Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD). METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption. CONCLUSIONS: A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.

Preservation of the inferior alveolar vasculonervous bundle in mandibular resective therapies: systematic review and report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Segmental surgical resection is a frequently indicated procedure to treat aggressive mandibular tumors. One of the most important complications derived from this technique is permanent paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), which significantly affects the quality of life of patients who experience it. This could be avoided through maneuvers that preserve the IAN. The objective of this paper is to review the main techniques for IAN preservation and to present 2 cases with the technique used by the author. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, apropos of two clinical cases reported in this study. The MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Several variables were considered and are presented in detail in the form of tables and figures. In addition, 2 case reports with NAI preservation techniques are presented. RESULTS: 13 articles were finally obtained for analysis. 127 patients were evaluated, reporting mandibular resections associated with various pathologies. Various surgical techniques were used, all with the same goal of maintaining the IAN. In most of the patients, the maintenance of sensitivity was achieved, which was verified with different methods. CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the IAN in maxillofacial surgical procedures where surgical resection of the mandibular bone has been performed is an alternative that has demonstrated successful results in terms of reducing postoperative sequelae and is currently positioned as a necessary and feasible procedure.

Population well-being and the COVID-19 vaccination program in Chile: evidence from Google Trends.

OBJECTIVE: We analyze the dynamics of the mental well-being of the Chilean population in response to the progress of the vaccination strategy implemented by the government. STUDY DESIGN: This study aims at investigating the possibility of using Google Trends as an instrument for tracking mental well-being of the Chilean population. METHODS: We use the volume of searches for keywords in Google Trends (GT) related to Anguish, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress as a proxy for population well-being. Using event study methods, we analyze social attention reactions to news about the vaccination program. We implement a Difference-in-Difference-in-Differences estimation to estimate changes in population welfare by socio-economic status induced by the progress of inoculation. RESULTS: We show that social attention to mental health problems is sensitive to news about the vaccination program. Moreover, and most importantly, we find that mental well-being responds positively to the percentage of inoculated people. This phenomenon appear to be permanent and affected by socio-economic status, with the wealthier population experiencing greater improvements than the less wealthy. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 vaccination program in Chile, social attention to mental health problems appears to be sensitive to news about the vaccination program. There is also strong evidence of socio-economic status-induced heterogeneity in population responses to program implementation. The above phenomena appears to be permanent and cannot be attributed to either socio-economic segregation in access to vaccines or to the highly stratified schedule of the vaccination program.

The World Organisation for Animal Health - current and potential roles in safe international trade of bees and other insects.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) is the recognised intergovernmental standard-setting organisation for animal health and welfare. The WOAH mandate is to support its members in the prevention of the spread of animal diseases of concern, as listed in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Terrestrial Code). Once a disease, infection or infestation is listed, national Veterinary Authorities have the obligation regularly to notify WOAH of the presence or absence of the listed disease. In regard to insects, the scope of the Terrestrial Code limits its recommendations to preserving the health of bees (species of the genus Apis, extended to the genus Bombus and to the stingless bees for one disease). However, it does not include standards to mitigate the potential animal health risks associated with the international trade of other insects. A description of the standard-setting process and a review of the history of the standards for bee health highlight the resources and requirements to expand the scope of the Terrestrial Code to include recommendations for animal health risk mitigation measures for the safety of international trade in insects. Any initiative to develop guidance on insect trade should include WOAH in its role as the sole global standard-setting organisation on animal health and welfare matters. This aligns with the WOAH commitment to a One Health approach.

L'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OMSA, fondée en tant qu'OIE) est l'organisation inter-gouvernementale reconnue pour l'élaboration de normes relatives à la santé et au bien-être des animaux. L'OMSA a pour mandat d'apporter un soutien à ses Membres afin de prévenir la propagation des maladies animales d'importance majeure listées dans le Code sanitaire pour les animaux terrestres (Code terrestre). Dès lors qu'une maladie, une infection ou une infestation figure sur cette liste, les Autorités vétérinaires ont l'obligation de notifier régulièrement à l'OMSA la présence ou l'absence de cette maladie sur leur territoire. S'agissant des insectes, le champ d'application du Code terrestre limite ses recommandations à la préservation de la santé des abeilles (espèces du genre Apis, avec l'inclusion du genre Bombus et des abeilles sans dard pour une maladie). Néanmoins, le Code terrestre ne contient pas de normes visant à atténuer les risques pour la santé animale associés aux échanges internationaux d'autres insectes. La description faite par les auteurs du processus d'élaboration des normes et leur aperçu rétrospectif de la mise au point des normes relatives à la santé des abeilles font ressortir les ressources et les conditions nécessaires pour élargir le champ d'application du Code terrestre afin d'y inclure des recommandations portant sur les mesures d'atténuation des risques pour la santé animale applicables à la sécurité sanitaire des échanges internationaux d'insectes. Toute initiative visant à fournir des orientations sur les échanges d'insectes devrait inclure l'OMSA dans son rôle d'unique organisation chargée de l'élaboration des normes internationales relatives à la santé animale et au bien-être des animaux. Cette exigence est en cohérence avec l'engagement de l'OMSA en faveur de l'approche Une seule santé.

La Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OMSA, fundada como OIE) es la organización intergubernamental facultada para ejercer funciones normativas en materia de sanidad y bienestar de los animales. La OMSA tiene por mandato ayudar a sus miembros a prevenir la propagación de una serie de enfermedades animales de importancia, recogidas en el Código Sanitario para los Animales Terrestres (Código Terrestre) de la OMSA. La inclusión de una enfermedad, infección o infestación en la lista de la OMSA obliga a las autoridades veterinarias nacionales a dar cuenta periódicamente a la OMSA de la presencia o ausencia de esa patología en su territorio. Por lo que respecta a los insectos, en el Código Terrestre solo se formulan una serie de recomendaciones para proteger la salud de las abejas (categoría que corresponde a las especies del género Apis, extensible también al género Bombus y, en el caso de una enfermedad, a las abejas sin aguijón). El Código Terrestre, sin embargo, no contiene norma alguna destinada a mitigar los posibles riesgos zoosanitarios ligados al comercio internacional de otros insectos. Los autores describen el proceso normativo y repasan la historia de las normas relativas a la sanidad de las abejas, con lo que ponen de relieve los recursos y demás elementos necesarios para conferir mayor alcance al Código Terrestre incluyendo en él recomendaciones sobre medidas de mitigación del riesgo zoosanitario para un comercio seguro de insectos a escala internacional. Toda iniciativa encaminada a marcar pautas sobre el comercio de insectos debería incluir a la OMSA, única organización con potestad normativa mundial sobre temas de sanidad y bienestar de los animales, lo que además se encuadra en el compromiso de la OMSA con los planteamientos de «Una sola salud¼.

Can there be a common, risk-based framework for decisions around live insect trade?

A network of scientists involved in shipment of live insects has met and generated a series of articles on issues related to live insect transport. The network is diverse, covering large-scale commercial interests, government operated areawide control programmes, biomedical research and many smaller applications, in research, education and private uses. Many insect species have a record of safe transport, pose minimal risks and are shipped frequently between countries. The routine shipments of the most frequently used insect model organism for biomedical research, Drosophila melanogaster, is an example. Successful large scale shipments from commercial biocontrol and pollinator suppliers also demonstrate precedents for low-risk shipment categories, delivered in large volumes to high quality standards. Decision makers need access to more information (publications or official papers) that details actual risks from the insects themselves or their possible contaminants, and should propose proportionate levels of management. There may be harm to source environments when insects are collected directly from the wild, and there may be harm to receiving environments. Several risk frameworks include insects and various international coordinating bodies, with experience of guidance on relevant risks, exist. All stakeholders would benefit from an integrated overview of guidance for insect shipping, with reference to types of risk and categories of magnitude, without trying for a single approach requiring universal agreement. Proposals for managing uncertainty and lack of data for smaller or infrequent shipments, for example, must not disrupt trade in large volumes of live insects, which are already supporting strategic objectives in several sectors.

