Understanding uncertainties in contemporary and future extreme wave events for broad-scale impact and adaptation planning.

Understanding uncertainties in extreme wind-wave events is essential for offshore/coastal risk and adaptation estimates. Despite this, uncertainties in contemporary extreme wave events have not been assessed, and projections are still limited. Here, we quantify, at global scale, the uncertainties in contemporary extreme wave estimates across an ensemble of widely used global wave reanalyses/hindcasts supported by observations. We find that contemporary uncertainties in 50-year return period wave heights ([Formula: see text]) reach (on average) ~2.5 m in regions adjacent to coastlines and are primarily driven by atmospheric forcing. Furthermore, we show that uncertainties in contemporary [Formula: see text] estimates dominate projected 21st-century changes in [Formula: see text] across ~80% of global ocean and coastlines. When translated into broad-scale coastal risk analysis, these uncertainties are comparable to those from storm surges and projected sea level rise. Thus, uncertainties in contemporary extreme wave events need to be combined with those of projections to fully assess potential impacts.

The Enigmatic Aliphatic Acetogenins and Their Correlations With Lipids During Seed Germination and Leaf Development of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.).

Lipids in avocados have been widely studied due to their nutritional value and several reported bioactivities. Aliphatic acetogenins are a relevant component of the avocado lipidome and have been tested for several potential food and pharma industries applications. This work followed the evolution of avocado fatty acids (FAs) and aliphatic acetogenins during seed germination and leaf growth. Oil extracts of embryonic axes, cotyledons, and leaves from seedlings and trees were divided to analyze free acetylated acetogenins (AcO-acetogenins), and free FAs. Embryonic axes from germinating seeds contained the highest amount of AcO-acetogenins and FAs; this tissue also accumulated the most diverse FA profile with up to 22 detected moieties. Leaves presented the highest variations in AcO-acetogenin profiles during development, although leaves from seedlings accumulated the simplest FA profile with only 10 different FAs. Remarkably, AcO-acetogenins represented half of the carbons allocated to lipids in grown leaves, while embryonic axes and cotyledons always contained more carbons within FAs during germination. Thus, we hypothesized the use of the AcO-acetogenin acyl chain for energy production toward ß-oxidation. Also, α-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acids (DHAs) were proposed as close AcO-acetogenin intermediaries based on a correlation network generated using all these data. Another part of the oil extract was fractionated into different lipid classes before transesterification to profile FAs and acetogenins bound to lipids. Acetogenin backbones were identified for the first time in triglycerides from cotyledons and mainly in polar lipids (which include phospholipids) in all developing avocado tissues analyzed. Seed tissues accumulated preferentially polar lipids during germination, while triglycerides were consumed in cotyledons. Seedling leaves contained minute amounts of triglycerides, and polar lipids increased as they developed. Results from this work suggest acetogenins might be part of the energy and signaling metabolisms, and possibly of membrane structures, underlining the yet to establish role(s) of these unusual lipids in the avocado plant physiology.

The relationship between obsessions and the self: Feared and actual self-descriptions in a clinical obsessive-compulsive disorder sample.

Cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) posit the relevance of the self in OCD, although the nature of this association is still unclear. We aimed to explore actual and feared selves and its association with obsessions and intrusions in a group of OCD patients. A group of 58 patients with OCD identified their most upsetting obsession and intrusion (non-clinical obsession) experienced in the past 3 months. These cognitions were classified as either moral-based or autogenous (obsessions n = 32; intrusions n = 26) or non-moral-based or reactive, depending on their content. Next, patients described their actual self and their feared self, that is, the person they feared being or becoming, and whether they believed these descriptions were associated with their obsessions/intrusions. Results indicate that individuals with OCD described themselves as insecure, anxious and fearful, but also as good and nice. They particularly feared a selfish, aggressive, bad, liar, coward, insecure and arrogant self. Two-thirds of the patients believed that their obsessions said something about their actual self (65.52%) and that their obsessions brought them closer to the person they do not want to be (62.06%). A third of patients believed their intrusions said something about their actual self (actual self: 30.35%; feared self: 25%), which was a significantly lower percentage than for obsessions. These associations existed independent from the content of the obsession and/or intrusion, although patients with obsessions with moral-based contents more often tended to believe that their obsessions brought them closer to the person they do not want to be. Results suggest the relevance of the real and feared selves in the maintenance of obsessions.

