casos resistentes o cuando la dapsona no está disponible. CASO CLÍNICO: Un niño mexicano de 12 años, sin antecedentes relevantes, desarrolló en mayo de 2023 una dermatosis diseminada a todos los segmentos corporales, incluyendo las mucosas, caracterizada por manchas y placas eritematosas que evolucionaron hacia la formación de ampollas y vesículas serosas y serohemáticas, distribuidas en forma de «cadena de perlas¼. Se sospechó dermatosis ampollosa por IgA lineal y se confirmó mediante biopsia cutánea, que mostró una ampolla subepidérmica con infiltrado neutrófilo y depósitos lineales de IgA en la unión dermoepidérmica mediante inmunofluorescencia directa. El tratamiento con prednisona (2 mg/kg al día) y ciclosporina (5 mg/kg al día) resultó en mejoría y la remisión de las lesiones a las 2 semanas. Fue necesario dejar ambos fármacos durante 3 meses debido a la aparición intermitente de ampollas. Se dejó ciclosporina como terapia de mantenimiento a dosis de 4 mg/kg al día por 8 meses. CONCLUSIONES: El reporte destaca el uso de ciclosporina como inmunomodulador alternativo para la dermatosis ampollosa por IgA lineal, un agente inmunosupresor utilizado en trastornos autoinmunitarios. Pocos casos, incluido este, han descrito la remisión completa y el control de la dermatosis con ciclosporina, acompañada de prednisona al inicio del tratamiento.

Monte Carlo investigation of the nucleus size effect and cell's oxygen content on the damage efficiency of protons.

Living tissues could suffer different types of DNA damage as a result of being exposed to ionizing radiations. Monte Carlo simulations of the underlying interactions have been instrumental in predicting the damage types and the processes involved. In this work, we employed Geant4-DNA and MCDS for extracting the initial DNA damage and investigating the dependence of damage efficiency on the cell's oxygen content. The frequency-mean lineal (y¯F) and specific (z¯F) energies were derived for a spherical volume of water of various diameters between 2 and 11.1 µm. This sphere would serve as the nucleus of a cell of 100 µm diameter, engulfed by a homogeneous beam of protons. These microdosimetric quantities were calculated assuming spherical samples of 1 µm diameter in MCDS. The simulation results showed that for 230 MeV protons, an increase in the oxygen content from 0 by 10% raised the frequency of single- and double-strand breaks and lowered the base damage frequency. The resulting damage frequencies appeared to be independent of nucleus diameter. For proton energies between 2 and 230 MeV,y¯Fshowed no dependence on the cell diameter and an increase of the cell size resulted in a decrease inz¯F.An increase in the proton energy slowed down the decreasing rate ofz¯Fas a function of nucleus diameter. However, the ratio ofy¯Fvalues corresponding to two proton energies of choice showed no dependence on the nucleus size and were equal to the ratio of the correspondingz¯Fvalues. Furthermore, the oxygen content of the cell did not affect these microdosimetric quantities. Contrary to damage frequencies, these quantities appeared to depend only on direct interactions due to deposited energies. Our calculations showed the near independence of DNA damages on the nucleus size of the human cells. The probabilities of different types of single and double-strand breaks increase with the oxygen content.

Age-dependent Model for Dynamics of Change in Body Composition Indicators in Professional Firefighters: Serbian Cross-Sectional Study / Modelo Dependiente de la Edad para la Dinámica de Cambio en los Indicadores de Composición Corporal en Bomberos Profesionales: Estudio Transversal Serbio

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to establish an age-related dynamic of change model for predicting changes in body composition indicators in professional firefighters. The study included a total sample of 145 subjects, comprising professional firefighters from Serbia (Age: 36.6 ± 7.6 yrs., Min - Max: 21.0 - 52.0 yrs.). Four basic variables were analysed: Body Mass - BM, Body Fat Mass - BFM, Skeletal Muscle Mass - SMM, and Visceral Fat Area - VFA, as well as five derived, or index, variables: Body Mass Index - BMI, Percentage of Body Fat - PBF, Percentage of Skeletal Muscle Mass - PSMM, Protein-Fat Index - PFI, and Index of Body - IBC Composition. The results showed a statistically significant dynamic of change as a function of age for eight of the examined variables, while only one (Skeletal Muscle Mass - SMM) was not statistically significant. The highest statistical significance in terms of dynamics of change as a function of age was found for the variable VFA (F = 35.241, p = 000) and the variable PSMM (F = 31.398, p = 0.000). Professional firefighters in Serbia fall into the category of people with normal nutritional indicators. However, due to a dominant increase in visceral fat (VFA) combined with a dominant decrease in the proportion of skeletal muscles in the body (PSMM), it can be concluded that they are exposed to a risk of developing various chronic diseases, while their working conditions, which promote certain negative lifestyle habits, also contribute to the observed increase in body fat components.

