Risk factors and profiles of reattempted suicide in children aged less than 12 years.

OBJECTIVE: Suicide attempt (SA) repetition is considered one of the main risk factors for completed suicide. In spite of this, there is no previous research on this variable in children. The objective was to determine the factors and profiles associated with reattempted suicide in children aged less than 12 years. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 120 reports (event code INS.356) of SA in children aged less than 12 years between 2018 and 2023 in the SIVIGILA surveillance system of Colombia. We carried out a bivariate logistic regression analysis to generate the best fitting risk factor model and a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to establish the possible SA recurrence profiles using the SPSS software, version 26. RESULTS: Of the 120 cases analysed, 43 (35.8%) were reports of reattempted suicide. The best model for predicting risk factors for repeated SA included child maltreatment (OR, 6.22; P < .05), persistent suicidal ideation (PSI) (OR, 30.91; P < .001), a history of violence or sexual abuse (OR, 13.10; P < .05) and the use of sharp objects (OR, 46.45; P < .001). The MCA identified 3 profiles: "first SA" with poisoning as the attempt method and in absence of PSI, violence and abuse; "one previous SA" with the use of sharp objects and presence of PSI ; "two or more previous SAs" with a history of violence or sexual abuse, child maltreatment and hanging as the method. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate the impact of early life adversity (ELA) on children's mental health, so it is necessary to detect and prevent these types of abuse in order to reduce childhood suicide.

Influence of carbon ionization increment by adding ne on the bonding, electrical, and tribological properties of carbon thin films deposited by HiPIMS.

In this work, we use mass quadrupole spectroscopy to analyze the ion energy distribution function for C+ ions from different gas composition discharges (20, 40, 60, 80, and 90% Ne) + Ar in a plasma sputtering process. Carbon films were obtained for each gas composition discharge. The carbon bonding structure of films was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy using deconvolution fitting of the G and D Raman peaks. The C-sp3 content was correlated with the electrical and tribological properties of the carbon films. Our results further corroborate the enhancement of carbon ionization in HiPIMS processes by adding neon in conventional argon gas during the deposition process. Furthermore, we found that excessive levels of carbon ionization were detrimental in the formation of C-sp3 decreasing the resistivity, and indicating the decrement of the elastic modulus of the samples. In addition, the use of neon in the gas working mixture increased the deposition rate significantly compared to argon-only processes from 1.7 to 3.22 nm/min for the highest deposition rate cases. Tribology showed that an intermediate C-sp3 content in the carbon films developed desirable tribological behaviors with lower friction coefficients and wear rates, revealing that higher values of C-sp3 content are not necessarily for robust solid lubricious and wear resistance.

Investigation into electronic interaction and work function tuning of phthalocyanine molecules and graphene interfaces.

Understanding the interfacial electronic structures of organic semiconductor phthalocyanines (MePc) and graphene is essential for their practical application in various fields. In this study, we investigated the electronic structure and the tuning of the work function of free metal phthalocyanine (Pc4), cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules deposited on a graphene monolayer using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). We found that the functionalization of MePc molecules induces p-doping to the graphene substrate due to the charge transfer mechanism with the MePc molecule. XPS analysis shows that the electronic interaction at the interface between Pc molecules and graphene substrate mainly occurs through the pyrrole species. Comparatively, it was observed that the electronic coupling between graphene and CuPc is relatively stronger than that between CoPc and graphene. The electronic interaction of the CuPc/Gr sample principally occurs through the Cu2+ 3d states of CuPc, the molecule, and the graphene 2p π states. This electronic interaction increases the work function of the graphene substrate to 5.75 eV, 6.05 eV, and 6.12 eV after depositing the Pc4, CoPc, and CuPc molecules, respectively. These results show that the MePc/Gr samples investigated in this study can be considered promising candidates for applications requiring a high work function to increase hole injection efficiency.

