Burnout syndrome and depression in students of a Colombian medical school, 2018.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Burnout syndrome (BS) has been evaluated in few populations of medical students, and its relationship with depression is even less studied. The objective was to determine the frequency of BS in medical students of the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), in Tunja, Colombia, as well as its association with depression and other social, economic, demographic, and academic factors. METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out on 182 UPTC medical students during 2018. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) was applied, with which 3 components were obtained to determine positive SB. This was crossed in the Stata 15 program for depression and other social, economic, demographic, and academic covariates with the Generalised Linear Model (GLM). RESULTS: Of 182 respondents, 51.4% were women. The median age was 21 years (20-23 years). 14% had BS, of which 48% had depression. In the multiple regression, BS was significantly associated with a higher frequency of depression (RPa = 5.54; IC95%, 2.36-13.02; P < 0.001) and the feeling of insufficient money (RPa = 4.37; IC95%, 1.95-9.83; P < 0.001), in contrast to a negative association with smoking (RPa = 0.13; IC95%, 0.06-0.30; P < 0.001) and being a woman (RPa = 0.32; IC95%, 0.12-0.82; P = 0.018). The age of onset of marijuana use was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: BS shows a high association with increased depression and a feeling that the money is not enough at the end of the month, but it showed a negative association with tobacco consumption and being a woman. Such students should be detected to provide them with adequate academic support.

Association between the use of Sci-Hub and consultation of scientific journals by medical students from six Latin American countries: A secondary analysis.

Introduction and objective: Sci-Hub is a website that allows users to download full-text versions of millions of scientific articles for free. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of Sci-Hub and consultation of scientific journals by medical students from six Latin American countries. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a 2017 cross-sectional study of medical students from six Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru). Consultation of scientific journals was considered as the dependent variable, while the independent variable was the use of Sci-Hub. Responses were categorized as: "do not know"; "did not use it"; "used it at least once a week"; "used it more than once a week"; and "used it every day of the month". In simple and multiple regression analyses, multivariate random-effects models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR), with 95% confident intervals (CI). Results: Of the 6632 participants, 38.2% consulted scientific journals and 10.3% used Sci-Hub once a week. Using Sci-Hub at least once a week was associated with a 20% increase in the prevalence of consulting scientific journals (PR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.31, p < 0.001). The variables positively associated with Sci-Hub use included being in the sixth year of medical school (PR: 2.34), affiliation to more than one academic research group (PR: 1.81), being a medical student in Colombia (PR: 1.63), intermediate (PR: 1.16) and advanced levels of English (PR: 1.23), and daily use of PubMed (PR: 1.66), SciELO (PR: 1.87), and/or SCOPUS (PR: 1.58). Conclusion: Amongst medical students surveyed from the above six Latin American countries, the use of Sci-Hub at least once a week was significantly associated with the self-reported prevalence of consulting scientific journals.

Factores asociados a la satisfacción estudiantil con docentes, infraestructura e investigación en escuelas médicas latinoamericanas

Introducción: La satisfacción estudiantil con los programas académicos es importante en la educación médica, para crear futuros galenos competentes. No hay estudios latinoamericanos multicéntricos que determinen sus factores asociados, pare mejorar el currículo médico. Objetivo: Determinar el porcentaje y factores asociados a la satisfacción estudiantil con docentes, infraestructura e investigación en 9 escuelas médicas latinoamericanas. Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo de datos secundarios obtenidos mediante cuestionario administrado a estudiantes de medicina de 9 universidades latinoamericanas; indagó variables socioeducativas y la satisfacción estudiantil respecto a docentes, infraestructura e investigación de las universidades. Para el análisis se usaron modelos lineales generalizados. Resultados: De 2 649 encuestados, 57 % eran mujeres con mediana de 22 años. Menos del 50 % estuvo satisfecho con infraestructura e investigación; solo frente a docencia hubo 66 % de satisfacción; Colombia fue el de mayor satisfacción con los docentes, con 82 % de encuestados satisfechos, mientras que Chile fue el país más satisfecho respecto a la infraestructura e investigación universitaria, con 67 % y 68 %, respectivamente. Estudiar en universidad privada se asoció a satisfacción con docentes (p= 0,002), infraestructura (p= 0,001) e investigación (p= 0,018), esta última mayor en mujeres (p= 0,033), pero menor en quienes sentían que les alcanzaba el dinero del mes (p= 0,001). Conclusiones: La satisfacción médico-estudiantil en universidades latinoamericanas tiende hacia la baja, están más satisfechos los de universidades privadas, tienen mayor satisfacción frente a la investigación las mujeres y menor quienes sienten que les alcanza el dinero hasta fin de mes.