Two cyclin Bs are differentially modulated by glucose and sucrose during maize germination.

Cell proliferation during seed germination is determinant for an appropriate seedling establishment. The present work aimed to evaluate the participation of two maize B-type Cyclins during germination and under the stimulus of two simple sugars: sucrose and glucose. We found out that the corresponding genes, ZmCycB1;2 and ZmCycB2;1, increased their expression at 24 h of germination, but only ZmCycB1;2 responded negatively to sugar type at the highest sugar concentration tested (120 mM). Also, CycB1;2 showed differential protein levels along germination in response to sugar, or its absence. Both CycBs interacted with CDKA;1 and CDKB1;1 by pull down assays. By an immunoprecipitation approach, it was found that each CycB associated with two CDKB isoforms (34 and 36 kDa). A higher proportion of CycB1;2-CDKB-36kDa was coincident to an increased kinase activity in the presence of sugar and particularly in glucose treatment at 36 h of imbibition. CycB1;2-CDKB activity increased in parallel to germination advance and this was dependent on sugar: glucose > sucrose > No sugar treatment. At RAM, CycB1;2 was more abundant in nuclei on Glucose at late germination; DNA-CycB1;2 colocalization was parallel to CycB1;2 inside the nucleus. Overall, results point out CycB1;2 as a player on promoting proliferation during germination by binding a specific CDKB isoform partner and changing its cellular localization to nuclei, co-localizing with DNA, being glucose a triggering signal.

Is context a crucial factor in distinguishing between intrusions and obsessions in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

OBJECTIVE: Some cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) posit that intrusions exist on a continuum with obsessions; others consider that they may be unrelated phenomena that differ in the context where they occur. We aimed to examine and compare, at two different moments, the context of the occurrence of intrusions and obsessions. METHOD: Sixty-eight patients with OCD completed an interview appraising their most upsetting obsession and intrusion. RESULTS: At their onset, the obsessions/intrusions were associated with experiencing negative emotional states and life events, and they were more likely to appear in "inappropriate" contexts. The context of the obsessions/intrusions differed the last time they were experienced. Autogenous obsessions/intrusions occurred more frequently in contexts with an indirect link. CONCLUSIONS: The context distinguishes between intrusions and obsessions, not when they emerge, but when the obsession is already established. The results support that there is a continuum or progression from intrusions to obsessions.

Maize E2F transcription factors. Expression, association to promoters of S-phase genes and interaction with the RBR1 protein in chromatin during seed germination.

For seed germination, it is necessary to restart the cell cycle, a process regulated at multiple levels including transcriptional control, that is executed by the E2F family of transcription factors. We identified 12 genes of the E2F family in maize that are expressed differentially during the first 28 h post imbibition (HAI). E2Fa/b1;1 and E2Fc proteins were characterized as an activator and a putative repressor respectively, both forming heterodimers with DPb2 that bind differentially to consensus E2F response elements in promoters of E2F target genes. Transcripts of target genes for these transcription factors accumulate during germination; in dry seeds E2Fc protein is enriched in the target promoters and is replaced by E2Fa/b1;1 as germination advances. RBR1 is found in the same promoters in non-imbibed and 28 HAI seeds, when DNA replication has concluded, and transcription of the E2F targets should stop. During germination promoters of these target genes seem to be decorated with histone marks related to relaxed chromatin structure. Therefore, E2Fs appear to occupy their target genes in a context of open chromatin, with RBR1 fine tuning the progression between the phases.

