The Crisis Migration Experience Scale: Developing and validating a tool for Venezuelan youth and adults residing in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Although prior research has shown that an array of distinct experiences related to crisis migration are associated with mental health, there is a pressing need for a theory-driven, multidimensional measure to assess the broad spectrum of crisis migration experiences. As such, the present study focused on developing and validating the Crisis Migration Experience Scale (CMES) with a sample of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. METHOD: Participants were adolescent (ages 12-17; n = 430) and adult migrants from Venezuela (ages 18+; n = 569). Randomly splitting the adolescent and adult samples in half, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with 26 original items. After identifying a satisfactory factor structure to generate a 16-item CMES (CMES-16), we examined the associations of the CMES-16 with mental health outcomes. RESULTS: We provide evidence for reliability, factorial validity, and concurrent validity of scores generated by the CMES-16 in a sample of Venezuelan crisis migrants in Colombia. Whereas our a priori conceptualization included seven domains, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that four are especially salient: material hardship, desperation, danger, and unplanned departure. CONCLUSIONS: Crisis migration is an increasingly important construct frequently referenced in the literature on migrant health and by international humanitarian organizations. The number of crisis migrant groups worldwide is increasing, with Ukrainians and Afghans recently added to the list of such groups, along with Venezuelans, Syrians, South Sudanese, Iraqis, and Central Americans. Developing and validating the CMES-16 with Venezuelan crisis migrants opens up important avenues of research, including work that incorporates other crisis migrant populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Loss of Cardiac PFKFB2 Drives Metabolic, Functional, and Electrophysiological Remodeling in the Heart.

BACKGROUND: Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2) is a critical glycolytic regulator responsible for upregulation of glycolysis in response to insulin and adrenergic signaling. PFKFB2, the cardiac isoform of PFK-2, is degraded in the heart in the absence of insulin signaling, contributing to diabetes-induced cardiac metabolic inflexibility. However, previous studies have not examined how the loss of PFKFB2 affects global cardiac metabolism and function. METHODS AND RESULTS: To address this, we have generated a mouse model with a cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of PFKFB2 (cKO). Using 9-month-old cKO and control mice, we characterized the impacts of PFKFB2 on cardiac metabolism, function, and electrophysiology. cKO mice have a shortened life span of 9 months. Metabolically, cKO mice are characterized by increased glycolytic enzyme abundance and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, as well as decreased mitochondrial abundance and beta oxidation, suggesting a shift toward glucose metabolism. This was supported by a decrease in the ratio of palmitoyl carnitine to pyruvate-dependent mitochondrial respiration in cKO relative to control animals. Metabolomic, proteomic, and Western blot data support the activation of ancillary glucose metabolism, including pentose phosphate and hexosamine biosynthesis pathways. Physiologically, cKO animals exhibited impaired systolic function and left ventricular dilation, represented by reduced fractional shortening and increased left ventricular internal diameter, respectively. This was accompanied by electrophysiological alterations including increased QT interval and other metrics of delayed ventricular conduction. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of PFKFB2 results in metabolic remodeling marked by cardiac ancillary pathway activation. This could delineate an underpinning of pathologic changes to mechanical and electrical function in the heart.

Loss of cardiac PFKFB2 drives Metabolic, Functional, and Electrophysiological Remodeling in the Heart.