El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer un modelo de dinámica de cambio relacionada con la edad para predecir cambios en los indicadores de composición corporal en bomberos profesionales. El estudio incluyó una muestra total de 145 sujetos, incluidos bomberos profesionales de Serbia (Edad: 36,6 ± 7,6 años, mín. - máx.: 21,0 - 52,0 años). Se analizaron cuatro variables básicas: Masa Corporal - MC, Masa Grasa Corporal - MGC, - Masa Muscular Esquelética - MME y Área Grasa Visceral - AGV, así como cinco variables derivadas o indexadas: Índice de Masa Corporal - IMC, Porcentaje de grasa corporal - PGC, porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética - PMME, índice proteína-grasa - IPG e índice de composición corporal - ICC. Los resultados mostraron una dinámica de cambio estadísticamente significativa en función de la edad para ocho de las variables examinadas, mientras que sólo una, MME no fue estadísticamente significativa. La mayor significancia estadística en términos de dinámica de cambio en función de la edad se encontró para la variable AGV (F = 35,241, p = 000) y la variable PMME (F = 31,398, p = 0,000). Los bomberos profesionales de Serbia pertenecen a la categoría de personas con indicadores nutricionales normales. Sin embargo, debido a un aumento dominante de la grasa visceral combinado con una disminución dominante de la PMME, se puede concluir que están expuestos a un riesgo de desarrollar diversas enfermedades crónicas, mientras que las condiciones de trabajo, que promueven ciertos hábitos de vida negativos, también contribuyen al aumento observado de los componentes de la grasa corporal.

Age Prediction Using Pixel Value Sum from Radiographic Proximal Femur in a Thai Population / Predicción de la Edad Utilizando la Suma de Valores de Pixeles del Fémur Proximal Radiográfico en una Población Tailandesa

SUMMARY: The present study aimed to investigate the utility of the proximal femur in the forensic age estimation by assessing changes in bone densities through radiographs. Using Otsu's threshold, bone density was quantified by counting all white pixel values within selected regions of interest, which include femoral head (FH), femoral neck (FN), Ward's triangle (WT), and greater trochanter (GT) from 354 left femora of Northern Thai descent. The pixel width of medullary cavity (MC) was also estimated. Furthermore, the study evaluated the performance of linear regression (LR) models for age estimation from radiographic images of proximal femora. Negative correlations were observed between FH, FN, WT, and GT pixel intensity with the age-at-death of the samples, with females exhibiting stronger correlations than males. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between age and MC width in female samples, while male MC widths did not show any relationship with increasing age. The results showed a slight difference between the LR model applied to both sexes, which integrated all variables, and the alternative configuration that only utilized relevant attributes. Both models exhibited similar performance, with a narrow range of root mean square error (RMSE) values, ranging from 12.67 to 12.71 years, and a correlation coefficient range of 0.51 to 0.52. For females, the LR model with FN and WT as selected attributes (RMSE = 11.85 years, correlation coefficient = 0.65) performed decently, while for males, the LR model with all variables showed RMSE of 12.52 years and correlation coefficient of 0.46. This study showcased the potential application of pixel intensity in predicting age.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la utilidad del fémur proximal en la estimación forense de la edad mediante la evaluación de cambios en las densidades óseas a través de radiografías. Utilizando el umbral de Otsu, la densidad ósea se cuantificó contando todos los valores de pixeles blancos dentro de regiones de interés seleccionadas, que incluyen la cabeza femoral (CF), el cuello femoral (CF), el triángulo de Ward (WT) y el trocánter mayor (TM) de 354 fémures izquierdos de ascendencia del norte de Tailandia. También se estimó el ancho de pixeles de la cavidad medular (CM). Además, el estudio evaluó el rendimiento de modelos de regresión lineal (RL) para la estimación de la edad a partir de imágenes radiográficas de fémur proximal. Se observaron correlaciones negativas entre la intensidad de los pixeles CF, CF, WT y TM con la edad de muerte, y las mujeres exhibieron correlaciones más fuertes que los hombres. Además, se encontró una correlación positiva entre la edad y el ancho del CM en muestras de mujeres, mientras que el ancho del CM del hombre no mostró ninguna relación con el aumento de la edad. Los resultados mostraron una ligera diferencia entre el modelo RL aplicado a ambos sexos, que integraba todas las variables, y la configuración alternativa que sólo utilizaba atributos relevantes. Ambos modelos mostraron un rendimiento similar, con un rango estrecho de valores del error cuadrático medio (RMSE), que oscilaba entre 12,67 y 12,71 años, y un rango de coeficiente de correlación de 0,51 a 0,52. Para las mujeres, el modelo RL con CF y WT como atributos seleccionados (RMSE = 11,85 años, coeficiente de correlación = 0,65) tuvo un desempeño satisfactorio, mientras que para los hombres, el modelo RL con todas las variables mostró un RMSE de 12,52 años y un coeficiente de correlación de 0,46. Este estudio mostró la posible aplicación de la intensidad de los pixeles en la predicción de la edad.