On the Strong Binding Affinity of Gold-Graphene Heterostructures with Heavy Metal Ions in Water: A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation.

Minimum energy configurations in 2D material-based heterostructures can enable interactions with external chemical species that are not observable for their monolithic counterparts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the binding energy of divalent toxic metal ions of Cd, Pb, and Hg on graphene-gold heterointerfaces is negative, in contrast to the positive value associated with free-standing graphene. The theoretical predictions are confirmed experimentally by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, where a strong binding affinity is measured for all the heavy metal ions in water. The results indicate the formation of a film of heavy metal ions on the graphene-gold (Gr/Au) heterointerfaces, where the adsorption of the ions follows a Langmuir isotherm model. The highest thermodynamic affinity constant K = 3.1 × 107 L mol-1 is observed for Hg2+@Gr/Au heterostructures, compared to 1.1 × 107 L mol-1 and 8.5 × 106 L mol-1 for Pb2+@Gr/Au and Cd2+@Gr/Au, respectively. In the case of Hg2+ ions, it was observed a sensitivity of about 0.01°/ppb and a detection limit of 0.7 ppb (∼3 nmol L-1). The combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and SPR analysis suggests a permanent interaction of all of the HMIs with the Gr/Au heterointerfaces. The correlation between the theoretical and experimental results indicates that the electron transfer from the graphene-gold heterostructures to the heavy metal ions is the key for correct interpretation of the enhanced sensitivity of the SPR sensors in water.

Sex Differences in Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Versus Biventricular Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Women respond more favorably to biventricular pacing (BIVP) than men. Sex differences in atrioventricular and interventricular conduction have been described in BIVP studies. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) offers advantages due to direct capture of the conduction system. We hypothesized that men could respond better to LBBAP than BIVP. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the sex differences in response to LBBAP vs BIVP as the initial cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: In this multicenter prospective registry, we included patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and left bundle branch block or a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% with an expected right ventricular pacing exceeding 40% undergoing initial CRT with LBBAP or BIVP. The composite primary outcome was heart failure-related hospitalization and all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome included all procedure-related complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the primary outcome when comparing men and women receiving LBBAP (P = 0.46), whereas the primary outcome was less frequent in women in the BIVP group than men treated with BIVP (P = 0.03). The primary outcome occurred less frequently in men undergoing LBBAP (29.9%) compared to those treated with BIVP (46.5%) (P = 0.004). In women, the incidence of the primary endpoint was 24.14% in the LBBAP group and 36.2% in the BIVP group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). Complication rates remained consistent across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women undergoing LBBAP for CRT had similar clinical outcomes. Men undergoing LBBAP showed a lower risk of heart failure-related hospitalizations and all-cause mortality compared to men undergoing BIVP, whereas there was no difference between LBBAP and BIVP in women.

Extracción de electrodo intracardiaco ubicado en la vena interventricular posterior, con vaina de corte rotacional mecánica, en paciente con vena cava superior izquierda persistente / Extraction of intracardiac electrode located in the posterior interventricular vein, with a mechanical rotational cutting sheath, in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava

Resumen El uso de dispositivos cardiacos implantables ha aumentado en los últimos años, lo que ha generado un aumento en el número de procedimientos de extracción de electrodos a medida que se intervienen pacientes con un mayor número de comorbilidades. En la actualidad, la técnica percutánea de extracción es de elección en la mayoría de los pacientes debido a los excelentes resultados alcanzados y a una morbi-mortalidad asociada inferior a la de la extracción quirúrgica. No obstante, algunos pacientes pueden presentar retos que aumentan el grado de dificultad técnica del procedimiento, entre los que se encuentran variantes anatómicas, calcificaciones extensas o la necesidad de extraer electrodos de fijación pasiva. Se expone el caso de la extracción de un electrodo disfuncionante en una paciente portadora de marcapasos por bloqueo auriculoventricular completo, con estimulación diafragmática por electrodo ventricular de fijación pasiva implantado a través de una vena cava superior izquierda persistente en una vena posterolateral del seno coronario.