À l'occasion d'une réunion d'experts, un réseau de chercheurs travaillant sur l'expédition d'insectes vivants a produit un ensemble d'articles traitant des questions liées au transport des insectes vivants. Ce réseau est diversifié et représente un large éventail d'intérêts privés et de programmes de lutte biologique à grande échelle menés par les pouvoirs publics, en plus du secteur de la recherche biomédicale et de nombreux acteurs intervenant dans des applications de plus petite envergure relevant de la recherche, de l'enseignement ou du secteur privé. Un grand nombre d'espèces d'insectes sont transportées en toute sécurité avec un niveau de risque minimal, y compris lors des fréquentes expéditions internationales. Un exemple de ces expéditions régulières concerne l'espèce la plus utilisée par la recherche biomédicale en tant qu'organisme modèle, à savoir Drosophila melanogaster. Les exemples réussis d'expéditions à grande échelle provenant de fournisseurs d'agents de lutte biologique et de pollinisateurs produits par le secteur privé offrent également un relevé documenté des diverses catégories d'expéditions à faible risque pour des livraisons d'insectes vivants en grandes quantités et répondant à des normes de qualité élevées. Les décideurs politiques devraient pouvoir accéder à plus d'informations (à travers des publications ou des articles officiels) décrivant en détail les risques réels associés aux insectes eux-mêmes ou à leurs contaminants éventuels, et proposer en connaissance de cause des niveaux de gestion proportionnels à ces risques. La récolte d'insectes prélevés directement de la nature peut être dommageable aussi bien pour les environnements source que pour ceux de destination. Plusieurs cadres fondés sur le risque intègrent désormais les insectes dans leurs directives. Par ailleurs, nombre d'organismes internationaux de coordination ont acquis une expérience dans l'élaboration de lignes directrices face à ces risques. Il serait bénéfique pour toutes les parties prenantes de disposer d'une vue d'ensemble intégrée des directives applicables aux expéditions d'insectes, qui recense les différents types de risque et leurs ordres de grandeur sans se prononcer sur une approche unique qui nécessiterait une adhésion universelle. Ni les propositions visant à gérer l'incertitude ni l'insuffisance des données disponibles sur les expéditions d'insectes en petits nombres ou occasionnelles ne doivent perturber les échanges commerciaux d'insectes vivants en grandes quantités, échanges qui participent aujourd'hui aux objectifs stratégiques de nombreux secteurs.

Una red de científicos relacionados de un modo u otro con el transporte de insectos vivos mantuvo un encuentro y generó una serie de artículos en torno a la cuestión. En la red, muy heterogénea, convergen desde intereses comerciales de gran calado hasta programas públicos de lucha biológica en grandes territorios, pasando por la investigación biomédica y por numerosas aplicaciones de menor dimensión en ámbitos como la investigación, la enseñanza u otros usos privados. Muchas especies de insectos cuentan con un buen historial de seguridad en el transporte, presentan un riesgo mínimo y son expedidas a menudo de un país a otro. Buen ejemplo de ello son los envíos sistemáticos de ejemplares de Drosophila melanogaster, que es el insecto utilizado con más frecuencia como organismo modelo en la investigación biomédica. Otro precedente de envíos voluminosos cuyo transporte y entrega se ajusta a los más exigentes criterios de calidad lo sientan las remesas de grandes cantidades de polinizadores y agentes de control biológico remitidos por proveedores comerciales. Los responsables de adoptar decisiones deben disponer de más y más detallada información (publicaciones o documentos oficiales) sobre los riesgos reales derivados de los propios insectos o sus posibles contaminantes para proponer a partir de ahí medidas de gestión proporcionadas. Los perjuicios ambientales pueden darse tanto en origen (cuando hay captura salvaje de insectos, o sea recolección directa en el medio) como en destino. Hay varios sistemas de determinación del riesgo que incluyen a los insectos y también existen diversos organismos de coordinación internacional que ya tienen experiencia en sentar pautas sobre los riesgos en la materia. Todos los interlocutores del sector se beneficiarían de una visión global e integrada del transporte de insectos, que remita a diferentes tipos de riesgo y categorías de magnitud, sin necesidad de buscar un sistema único que exija consenso universal. Las propuestas para gestionar la incertidumbre y la falta de información en el caso de envíos infrecuentes o de pequeñas dimensiones, por ejemplo, no deben interferir en el transporte de grandes cantidades de insectos vivos, que ya está sirviendo a objetivos estratégicos en varios sectores.

Fetal hemoglobin regulating genetic variants identified in homozygous (HbSS) and heterozygous (HbSA) subjects from South Mexico.