La percepción de la socialización paterna y materna sobre la resiliencia de adolescentes / Paternal and maternal socialization perception on adolescent resilience

La relación con los progenitores es un aspecto clave en el desa-rrollo adolescente, pues el sentimiento de aceptación o rechazo por parte de estos se ha visto relacionado con el ajuste psicológico de la descenden-cia. A su vez, la resiliencia, habitualmente conceptualizada como capacidad para gestionar o adaptarse a los retos y la adversidad, resultaría fundamental para el ajuste en dicho periodo, caracterizado por numerosos cambios y re-tos simultáneos en distintos aspectos vitales. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la capacidad predictiva de las dimensiones de socializa-ción parental afecto-comunicacióny crítica-rechazosobre la resiliencia adolescen-te. Método:Participan 899 adolescentes (50.4% mujeres) de entre 12 y 19 años (M= 14.68; DT= 1.73). Mediante regresiones lineales se analiza la capacidad predictiva de las dimensiones de socialización parental sobre la resiliencia filial. Resultados:Se comprueba que las dimensiones paternas, es-pecialmente la crítica-rechazo, resultan más significativas a la hora de predecir las puntuaciones en resiliencia. Discusión: Los resultados apuntan a la rele-vancia de la crítica-rechazo sentida por los y las adolescentes, especialmente en el caso de proceder del padre. Se discute la posible interpretación dife-rencial de los y las adolescentes de las dimensiones en función del sexo de los progenitores.(AU)

Parent-child relations are a key aspect in adolescent develop-ment, since feelings of parental acceptance or rejection have been found to be associated with teenagers’ psychological adjustment. Resilience, usually conceptualised as the ability to manage or adapt to challenges and adversi-ty, is a fundamental factor in adjustment during adolescence, a period characterised by numerous simultaneous changes and challenges in differ-ent aspects of life. The aim of the present study is therefore to analyse the predictive capacity of different dimensions of parental socialisation (affec-tion-communication and criticism-rejection) on adolescent resilience. Meth-od:Participants were 899 adolescents (50.4% female), aged 12 to19 years (M= 14.68; SD= 1.73). Linear regressions were performed to analyse the predictive capacity of the different dimensions of parental socialisation on adolescent resilience. Results:Paternal dimensions, especially paternal criti-cism-rejection, were revealed as relevant factors for predicting resilience scores. Discussion:The results point to the important impact of the criti-cism-rejection felt by adolescents, especially if perceived from the father. Different possible interpretations of these dimensions are discussed, in ac-cordance with whether they are perceived from the mother or the fathe.(AU)

Recurrent Quantification Analysis Based Study of Wide-Field Calcium Imaging Data in Relation to Brain's Wake/Sleep Condition

Wide-Field Calcium Images (WFCI) directly reflect neuronal excitation, but their poor frame rate could be a drawback for time series analysis. This work was aimed at exploring the diagnostic capability retained by a time series obtained from calcium imaging data. To that purpose, we analyzed publicly available data from 2.88 hour continuous recordings of calcium images obtained from seven mice at different wake/sleep stages. Data were obtained from the Physionet portal and were submitted to Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). The association between retrosplenial and parietal areas was also assessed. Nonlinear RQA analysis allowed to identify the right retrosplenial and parietal areas as particularly sensitive to changes in sleep walking condition. Specifically, our results suggested that the RQA feature lmean decreases in non-REM sleep_1 stage as compared to waking stage. Sleep (both sleep_1 stage and REM) apparently elicits an increase in the association between retrosplenial and parietal areas. Overall, these results suggest that RQA and association analysis are appropriate to assess modifications associated to changes in brain condition, in spite of the low sampling rate of WFCI signals.

Las Imágenes de Calcio de Campo Ancho (Wide-Field Calcium Images, WFCI) reflejan directamente la excitación neuronal, pero su escasa resolución temporal pudiera resultar un impedimento para el análisis de series temporales. El presente trabajo tuvo por finalidad explorar la capacidad diagnostica que retiene una serie temporal extraída de imágenes de calcio. Para ello, se estudió una base de datos disponible en la red que contiene registros de 2.88 horas de duración de imágenes de calcio correspondientes a 7 ratones transgénicos a diferentes estadios de sueño/vigilia. Los datos fueron descargados del portal Physionet y sometidos a Análisis de Cuantificación Recurrente (Recurrent Quantification Analysis, RQA). La asociación entre las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas fue también evaluada. El análisis no lineal mediante RQA permitió identificar las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas como zonas particularmente sensibles a cambios en el estado de sueño/vigilia. Específicamente, nuestros resultados sugieren que el índice l mean se redujo en el estadio 1 de sueño no REM en comparación con el estado de vigilia. El estado de sueño, tanto REM como no-REM aparentemente induce un reforzamiento en la apreciación entre las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas. En su conjunto, estos resultados apuntan que el análisis de RQA y de asociación entre áreas son pertinentes para sensar las modificaciones asociadas a cambios en el estado del cerebro, a pesar de la baja resolución temporal de las señales WFCI.

El Currículo transcomplejo: Emergente y no lineal / The transcomplex Curriculum: Emergent and non-linear

Introducción : El Currículo se constituye en la principal herramienta de la Educación, representa el eje orientador de la actividad educativa humana, es donde se plantea toda una idea del deber ser cognitivo, practico y articulador con la realidad. Objetivo : Caracterizar las características y estructura base del currículo transcomplejo desde lo emergente y lo no lineal. Metodología : Revisión teórica, descriptivo no experimental de enfoque cualitativo Resultados : Es necesario pensar en que a lo largo de la historia de la humanidad hemos planteado según el paradigma infinidad de modelos curriculares que traten de resolver los problemas sociales y de la vida misma. Discusión : La presente propuesta trata sin lugar a duda de mostrar que es posible salir de un currículo no formal y no lineal basado en elementos de la complejidad y de la transdisciplinariedad, se convierte en un reto para los educadores el tratar de estudiarlo, construirlo y deconstruirlo.