Spanish version of the Inferential Confusion Questionnaire-Expanded Version: Further support for the role of inferential confusion in obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

The purposes of this research were (1) to analyse the psychometric properties of the Inferential Confusion Questionnaire-Expanded Version (ICQ-EV) in a Spanish population; (2) to explore the role of inferential confusion in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); and (3) to compare the inferential confusion construct in nonclinical and clinical samples. A sample of 342 nonclinical participants and 66 patients with OCD completed the ICQ-EV Spanish adaptation as well as a set of questionnaires. Results confirmed a good fit of the ICQ-EV Spanish version to the original unifactorial structure and excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Moreover, results confirmed that the ICQ-EV predicts Obsessing, Checking, Washing, and Hoarding symptoms, independently of the contribution of dysfunctional beliefs. In addition, OCD patients scored significantly higher on the ICQ-EV than nonclinical participants. The Spanish version of the ICQ-EV is a reliable instrument to assess inferential confusion, and further support is provided for the relevance of the inferential confusion construct in OCD.

Optimization of recombinant maize CDKA;1 and CycD6;1 production in Escherichia coli by response surface methodology.

The complex formed by the cyclin-dependent kinase A (CDKA) and cyclin D is responsible for the G1-S transition in the plant cell cycle. Maize (Zea mays L) CDKA; 1 and CycD6; 1 were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The present study describes the optimization of both proteins production using a statistical approach known as response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental design took into account the effects of four variables: optical density of the culture (OD600) before induction, isopropyl ß-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) concentration, post-induction temperature, and post-induction time. For each protein, a 24 full factorial central composite rotary design for these four independent variables (at five levels each) was employed to fit a polynomial model; which indicated that 30 experiments were required for this procedure. An optimization of CDKA; 1 and CycD6; 1 production levels in the soluble fraction was achieved. Protein conformation and stability were studied by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Finally, in vitro Cyc-CDK complex formation and its kinase activity were confirmed.

Oxidation of proline from the cyclin-binding motif in maize CDKA;1 results in lower affinity with its cyclin regulatory subunit.

Cyclin dependent kinase A; 1 (CDKA; 1) is essential in G1/S transition of cell cycle and its oxidation has been implicated in cell cycle arrest during plant abiotic stress. In the present study, an evaluation at the molecular level was performed to find possible sites of protein oxidative modifications. In vivo studies demonstrated that carbonylation of maize CDKA,1 is associated with a decrease in complex formation with maize cyclin D (CycD). Control and in vitro oxidized recombinant CDKA; 1 were sequenced by mass spectrometry. Proline at the PSTAIRE cyclin-binding motif was identified as the most susceptible oxidation site by comparative analysis of the resulted peptides. The specific interaction between CDKA; 1 and CycD6; 1, measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), demonstrated that the affinity and the kinetic of the interaction depended on the reduced-oxidized state of the CDKA; 1. CDKA; 1 protein oxidative modification would be in part responsible for affecting cell cycle progression, and thus producing plant growth inhibition under oxidative stress.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen associates to protein complexes containing cyclins/cyclin dependent kinases susceptible of inhibition by KRPs during maize germination.

The Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, PCNA, has roles in both G1 and S phases of the cell cycle. Here we show that maize PCNA can be found in cells in structures of a trimer or a dimer of trimer, in complexes of high molecular mass that change in size as germination proceeds, co-eluting with cell cycle proteins as CycD3;1 and CDKs (A/B1;1). Using different methodological strategies, we show that PCNA actually interacts with CycD3;1, CDKA, CDKB1;1, KRP1;1 and KRP4;1, all of which contain PIP or PIP-like motifs. Anti-PCNA immunoprecipitates show kinase activity that is inhibited by KRP1;1 and KRP4;2, indicating the formation of quaternary complexes PCNA-CycD/CDKs-KRPs in which PCNA would act as a platform. This inhibitory effect seems to be differential during the germination process, more pronounced as germination advances, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism in which PCNA could bind different sets of cyclins/CDKs, some more susceptible to inhibition by KRPs than others.