Abstract The use of cardiac electronic devices has increased over the last decades, which has generated an increase in the number of electrode extraction procedures, as a greater number of patients with multiple comorbidities undergo cardiac electronic device implantation. Currently, the percutaneous technique is preferable in most patients, given its excellent clinical results and lower morbidity and mortality compared to surgical extraction. Nonetheless, some clinical scenarios increase procedural difficulty, including anatomical variants, or the need to extract passive fixation leads. We present a case of a patient with pacemaker due to complete atrioventricular block, with diaphragmatic stimulation caused by a passive fixation ventricular electrode that was implanted in a posterolateral vein of the coronary sinus through a persistent left superior vena cava, who underwent successful transvenous lead extraction.

Multispectral and thermal infrared data, visual scores for severity of common rust symptoms, and genotypic single nucleotide polymorphism data of three F2-derived biparental doubled-haploid maize populations.

Three F2-derived biparental doubled haploid (DH) maize populations were generated for genetic mapping of resistance to common rust. Each of the three populations has the same susceptible parent, but a different resistance donor parent. Population 1 and 3 consist of 320 lines each, population 2 consists of 260 lines. The DH lines were evaluated for their susceptibility to common rust in two years and with two replications in each year. For phenotyping, a visual score (VS) for susceptibility was assigned. Additionally, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) derived multispectral and thermal infrared data was recorded and combined in different vegetation indices ("remote sensing", RS). The DH lines were genotyped with the DarTseq method, to obtain data on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After quality control, 9051 markers remained. Missing values were "imputed" by the empirical mean of the marker scores of the respective locus. We used the data for comparison of genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction when based on different phenotyping methods, that is either VS or RS data. The data may be interesting for reuse for instance for benchmarking genomic prediction models, for phytopathological studies addressing common rust, or for specifications of vegetation indices.

UDP-6-glucose dehydrogenase in hormonally responsive breast cancers.

Survival for metastatic breast cancer is low and thus, continued efforts to treat and prevent metastatic progression are critical. Estrogen is shown to promote aggressive phenotypes in multiple cancer models irrespective of estrogen receptor (ER) status. Similarly, UDP-Glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) a ubiquitously expressed enzyme involved in extracellular matrix precursors, as well as hormone processing increases migratory and invasive properties in cancer models. While the role of UGDH in cellular migration is defined, how it intersects with and impacts hormone signaling pathways associated with tumor progression in metastatic breast cancer has not been explored. Here we demonstrate that UGDH knockdown blunts estrogen-induced tumorigenic phenotypes (migration and colony formation) in ER+ and ER- breast cancer in vitro. Knockdown of UGDH also inhibits extravasation of ER- breast cancer ex vivo, primary tumor growth and animal survival in vivo in both ER+ and ER- breast cancer. We also use single cell RNA-sequencing to demonstrate that our findings translate to a human breast cancer clinical specimen. Our findings support the role of estrogen and UGDH in breast cancer progression provide a foundation for future studies to evaluate the role of UGDH in therapeutic resistance to improve outcomes and survival for breast cancer patients.

Effect of Ambrosia arborescens Mill. ethanolic extract on breast cancer induced in rats.

Background and Aims: Ambrosia arborescens Mill. (A. arborescens) is an aromatic plant used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-rheumatic, and anti-diarrheal agent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. arborescens Mill. on a Rattus norvegicus var. albinus-induced breast cancer model. Materials and Methods: We collected A. arborescens from the province of Julcán, La Libertad Region, Per, and prepared an ethanolic extract using pulverized leaves macerated in 96° ethanol for 72 h with magnetic stirring. In the evaluation of anticancer activity, four experimental groups with 10 female rats each were formed: Group I (Control-7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene [DMBA]), which received DMBA (single dose) and physiological saline solution for 4 months, and Groups II, III, and IV, which received DMBA (single dose) and 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day of the ethanolic extract of A. arborescens, respectively, for 4 months. Results: The DMBA control group presented histological characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ with necrotic and inflammatory areas, whereas the A. arborescens extract group showed a decrease in tumor volume and recovery of the ductal duct. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of A. arborescens leaves decreases tumor development in rats with induced breast cancer, and this effect is dose-dependent.