Introduction : The Curriculum is the main tool of Education, it represents the guiding axis of human educational activity, it is where a whole idea of the duty to be cognitive, practical and articulate with reality is raised. Objective : Characterize the characteristics and base structure of the transcomplex curriculum from the emergent and non-linear. Methodology : Theoretical review, non-experimental descriptive, qualitative approach Results : It is necessary to think that throughout the history of humanity we have proposed, according to the paradigm, an infinite number of curricular models that try to solve social problems and life itself. Discussion : This proposal undoubtedly tries to show that it is possible to get away from a non-formal and non-linear curriculum based on elements of complexity and transdisciplinarity, it becomes a challenge for educators to try to study it, build it and deconstruct it.

Changes in comorbid depression following intensive trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and complex PTSD.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which intensive trauma-focused treatment for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also effective in treating comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that brief intensive trauma-focused therapy for PTSD is associated with significant reductions in depressive symptoms and loss of diagnostic status of MDD. METHODS: A total of 334 adult patients with PTSD (189 patients who were also diagnosed with MDD) underwent a brief intensive trauma-focused treatment programme consisting of EMDR therapy, prolonged exposure, physical activity, and psychoeducation. At pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up, severity and diagnostic status of PTSD and MDD were assessed. A linear mixed model was used to analyze changes in the severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms, whereas a generalized linear mixed model was used to determine changes in the MDD diagnostic status. RESULTS: Treatment resulted in a significant and strong decrease of PTSD and MDD symptoms at post-treatment (d = 2.34 and 1.22, respectively), and at 6-month follow-up (d = 1.67 and 0.73, respectively). The proportion of patients fulfilling the diagnostic status of MDD changed from 57% at pre-treatment to 33% at the 6-month follow-up. Although the initial response to treatment did not differ between patients with and without comorbid MDD, for both groups a significant relapse in depressive symptoms was found after six months, which could be explained almost entirely by the presence of CPTSD at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the notion that brief, intensive trauma-focused treatment is highly effective for individuals with PTSD and comorbid MDD. Because patients with CPTSD are vulnerable to relapse in depressive symptoms, this target group may require additional treatment.

Intensive trauma-focused treatment (ITFT) of PTSD proved to be associated with a significant decrease in comorbid MDD.Comorbid MDD did not moderate the effect of ITFT for PTSD.Presence of Complex PTSD was predictive of relapse of MDD symptoms 6 months later.

Validation of a new tool to predict the weed emergence in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The seedling stage is the most vulnerable period of growth and development for annual weeds and an important target for weed management operations. To address this, several weed emergence models have been developed, but none are commercially available. Therefore, this study aims to develop a web application that implements predictive weed emergence models for eight different weed species, utilizing weather data sourced from public weather stations. RESULTS: Lolium rigidum Gaudin presented a mean root mean squared error (RMSE) value of 8.9, achieving an RMSE value below 15 (success rate) in 84.5% of cases. This result may be attributed to the use of a water potential base, set at -0.4 MPa, to evaluate water availability. Centaurea diluta Aiton achieved an RMSE value below 15 in all situations, with an average value of 9.0. This weed showed higher accuracy at southern sites than northern sites. Conversely, Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana (Durieu) Gillet & Magne achieved higher precision at northern sites where no dry periods occurred. The newly developed model for Bromus diandrus Roth. achieved an average RMSE value of 7.7 and a 100% success rate. Papaver rhoeas L. and the three Phalaris species exhibited lower accuracy in this study than in previous ones. Nonetheless, the success rates for Papaver rhoeas and Phalaris paradoxa L. were still above 70%. CONCLUSION: Models for C. diluta, B. diandrus, L. rigidum, Papaver rhoeas and Phalaris paradoxa have demonstrated potential for adoption in commercial production, while Phalaris minor and Phalaris brachystachys models require refinement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

GPU-accelerated calculation of proton microdosimetric spectra as a function of target size, proton energy, and bounding volume size.

Objective.Shortcomings of dose-averaged linear energy transfer (LETD), the quantity which is most commonly used to quantify proton relative biological effectiveness, have long been recognized. Microdosimetric spectra may overcome the limitations of LETDbut are extremely computationally demanding to calculate. A systematic library of lineal energy spectra for monoenergetic protons could enable rapid determination of microdosimetric spectra in a clinical environment. The objective of this work was to calculate and validate such a library of lineal energy spectra.Approach. SuperTrack, a GPU-accelerated CUDA/C++ based application, was developed to superimpose tracks calculated using Geant4 onto targets of interest and to compute microdosimetric spectra. Lineal energy spectra of protons with energies from 0.1 to 100 MeV were determined in spherical targets of diameters from 1 nm to 10µm and in bounding voxels with side lengths of 5µm and 3 mm.Main results.Compared to an analogous Geant4-based application, SuperTrack is up to 3500 times more computationally efficient if each track is resampled 1000 times. Dose spectra of lineal energy and dose-mean lineal energy calculated with SuperTrack were consistent with values published in the literature and with comparison to a Geant4 simulation. Using SuperTrack, we developed the largest known library of proton microdosimetric spectra as a function of primary proton energy, target size, and bounding volume size.Significance. SuperTrack greatly increases the computational efficiency of the calculation of microdosimetric spectra. The elevated lineal energy observed in a 3 mm side length bounding volume suggests that lineal energy spectra determined experimentally or computed in small bounding volumes may not be representative of the lineal energy spectra in voxels of a dose calculation grid. The library of lineal energy spectra calculated in this work could be integrated with a treatment planning system for rapid determination of lineal energy spectra in patient geometries.