Glucose and sucrose differentially modify cell proliferation in maize during germination.

Glucose and sucrose play a dual role: as carbon and energy sources and as signaling molecules. In order to address the impact that sugars may have on maize seeds during germination, embryo axes were incubated with or without either of the two sugars. Expression of key cell cycle markers and protein abundance, cell patterning and de novo DNA synthesis in root meristem zones were analyzed. Embryo axes without added sugars in imbibition medium were unable to grow after 7 days; in sucrose, embryo axes developed seminal and primary roots with numerous root hairs, whereas in glucose axes showed a twisted morphology, no root hair formation but callus-like structures on adventitious and primary seminal roots. More and smaller cells were observed with glucose treatment in root apical meristems. de novo DNA synthesis was stimulated more by glucose than by sucrose. At 24 h of imbibition, expression of ZmCycD2;2a and ZmCycD4;2 was increased by sucrose and reduced by glucose. CDKA1;1 and CDKA2;1 expression was stimulated equally by both sugars. Protein abundance patterns were modified by sugars: ZmCycD2 showed peaks on glucose at 12 and 36 h of imbibition whereas sucrose promoted ZmCycD3 protein accumulation. In presence of glucose ZmCycD3, ZmCycD4 and ZmCycD6 protein abundance was reduced after 24 h. Finally, both sugars stimulated ZmCDKA protein accumulation but at different times. Overall, even though glucose appears to act as a stronger mitogen stimulator, sucrose stimulated the expression of more cell cycle markers during germination. This work provides evidence of a differential response of cell cycle markers to sucrose and glucose during maize germination that may affect the developmental program during plantlet establishment.

Modulation of CycD3;1-CDK complexes by phytohormones and sucrose during maize germination.

Maize CycD3;1 associates to CDKA or CDKB1;1 proteins during germination and the complexes formed develop kinase activity. These complexes appear to vary in size as germination proceeds, suggesting association to different sets of proteins. CycD3;1 and associated CDK proteins respond to phytohormones and sucrose. Results revealed a reduction in the CycD3;1 protein amount along germination in the presence of indoleacetic acid (IAA) or abscisic acid (ABA), although in the latter protein levels recover at the end of germination. While the levels of CDKA increase with IAA, they decrease with ABA. Both phytohormones, IAA and ABA, increase levels of CDKB1;1 only during the early germination times. CycD3;1 associated kinase activity is only reduced by both phytohormones towards the end of the germination period. On the other hand, lack of sucrose in the imbibition medium strongly reduces CycD3;1 protein levels without affecting the levels of neither CDKA nor CDKB1;1. The corresponding CycD3;1 associated kinase activity is also severely decreased. The presence of sucrose in the medium appears to stabilize the CycD3;1 protein levels.

Neural tube defects in Costa Rica, 1987-2012: origins and development of birth defect surveillance and folic acid fortification.

Our aim was to provide a descriptive overview of how the birth defects surveillance and folic acid fortification programs were implemented in Costa Rica-through the establishment of the Registry Center for Congenital Anomalies (Centro de Registro de Enfermedades Congénitas-CREC), and fortification legislation mandates. We estimated the overall prevalence of neural tube defects (i.e., spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele) before and after fortification captured by CREC. Prevalence was calculated by dividing the total number of infants born with neural tube defects by the total number of live births in the country (1987-2012).A total of 1,170 newborns with neural tube defects were identified from 1987 to 2012 (1992-1995 data excluded); 628 were identified during the baseline pre-fortification period (1987-1991; 1996-1998); 191 during the fortification period (1999-2002); and 351 during the post-fortification time period (2003-2012). The overall prevalence of neural tube defects decreased from 9.8 per 10,000 live-births (95 % CI 9.1-10.5) for the pre-fortification period to 4.8 per 10,000 live births (95 % CI 4.3-5.3) for the post-fortification period. Results indicate a statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease of 51 % in the prevalence of neural tube defects from the pre-fortification period to the post-fortification period. Folic acid fortification via several basic food sources has shown to be a successful public health intervention for Costa Rica. Costa Rica's experience can serve as an example for other countries seeking to develop and strengthen both their birth defects surveillance and fortification programs.