Introduction: Student satisfaction with academic programs is important in medical education to create future competent doctors. There are not multicenter Latin American studies that determine its factors related, to improve medical curricula. Objective: To determine the percentage and factors associated with student satisfaction with teachers, infrastructure, and research in 9 Latin American medical schools. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of secondary data obtained through an administered questionnaire to medical students from 9 Latin American universities between 2016-2017, which inquired about socio-educational variables and student satisfaction regarding teachers, infrastructure, and university research. Generalized Linear Models-GLM was used for the analysis. Results: Of 2 649 surveyed, 57% were women, the median was 22 years. Less than 50% were satisfied with infrastructure and research, only compared to teaching there was 66% satisfaction, Colombia ranking as the one with the highest satisfaction with teachers, with 82% of satisfied respondents, while Chile was the most satisfied country regarding infrastructure and university research with 67% and 68%, respectively. Studying at a private university was associated with teacher satisfaction (p= 0.002), infrastructure (p= 0.001) and research (p= 0.018), the latter was higher in women (p= 0.033), but lower in those who felt that the money of the month was reaching them (p= 0.001). Conclusions: Medical-student satisfaction with Latin American universities is tending downward, with those studying at private universities being more satisfied, women having greater satisfaction with research and less for those who feel that they have enough money until the end of the month.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hospitalization and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The recent spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately impacted racial and ethnic minority groups; however, the impact of healthcare utilization on outcome disparities remains unexplored. Our study examines racial and ethnic disparities in hospitalization, medication usage, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data for adult patients within an integrated healthcare system in New York City between February 28-August 28, 2020, who had a lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Primary outcome was likelihood of inpatient admission. Secondary outcomes were differences in medication administration, ICU admission, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 4717 adult patients evaluated in the emergency department (ED), 3219 (68.2%) were admitted to an inpatient setting. Black patients were the largest group (29.1%), followed by Hispanic/Latinx (29.0%), White (22.9%), Asian (3.86%), and patients who reported "other" race-ethnicity (19.0%). After adjusting for demographic, clinical factors, time, and hospital site, Hispanic/Latinx patients had a significantly lower adjusted rate of admission compared to White patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.76). Black (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43-0.84) and Asian patients (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.25 - 0.89) were less likely to be admitted to the ICU. We observed higher rates of ICU admission (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.43-6.15, and OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.26-2.65) and in-hospital mortality (OR 4.38; 95% CI 2.66-7.24; and OR 2.96; 95% CI 2.12-4.14) at two community-based academic affiliate sites relative to the primary academic site. CONCLUSION: Non-White patients accounted for a disproportionate share of COVID-19 patients seeking care in the ED but were less likely to be admitted. Hospitals serving the highest proportion of minority patients experienced the worst outcomes, even within an integrated health system with shared resources. Limited capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated pre-existing health disparities across racial and ethnic minority groups.

The Histone Deacetylase 9 Stroke-Risk Variant Promotes Apoptosis and Inflammation in a Human iPSC-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells Model.