Hemoglobin S is caused by a nucleotide change in HBB gene (HBB:c.20A>T, p.Glu6Val), is presented in diverse forms: simple carriers (HbSA), homozygotes (HbSS) also known as sickle cell anemia, and compound heterozygotes with other ß-hemoglobinopathies. It is worldwide distributed, in Mexico, is frequently observed in the southern states Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas. Elevated fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is associated with mild phenotype; single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in modifier genes, such as BCL11A, HBG2, HBBP1 pseudogene and HBS1L-MYB intergenic region, upregulate HbF synthesis. The aim of this study was to identify HbF regulating genetic variants in HbSS and HbSA Mexican subjects. We studied 39 individuals (HbSS = 24, 61%, HbSA = 15, 39%) from Chiapas (67%) and Guerrero (33%), peripheral blood was collected in ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for molecular and hematological studies, DNA was isolated by salting-out technic and genotyping was performed through allelic discrimination by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using Taqman® probes for 15 SNV (in BCL11A: rs6706648, rs7557939, rs4671393, rs11886868, rs766432, rs7599488, rs1427407; HBS1L-MYB: rs28384513, rs7776054, rs9399137, rs4895441, rs9402686, rs1320963; HBG2: rs7482144; and HBBP1: rs10128556). The obtained data were analyzed using IMB SPSS v.22.0 software. All minor alleles were observed in frequencies over 0.05, the most frequent was rs9402686 (0.82), while the less frequent was rs101028556 (0.08). In HbSS group, the mean fetal hemoglobin was 11.9 ± 5.9% and was significantly elevated in BCL11A rs11886868 wildtype homozygotes and in carriers of HBS1L-MYB intergenic region rs7776054 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). In conclusion, in HbSS Mexican patients, two SNVs were observed related to increased HbF; BCL11A rs11886868 and HBS1L-MYB rs7776054.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is one of the most common types of hemoglobinopathies in people of African ancestry, it is caused by homozygosity of HbS mutation (HBB:c.20A>T). It is known that fetal hemoglobin plays a key role in decreasing HbS polymerization which damages the erythrocyte structure and is responsible for the characteristic hemolytic crises endured by these patients. Single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in genes that regulate fetal hemoglobin (HbF) after birth have been associated with its increment, thus ameliorating the hematologic phenotype of this pathology and other ß-hemoglobinopathies. Therefore, in this study, we identified, for the first time in Mexican patients with SCA (HbSS) and HbS carriers (HbSA), the presence of 15 SNVs on BCL11A, HBS1L-MYB and HBG2; all HbSS patients had anemia and elevated HbF; 2 variants were related to increased HbF rs11688888C of BCL11A and rs7776054G of HBSIL-MYB; and finally, all minor alleles were found at a frequency higher than 0.05.

Knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding oral health preventive measures among Mexican dental students: a cross-sectional survey study.

Although oral diseases are mostly preventable, they remain a global public health problem. Thus, there is a need for trained personnel to actively intervene in promoting oral health, to prevent and timeously detect oral diseases, and, in turn, to provide comprehensive quality healthcare. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding oral health preventive measures amongst undergraduate dental students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between the period October 2017 and January 2018. The subjects included were undergraduate students of the dental science program at the School of Dentistry, in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. A validated questionnaire was used to identify knowledge of preventive dentistry and the frequency of oral health preventive actions in the dental school clinics. Besides, perception towards prevention in dentistry was assessed. A total of N=232 undergraduate students participated of whom 65.9% (N=153) were women. More than half of the students 59.5%, (N=138) rated their knowledge on the prevention of oral diseases as good, followed by 32.8% (N=75) of students who rated it as regular. 49% (N=97) of the students performed frequently preventive treatments in their daily clinical practice. 90% (N=217) think that the main reason of low practice of prevention in dentistry is the lack of commitment of the dentist. 72.8% (N=169) mention that there should be professionals dedicated exclusively to preventive dentistry. Students of second grade demonstrated better prevention knowledge and tended to engage more frequently in preventive activities (p<0.05). In conclusion, our study found that, second-year students perform preventive practices more frequently and these practices decrease as their studies progress. It should be sought to create positive attitudes towards prevention not only in the year in preventive dentistry, but also throughout the entire career. This enables students to become trained professionals that can deliver preventive services to their patients.

Neurological injury as a complication of spinal surgery: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate, injury site, aetiology and outcomes in elective spinal surgery patients who sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: SCI national centre Toledo, Spain. METHODS: The study sample included patients who sustained an SCI after elective spinal surgery from 2013 to 2017. Oncological patients and patients receiving interventional therapies were excluded. Data collected included: demographics, aetiology, precipitating cause, injury mechanism, injury site, neurological status (AIS), SCIMIII at admission and discharge, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, depression and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and eighty-two patients were admitted in this period of whom 114 met the inclusion criteria with a median (IQR) age of 58 (45-69) years; 46% female. The prevalence of SCI as a complication following spinal surgery in the total number of patients admitted to our centre was 9%. In 43%, the injury was to the dorsal spine with T12 being the most common neurological level of injury (20% of cases following laminectomy secondary to spinal canal stenosis). The most frequent precipitating cause was epidural haematoma (38% of cases). The median (IQR) SCIMIII scores at admission and discharge were (31) points (20-54) and (67) points (34-81), respectively. General AIS at admission were C (35%) and D at discharge (54%). The presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia adjusted by age was not linked to a higher complication rate. The median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 120 days (60-189). CONCLUSION: In total 8.9% of patients admitted with SCI were the result of elective spinal surgery.