Alcohol disinhibition of behaviors in C. elegans.

Alcohol has a wide variety of effects on physiology and behavior. One of the most well-recognized behavioral effects is disinhibition, where behaviors that are normally suppressed are displayed following intoxication. A large body of evidence has shown that alcohol-induced disinhibition in humans affects attention, verbal, sexual, and locomotor behaviors. Similar behavioral disinhibition is also seen in many animal models of ethanol response, from invertebrates to mammals and primates. Here we describe several examples of disinhibition in the nematode C. elegans. The nematode displays distinct behavioral states associated with locomotion (crawling on land and swimming in water) that are mediated by dopamine. On land, animals crawl and feed freely, but these behaviors are inhibited in water. We found that additional behaviors, including a variety of escape responses are also inhibited in water. Whereas alcohol non-specifically impaired locomotion, feeding, and escape responses in worms on land, alcohol specifically disinhibited these behaviors in worms immersed in water. Loss of dopamine signaling relieved disinhibition of feeding behavior, while loss of the D1-like dopamine receptor DOP-4 impaired the ethanol-induced disinhibition of crawling. The powerful genetics and simple nervous system of C. elegans may help uncover conserved molecular mechanisms that underlie alcohol-induced disinhibition of behaviors in higher animals.

Hepatic subcapsular haematoma in a premature newborn.

Subcapsular haematoma of the liver rarely occurs in neonates and the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. It is a catastrophic condition that can be caused by maternal, placentar or fetal factors. A high index of suspicion is essential for early identification and stabilisation of babies with such a pathology. In a newborn with hypovolemic shock and abdominal distension, haemoperitoneum should be suspected and, along with exclusion of other aetiologies, supportive therapy should be instituted. The hepatic subcapsular haematoma has a non-specific presentation, and should be considered in very low birth weight infants with hypovolemic shock. Abdominal ultrasonography is the investigation of choice. It can delineate the lesion well, differentiate it from neoplasms, rule out rupture and aid in serial follow-up. We report a premature newborn who had this uncommon condition in the early neonatal period and survived without sequelae.

Control de calidad interno de la determinación de folatos séricos por metodologías inmunométricas / Internal quality control of the determination of serum folate by immunometric methods

Comparar dos tecnologías de determinación de folatos séricos en mujeres en edad fértil, que comparten el mismo principio y evidenciar la mejora tecnológica, así como, la validez de los resultados. Materiales y métodos: Los datos provienen de tres estudios poblacionales y cuatro de comunidades centinela. El tamaño de muestra se calculó usando el procedimiento propuesto por Fleiss (1981) y se aplicó un diseño de muestra multi-etapa y se incorporó en el análisis estadístico un ajuste por efecto de diseño de 1,5. Resultados: Desde la perspectiva del laboratorio se nota una mejora en la ...

Severe congenital thrombocytopaenia--first clinical manifestation of Noonan syndrome.