Background: Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2) is a critical glycolytic regulator responsible for upregulation of glycolysis in response to insulin and adrenergic signaling. PFKFB2, the cardiac isoform of PFK-2, is degraded in the heart in the absence of insulin signaling, contributing to diabetes-induced cardiac metabolic inflexibility. However, previous studies have not examined how the loss of PFKFB2 affects global cardiac metabolism and function. Methods: To address this, we have generated a mouse model with a cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of PFKFB2 (cKO). Using 9-month-old cKO and control (CON) mice, we characterized impacts of PFKFB2 on cardiac metabolism, function, and electrophysiology. Results: cKO mice have a shortened lifespan of 9 months. Metabolically, cKO mice are characterized by increased glycolytic enzyme abundance and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, as well as decreased mitochondrial abundance and beta oxidation, suggesting a shift toward glucose metabolism. This was supported by a decrease in the ratio of palmitoyl carnitine to pyruvate-dependent mitochondrial respiration in cKO relative to CON animals. Metabolomic, proteomic, and western blot data support the activation of ancillary glucose metabolism, including pentose phosphate and hexosamine biosynthesis pathways. Physiologically, cKO animals exhibited impaired systolic function and left ventricular (LV) dilation, represented by reduced fractional shortening and increased LV internal diameter, respectively. This was accompanied by electrophysiological alterations including increased QT interval and other metrics of delayed ventricular conduction. Conclusions: Loss of PFKFB2 results in metabolic remodeling marked by cardiac ancillary pathway activation. This could delineate an underpinning of pathologic changes to mechanical and electrical function in the heart. Clinical Perspective: What is New?: We have generated a novel cardiomyocyte-specific knockout model of PFKFB2, the cardiac isoform of the primary glycolytic regulator Phosphofructokinase-2 (cKO).The cKO model demonstrates that loss of cardiac PFKFB2 drives metabolic reprogramming and shunting of glucose metabolites to ancillary metabolic pathways.The loss of cardiac PFKFB2 promotes electrophysiological and functional remodeling in the cKO heart.What are the Clinical Implications?: PFKFB2 is degraded in the absence of insulin signaling, making its loss particularly relevant to diabetes and the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy.Changes which we observe in the cKO model are consistent with those often observed in diabetes and heart failure of other etiologies.Defining PFKFB2 loss as a driver of cardiac pathogenesis identifies it as a target for future investigation and potential therapeutic intervention.

The impact of hurricane trauma and cultural stress on posttraumatic stress among hurricane Maria survivors relocated to the U.S. mainland.

OBJECTIVES: Following Hurricane Maria, scores of Puerto Rican "Maria migrants" fled the island with thousands permanently resettling on the United States (U.S.) mainland. Emerging evidence suggests that many Maria migrants are exposed to migration-related cultural stressors, including discrimination, negative context of reception, and language stress. The present study examines the associations of premigration hurricane trauma and postmigration cultural stress with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and positive PTSD screens. METHOD: Participants were 319 adult (age 18+, 71% female) Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria survivors on the U.S. mainland. Data were collected virtually between August 2020 and October 2021. Participants completed Spanish-language measures of hurricane-related trauma, postmigration cultural stress exposure, PTSD symptoms, and positive screens. RESULTS: One in five (20.5%) Maria migrants reported PTSD scores in the range indicating a likely PTSD diagnosis (i.e., positive screen of 50+). Both hurricane trauma and migration-related cultural stressors independently predicted posttraumatic stress and positive PTSD screens. Additionally, controlling for the effect of hurricane trauma, discrimination and language stress were strongly linked with PTSD. Further, hurricane trauma and cultural stressors interact such that cultural stress predicts PTSD-positive screens at low-to-moderate levels of hurricane trauma exposure but not at high-to-very-high levels. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the importance of providing mental health and other psychosocial supports to hurricane survivors and evacuees beyond the immediate aftermath of the disaster, and the need to consider both premigration trauma and postmigration experiences in terms of the mental health of crisis migrant populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Increased cardiac PFK-2 protects against high-fat diet-induced cardiomyopathy and mediates beneficial systemic metabolic effects.

A healthy heart adapts to changes in nutrient availability and energy demands. In metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes (T2D), increased reliance on fatty acids for energy production contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. A principal regulator of cardiac metabolism is 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2), which is a central driver of glycolysis. We hypothesized that increasing PFK-2 activity could mitigate cardiac dysfunction induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Wild type (WT) and cardiac-specific transgenic mice expressing PFK-2 (GlycoHi) were fed a low fat or HFD for 16 weeks to induce metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic phenotypes were determined by measuring mitochondrial bioenergetics and performing targeted quantitative proteomic and metabolomic analysis. Increasing cardiac PFK-2 had beneficial effects on cardiac and mitochondrial function. Unexpectedly, GlycoHi mice also exhibited sex-dependent systemic protection from HFD, including increased glucose homeostasis. These findings support improving glycolysis via PFK-2 activity can mitigate mitochondrial and functional changes that occur with metabolic syndrome.

