Colloidal CdSe/CdS Core/Crown Nanoplatelets for Efficient Blue Light Emission and Optical Amplification.

The application of CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) in the ultraviolet/blue region remains an open challenge due to charge trapping typically leading to limited photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PL QE) and sub-bandgap emission in core-only NPLs. Here, we synthesized 3.5 monolayer core/crown CdSe/CdS NPLs with various crown dimensions, exhibiting saturated blue emission and PL QE up to 55%. Compared to core-only NPLs, the PL intensity decays monoexponentially over two decades due to suppressed deep trapping and delayed emission. In both core-only and core/crown NPLs we observe biexciton-mediated optical gain between 470 and 510 nm, with material gain coefficients up to 7900 cm-1 and consistently lower gain thresholds in crowned NPLs. Gain lifetimes are limited to 40 ps, due to residual ultrafast trapping and higher exciton densities at threshold. Our results provide guidelines for rational optimization of thin CdSe NPLs toward lighting and light-amplification applications.

Therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides for treatment of wound infection.

Healing of cutaneous wounds is a fundamental process required to re-establish tissue integrity, repair skin barrier function, and restore skin homeostasis. Chronic wound infection, exacerbated by the growing development of resistance to conventional therapies, hinders the skin repair process and is a serious clinical problem affecting millions of people worldwide. In the past decade, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has attracted increasing attention as a potential novel strategy for the treatment of chronic wound infections due to their unique multifaceted mechanisms of action, and AMPs have been demonstrated to function as potent host-defense molecules that can control microbial proliferation, modulate host-immune responses, and act as endogenous mediators of wound healing. To date over 3,200 AMPs have been discovered either from living organisms or through synthetic derivation, some of which have progressed to clinical trials for the treatment of burn and wound injuries. However, progress to routine clinical use has been hindered due to AMPs' susceptibility to wound and environmental factors including changes in pH, proteolysis, hydrolysis, oxidation, and photolysis. This review will discuss the latest research focused on the development and applications of AMPs for wound infections using the latest nanotechnological approaches to improve AMP delivery, and stability to present effective combinatorial treatment for clinical applications.

Modulation of Osteogenic Gene Expression by Human Osteoblasts Cultured in the Presence of Bisphenols BPF, BPS, or BPAF.

Bone effects attributed to bisphenols (BPs) include the inhibition of growth and differentiation. This study analyzes the effect of BPA analogs (BPS, BPF, and BPAF) on the gene expression of the osteogenic markers RUNX2, osterix (OSX), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), BMP-7, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen-1 (COL-1), and osteocalcin (OSC). Human osteoblasts were obtained by primary culture from bone chips harvested during routine dental work in healthy volunteers and were treated with BPF, BPS, or BPAF for 24 h at doses of 10-5, 10-6, and 10-7 M. Untreated cells were used as controls. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of the osteogenic marker genes RUNX2, OSX, BMP-2, BMP-7, ALP, COL-1, and OSC. The expression of all studied markers was inhibited in the presence of each analog; some markers (COL-1; OSC, BMP2) were inhibited at all three doses and others only at the highest doses (10-5 and 10-6 M). Results obtained for the gene expression of osteogenic markers reveal an adverse effect of BPA analogs (BPF, BPS, and BPAF) on the physiology of human osteoblasts. The impact on ALP, COL-1, and OSC synthesis and therefore on bone matrix formation and mineralization is similar to that observed after exposure to BPA. Further research is warranted to determine the possible contribution of BP exposure to the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Serum Lipid Level Association: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analytic Study.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with unknown etiology. Many metabolic alterations occur during ALS progress and can be used as a method of pre-diagnostic and early diagnosis. Dyslipidemia is one of the physiological changes observed in numerous ALS patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the possible relationship between the rate of disease progression (functional rating scale (ALS-FRS)) and the plasma lipid levels at the early stage of ALS. A systematic review was carried out in July 2022. The search equation was "Triglycerides AND amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" and its variants. Four meta-analyses were performed. Four studies were included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed between the lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol) and the ALS-FRS score at the onset of the disease. Although the number of studies included in this research was low, the results of this meta-analytic study suggest that there is no clear relationship between the symptoms observed in ALS patients and the plasma lipid levels. An increase in research, as well as an expansion of the geographical area, would be of interest.