A common variant in the Histone Deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) gene is the strongest genetic risk for large-vessel stroke, and HDAC9 offers a novel target for therapeutic modulation. However, the mechanisms linking the HDAC9 variant with increased stroke risk is still unclear due to the lack of relevant models to study the underlying molecular mechanisms. We generated vascular smooth muscle cells using human induced pluripotent stem cells with the HDAC9 stroke risk variant to assess HDAC9-mediated phenotypic changes in a relevant cells model and test the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors for potential therapeutic strategies. Our human induced pluripotent stem cells derived vascular smooth muscle cells show enhanced HDAC9 expression and allow us to assess HDAC9-mediated effects on promoting smooth muscle cell dysfunction, including proliferation, migration, apoptosis and response to inflammation. These phenotypes could be reverted by treatment with HDAC inhibitors, including sodium valproate and small molecules inhibitors. By demonstrating the relevance of the model and the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors, our model provides a robust phenotypic screening platform, which could be applied to other stroke-associated genetic variants.

Radiation and Dust Sensor for Mars Environmental Dynamic Analyzer Onboard M2020 Rover.

The Radiation and Dust Sensor is one of six sensors of the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer onboard the Perseverance rover from the Mars 2020 NASA mission. Its primary goal is to characterize the airbone dust in the Mars atmosphere, inferring its concentration, shape and optical properties. Thanks to its geometry, the sensor will be capable of studying dust-lifting processes with a high temporal resolution and high spatial coverage. Thanks to its multiwavelength design, it will characterize the solar spectrum from Mars' surface. The present work describes the sensor design from the scientific and technical requirements, the qualification processes to demonstrate its endurance on Mars' surface, the calibration activities to demonstrate its performance, and its validation campaign in a representative Mars analog. As a result of this process, we obtained a very compact sensor, fully digital, with a mass below 1 kg and exceptional power consumption and data budget features.

Características laborales y académicas de los recursos humanos del sistema de salud en ocho países de Latinoamérica / Labor characteristics and postgraduate studies of human resources in health in eight Latin American countries

RESUMEN Introducción: la mayoría de las investigaciones muestran la situación de los recursos humanos del sistema de salud en países primermundistas, por lo que es necesario caracterizar nuestra realidad latinoamericana en este aspecto. Objetivo: caracterizar el tipo de trabajo y la formación de posgrado de los recursos humanos del área de salud en ocho países de Latinoamérica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo a través de encuestas autoaplicadas sobre las características de los centros de labores y capacitaciones de posgrado que se han tenido. Resultados: de las 1.283 personas que respondieron la encuesta, el 87,1 % laboraba en un hospital (salario promedio mensual: 840 dólares), el 23,3 % también lo hacía en una clínica (salario promedio mensual: 1.200 dólares). Además, solo el 20,5 % trabajaba en un establecimiento del primer nivel de atención (salario promedio mensual: 420 dólares). El 31,2 % había realizado un curso de posgrado, el 23,2 % un diplomado, el 17,8 % una maestría y, el 5,1 %, un doctorado. Conclusiones: los recursos humanos en salud trabajan principalmente en hospitales con sueldos diferentes según el lugar donde laboran. Los médicos son los que tienen mayor remuneración, pero en el sector privado las diferencias son menos marcadas. Menos de la tercera parte han hecho cursos u otras actividades académicas culminadas hace ya varios años. Esto sirve para la mejora de las características laborales y de capacitación.

SUMMARY Introduction: Most research shows the situation of first world countries regarding human resources of health; therefore, it is necessary to characterize our Latin American reality. Objective: To characterize the type of work and postgraduate training of health human resources in eight Latin American countries. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out, through self-applied surveys on the characteristics of its work center, and post-graduate training that them has had. Results: Of the 1283 people who responded to the survey, 87.1% worked in a hospital (average monthly salary: 840 dollars), 23.3% also worked in a clinic (average monthly salary: 1200 dollars). In addition, only 20.5% worked in an establishment of the first level of care (average monthly salary: 420 dollars). 31.2% had completed a post-graduate course, 23.2% had a diploma, 17.8% had a master's degree and 5.1% had a doctoral degree. Conclusions: The human resources in health work mainly in hospitals and the salaries are different according to the place where they work. The physicians are those who have higher remuneration, but in the private sector the salaries are more similar than in the other sectors. Less than a third have taken courses or other academic activities, having been completed several years ago. This serves to improve the work and training characteristics.