The Role of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Diagnosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Report of Three Cases.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) initially infects and replicates in epithelial cells of the nasopharynx where there are relatively high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which correlates with the highest sensitivity time point of the nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during the first week, with subsequent decline thereafter. As viral shedding progresses throughout the respiratory tract, the virus can be detectable for up to 30 days in bronchoalveolar fluids. This report presents three cases of acute respiratory distress in the setting of multifocal pneumonia, with multiple false-negative NPS SARS-CoV-2/RT-PCR but positive SARS-CoV-2/RT-PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples. Molecular RT-PCR testing remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the diagnostic accuracy of NPS RT-PCR may be affected by several factors. SARS-CoV-2/RT-PCR in BAL samples increases the diagnostic yield for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia; however, it is not widely available in many institutions and can be clinically challenging to perform. A multimodal approach is required for prompt diagnosis, especially in patients with a progressive disease, where a delay in therapy can be clinically detrimental.

One-step synthesis of favipiravir from Selectfluor® and 3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide in an ionic liquid.

Favipiravir is an important selective antiviral that emerged as an alternative against COVID-19 during the pandemic. Its synthesis has gained great interest and the conventional strategies proceed through multiple-step protocols (6-7 reaction steps), which involve, in addition, several drawbacks with global yields, lower than 34%. Herein, a simple, economical, eco-friendly and scalable (1 g) one-step protocol for the synthesis of favipiravir from the direct fluorination of the available 3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide with Selectfluor® is reported. The reaction proceeds easily in BF4-BMIM through a simple operational work-up, affording the favipiravir with a yield of 50% without the need of a special catalyst/additive. The key point of the present strategy was the use of the ionic liquid of BF4-BMIM, which helps to minimize the several chemical limitations derived from 3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide as a substrate for the direct Selectfluor-mediated fluorination. All these chemical reactivity aspects are also discussed in detail.

The importance of acculturation orientation in understanding the impact of pre- and post-migration stressors on behavioral health: Evidence from a crisis migrant sample.

OBJECTIVE: We examine the interplay of acculturation orientation, cultural stress, and hurricane trauma exposure with behavioral health among Puerto Rican crisis migrants who relocated to the US mainland after Hurricane Maria. METHOD: Participants were 319 adult (Mage = 39 years; 71% female; 90% arriving in 2017-2018) Hurricane Maria survivors surveyed on the US mainland. Latent profile analysis was used to model acculturation subtypes. In turn, ordinary least squares regression was executed to examine the associations of cultural stress and hurricane trauma exposure with behavioral health while stratifying by acculturation subtype. RESULTS: Five acculturation orientation subtypes were modeled, three of which-Separated (24%), Marginalized (13%), and Full Bicultural (14%)-align closely with prior theorizing. We also identified Partially Bicultural (21%) and Moderate (28%) subtypes. Stratifying by acculturation subtype, with behavioral health (depression/anxiety symptoms) specified as the dependent variable, hurricane trauma and cultural stress accounted for only 4% of explained variance in the Moderate class, a somewhat greater percentage in the Partial Bicultural (12%) and Separated (15%) classes, and substantially greater amounts of variance in the Marginalized (25%) and Full Bicultural (56%) classes. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the importance of accounting for acculturation in understanding the relationship between stress and behavioral health among climate migrants.