Asbestos exposure and small cell lung cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Asbestos is a mineral that is carcinogenic to humans. Its use has been banned in many occidental countries yet it is still produced in the United States, and materials that contain asbestos remain in many occupational settings and indoor environments. Even though asbestos carcinogenicity is well known, there is scant literature on its specific effects regarding small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine SCLC risk among workers exposed to asbestos. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies which reported occupational exposure to asbestos and SCLC-related deaths and/or incidence. We identified seven case-control studies that included 3,231 SCLC cases; four studies reported smoking-adjusted risks. A significantly increased risk of SCLC (pooled OR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.25-2.86) was observed on pooling studies on men (six studies) that displayed moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 46.0%). Overall, our synthesis suggests that occupational exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of SCLC on men.

Percepción del consumo de alcohol propio y de allegados en universitarios de primer curso como predictor del consumo a 10 años. / Percepción del consumo de alcohol propio y de allegados en universitarios de primer curso como predictor del consumo a 10 años.

The alcohol use perceptions young people have of those close to them can affect their expectations regarding alcohol and, thus, their own drinking. We aim to identify the predictive ability of own and significant others' perceived drinking at age 18-19 in the alcohol use patterns at 27-28. A cohort study was carried out among university students in Spain (n=1,382). Binge Drinking (BD) and Risky Consumption (RC) were measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test at ages 18, 20, 22, 24 and 27. Multilevel logistic regression for repeated measures was used to calculate the adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs). College students perceive their family's alcohol consumption as very low or nothing, while the perception of their own alcohol use or that of their friends is higher. Perceiving higher alcohol use among their siblings and friends increases the risk of BD for both sexes and RC for women. Living away from the parental home increases the risk of RC and BD. In conclusion, the perception of their friend's alcohol use at age 18-19 is the most influential variable in BD among both sexes and in RC among men throughout 10 years of follow-up. Parental alcohol consumption does not affect college student drinking patterns when friends and siblings are considered. Living with one's family acts as a protective factor. Preventive measures focused on young people should take a contextual approach and include those closest to them.

El consumo percibido por los jóvenes de sus allegados puede afectar a las expectativas respecto al consumo de alcohol y de este modo, a su propio consumo. El objetivo del estudio ha sido identificar la capacidad predictiva de la percepción de consumo de alcohol propio y de los allegados al inicio del periodo universitario, en los patrones de consumo observados a lo largo de 10 años de seguimiento. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de cohortes en universitarios en España (n=1.382). Consumo Intensivo de Alcohol (CIA) y Consumo de Riesgo de alcohol (CRA) se midieron con el Test de Identificación de los Trastornos debidos al Uso de Alcohol (AUDIT) a los 18, 20, 22, 24 y 27 años. Se calcularon las Odds Ratios (ORs) con regresión logística multinivel para medidas repetidas. Los universitarios percibían bajo o nulo consumo de alcohol de sus familiares y mayor de sus amigos. Percibir mayor consumo de sus hermanos y amigos aumentó el riesgo de CIA en ambos géneros y de CRA en mujeres. Vivir fuera del domicilio familiar aumentó el riesgo de ambos patrones. En conclusión, la percepción del consumo de alcohol de amigos a los 18-19 años resultó la variable más influyente para el CIA en ambos géneros y el CRA en mujeres a lo largo de 10 años de seguimiento. El consumo de alcohol de los padres al inicio del periodo universitario parece no afectar a los patrones de consumo practicados durante la juventud, una vez se ajusta por el consumo de amigos y hermanos. Vivir en el domicilio familiar actúa como factor protector. Las medidas preventivas en los jóvenes deben tener un enfoque contextual incluyendo a sus allegados.

Cleavage of Carbon Dioxide C=O Bond Promoted by Nickel-Boron Cooperativity in a PBP-Ni Complex.