A Nonlinear Identification Approach for Gait Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisPatients

Gait data analysis, is giving mixing results regarding locomotion changes associated to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) development; the need has been claimed for new tools. We applied a nonlinear identification approach to the study of gait data from both healthy and ALS patients, available from Physionet.org. Kernel nonparametric nonlinear autoregression allowed to obtain noise-free realizations (NFR) that mimicked original traces, though correlation between original data and corresponding NFR was lower among ALS patients (p=0.03), suggesting a higher contribution of stochastic influences. Visual inspection of phase portraits, reconstructed from NFR via Takens theorem application, suggested dynamics differences between control subjects and patients. This was confirmed when phase portrait features were quantified and submitted to discriminant analysis (89% of correct classifications; 24/28). Application of a nonlinear dissimilarity measure for comparing pairs gait recordings, defined as a distance between underlying nonlinear autoregressive functions allowed an excellent separation between ALS and controls, via multidimensional scaling. Obtained projection map clearly suggested that ALS traces lay in a narrower dynamical space. This might reflect the known fact about neuronal degeneration accompanying ALS progression. When dissimilarity matrix principal components were introduced as predicting variables, discriminant analysis yielded an 82% of correct classifications (23/28). Overall, our results suggest that a nonlinear identification approach, centered in the characterization of the dynamics of the gait process can bring new insights to gait data interpretation.

El análisis de datos de la marcha, está dando resultados mixtos con respecto a los cambios de locomoción asociados con el desarrollo de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA). Se ha reivindicado la necesidad de nuevas herramientas de análisis de datos de la marcha. Aplicamos un enfoque de identificación no lineal al estudio de los datos de la marcha de pacientes sanos y con ELA, disponibles en Physionet.org. La auto-regresión no lineal no paramétrica del núcleo, permitió obtener realizaciones libres de ruido (NFR) que imitaban las trazas originales, aunque la correlación entre los datos originales y la NFR correspondiente fue menor entre los pacientes con ELA (p = 0,03), lo que sugiere una mayor contribución de las influencias estocásticas. La inspección visual de los retratos de fase, reconstruidos a partir de NFR mediante la aplicación del teorema de Takens, sugirió diferencias dinámicas entre los sujetos de control y los pacientes. Esto se confirmó cuando se cuantificaron las características del retrato de fase y se sometieron a un análisis discriminante (89 % de clasificaciones correctas; 24/28). La aplicación de una medida de disimilitud no lineal para comparar registros de marcha de pares, definida como una distancia entre funciones auto-regresivas no lineales subyacentes, permitió una excelente separación entre ALS y controles, a través de una escala multidimensional. El mapa de proyección obtenido sugirió claramente que las huellas de ALS se encuentran en un espacio dinámico más estrecho. Esto podría reflejar el hecho conocido sobre la degeneración neuronal que acompaña a la progresión de la ELA. Cuando se introdujeron los componentes principales de la matriz de disimilitud como variables predictoras, el análisis discriminante arrojó un 82% de clasificaciones correctas (23/28). En general, nuestros resultados sugieren que un enfoque de identificación no lineal, centrado en la caracterización de la dinámica del proceso de la marcha, puede aportar nuevos conocimientos a la interpretación de los datos de la marcha.

Strategies for mapping protein hydrolysate profiles and pharmacokinetics based on non-targeted proteomics combining skyline-aided quantitative techniques.

Numerous works have been focused on the bioactivities of protein hydrolysates (PHs) and their application in food or drug formulations, but their composition and pharmacokinetics have never been addressed due to their complex constitutes, short half-life, extremely low concentrations and lack of authentic standards. The present study aims to develop systematic analytical strategy and technical platform with optimized sample preparation, separation and detection protocols for PHs. Lineal peptides (LPs), extraction of the spleen of healthy pigs or calves, were used as cases. First, solvents with polarity gradients were used to globally extract peptides of LP from biological matrix. Non-targeted proteomics based on a high-resolution MS system was used to establish a reliable qualitative analysis workflow for PHs. Based on the developed approach, 247 unique peptides were identified using NanoLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and then further verified on the MicroLC-Q-TOF/MS system. In the quantitative analysis workflow, Skyline software was used to predict and optimize the LC-MS/MS detection parameters of LPs followed by investigating the linearity and precision of the developed analytical assay. Note worthily, we innovatively prepared calibration curves by sequential dilution of LP solution to overcome the bottleneck of lacking authentic standards and complex PH composition. All the peptides exhibited good linearity and precision in biological matrix. The established qualitative and quantitative assays were successfully applied to study the distribution characteristics of LPs in mice, and would be conductive to systematically map the profile and pharmacokinetics of peptides in various PHs in vivo and in vitro.