Factores asociados al conocimiento de revistas científicas en estudiantes de medicina de Latinoamérica / Factors associated to knowledge about scientific journals among Latin American medical students

Las revistas científicas son uno de los medios de difusión científica más importantes para la ciencia, y su papel en el avance de la medicina es crucial. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los factores asociados al conocimiento de revistas científicas en estudiantes de medicina de 40 escuelas en Latinoamérica. El diseño realizado fue transversal de análisis de datos secundarios. Se definió el conocimiento de revista científica si el estudiante respondía correctamente al nombre de cualquier revista científica. Se obtuvieron valores p mediante modelos lineales generalizados multinivel de efectos mixtos. De 11 587 participantes, la mediana de edad fue de 21 años y el 53,8 por ciento era del sexo femenino. Solo el 1,4 por ciento reportó conocimiento en revistas científicas. Se asociaron a una mayor frecuencia de conocimiento de revistas científicas la edad en años (RP= 1,06; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,04-1,07); estudiar en universidad privada (RP= 1,50; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,19-1,66); estar afiliado a una sociedad científica (RP= 1,31; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,09-1,56); el grupo de investigación (RP= 1,55; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,24-1,93) y más de 1 grupo extracurricular (RP= 2,02; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,39-2,93), así como reportar nivel de inglés intermedio (RP= 2,12; IC 95 por ciento : 1,68-2,67) y avanzado (RP= 2,12; IC 95 por ciento : 1,65-2,72); la capacitación en la búsqueda bibliográfica (RP= 1,40; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,19-1,66); la base de datos (RP= 1,40; IC 95 por ciento : 1,18-1,52); la lectura crítica (RP= 1,34; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,18-1,52) y los gestores de referencia (RP= 1,32; IC 95 por ciento : 1,16-1,51). Se concluye que el conocimiento de revistas científicas parece incrementarse en estudiantes entrenados en investigación y afiliados a grupos científicos. Se recomienda reforzar las habilidades científicas-académicas esenciales en la formación médica(AU)

Scientific journals are among the most important scientific dissemination means, and their role in the advancement of medicine is crucial. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors associated to knowledge about scientific journals among students from 40 Latin American medical schools. The study was based on a cross-sectional secondary data analysis design. Knowledge about scientific journals was defined when the student responded correctly to the name of any scientific journal. P-values were obtained using generalized linear mixed effect multilevel models. Of the total 11 587 participants, 53.8 percent were female; mean age was 21 years. Only 1.4 percent reported knowledge about scientific journals. The following variables were associated to greater knowledge about scientific journals: age in years (AR= 1.06; CI 95 percent : 1.04-1.07), studying in a private university (AR= 1.50; CI: 95 percent : 1.19-1.66); being affiliated to a scientific society (AR= 1.31; CI: 95 percent : 1.09-1.56); the research group (AR= 1.55; CI: 95 percent : 1.24-1.93) and more than 1 extracurricular group (AR= 2.02; CI: 95 percent : 1.39-2.93); as well as reporting an intermediate level in English (AR= 2.12; CI: 95 percent : 1.68-2.67); or an advanced level in English (AR= 2.12; CI: 95 percent : 1.65-2.72); training in bibliographic search (AR= 1.40; CI: 95 percent : 1.19-1.66); the database (AR= 1.40; CI: 95 percent : 1.18-1.52); critical reading (AR= 1.34; CI: 95 percent : 1.18-1.52) and reference managers (AR= 1.32; CI 95 percent : 1.16-1.51). It is concluded that knowledge about scientific journals seems to be greater among students trained in research and affiliated to scientific groups. It is recommended to reinforce the scientific-academic skills essential to medical training(AU)

Genomic profiling of human vascular cells identifies TWIST1 as a causal gene for common vascular diseases.

Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple novel genomic loci associated with vascular diseases. Many of these loci are common non-coding variants that affect the expression of disease-relevant genes within coronary vascular cells. To identify such genes on a genome-wide level, we performed deep transcriptomic analysis of genotyped primary human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) and coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs) from the same subjects, including splicing Quantitative Trait Loci (sQTL), allele-specific expression (ASE), and colocalization analyses. We identified sQTLs for TARS2, YAP1, CFDP1, and STAT6 in HCASMCs and HCAECs, and 233 ASE genes, a subset of which are also GTEx eGenes in arterial tissues. Colocalization of GWAS association signals for coronary artery disease (CAD), migraine, stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm with GTEx eGenes in aorta, coronary artery and tibial artery discovered novel candidate risk genes for these diseases. At the CAD and stroke locus tagged by rs2107595 we demonstrate colocalization with expression of the proximal gene TWIST1. We show that disrupting the rs2107595 locus alters TWIST1 expression and that the risk allele has increased binding of the NOTCH signaling protein RBPJ. Finally, we provide data that TWIST1 expression influences vascular SMC phenotypes, including proliferation and calcification, as a potential mechanism supporting a role for TWIST1 in CAD.

A Novel Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Crest Model of Treacher Collins Syndrome Shows Defects in Cell Death and Migration.

The neural crest (NC) is a transient multipotent cell population present during embryonic development. The NC can give rise to multiple cell types and is involved in a number of different diseases. Therefore, the development of new strategies to model NC in vitro enables investigations into the mechanisms involved in NC development and disease. In this study, we report a simple and efficient protocol to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (HPSC) into NC using a chemically defined media, with basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and the transforming growth factor-ß inhibitor SB-431542. The cell population generated expresses a range of NC markers, including P75, TWIST1, SOX10, and TFAP2A. NC purification was achieved in vitro through serial passaging of the population, recreating the developmental stages of NC differentiation. The generated NC cells are highly proliferative, capable of differentiating to their derivatives in vitro and engraft in vivo to NC specific locations. In addition, these cells could be frozen for storage and thawed with no loss of NC properties, nor the ability to generate cellular derivatives. We assessed the potential of the derived NC population to model the neurocristopathy, Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), using small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of TCOF1 and by creating different TCOF1+/- HPSC lines through CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The NC cells derived from TCOF1+/- HPSC recapitulate the phenotype of the reported TCS murine model. We also report for the first time an impairment of migration in TCOF1+/- NC and mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, the developed protocol permits the generation of the large number of NC cells required for developmental studies, disease modeling, and for drug discovery platforms in vitro.

Insulin Sensitivity and Testicular Function in a Cohort of Adult Males Suspected of Being Insulin-Resistant.