IFN-γ mRNA expression is lower in Holstein cows infected with bovine leukemia virus with high proviral load and persistent lymphocytosis.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that affects primarily milky cows. Animals serologically positive to BLV show a Th1 cytokine profile with a predominance of interferon gamma (IFN-γ). IFN-γ has antiviral activity through mechanisms such as resistance to infection, inhibition of viral replication and apoptosis. The objective of this work was to determine the transcription levels of IFN-γ and its relationship with proviral load and persistent lymphocytosis in a population of Holstein cows of the province of Antioquia, Colombia. IFN-γ transcription levels were evaluated by qPCR in 140 Holstein cows. A one-way analysis of variance and a Student's t test were used to evaluate the differences between the means. The amount of IFN-γ mRNA found in BLV-positive cows was lower than in BLV-negative cows. Moreover, in the group of infected cows a lower level of IFN-γ mRNA expression was found in BLV and persistent lymphocytosis cows (BLV+PL) compared with BLV and aleukemia cows (BLV+AL). The level of IFN-γ mRNA expression was lower in cows with high proviral load (HPL) compared to cows with low proviral load (LPL). BLV infection is related to abnormal expression of IFN-γ mRNA, although IFN-γ has antiviral activity, its expression is affected by high proviral load. Keywords: cytokine; immune system; leukemia; bovine leukemia virus.

Adaptation and validation of the Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 in healthcare professionals.

AIM: To develop and psychometrically test the Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 to assess presenteeism in the Spanish healthcare population. BACKGROUND: Presenteeism, referring to going to work despite being ill, has been associated with job stress, productivity losses, reduced patient safety and increased health problems among the professionals who suffer from it. INTRODUCTION: The highest prevalence of presenteeism in the healthcare sector is among nurses. Their decision to attend work while ill has been related to role overload, lack of supervisor support, mental health and physical conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional and validation study was conducted between September 2015 and June 2016 in a hospital in Asturias, Spain. Four hundred and ninety-five healthcare professionals voluntarily agreed to participate (281 nurses, 122 physicians and 92 nursing assistants). RESULTS: Presenteeism prevalence was high; the majority of it being in the nursing category. Bartlett's test and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test indicated that the data meet the conditions for factorial analysis, evidencing a small variability in the median of each sample item and a significant standard deviation. Adjustment rates obtained in the exploratory factor analysis showed adequacy, and reliability rates also showed adequacy for both factors. It was verified by a confirmatory analysis that the factors of presenteeism are positively associated with burnout. CONCLUSION: The Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 showed good psychometric properties to study presenteeism in the Spanish healthcare sector. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Nursing leaders must develop measurements to assess and control psychosocial risks in order to improve the physical and mental health of professionals and reduce patient safety risks.

Fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix remodelling as common hallmarks in three cancer-prone genodermatoses.

BACKGROUND: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three cancer-prone genodermatoses whose causal genetic mutations cannot fully explain, on their own, the array of associated phenotypic manifestations. Recent evidence highlights the role of the stromal microenvironment in the pathology of these disorders. OBJECTIVES: To investigate, by means of comparative gene expression analysis, the role played by dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of RDEB, KS and XPC. METHODS: We conducted RNA-Seq analysis, which included a thorough examination of the differentially expressed genes, a functional enrichment analysis and a description of affected signalling circuits. Transcriptomic data were validated at the protein level in cell cultures, serum samples and skin biopsies. RESULTS: Interdisease comparisons against control fibroblasts revealed a unifying signature of 186 differentially expressed genes and four signalling pathways in the three genodermatoses. Remarkably, some of the uncovered expression changes suggest a synthetic fibroblast phenotype characterized by the aberrant expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Western blot and immunofluorescence in situ analyses validated the RNA-Seq data. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased circulating levels of periostin in patients with RDEB. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the different causal genetic defects converge into common changes in gene expression, possibly due to injury-sensitive events. These, in turn, trigger a cascade of reactions involving abnormal ECM deposition and underexpression of antioxidant enzymes. The elucidated expression signature provides new potential biomarkers and common therapeutic targets in RDEB, XPC and KS. What's already known about this topic? Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three genodermatoses with high predisposition to cancer development. Although their causal genetic mutations mainly affect epithelia, the dermal microenvironment likely contributes to the physiopathology of these disorders. What does this study add? We disclose a large overlapping transcription profile between XPC, KS and RDEB fibroblasts that points towards an activated phenotype with high matrix-synthetic capacity. This common signature seems to be independent of the primary causal deficiency, but reflects an underlying derangement of the extracellular matrix via transforming growth factor-ß signalling activation and oxidative state imbalance. What is the translational message? This study broadens the current knowledge about the pathology of these diseases and highlights new targets and biomarkers for effective therapeutic intervention. It is suggested that high levels of circulating periostin could represent a potential biomarker in RDEB.