Microdosimetric Analysis for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy via Monte Carlo Track Structure Simulation with Modified Lithium Cross-sections.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a cellular-level hadron therapy achieving therapeutic effects via the synergistic action of multiple particles, including Lithium, alpha, proton, and photon. However, evaluating the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in BNCT remains challenging. In this research, we performed a microdosimetric calculation for BNCT using the Monte Carlo track structure (MCTS) simulation toolkit, TOPAS-nBio. This paper reports the first attempt to derive the ionization cross-sections of low-energy (>0.025 MeV/u) Lithium for MCTS simulation based on the effective charge cross-section scalation method and phenomenological double-parameter modification. The fitting parameters λ1=1.101,λ2=3.486 were determined to reproduce the range and stopping power data from the ICRU report 73. Besides, the lineal energy spectra of charged particles in BNCT were calculated, and the influence of sensitive volume (SV) size was discussed. Condensed history simulation obtained similar results with MCTS when using Micron-SV while overestimating the lineal energy when using Nano-SV. Furthermore, we found that the microscopic boron distribution can significantly affect the lineal energy for Lithium, while the effect for alpha is minimal. Similar results to the published data by PHITS simulation were observed for the compound particles and monoenergetic protons when using micron-SV. Spectra with nano-SV reflected that the different track densities and absorbed doses in the nucleus together result in the dramatic difference in the macroscopic biological response of BPA and BSH. This work and the developed methodology could impact the research fields in BNCT where understanding radiation effects is crucial, such as the treatment planning system, source evaluation, and new boron drug development.

The effect of Taekwondo training applied with differential learning approach on the technical skills / El Efecto del entrenamiento de Taekwondo aplicado con el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial en las habilidades técnicas

Junto al hecho de que el método de aprendizaje clásico se ha utilizado durante muchos años en el ámbito de deportes como el taekwondo, ha habido búsquedas e intentos de enfoques de enseñanza no convencionales. Uno de ellos es el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial. En el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial es importante que las repeticiones varíen y que se preste atención a la base de la técnica más que a la ejecución perfecta del movimiento. Examinando la literatura, no se ha encontrado ningún estudio que investigue los resultados del programa de entrenamiento de taekwondo aplicado con un enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial, a pesar de que la contribución positiva del enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial en la literatura ha sido apoyada por otras ramas. El propósito del estudio fue investigar el efecto del entrenamiento de taekwondo aplicado con un enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial sobre las habilidades técnicas de los taekwondistas de categoría estrella de 12-14 años. Participaron en la investigación un total de 16 taekwondistas con cinturón rojo-negro de la categoría estrella de 12-14 años y con una licencia de al menos 3 años. En esta investigación cuantitativa, se utilizó un método de investigación semi experimental sobre el terreno con un grupo de estudio que incluía los modelos pre-test y post-test. La Prueba de Wilcoxon se utilizó para examinar las diferencias entre la prueba previa y posterior los valores de prueba los jugadores de taekwondo.Cuando se examinaron los hallazgos, se ha determinado que el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial tiene un efecto positivo en el desarrollo de las habilidades técnicas de los atletas de taekwondo. (AU)

Alongside the fact that the classical learning method has been used for many years in the area of sports such as tae-kwon-do, there have been searches and attempts for unconventional approaches to teaching. One of these is the differential learning approach, it is important the repetitions vary in the differential learning approach and that the attention is given to the basis of the technique rather than the perfect execution of the move. Examining the literature, no study has been found which investigates the outcomes of the taekwondo training program applied with a differential learning approach despite the fact that other branches have supported the positive contribution of the differential learning approach in the literature. The aim of this research is to examine the effect of differential learning on the technical skill development of male and female taekwondo players with red-black belts in the 12-14 age group. A total of 16 taekwondo players, who have a red-black belt in the 12-14 age group star category and have a license of at least three years, participated in the research. In this quantitative research, the pre-test and post-test study group models (within quasi-experimental design) was used. Wilcoxon Test was used to examine the pre-test and post-test between the test values of taekwondo players. When the findings were examined, the differential learning approach has a positive effect on the technical skill development of the female and male taekwondo athletes. (AU)

Efluvio en línea de aparición inmediata asociado a trasplante capilar de alta densidad: descripción de 28 casos / Immediate-Onset Linear Effluvium Associated With High-Density Hair Transplantation: A Series of 28 Cases

Describimos 28 pacientes que desarrollaron una forma de efluvio postrasplante capilar con características no descritas en la literatura: a) morfología lineal; b) aparición inmediata (1-3 días); c) asociación con ‘dense packing’ en entradas (‘signo de Mickey Mouse’); d) progresión del diámetro de la línea (patrón ‘wave-like’); e) posible adición posterior de efluvio lineal concéntrico a vértex (‘signo del Donut’), y f) además de otros efluvios tampoco publicados por su inmediatez de aparición. La morfología lineal podría ser el resultado de la alta densidad colocada en nuestros pacientes, provocando hipoxia perilesional y efluvio de las unidades foliculares miniaturizadas que rodean la zona receptora. Debido a que la línea alopécica provoca inseguridad a los pacientes sobre una posible no colocación de injertos, recomendamos iconografía postoperatoria inmediata demostrando unión de áreas trasplantada y no trasplantada, así como la explicación previa al paciente de este fenómeno transitorio y completamente reversible en 3 meses (AU)