The synthesis and characterization of (tBu PBP)Ni(OAc) (5) by insertion of carbon dioxide into the Ni-C bond of (tBu PBP)NiMe (1) is presented. An unexpected CO2 cleavage process involving the formation of new B-O and Ni-CO bonds leads to the generation of a butterfly-structured tetra-nickel cluster (tBu PBOP)2 Ni4 (µ-CO)2 (6). Mechanistic investigation of this reaction indicates a reductive scission of CO2 by O-atom transfer to the boron atom via a cooperative nickel-boron mechanism. The CO2 activation reaction produces a three-coordinate (tBu P2 BO)Ni-acyl intermediate (A) that leads to a (tBu P2 BO)-NiI complex (B) via a likely radical pathway. The NiI species is trapped by treatment with the radical trap (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) to give (tBu P2 BO)NiII (η2 -TEMPO) (7). Additionally, 13 C and 1 H NMR spectroscopy analysis using 13 C-enriched CO2 provides information about the species involved in the CO2 activation process.

Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and their phagocytic capacity.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have evidenced considerable therapeutic potential in numerous clinical fields, especially in tissue regeneration. The immunological characteristics of this cell population include the expression of Toll-like receptors and mannose receptors, among others. The study objective was to determine whether MSCs have phagocytic capacity against different target particles. We isolated and characterized three human adipose tissue MSC (HAT-MSC) lines from three patients and analysed their phagocytic capacity by flow cytometry, using fluorescent latex beads, and by transmission electron microscopy, using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans as biological materials and latex beads as non-biological material. The results demonstrate that HAT-MSCs can phagocyte particles of different nature and size. The percentage of phagocytic cells ranged between 33.8% and 56.2% (mean of 44.37% ± 11.253) according to the cell line, and a high phagocytic index was observed. The high phagocytic capacity observed in MSCs, which have known regenerative potential, may offer an advance in the approach to certain local and systemic infections.

Effect of the most common wound antiseptics on human skin fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Antiseptics are used for the cleansing of acute or chronic wounds to eliminate micro-organisms from the wound bed. However, they have effects on the skin cells. AIM: To determine the effects of hexetidine, povidone-iodine (PI), undecylenamidopropyl-betaine/polyhexanide (UBP), chlorhexidine, disodium eosin and hydrogen peroxide on human skin fibroblasts. METHODS: CCD-1064Sk cells were treated with hexetidine, PI, UBP, chlorhexidine, disodium eosin or hydrogen peroxide. Spectrophotometry was used to measure cell viability and flow cytometry was used to study apoptosis and necrosis after the treatment. In vitro wound scratch assays were performed to determine the gap closure. RESULTS: All antiseptics significantly reduced the viability of human skin fibroblasts compared with controls. The percentage wound closure was lower with hexetidine, PI and UBP. The scratch assay could not be measured after treatments with chlorhexidine, disodium eosin or hydrogen peroxide, owing to their cytotoxicity. The apoptosis/necrosis experiments evidenced a significant reduction in viable cells compared with controls. An increased percentage of apoptotic cells was observed after treatment with all antiseptics. Compared with controls, the percentage of necrotic cells was significantly increased with all antiseptics except for hexetidine. CONCLUSION: The proliferation, migration and viability of human skin fibroblasts are reduced by treatment with hexetidine, PI, UBP, chlorhexidine, disodium eosin and hydrogen peroxide.

Different Sources of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tissue Regeneration: A Guide to Identifying the Most Favorable One in Orthopedics and Dentistry Applications.

The success of regenerative medicine in various clinical applications depends on the appropriate selection of the source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Indeed, the source conditions, the quality and quantity of MSCs, have an influence on the growth factors, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and secrete bioactive factors of the regenerative milieu, thus influencing the clinical result. Thus, optimal source selection should harmonize this complex setting and ensure a well-personalized and effective treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be obtained from several sources, including bone marrow and adipose tissue, already used in orthopedic regenerative applications. In this sense, for bone, dental, and oral injuries, MSCs could provide an innovative and effective therapy. The present review aims to compare the properties (proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, angiogenic capacity, differentiation potential, and secretome) of MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and dental tissue to enable clinicians to select the best source of MSCs for their clinical application in bone and oral tissue regeneration to delineate new translational perspectives. A review of the literature was conducted using the search engines Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. An analysis of different publications showed that all sources compared (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs), and dental tissue mesenchymal stem cells (DT-MSCs)) are good options to promote proper migration and angiogenesis, and they turn out to be useful for gingival, dental pulp, bone, and periodontal regeneration. In particular, DT-MSCs have better proliferation rates and AT and G-MSC sources showed higher clonogenicity. MSCs from bone marrow, widely used in orthopedic regenerative medicine, are preferable for their differentiation ability. Considering all the properties among sources, BM-MSCs, AT-MSCs, and DT-MSCs present as potential candidates for oral and dental regeneration.