A cohort of 141 males (18-80 yo, 42.9 ± 12.9) strongly suspected of being Insulin Resistant (IR) was prospectively studied by determining their insulin sensitivity (Pancreatic Suppression Test, PST) and testicular function (total testosterone and SHBG). The subjects were labeled as IR when the Steady State Plasma Glucose (SSPG) was ≥150 mg/dL and Non-Insulin Resistant (NIR) when SSPG was <150 mg/dl; similarly, the subjects were labeled as Hypogonadal (HYPOG) when total testosterone was ≤3.0 ng/mL and Eugonadal (EUG) when total testosterone was >3.0 ng/mL. Two out of three subjects turned out to be IR, while around one in four subjects were HYPOG. Contingency analysis indicated a significant interdependence between insulin resistance and hypogonadism (chi-square was 4.69, p = 0.0303). Age (>43 yo) predicted hypogonadism (AUROC 0.606, p = 0.0308). Twice as many HYPOG subjects were IR as compared with EUG subjects. Also, HYPOG subjects exhibited higher SSPG values as compared with EUG subjects. Statistically, neither Weight nor BMI predicted hypogonadism, while Waist Circumference (>110 cm) was only a mediocre predictor (AUROC 0.640, p = 0.009). SSPG (>224 mg/dL) on the other hand, was the best predictor of hypogonadism (AUROC 0.709, p = 0.002), outperforming Waist Circumference (half of the subjects with an SSPG >224 mg/dL were HYPOG). Age did not predict insulin resistance, while Weight (>99 kg), BMI (>29), and especially, Waist Circumference (>99 cm, AUROC 0.812, p < 0.0001) were all predictors of insulin resistance. Almost 90% of the subjects with a waist circumference >99 cm was IR. As a logical consequence of the selection criteria (various clues suggesting insulin resistance), most subjects with normal weight in this cohort were IR (53.3%) while 20% were HYPOG. On the other hand, 13.6% of the obese subjects were NIR, and 2 out of 3 of them were both NIR and EUG. In conclusion, Waist Circumference predicted both insulin resistance (>99 cm) and hypogonadism (>110 cm), suggesting that the first hit of abdominal obesity is insulin resistance and the second hit is male hypogonadism. Normal weight did not protect from IR, while a relevant proportion of obese subjects were NIR (with 2/3 being also EUG).

Steroid Hormones and Their Action in Women's Brains: The Importance of Hormonal Balance.

Sex hormones significantly impact women's lives. Throughout the different stages of life, from menarche to menopause and all stages in between, women experience dramatic fluctuations in the levels of progesterone and estradiol, among other hormones. These fluctuations affect the body as a whole, including the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, sex hormones act via steroid receptors. They also have an effect on different neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Additionally, studies show that sex hormones and their metabolites influence brain areas that regulate mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities. This review emphasizes the benefits a proper hormonal balance during the different stages of life has in the CNS. To achieve this goal, it is essential that hormone levels are evaluated considering a woman's age and ovulatory status, so that a correct diagnosis and treatment can be made. Knowledge of steroid hormone activity in the brain will give women and health providers an important tool for improving their health and well-being.

Neuroprotective Effects of Ferruginol, Jatrophone, and Junicedric Acid Against Amyloid-ß Injury in Hippocampal Neurons.

Soluble amyloid-ß (Aß) oligomers have been recognized as early neurotoxic intermediates with a key role in the synaptic dysfunction observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aß oligomers block hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and impair rodent spatial memory. Additionally, the presence of Aß oligomers is associated with imbalanced intracellular calcium levels and apoptosis in neurons. In this context, we evaluated the effects of three diterpenes (ferruginol, jatrophone, and junicedric acid) that are found in medicinal plants and have several forms of biological activity. The intracellular calcium levels in hippocampal neurons increased in the presence of ferruginol, jatrophone, and junicedric acid, a result that was consistent with the observed increase in CA1 synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampal slices. Additionally, assays using Aß peptide demonstrated that diterpenes, particularly ferruginol, restore LTP and reduce apoptosis. Recovery of the Aß oligomer-induced loss of the synaptic proteins PSD-95, synapsin, VGlut, and NMDA receptor subunit 2A was observed in mouse hippocampal slices treated with junicedric acid. This cascade of events may be associated with the regulation of kinases, e.g., protein kinase C (PKC) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), in addition to the activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and could thus provide protection against Aß oligomers, which trigger synaptic dysfunction. Our results suggest a potential neuroprotective role for diterpenes against the Aß oligomers-induced neurodegenerative alterations, which make them interesting molecules to be further studied in the context of AD.

Ovulation, a sign of health.