Effects of topical applications of porcine acellular urinary bladder matrix and Centella asiatica extract on oral wound healing in a rat model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of topical applications of porcine acellular urinary bladder matrix (AUBM) and Centella asiatica extract (CAE) on the healing of tongue wounds in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wounds were made in the tongue using a punch tool in 64 male Sprague-Dawley rats, randomized into four groups (n = 16 per group): group 1 (control), group 2 (CAE), group 3 (AUBM mixed with orabase), and group 4 (orabase). No product was applied in group 1 and groups 2-4 received three daily topical applications. The animals were weighed on day 0 and at the time of euthanasia. Four rats in each group were euthanized at days 2, 7, 14, and 21 and the tongues were processed for: macroscopic morphometric analysis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, histological wound repair (degree of reepithelialization and inflammation), and CD31 positivity. RESULTS: The animals' weight gain, histological wound repair, and CD31 positivity from greatest to least were: AUBM > CAE > orabase > control. Percentage of tongue occupied by wound, MPO, and MPA levels from least to greatest were: AUBM < CAE < orabase < control, whereby the AUBM group showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in comparison with the other groups on days 2, 7, 14, and 21 for percentage of tongue occupied by wound and MDA and on days 7, 14, and 21 for MPO. CONCLUSIONS: CAE is effective for oral tissue regeneration, while AUBM is an even more potent means of oral mucosa regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AUBM may be beneficial to patients with oral wounds; this finding requires further clinical and laboratory investigation.

Effect of a gradually increasing temperature on the behavioural and physiological response of juvenile Hippocampus erectus: Thermal preference, tolerance, energy balance and growth.

The physiological and behavioural responses of ectotherms to temperature is strongly dependent on the individuals' previous thermal history. Laboratory based studies investigating the mechanisms of thermoregulation in marine ectotherms, however, rarely consider key temporal elements of thermal exposure, such as the rate at which temperature changes. We tested the hypothesis that juvenile seahorses, Hippocampus erectus, from a tropical coastal lagoon in Yucatan, Mexico, would exhibit variations in physiological and behavioural descriptors of thermoregulation when submitted to contrasting regimes during 30 days: temperature constant at 25 °C (C 25); gradually increasing 1 °C every 5 days from 25 to 30 °C (GI 25-30); and constant at 30 °C (C 30). Immediately after exposure, critical maximum temperature, thermal preference, oxygen consumption, partial energy balance, growth rate and survival of seahorses were measured. Seahorses exposed to GI 25-30 showed a significantly higher critical thermal maxima (37.8 ±â€¯0.9 °C), preference (28.7 ±â€¯0.4 °C), growth (1.10 ±â€¯0.49%) and survival (97.6%) than those exposed to C 30 (36.5 ±â€¯1, 29.4 ±â€¯0.3 °C, 0.48 ±â€¯0.32%, 73.8%, respectively). Both high temperature regimes induced metabolic depression, but ramping resulted in a greater amount of energy assimilated (278.9 ±â€¯175.4 J g-1 day-1) and higher energy efficiency for growth (89.8%) than constant exposure to 30 °C (115.4 ±â€¯63.4 J g-1 day-1, 65.3%, respectively). Gradually increasing temperature allowed physiological mechanisms of thermal adjustment to take place, reflecting the capacity of juvenile H. erectus to respond to environmental change. Despite its advantage, this capacity is limited in time, since the cumulative effect of thermal exposure affected metabolic performance, eventually compromising survival. The study of seahorse response to thermal variations in the context of ocean warming needs to consider the temporal elements of thermal exposure to foresee its vulnerability under future scenarios.

Rabies as a threat to wildlife.

The impact of infectious disease may become progressively more harmful to a species' survival as a wild population approaches an 'extinction vortex'. This risk is especially relevant for pathogens that spread rapidly and result in high mortality rates. Rabies, a virus that infects many mammalian species, can be efficiently transmitted through infected saliva, and is fatal without prior vaccination or rapid post-exposure prophylaxis (in humans). The authors conducted an extensive literature review to identify all wild mammal species reported to have been infected with rabies virus. They found reports of infection in 190 mammalian species, including 16 with elevated risk of extinction and two for which rabies is a direct conservation threat: the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). This paper discusses selected examples in which rabies has contributed to the population decline of a species of conservation concern. In addition, the authors note the importance of the transmission of rabies virus (RABV) from domestic dogs to wildlife, and the many challenges associated with the vaccination of wild animals. With this in mind, they present potential solutions to reduce the burden of rabies on wildlife. Once stable control of RABV is achieved in domestic dogs, remaining rabies threats to wildlife conservation can be addressed more effectively.