Repercussions of Bisphenol A on the Physiology of Human Osteoblasts.

(1) Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that is widely present in the environment and exerts adverse effects on various body tissues. The objective of this study was to determine its repercussions on bone tissue by examining its impact on selected functional parameters of human osteoblasts. (2) Methods: Three human osteoblast lines were treated with BPA at doses of 10-5, 10-6, or 10-7 M. At 24 h post-treatment, a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization was observed. (4) Results: The expression of CD54 and CD80 antigens was increased at doses of 10-5 and 10-6 M, while the phagocytic capacity and the expression of osteogenic genes (ALP, COL-1, OSC, RUNX2, OSX, BMP-2, and BMP-7) were significantly and dose-dependently reduced in the presence of BPA. (5) Conclusions: According to these findings, BPA exerts adverse effects on osteoblasts by altering their differentiation/maturation and their proliferative and functional capacity, potentially affecting bone health. Given the widespread exposure to this contaminant, further human studies are warranted to determine the long-term risk to bone health posed by BPA.

Exploring the intergroup consequences of majority members' perceptions that minority members want majority members to adopt the minority culture.

There remains an obvious gap in the acculturation literature, which relates to cultural change associated with the majority/dominant group. This paper explores how majority members react to a perceived expectation from minority members that majority members should undergo cultural change. A study was conducted exploring how majority members' perceptions of a demand by minority members that the majority should adopt the minority culture affects the majority members' preferences for minority acculturation, and whether effects are mediated by perceptions of symbolic threat. Two hundred sixty-six participants who self-reported being white British completed an online survey. A model was hypothesized whereby a perception that minority members demand that the majority takes on the minority culture predicted perceived symbolic threat, which was in turn negatively associated with a desire that minority members should maintain the minority culture, and positively with a desire that minority members should adopt the majority culture. Results supported the hypothesized model, with all individual paths and indirect effects significant in the hypothesized directions. Symbolic threat mediated the effect of perceived demand for minority culture adoption on majority preferences for minority acculturation. Findings are discussed in relation to implications for intergroup relations in culturally plural societies.

Altered Env conformational dynamics as a mechanism of resistance to peptide-triazole HIV-1 inactivators.

BACKGROUND: We previously developed drug-like peptide triazoles (PTs) that target HIV-1 Envelope (Env) gp120, potently inhibit viral entry, and irreversibly inactivate virions. Here, we investigated potential mechanisms of viral escape from this promising class of HIV-1 entry inhibitors. RESULTS: HIV-1 resistance to cyclic (AAR029b) and linear (KR13) PTs was obtained by dose escalation in viral passaging experiments. High-level resistance for both inhibitors developed slowly (relative to escape from gp41-targeted C-peptide inhibitor C37) by acquiring mutations in gp120 both within (Val255) and distant to (Ser143) the putative PT binding site. The similarity in the resistance profiles for AAR029b and KR13 suggests that the shared IXW pharmacophore provided the primary pressure for HIV-1 escape. In single-round infectivity studies employing recombinant virus, V255I/S143N double escape mutants reduced PT antiviral potency by 150- to 3900-fold. Curiously, the combined mutations had a much smaller impact on PT binding affinity for monomeric gp120 (four to ninefold). This binding disruption was entirely due to the V255I mutation, which generated few steric clashes with PT in molecular docking. However, this minor effect on PT affinity belied large, offsetting changes to association enthalpy and entropy. The escape mutations had negligible effect on CD4 binding and utilization during entry, but significantly altered both binding thermodynamics and inhibitory potency of the conformationally-specific, anti-CD4i antibody 17b. Moreover, the escape mutations substantially decreased gp120 shedding induced by either soluble CD4 or AAR029b. CONCLUSIONS: Together, the data suggest that the escape mutations significantly modified the energetic landscape of Env's prefusogenic state, altering conformational dynamics to hinder PT-induced irreversible inactivation of Env. This work therein reveals a unique mode of virus escape for HIV-1, namely, resistance by altering the intrinsic conformational dynamics of the Env trimer.