We describe 28 patients who experienced effluvium with previously unreported features shortly after hair transplant surgery. Notable features were as follows: a) a linear morphology; b) immediate onset (1-3 days); c) association with dense-pack grafting in areas of receding hairline at the temples (Mickey Mouse pattern); d) a progressive increase in the diameter of the hair loss line (wave-like pattern); e) in some cases, subsequent concentric linear effluvium on the crown (donut pattern); and f) other forms of previously unreported immediate-onset effluvium. The linear morphology could be the result of dense packing, which can cause perilesional hypoxia and loss of miniaturized hairs around the recipient area. Since linear hair loss can cause patient concern about graft failure, we recommend taking images of transplanted and nontransplanted areas immediately after surgery and warning patients in advance about these transient effects, which are fully reversed in 3 months (AU)

[Translated article] Immediate-Onset Linear Effluvium Associated With High-Density Hair Transplantation: A Series of 28 Case / Efluvio en línea de aparición inmediata asociado a trasplante capilar de alta densidad: descripción de 28 casos

We describe 28 patients who experienced effluvium with previously unreported features shortly after hair transplant surgery. Notable features were as follows: a) a linear morphology; b) immediate onset (1-3 days); c) association with dense-pack grafting in areas of receding hairline at the temples (Mickey Mouse pattern); d) a progressive increase in the diameter of the hair loss line (wave-like pattern); e) in some cases, subsequent concentric linear effluvium on the crown (donut pattern); and f) other forms of previously unreported immediate-onset effluvium. The linear morphology could be the result of dense packing, which can cause perilesional hypoxia and loss of miniaturized hairs around the recipient area. Since linear hair loss can cause patient concern about graft failure, we recommend taking images of transplanted and nontransplanted areas immediately after surgery and warning patients in advance about these transient effects, which are fully reversed in 3 months (AU)

Describimos 28 pacientes que desarrollaron una forma de efluvio postrasplante capilar con características no descritas en la literatura: a) morfología lineal; b) aparición inmediata (1-3 días); c) asociación con ‘dense packing’ en entradas (‘signo de Mickey Mouse’); d) progresión del diámetro de la línea (patrón ‘wave-like’); e) posible adición posterior de efluvio lineal concéntrico a vértex (‘signo del Donut’), y f) además de otros efluvios tampoco publicados por su inmediatez de aparición. La morfología lineal podría ser el resultado de la alta densidad colocada en nuestros pacientes, provocando hipoxia perilesional y efluvio de las unidades foliculares miniaturizadas que rodean la zona receptora. Debido a que la línea alopécica provoca inseguridad a los pacientes sobre una posible no colocación de injertos, recomendamos iconografía postoperatoria inmediata demostrando unión de áreas trasplantada y no trasplantada, así como la explicación previa al paciente de este fenómeno transitorio y completamente reversible en 3 meses (AU)

The skull variation of the olive field mouse Abrothrix olivacea (Cricetidae: Abrotrichini) is localized and correlated to the ecogeographic features of its geographic distribution.

The relationship between phenotypic variation and landscape heterogeneity has been extensively studied to understand how the environment influences patterns of morphological variation and differentiation of populations. Several studies had partially addressed intraspecific variation in the sigmodontine rodent Abrothrix olivacea, focusing on the characterization of physiological aspects and cranial variation. However, these had been conducted based on geographically restricted populational samples, and in most cases, the aspects characterized were not explicitly contextualized with the environmental configurations in which the populations occurred. Here, the cranial variation of A. olivacea was characterized by recording twenty cranial measurements in 235 individuals from 64 localities in Argentina and Chile, which widely cover the geographic and environmental distribution of this species. The morphological variation was analyzed and ecogeographically contextualized using multivariate statistical analyses, which also included climatic and ecological variation at the localities where the individuals were sampled. Results indicate that the cranial variation of this species is mostly clustered in localized patterns associated to the types of environments, and that the levels of cranial differentiation are higher among the populations from arid and treeless zones. Additionally, the ecogeographical association of cranial size variation indicate that this species does not follow Bergmann's rule and that island populations exhibit larger cranial sizes compared to their continental counterparts distributed at the same latitudes. These results suggest that cranial differentiation among the populations of this species is not homogeneous throughout its geographic distribution, and that the patterns of morphological differentiation are also not completely consistent with the patterns of genetic structuring that have been described recently. Finally, the analyses performed to ponder morphological differentiation among populations suggest that the contribution of genetic drift in the formation of these patterns can be ruled out among Patagonian populations, and that the selective effect imposed by the environment could better explain them.