L'impact des maladies infectieuses peut constituer une menace croissante pour la survie d'espèces animales sauvages dès lors que leurs populations sont entraînées dans la « spirale de l'extinction ¼. Ce risque se pose plus particulièrement lorsqu'il s'agit d'agents pathogènes qui se propagent rapidement et induisent un taux de mortalité élevé. Le virus de la rage affecte un grand nombre d'espèces de mammifères et se transmet facilement par contact avec de la salive infectée ; l'infection virale entraîne la mort en l'absence d'une vaccination préalable ou, chez l'être humain, d'une prophylaxie post-exposition administrée rapidement. Les auteurs ont procédé à un examen exhaustif de la littérature afin d'inventorier les espèces de mammifères sauvages chez qui l'infection rabique a été rapportée. Des cas ont été notifiés chez 190 espèces de mammifères, dont 16 présentant un risque élevé d'extinction et deux directement menacées d'extinction en raison de la rage : le loup d'Abyssinie (Canis simensis) et le lycaon (Lycaon pictus). Les auteurs apportent des précisions sur un nombre choisi d'espèces vulnérables ou en danger dont le déclin des populations est en partie imputé à la rage. En outre, ils soulignent l'importance de la transmission du virus de la rage des chiens domestiques aux animaux sauvages et décrivent les nombreuses difficultés liées à la vaccination de la faune sauvage. Ces éléments établis, ils présentent quelques solutions envisageables pour réduire le fardeau de la rage dans la faune sauvage. Une fois le virus de la rage contrôlé de manière pérenne chez le chien domestique il sera possible de lutter plus efficacement contre les autres menaces que la rage fait peser sur la conservation de la faune.

Una enfermedad infecciosa puede tener efectos cada vez más dañinos en la supervivencia de una especie a medida que una población silvestre se va aproximando a un «vórtice de extinción¼. Este riesgo tiene especial importancia en el caso de patógenos que se propagan con rapidez y causan elevadas tasas de mortalidad. La rabia, enfermedad provocada por un virus que infecta a muchas especies de mamíferos y puede transmitirse eficazmente a través de saliva infectada, resulta letal en ausencia de vacunación previa o de rápidas medidas de profilaxis tras la exposición (en el ser humano). Los autores realizaron un amplio estudio bibliográfico para determinar todas aquellas especies de mamíferos silvestres en que se hubiera descrito una infección por el virus de la rabia. Encontraron infecciones descritas en 190 especies de mamíferos, de las que 16 presentan un elevado riesgo de extinción y dos cuya conservación se ve directamente amenazada por la rabia: el lobo etíope (Canis simensis) y el licaón, o perro salvaje africano (Lycaon pictus). Los autores exponen una serie de ejemplos en los que la rabia ha contribuido al declive demográfico de una especie cuya pervivencia está en mayor o menor peligro. Los autores señalan además la importancia que reviste la transmisión del virus de la rabia de los perros domésticos a la fauna silvestre y los numerosos problemas que presenta la vacunación de los animales silvestres. Teniendo presente esta dificultad, exponen posibles soluciones para reducir la carga de rabia en la fauna silvestre. Una vez se logre estabilizar el control del virus rábico en el perro doméstico, será posible combatir más eficazmente la amenaza que representa para la conservación de las especies silvestres.

[Sexist attitudes and recognition of abuse in young couples]. / Actitudes sexistas y reconocimiento del maltrato en parejas jóvenes.

AIM: To explore the association between gender-role attitudes and the recognition of abuse among adolescents and young adults during dating relationships. DESIGN: Cross-correlation study. LOCATION: 57 schools of secondary education, vocational education and university in five provinces of Spain (Huelva, Seville, A Coruña, Pontevedra and Asturias). PARTICIPANTS: 4,337 students aged between 15 and 26 years (40.6% males and 59.4% female) who had a dating relationship that lasted more than a month. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The Gender Role Attitudes Scale was used, which consists of 20 indicators of egalitarian or sexism attitudes at the family, social and occupational level. The students also reported whether they suffered from recognized abuse (RA), unperceived abuse (UPA), or not abused (NA). RESULTS: In the whole sample, 68.6% declared themselves NA, 26.4% were under a situation of UPA, and 5.0% were RA. The RA group was more frequent among the females (6.3%), ≥18 years (6.4%) and university students (6.9%). UPA was more common in males (30.2%). The most sexist attitudes were found in the occupational dimension and especially in men and adolescents (15-17 years). Less sexist attitudes were associated with a lower probability of experiencing UPA (odds ratio=.71; P-trend<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sexism seems to hinder the recognition of abuse. Achieving gender equity in adolescence and youth is imperative. Public health efforts should focus on men, as they constitute the group with more sexist attitudes and with higher prevalence of UPA.