The concept of the ovarian continuum can be understood as a process that occurs during a woman's lifetime and begins during intrauterine life with fertilization. Women start their reproductive years with approximately five hundred thousand follicles containing oocytes, of which only around five hundred will be released during ovulation. Ovulation has been recognized as an event linked with reproduction; however, recent evidence supports the role of ovulation as a sign of health. The use of biomarkers that help women recognize ovulation enables them to identify their health status. This knowledge helps medical healthcare providers in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of different pathologies related with endocrine disorders, gynecological abnormalities, autoimmune, genetic, and neoplastic diseases, as well as pregnancy-related issues. The knowledge of the ovarian continuum and the use of biomarkers to recognize ovulation should be considered a powerful tool for women and medical professionals. SUMMARY: The ovarian continuum is a process that occurs during a woman's lifetime. It begins during intrauterine life with fertilization and ends with menopause. This process can be greatly affected by different conditions such as changes in hormonal levels and illnesses. Therefore, understanding and promoting the knowledge and use of biomarkers of ovulation in women is a key aspect to consider when evaluating their health status. The knowledge and education about the ovarian continuum should be taken into account as a powerful tool for women and medical professionals.

Use, knowledge, and perception of the scientific contribution of Sci-Hub in medical students: Study in six countries in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Sci-Hub is a useful web portal for people working in science as it provides access to millions of free scientific articles. Satisfaction and usage should be explored in the Latino student population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use, knowledge, and perception of the scientific contribution of Sci-Hub in medical students from Latin America. METHODOLOGY: A multicenter, observational, analytical study was conducted in 6632 medical students from 6 countries in Latin America. We surveyed from a previously validated instrument, delving into knowledge, monthly average usage, satisfaction level, and perception of the scientific contributions provided by Sci-Hub. Frequencies and percentages are described, and generalized linear models were used to establish statistical associations. RESULTS: Only 19.2% of study participants knew of Sci-Hub and its function, while the median use was twice a month. 29.9% of Sci-Hub-aware participants claimed they always find the desired scientific information in their Sci-Hub search; 62.5% of participants affirmed that Sci-Hub contributes to scientific investigation; only 2.2% reported that Sci-Hub does not contribute to science. CONCLUSION: The majority of Latino students are not aware of Sci-Hub.

Exposure of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells in Coculture to Hemodynamics Induces Primary Vascular Cell-Like Phenotypes.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into vascular endothelial (iEC) and smooth muscle (iSMC) cells. However, because iECs and iSMCs are not derived from an intact blood vessel, they represent an immature phenotype. Hemodynamics and heterotypic cell:cell communication play important roles in vascular cell phenotypic modulation. Here we tested the hypothesis that hemodynamic exposure of iECs in coculture with iSMCs induces an in vivo-like phenotype. iECs and iSMCs were cocultured under vascular region-specific blood flow hemodynamics, and compared to hemodynamic cocultures of blood vessel-derived endothelial (pEC) and smooth muscle (pSMC) cells. Hemodynamic flow-induced gene expression positively correlated between pECs and iECs as well as pSMCs and iSMCs. While endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 protein was lower in iECs than pECs, iECs were functionally mature as seen by acetylated-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake. SMC contractile protein markers were also positively correlated between pSMCs and iSMCs. Exposure of iECs and pECs to atheroprone hemodynamics with oxidized-LDL induced an inflammatory response in both. Dysfunction of the transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) pathway is seen in several vascular diseases, and iECs and iSMCs exhibited a transcriptomic prolife similar to pECs and pSMCs, respectively, in their responses to LY2109761-mediated transforming growth factor ß receptor I/II (TGFßRI/II) inhibition. Although there are differences between ECs and SMCs derived from iPSCs versus blood vessels, hemodynamic coculture restores a high degree of similarity in their responses to pathological stimuli associated with vascular diseases. Thus, iPSC-derived vascular cells exposed to hemodynamics may provide a viable system for modeling rare vascular diseases and testing new therapeutic approaches. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1673-1683.