This report focuses on a male infant, the first born of non-consanguineous parents diagnosed with polyhydramnios at 26 weeks of gestation. The newborn was admitted during the neonatal period with bleeding diathesis associated with a low platelet count at birth (5×10(9)/l).The authors registered a persistent low platelet count (9000-129 000/l) during the infants 1st year of life. Physical examination revealed a petechial rash, a dysmorphic face and bilateral cryptorchidism, in the absence of organomegaly. Additionally, cardiologic evaluation revealed an aortic valve dysplasia and an atrial septal defect, while bone marrow biopsy and aspiration were found normal. Throughout the investigation, the authors excluded congenital infection, alloimmune and familiar thrombocytopaenia, Fanconi anaemia and thrombocytopaenia absent radius syndrome. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a mutation in the PTPN11 gene associated with Noonan syndrome. Here the author highlights that severe neonatal thrombocytopaenia is a manifestation that should be considered in the diagnosis and clinical management of Noonan's syndrome.

Displasia de desarrollo de la cadera en niños menores de 5 años de edad en el período de 2004-2006 en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Lima-Perú / Developmental dysplasia of the hip in children under 5 years of age in the period 2004-2006 at the National Institute of Child Health, Lima, Peru

Antecedentes: la dispasia de desarrollo de la cadera constituye un problema incapacitante en la ortopedia infantil. se investigó los hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos y medidas terapéuticas en niños menores de 5 años de edad con el fin de encontrar mayor información sobre la realidad de dichapatología en el Perú. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo mediante la revisión de 165 historias clínicas de niños con diagnóstico de Displasia de desarrollo de la cadera correspondientes periodo 1 de Enero del 2004 al 31 de Diciembre del 2006, proporcionadas por la Oficina de Estadística e Informática del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño - Lima Perú. Resultados: Un total de 165 pacientes (73,9 por ciento de sexo femenino)fueron incluidos. No referían antecedentes familiares 95 pacientes (57,6 por ciento) sesenta y nueve pacientes (47,9 por ciento) tuvieron parto eutócico. Ochenta y tres pacientes (50,3 por ciento) fueron normopeso. La articulación coxofemoral izquierda estuvo comprometida en 78 pacientes (47,3 por ciento), evidenciandose en 111 pacientes (78,2 por ciento) limitación de abducción. El diagnóstico inagenológico fue por radiografía en 114 pacientes (69,1 por ciento), siendo la edad más frecuente lactante menor en 140 pacientes (84,8 por ciento). El tratamiento médico más utilizado fue Arnés de Pavlik en 36 pacientes (21,8 por ciento), no recibiendo tratamiento quirúrgico 117 pacientes (70,95 por ciento). La evolución clínica favorable en 114 pacientes (69,1 por ciento). Conclusiones: La mayoria de pacientes con displasia de desarrollo de la cadera fueron lactantes menores de sexo femenino, presentando la articulación coxofemoral izquierda comprometida y limitación a la abducción como hallazgo primario. El diagnósticofue preferentemente por radiografía, recibiendo tratamiento médico con una evolución favorable

Background. Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a disabling problem in children's orthopedics. We investigated the clinical, radiological and therapeutic findings in children under 5 years old in order tofind out further about the reality in Perú. Methods: We preformed a retrospective descriptive study through reviewing of 165 medical records for the period January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006, provided by Ofinina de Estadídtica e Informática of Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Lima, Perú. Results: a total of 165 patients (73.9 por ciento female)were included. Family history was not referred by 95 patients (57.6 per cent). Seventy-nine patients (47.9 per cent) had vaginal delivery in cephalic presentation. Eighty-three patients (50.3 per cent)had normal birth weight. The left hip joint was affected in 78 patients (47.3 per cent) and 111 patients (78.2 per cent) had limitation of abduction. the diagnosis was by radiographic imaging in 114 patients(69.1 per cent), being the most frequnet age in 140 patients (84.8) `young infantd. The most widely used medical treatment was Pavlik harness in patients (21.8 per cent), and 117 patients (70.95 per cent) did not receive surgical treatment. Clinical evolution was favorable in 114 patients (69.1 per cent). Conclusion: Most patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip were young female infants, having the left hip joint affected and limitation of abduction. The diagnosis was mainly by radiographic,receiving treatment with favorable results