Use of remote sensing for linkage mapping and genomic prediction for common rust resistance in maize.

Breeding for disease resistance is a central component of strategies implemented to mitigate biotic stress impacts on crop yield. Conventionally, genotypes of a plant population are evaluated through a labor-intensive process of assigning visual scores (VS) of susceptibility (or resistance) by specifically trained staff, which limits manageable volumes and repeatability of evaluation trials. Remote sensing (RS) tools have the potential to streamline phenotyping processes and to deliver more standardized results at higher through-put. Here, we use a two-year evaluation trial of three newly developed biparental populations of maize doubled haploid lines (DH) to compare the results of genomic analyses of resistance to common rust (CR) when phenotyping is either based on conventional VS or on RS-derived (vegetation) indices. As a general observation, for each population × year combination, the broad sense heritability of VS was greater than or very close to the maximum heritability across all RS indices. Moreover, results of linkage mapping as well as of genomic prediction (GP), suggest that VS data was of a higher quality, indicated by higher -logp values in the linkage studies and higher predictive abilities for genomic prediction. Nevertheless, despite the qualitative differences between the phenotyping methods, each successfully identified the same genomic region on chromosome 10 as being associated with disease resistance. This region is likely related to the known CR resistance locus Rp1. Our results indicate that RS technology can be used to streamline genetic evaluation processes for foliar disease resistance in maize. In particular, RS can potentially reduce costs of phenotypic evaluations and increase trialing capacities.

Single-cell RNA sequencing comparison of the human metastatic prostate spine tumor microenvironment.

Spinal column tumors can be difficult to process for single-cell omic studies, given the heterogeneity in tissue. Here, we present a protocol for operating room-to-benchtop single-cell processing of clinical specimens from a prostate cancer patient. We describe steps for sample homogenization, red blood cell lysis, cryopreservation, and single-cell sequencing analysis. This protocol can be used to identify prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for patients with osseous spine metastases and better inform eligibility for clinical trials.

Attosecond-pump attosecond-probe x-ray spectroscopy of liquid water.

Attosecond-pump/attosecond-probe experiments have long been sought as the most straightforward method for observing electron dynamics in real time. Although there has been much success with overlapped near-infrared femtosecond and extreme ultraviolet attosecond pulses combined with theory, true attosecond-pump/attosecond-probe experiments have been limited. We used a synchronized attosecond x-ray pulse pair from an x-ray free-electron laser to study the electronic response to valence ionization in liquid water through all x-ray attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (AX-ATAS). Our analysis showed that the AX-ATAS response is confined to the subfemtosecond timescale, eliminating any hydrogen atom motion and demonstrating experimentally that the 1b1 splitting in the x-ray emission spectrum is related to dynamics and is not evidence of two structural motifs in ambient liquid water.