Analysis of Endogenous Peptides Released from Osteoarthritic Cartilage Unravels Novel Pathogenic Markers.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pathology characterized by the loss of articular cartilage. In this study, we performed a peptidomic strategy to identify endogenous peptides (neopeptides) that are released from human osteoarthritic tissue, which may serve as disease markers. With this aim, secretomes of osteoarthritic and healthy articular cartilages obtained from knee and hip were analyzed by shotgun peptidomics. This discovery step led to the identification of 1175 different peptides, corresponding to 101 proteins, as products of the physiological or pathological turnover of cartilage extracellular matrix. Then, a targeted multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify the panel of best marker candidates on a larger set of samples (n = 62). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the significance of the observed differences and the ability of the neopeptides to classify the tissue. Eight of them were differentially abundant in the media from wounded zones of OA cartilage compared with the healthy tissue (p < 0.05). Three neopeptides belonging to Clusterin and one from Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein showed a disease-dependent decrease specifically in hip OA, whereas two from Prolargin (PRELP) and one from Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein 1 were significantly increased in samples from knee OA. The release of one peptide from PRELP showed the best metrics for tissue classification (AUC = 0.834). The present study reveals specific neopeptides that are differentially released from knee or hip human osteoarthritic cartilage compared with healthy tissue. This evidences the intervention of characteristic pathogenic pathways in OA and provides a novel panel of peptidic candidates for biomarker development.

Lipoprotein(a) and Hyperinsulinemia in Healthy Normal-weight, Prepubertal Mexican Children.

Background. Given the numerous gaps in our knowledge about the biological interactions of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], we determined whether Lp(a) was associated with hyperinsulinemia in healthy normal-weight, prepubertal children.Methods. A total of 131 healthy normal-weight Mexican children aged 6 to 9 years at Tanner stage 1 who were born appropriate for gestational age were enrolled in a case-control study. Children with hyperinsulinemia were allocated into the case group (n = 32), and children with normal insulin levels were allocated into the control group (n = 99). Birth weight, age, and body mass index were matching criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compute the odds ratio (OR) between Lp(a) and both hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Furthermore, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between Lp(a) and both insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Both models were adjusted by sex, age, birth weight, and body mass index.Results. The median (25-75 percentile) serum levels of Lp(a) [20.0 (13.7-29.6) versus 14.6 (10.6-26.7) mg/dL, p = .003] and insulin [24.5 (6.0-30) versus 7.9 (4.3-9.0) µU/L, p < .0005] were higher in the case group than in the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that Lp(a) was associated with hyperinsulinemia (OR 5.86; 95%CI 2.5-13.6, p < .0005) and insulin resistance (OR 2.01; 95%CI 1.1-9.9, p = .004). In addition, the linear regression analysis showed a significant association between serum Lp(a) and insulin levels (ß 11.1; 95%CI 1.8-10.9, p < .0001) and the HOMA-IR index (ß 2.606; 95%CI 2.3-2.9, p < .0005).Conclusion. Lp(a) was associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in healthy normal-weight, prepubertal children.

The Immune System through the Lens of Alcohol Intake and Gut Microbiota.

The human gut is the largest organ with immune function in our body, responsible for regulating the homeostasis of the intestinal barrier. A diverse, complex and dynamic population of microorganisms, called microbiota, which exert a significant impact on the host during homeostasis and disease, supports this role. In fact, intestinal bacteria maintain immune and metabolic homeostasis, protecting our organism against pathogens. The development of numerous inflammatory disorders and infections has been linked to altered gut bacterial composition or dysbiosis. Multiple factors contribute to the establishment of the human gut microbiota. For instance, diet is considered as one of the many drivers in shaping the gut microbiota across the lifetime. By contrast, alcohol is one of the many factors that disrupt the proper functioning of the gut, leading to a disruption of the intestinal barrier integrity that increases the permeability of the mucosa, with the final result of a disrupted mucosal immunity. This damage to the permeability of the intestinal membrane allows bacteria and their components to enter the blood tissue, reaching other organs such as the liver or the brain. Although chronic heavy drinking has harmful effects on the immune system cells at the systemic level, this review focuses on the effect produced on gut, brain and liver, because of their significance in the link between alcohol consumption, gut microbiota and the immune system.

Antimicrobial properties of olive oil phenolic compounds and their regenerative capacity towards fibroblast cells.