Shoulder kinetics and ultrasonography changes after performing a high-intensity task in spinal cord injury subjects and healthy controls.

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.140.

Diagnosis of Vitality in Skin Wounds in the Ligature Marks Resulting From Suicide Hanging.

Ascertaining the vital origin of skin wounds is one of the most challenging problems in forensic pathology. The forensic literature describes biomarkers and methods for differentiating vital and postmortem wounds, although no clear conclusions have been reached. The aim of this study was to characterize human vital wounds by analyzing the concentrations of metallic ions and the expression of P-selectin and cathepsin D in skin wounds in the ligature marks in a cohort of suicidal hangings for which vitality was previously demonstrated.A total of 71 skin wounds were analyzed within a postmortem interval of 19 to 36 hours. The concentration of Fe, Zn, Mg, and Ca and the expression of P-selectin and cathepsin D were analyzed together and separately. The majority of autopsied suicidal hangings were men (86%) with complete hanging mode (60.7%) in which there was a high frequency of subcutaneous injuries (78.3%). High concentrations of Ca and Mg compared with Fe and Zn were found. Ca and Zn concentrations decreased, and Fe concentration increased with the seriousness of the injury. A high percentage of moderately negative expression of both proteins was correlated with subcutaneous injury and low or medium concentrations of Fe.In conclusion, the joint study of metallic ions and proteins allows to characterize and to differentiate an injured vital wound of noninjured skin, especially when the damage in the tissue affects to the majority of the structures of the skin, but these results will need to be complemented with other biomarkers in time-controlled samples to further help in the differentiation of vital and postmortem wounds.

Salmonella Typhimurium exhibits fluoroquinolone resistance mediated by the accumulation of the antioxidant molecule H2S in a CysK-dependent manner.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the contribution of cysK and cysM to the fluoroquinolone (ofloxacin) antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhimurium, and their impact on H2S and cysteine production through targeted mutagenesis. METHODS: Salmonella Typhimurium 14028s and its cysK and cysM mutants were tested for their susceptibility to ofloxacin, as determined by a broth microdilution test (to determine the MIC) and survival curves. H2S levels were measured by the Pb(AC)2 method and cysteine levels were determined using 5,5-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid. DNA damage induced by antibiotic treatment was determined by PFGE. Finally, expression of cysK and cysM genes under antibiotic treatment was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS: As determined by MIC, the ΔcysK strain was more resistant to ofloxacin, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing fluoroquinolone, than the WT and ΔcysM strains, which correlates with survival curves. Moreover, the ΔcysK strain exhibited higher H2S levels and lower cysteine levels than the WT strain. Finally, the ΔcysK strain exhibited lower DNA damage upon challenge with ofloxacin than the WT and ΔcysM strains. These results are in accordance with lower expression of cysK under ofloxacin treatment in the WT strain. CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrated that cysteine metabolism in Salmonella Typhimurium modulated H2S levels, conferring resistance to second-generation fluoroquinolones.

Sensitive method for measuring third order nonlinearities in compact dielectric and hybrid plasmonic waveguides.

We demonstrate a sensitive method for the nonlinear optical characterization of micrometer long waveguides, and apply it to typical silicon-on-insulator nanowires and to hybrid plasmonic waveguides. We demonstrate that our method can detect extremely small nonlinear phase shifts, as low as 7.5·10<(-4) rad. The high sensitivity achieved imparts an advantage when investigating the nonlinear behavior of metallic structures as their short propagation distances complicates the task for conventional methods. Our results constitute the first experimental observation of χ((3)) nonlinearities in the hybrid plasmonic platform and is important to test claims of hybrid plasmonic structures as candidates for efficient nonlinear optical devices.

Sub-nanosecond Yb:KLu(WO4)2 microchip laser.

A diode-pumped Yb:KLu(WO4)2 microchip laser passively Q-switched by a Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber generated a maximum average output power of 590 mW at 1031 nm with a slope efficiency of 55%. The pulse characteristics were 690 ps/47.6 µJ at a pulse repetition frequency of 12.4 kHz. The output beam had an excellent circular profile with M2<1.05. Yb:KLu(WO4)2 is very promising for ultrathin sub-ns microchip lasers.