Impact of intracardiac echocardiography versus transesophageal echocardiography guidance on left atrial appendage occlusion procedures: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is increasingly used during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as an alternative to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of ICE versus TEE guidance during LAAO on procedural characteristics and acute outcomes, as well the presence of peri-device leaks and residual septal defects during follow-up. METHODS: All studies comparing ICE-guided versus TEE-guided LAAO were identified. The primary outcomes were procedural efficacy and occurrence of procedure-related complications. Secondary outcomes included lab efficiency (defined as a reduction in in-room time), procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and presence of peri-device leaks and residual interatrial septal defects (IASD) during follow-up. RESULTS: Twelve studies (n = 5637) were included. There were no differences in procedural success (98.3% vs. 97.8%; OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.42-1.27, p = .27; I2 = 0%) or adverse events (4.5% vs. 4.4%; OR 0.81 95% CI 0.56-1.16, p = .25; I2 = 0%) between the ICE-guided and TEE-guided groups. ICE guidance reduced in in-room time (mean-weighted 28.6-min reduction in in-room time) without differences in procedural time or fluoroscopy time. There were no differences in peri-device leak (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.68-1.27, p = 0.64); however, an increased prevalence of residual IASD was observed with ICE-guided versus TEE-guided LAAO (46.3% vs. 34.2%; OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.05-4.75, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: ICE guidance is associated with similar procedural efficacy and safety, but could result in improved lab efficiency (as established by a significant reduction in in-room time). No differences in the rate of periprocedural leaks were found. A higher prevalence of residual interatrial septal defects was observed with ICE guidance.

Cómo realizar una punción transeptal de manera segura y exitosa / How to perform a transseptal puncture safely and effectively

Resumen Introducida inicialmente en la década de los cincuenta para la evaluación de las presiones de la aurícula izquierda y posteriormente para la realización de valvuloplastia mitral, la punción transeptal es, con frecuencia, la vía de acceso para efectuar procedimientos que involucren las cavidades izquierdas. En la actualidad, se usa comúnmente en los laboratorios de electrofisiología, tanto para la ablación de arritmias en cavidades izquierdas como para los procedimientos de cierre percutáneo de orejuela. No obstante, con la llegada de diversas técnicas para el manejo percutáneo de la válvula mitral, se espera un aumento progresivo de su uso por parte de cardiólogos intervencionistas. En este artículo, se revisa la técnica para hacer una punción transeptal segura y se dan recomendaciones y estrategias para el manejo de la punción transeptal difícil.

Abstract Initially described in 1959 as a technique to measure left atrial pressures, and later used during balloon mitral valvuloplasty, transeptal puncture (TSP) is frequently the access route for procedures involving the left heart chambers. Currently, it is mostly used in electrophysiology laboratories for arrhythmia ablation and during left atrial appendage occlusion procedures. However, with the ongoing development of percutaneous mitral valve interventions, it is expected that a greater number of interventional cardiologists will be using this technique in the near future. In this article, we review the technique to perform TSP safely, and we provide recommendations and different strategies to deal with difficult TSPs.

Influence of plasma kinetic energy during the pulsed laser deposition of borophene films on silicon (100).

Developing borophene films with good structural stability on non-metallic substrates to maximize their potential in photosensitivity, gas detection, photothermia, energy storage, and deformation detection, among others has been challenging in recent years. Herein, we succeeded in the pulsed laser deposition of multilayered borophene films on Si (100) with ß12 or χ3 bonding by tuning the mean kinetic energy in the plasma during the deposition process. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies confirm ß12 and χ3 bonding in the films. Borophene films with ß12 bonding were obtained by tuning a high mean kinetic energy in the plasma, while borophene with χ3 bonding required a relatively low mean kinetic energy. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) micrographs revealed a granular and directional growth of the multilayered borophene films following the linear atomic terraces from the (100) silicon substrate. AFM nanofriction was used to access the borophene surfaces and to reveal the pull-off force and friction coefficient of the films where the surface oxide showed a significant contribution. To summarize, we show that it is possible to deposit multilayered borophene thin films with different bondings by tuning the mean kinetic energy during pulsed laser deposition. The characterization of the plasma during borophene deposition accompanies our findings, providing support for the changes in kinetic energy.