Some micronutrients of vegetable origin are considered potentially useful as wound-healing agents because they can increase fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: was to evaluate the regenerative effects of selected olive oil phenolic compounds on cultured human fibroblasts and explore their antimicrobial properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CCD-1064Sk fibroblast line was treated for 24 h with 10-6M luteolin, apigenin, ferulic, coumaric acid or caffeic acid, evaluating the effects on cell proliferation by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) spectrophotometric assay; the migratory capacity by the scratch assay and determining the expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Transforming Growth Factor- ß1 (TGFß1), Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and Collagen Type I (COL-I) genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The antimicrobial capacity of the polyphenols was evaluated by the disc diffusion method. RESULTS: All compounds except for ferulic acid significantly stimulated the proliferative capacity of fibroblasts, increasing their migration and their expression of the aforementioned genes. With respect to their antimicrobial properties, treatment with the studied compounds inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., and Candida Albicans. CONCLUSIONS: The phenolic compounds in olive oil have a biostimulatory effect on the regeneration capacity, differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts and exert major antibacterial activity. According to the present findings, these compounds may have a strong therapeutic effect on wound recovery.

Unpacking negative attitudes towards Moroccans: The interactive effect of ethnicity and gender on perceived morality.

Research on stereotyping has mainly focused on single social categories such as ethnicity or gender. Extending prior work, here we analyse the effects of the intersection of ethnicity and gender on stereotyping considering the descriptive and prescriptive components of positive and negative stereotype dimensions of morality, sociability and competence. We also examine these interaction effects on the stereotypes-emotions-facilitation behavioural tendencies link. Following a 2 × 2 between-subjects design, Spanish participants evaluated Moroccan immigrant (vs. Spaniard) women (vs. men). We found interaction effects only on descriptive moral character: Moroccan men are perceived as less moral than Spanish men, and less moral and more immoral than Moroccan women. Moreover, (im)morality has a driving role in predicting less facilitation tendencies towards Moroccan men (vs. Moroccan women and Spanish men) via positive emotions. Our findings reveal the primacy of (im)morality in social perception and helping intentions towards targets varying on gender and ethnicity.

Salivary Biomarkers and Their Application in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of the Most Common Oral Pathologies.

Saliva is a highly versatile biological fluid that is easy to gather in a non-invasive manner-and the results of its analysis complement clinical and histopathological findings in the diagnosis of multiple diseases. The objective of this review was to offer an update on the contribution of salivary biomarkers to the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases of the oral cavity, including oral lichen planus, periodontitis, Sjögren's syndrome, oral leukoplakia, peri-implantitis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Salivary biomarkers such as interleukins, growth factors, enzymes, and other biomolecules have proven useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases, facilitating the early evaluation of malignization risk and the monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. However, further studies are required to identify new biomarkers and verify their reported role in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of oral diseases.

Hemodynamic changes after endoscopic variceal ligation: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: there is controversy about the need to maintain vasoconstrictor treatment after adequate haemostasis is achieved through endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in bleeding esophageal varices (BEV). Measuring a "before and after urgent-EBL" hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in acute variceal hemorrhage is very difficult. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine hemodynamic variations after an EBL session. A "before" HVPG (PRE) was performed and another one 24 hours "after-ligation" (POST), in cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic band ligation as BEV prophylaxis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: this was a single-center, cohort, prospective study. Patients followed a program of repeated sessions of EBL until eradication of their varices and underwent a basal hepatic venous pressure gradient (PRE HVPG), without changing their usual treatment with beta-blockers. Subsequently, an endoscopic ligation session was performed, following the clinical practices guidelines. A second pressure measurement (POST HVPG) was taken 24 hours after the endoscopic treatment. RESULTS: 30 patients were included. PRE and POST HVPG median results were 16.5 mmHg (14-20) and 19.5 mmHg (17-21), respectively, with a significant increase after the procedure (p < 0.001). Percentage variations in portal pressure, based on the baseline gradient values (12, 16 and 20 mmHg), were higher for patients with a lower basal HVPG versus a higher HVPG for any of the categories compared (p = 0.087, p = 0.016 and p < 0.001, respectively). In our series, 36.7 % of patients showed a ≥ 20 % gradient increase after ligation. CONCLUSION: endoscopic band ligation causes an increase in portal pressure, at least for a transitional period, determined by the hepatic venous pressure gradient.