Evaluación de los indicadores demográficos de Pocillopora (Scleractinia: Pocilloporidae) en sitios insulares vs. costeros: implicaciones para un programa de restauración regional

Introducción: El mantenimiento de las comunidades coralinas depende directamente de la capacidad de los individuos para crecer como colonia. Dado que el crecimiento forma la base de la estructura física del arrecife, determinar la tasa de crecimiento de las especies de corales constructores y su respuesta a las variaciones ambientales nos permitirá identificar su potencial particular para implementar estrategias de restauración más efectivas. Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de crecimiento del coral constructor de arrecifes Pocillopora en todo el Pacífico Central Mexicano (PCM) y su relación con las fluctuaciones en las condiciones ambientales. Métodos: De agosto de 2019 a octubre de 2020, se monitorearon y trasplantaron un total de 153 fragmentos de coral ramificado del género Pocillopora como parte del programa de restauración en diferentes sitios de la PCM: Parque Nacional Islas Marietas y en la Caleta de Cuastecomates. Se calculó el crecimiento del coral (cm·año-1) y sobrevivencia (%), y se correlacionó con la temperatura, PAR y Kd490 para cada localidad. Resultados: Patrones similares en los parámetros examinados entre los fragmentos de coral fueron encontrados para todos los sitios, con un rango de sobrevivencia de 61.6 - 68 %, cuya mortalidad estuvo relacionada principalmente con huracanes y tormentas que afectaron la región. Sin embargo, la tasa de crecimiento oscila entre 2.0 - 8.0 cm·año-1, sin diferencias significativas entre localidades. Además, no se registraron diferencias en las condiciones ambientales entre las localidades. Conclusiones: Los corales ramificados del género Pocillopora presentan una tasa de crecimiento similar en sitios insulares y costeros de la PCM, por lo que se podría esperar que la implementación de un programa de restauración en toda esta región del Pacífico Mexicano sería potencialmente exitoso, ya que, las condiciones ambientales locales no son factores limitantes.

Introduction: The maintenance of the coral communities depends directly on the capacity of the individuals to grow as a whole colony. Since growth shapes the basis of the physical structure of the reef, determining the growth rate of builder coral-species and their response to environmental variations will allow us to identify their particular potential to implement more effective restoration strategies. Objective: To determine the growth rate of the reef-building coral Pocillopora throughout the Mexican Central Pacific (PCM) and its relationship with fluctuations in environmental conditions. Methods: From August 2019 - October 2020, a total of 153 branched coral fragments of the genus Pocillopora were monitored and transplanted as part of the restoration program in different PCM locations: Islas Marietas National Park and in the Caleta de Cuastecomates. Coral growth (cm·year-1) and survival rate (%), was calculated and correlated with temperature, PAR and Kd490 for each locality. Results: The results show similar patterns in the parameters examined among the coral fragments were found for all sites, with a survival range of 61.6 - 68 %, whose mortality was mainly related to hurricanes and storms that affected the region. However, growth rate range from 2.0 - 8.0 cm·year-1, with no significant differences between locations. Also, no differences in environmental conditions between locations were recorded. Conclusions: The branching corals of the genus Pocillopora present a similar growth rate in insular and coastal sites of the PCM, so it could be expected that the implementation of a restoration program throughout this region of the Mexican Pacific would be potentially successful, since local environmental conditions are not limiting factors.

Immediate-Onset Linear Effluvium Associated With High-Density Hair Transplantation: A Series of 28 Cases. / Efluvio en línea de aparición inmediata asociado a trasplante capilar de alta densidad: descripción de 28 casos.

We describe 28 patients who experienced effluvium with previously unreported features shortly after hair transplant surgery. Notable features were as follows: a) a linear morphology; b) immediate onset (1-3 days); c) association with dense-pack grafting in areas of receding hairline at the temples (Mickey Mouse pattern); d) a progressive increase in the diameter of the hair loss line (wave-like pattern); e) in some cases, subsequent concentric linear effluvium on the crown (donut pattern); and f) other forms of previously unreported immediate-onset effluvium. The linear morphology could be the result of dense packing, which can cause perilesional hypoxia and loss of miniaturized hairs around the recipient area. Since linear hair loss can cause patient concern about graft failure, we recommend taking images of transplanted and nontransplanted areas immediately after surgery and warning patients in advance about these transient effects, which are fully reversed in 3 months.

State-of-the-art and potential of experimental microdosimetry in ion-beam therapy.

In radiotherapy, radiation-quality should be an expression of the biological and physical characteristics of ionizing radiation such as spatial distribution of ionization or energy deposition. Linear energy transfer (LET) and lineal energy (y) are two descriptors used to quantify the radiation quality. These two quantities are connected and exhibit similar features. In ion-beam therapy (IBT), lineal energy can be measured with microdosimeters, which are specifically designed to cope with the high fluence of particles in clinical beams, while the quantification of LET is generally based on calculations. In pre-clinical studies, microdosimetric spectra are used for the indirect determination of relative biological effectiveness (RBE), e.g., using the microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM) or biophysical response functions. In this context it is important to consider saturation effects, which occur when the highest values of y become less biologically relevant compared to the relative contribution they make to the physical dose. Recent clinical data suggests that local tumor control and normal tissue effects can be linked to macroscopic and microscopic dosimetry parameters. In particular, positive clinical outcomes have been correlated to the highest LET values in the density distribution, and there is no evident link to the saturation discussed above. A systematic collection of microdosimetric information in combination with clinical data in retrospective studies may clarify the role of radiation quality at the highest LET. In the clinical setting, microdosimetry is not widely used yet, despite its potential to be linked with LET by experimentally-determined y values. Through this connection, both play an important role in complex therapy techniques such as intensity modulated particle therapy (IMPT), LET-painting and multi-ion optimization. This review summarizes the current state of microdosimetry for IBT and its potential, as well as research and development needed to make experimental microdosimetry a mature procedure in a clinical context.