Gallbladder plication as a rare complication of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of obesity, with a complication rate of less than 2% of cases. There have been only two reported cases worldwide of gallbladder injuries as a major complication of ESG. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 34-year-old patient who developed a complication after ESG. The patient experienced epigastric and right hypochondrium pain 12 h after the procedure, and a positive Murphy's sign was identified on physical examination. Laboratory results showed a leukocyte count of 17 × 103/µL, and computed tomography indicated the presence of free fluid in the pelvic cavity and perihepatic recesses as well as a possible suture in the wall of the Hartmann's pouch toward the anterior surface of the stomach. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing plication of the Hartmann's pouch wall to the anterior stomach wall. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and lavage were carried out. The patient had a stable recovery and was discharged 72 h after surgery, tolerating oral intake. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder plication should be suspected if signs and symptoms consistent with acute cholecystitis occur after ESG.

Cierre percutáneo de orejuela guiado con ecocardiografía intracardíaca vs. ecocardiografía transesofágica: una revisión sistemática / Left atrial appendage occlusion guided by intracardiac echocardiography vs. transesophageal echocardiography: a systematic review

Resumen El cierre percutáneo de orejuela se ha posicionado como una estrategia eficaz en la prevención de embolia en pacientes con fibrilación auricular. La mayoría de los procedimientos en el mundo se realizan mediante ecocardiografía transesofágica, que implica, en la mayoría de los casos, el uso de sedación profunda guiada por anestesiología o incluso anestesia general, lo que conlleva tiempos de sala y de procedimiento prolongados, potenciales retardos en la programación del procedimiento (por baja disponibilidad de servicios de anestesiología y de ecocardiografía) y exposición a los riesgos propios de la sedación profunda y la anestesia general. Adicionalmente, el mayor número de personas requeridos en sala para el cierre percutáneo de orejuela guiado por ecacardiografía transesofágica aumenta la cantidad de personas expuestas a radiación ionizante, particularmente el ecocardiografista, que se ubica próximo al angiógrafo y con frecuencia debe introducir sus manos en el campo de fluoroscopia. En los últimos años, la ecocardiografía intracardíaca ha cobrado importancia para guiar los procedimientos de cierre percutáneo de orejuela debido a su amplia disponibilidad en los laboratorios de electrofisiología, y a la posibilidad de realizar procedimientos con menor tiempo de uso de sala y de recuperación, ya que evita el uso de anestesia general y a que facilita los procedimientos con alta el mismo día, lo que se podría asociar a una disminución global de los costos de procedimientos. En este artículo se discute la evidencia actual que avala el uso de ecocardiografía intracardiaca en el cierre percutáneo de orejuela.

Abstract Left atrial appendage occlusion has proven to be an effective strategy in reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Worldwide, most left atrial appendage occlusions are performed using transesophageal echocardiography, which requires the use of monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia, resulting in prolonged in-room and procedural times, delays in procedural scheduling (due to a low availability of anesthetic and echocardiography services) and the risks associated with anesthesia per se. Moreover, the additional personnel required to perform left atrial appendage occlusion guided by transesophageal echocardiography increases the number of people exposed to ionizing radiation, which is particularly high for the transesophageal echocardiography operator, who stands beside the fluoroscopy tube and frequently introduces his/her hands in the fluoroscopy field. Intracardiac echocardiography has gained acceptance to guide left atrial appendage occlusion in recent years, given its high availability in electrophysiology labs, as well as its potential to reduce in-room and procedural times, reduce the need for extensive recovery times, avoid the use of general anesthesia and facilitating same-day discharge, all of which could result in a reduction of total procedure-related costs. In this article, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of intracardiac echocardiography guidance during left atrial appendage occlusion.

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) in clinical oncology and cancer biology.

UDP-glucose-6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) is a cytosolic, hexameric enzyme that converts UDP-glucose to UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA), a key reaction in hormone and xenobiotic metabolism and in the production of extracellular matrix precursors. In this review, we classify UGDH as a molecular indicator of tumor progression in multiple cancer types, describe its involvement in key canonical cancer signaling pathways, and identify methods to inhibit UGDH, its substrates, and its downstream products. As such, we position UGDH as an enzyme to be exploited as a potential prognostication marker in oncology and a therapeutic target in cancer biology.