99mTechnetium- or Cy7-Labeled Fab(Tocilizumab) as Potential Multiple Myeloma Imaging Agents.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a malignant hematologic disorder and the second most common blood cancer. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been identified as a crucial factor for the proliferation and survival of MM cells and the overexpression of IL-6 receptor is being studied as a molecular target for therapeutic and diagnostic use in myelomas and other comorbidities. Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds IL-6R. OBJECTIVE: We aim to label and evaluate Fab(Tocilizumab) with 99mTechnetium or Cy7 as potential MM imaging agents. METHODS: IL-6R distribution was analyzed by Laser Confocal Microscopy (LCM) in MM cell lines. Fab(Tocilizumab) was produced by the digestion of Tocilizumab with papain for 24h at 37°C, derivatized with NHS-HYNIC-Tfa and radiolabeled with 99mTc. Radiochemical stability and in vitro cell assays were evaluated. Biodistribution and SPECT/CT were performed. Also, Fab(Tocilizumab) was labeled with Cy7 for in vivo fluorescence imaging up to 72h. RESULTS: LCM analysis demonstrates IL-6R distribution on MM cell lines. Incubation with papain resulted in complete digestion of Tocilizumab and exhibited a good purity and homogeneity. Radiolabeling with 99mTc via NHS-HYNIC-Tfa was found to be fast, easy, reproducible and stable, revealing high radiochemical purity and without interfering with IL-6R recognition. Biodistribution and SPECT/CT studies showed a quick blood clearance and significant kidney and MM engrafted tumor uptake. Cy7-Fab(Tocilizumab) fluorescent imaging allowed MM1S tumor identification up to 72h p.i. CONCLUSION: These new molecular imaging agents could potentially be used in the clinical setting for staging and follow-up of MM through radioactive whole-body IL-6R expression visualization in vivo. The fluorescent version could be used for tissue sample evaluation and to guide surgical excision, if necessary.

Serum progesterone concentration, volume, and apoptosis of corpora lutea in early, middle and late diestrus in the bitch.

The aim was to study number, volume, apoptosis of corpora lutea (CL), and serum P4 concentrations in early, middle, and late diestrus of dogs. Thirty-six bitches were ovari-hysterectomized (OVX): Early Diestrus (Group [G]1; OVX 20 days after end of estrus [DEH]); Mid-diestrus (GII; OVX between 21 and 40 days after DEH), and Late-diestrus (GIII; OVX between 41 and 60 days after DEH). Before OVX a blood sample was collected to quantify P4. After OVX, the number of CL (NCL) was recorded, CL measured using both ultrasonography (US) and caliper (CAL), and the volume (mm3) was calculated. Based on abundances of caspase-3, apoptotic luteal cells were detected. Bitches in early-diestrus had greater P4 concentrations than bitches in mid- and late-diestrus (23.52 ±â€¯3.78 and 10.86 ±â€¯3.88 ng/mL; P < 0.05). The NCL, cumulative USCLV, and CALCLV were similar among diestrus stages (P > 0.30). Bitches with CL (≥5) had twice the serum P4 concentrations as bitches with CL1-2 and CL3-4 (22.71 ±â€¯3.70 and 10.97 ±â€¯4.06 ng/mL; P < 0.05). There were correlations between P4 concentrations with USCLV, CALCLV, and NCL (r = 0.64, r = 0.67, r = 0.44; P < 0.0001). When serum P4 concentrations were adjusted for stages of diestrus, however, there were only correlations during early diestrus. The percentage of apoptotic cells was greater in GIII compared with GI and GII (13.75 ±â€¯2.26 % compared with 4.5 ±â€¯0.68 % and 4.6 ±â€¯1.5 %, respectively; P < 0.05). As days of diestrus increased, number of apoptotic cells increased, and serum P4 concentrations decreased.

Adult Plant Slow Rusting Genes Confer High Levels of Resistance to Rusts in Bread Wheat Cultivars From Mexico.

Rust diseases continuously threaten global wheat production: stem rust, leaf rust, and yellow rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, Puccinia triticina, and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, respectively. Recent studies indicated that the average losses from all these three rusts reached up to 15.04 million tons per year, which is equivalent to an annual average loss of around US $2.9 billion per year. The major focus of Mexican and worldwide breeding programs is the release of rust resistant cultivars, as this is considered the best option for controlling rust diseases. In Mexico, the emphasis has been placed on genes that confer partial resistance in the adult plant stage and against a broad spectrum of rust races since the 1970s. In this study, a set of the first-generation tall varieties developed and released in the 1940s and 1950s, the first semi-dwarfs, and other releases in Mexico, all of which showed different levels of rust resistance have been phenotyped for the three rust diseases and genotyped. Results of the molecular marker detection indicated that Lr34, Lr46, Lr67, and Lr68 alone or in different gene combinations were present among the wheat cultivars. Flag leaf tip necrosis was present in all cultivars and most were positive for brown necrosis or Pseudo Black Chaff associated with the Sr2 stem rust resistance complex. The phenotypic responses to the different rust infections indicate the presence of additional slow rusting and race-specific resistance genes. The study reveals the association of the slow rusting genes with durable resistance to the three rusts including Ug99 in cultivars bred before the green revolution such as Frontera, Supremo 211, Chapingo 48, Yaqui 50, Kentana 52, Bajio 52, Bajio 53, Yaqui 53, Chapingo 53, Yaktana Tardio 54, and Mayo 54 and their descendants after intercrossing and recombination. These slow rusting genes are the backbone of the resistance in the current Mexican germplasm.

Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components - cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations - and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. METHODS: Thirteen toms, 2-5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at -20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS: Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats (P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.

Analysis of miRNA expression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during remission and relapse after a 5-year trial of tofacitinib treatment.

The physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, some of which are regulated by the JAK/STAT pathway. Tofacitinib is a JAK inhibitor, but its role in the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is unknown. There is also no information regarding the role of miRNAs in the clinical relapse/remission of RA. The present project aims to identify a signature profile of miRNA expression in a subgroup of RA patients who had to discontinue tofacitinib treatment (because of the ending of a 5-year open-label clinical trial) and to describe the expression of miRNAs during RA remission or flare-up. The relative expression of 61 miRNAs was determined in serum samples with the Firefly™ BioWorks assay. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Student's t-test and heatmap analysis was performed with Firefly™ Analysis Workbench software and in the software GraphPad® Prism v5.0. Target prediction and Gene Ontology analysis were carried out using bioinformatic tools. We found a distinctive signature of miRNA expression associated with relapse, featuring upregulated expression of hsa­miR­432­5p (p < 0.05). We also found upregulation of hsa­miR­194­5p (p < 0.05) in samples of patients with RA flare-up. Gene Ontology analysis of the target genes for hsa­miR­432­5p was performed to identify relevant pathways associated with relapse; the implications of these pathways in the physiopathology of RA are discussed. Tofacitinib treatment does not have a direct effect on the expression of measured miRNAs. The changes in hsa­miR­432­5p and hsa­miR­194­5p are associated with the regulation of proinflammatory pathways and RA flare-up.

Estudio sobre la influencia del diámetro de apertura en la fuerza ejercida por cada dedo / A study on the influence of grip span on the strength exerted by each finger

RESUMEN Objetivo Estudiar el efecto de mantener un mismo diámetro de apertura en los dedos sobre la fuerza actuante de éstos en un agarre de fuerza. Métodos Se condujo un experimento con 30 participantes (15 hombres y 15 mujeres) quienes realizaron el gesto de aprehensión en un dispositivo diseñado para mantener constante la apertura para todos los dedos en 4 diámetros diferentes. Resultados Se muestra evidencia que en un rango de accionamiento entre 0-75% de la apertura funcional, los dedos índice, corazón y anular ejercen una fuerza significativamente igual si el diámetro de apertura se mantiene constante. Conclusiones Este hallazgo permitiría reducir la exposición de los operarios de herramientas de corte a factores de riesgo de síndrome del conducto carpiano (SCC). Se sugiere que en el diseño de herramientas, la distancia de apertura para todos los dedos debe mantenerse constante durante el gesto de aprehensión.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To study the effect of maintaining the same grip span between the thumb and exerting fingers, on the acting force of these in a power grip. Methods We conducted an experiment with 30 participants (15 men and 15 women) who made the gesture of apprehension in a device designed to maintain constant grip span to all fingers in 4 different diameters. Results In the range between 0-75 percent of functional grip span of the fingers, the index, middle and ring finger exert a force significantly equal when the aperture diameter is maintained constant. Conclusions These findings would reduce exposure to risk factors for carpal canal syndrome (CTS) in cutting activities, by controlling risk factors like strength. We suggest that on the design of tools, the opening distance for all the fingers must remain constant during the act of apprehension.(AU)

Percepción del dolor lumbar debido al uso de un asiento dinámico en postura sedente prolongada / Low back pain perception from the prolonged use of a dynamic seat in sitting posture

Objetivo Determinar si un sistema basculante ubicado en el asiento de una silla favorece la realización de movimientos voluntarios de macro reposicionamiento de pelvis para mitigar la percepción de dolor en postura sedente prolongada. Método Ocho mujeres participaron en la prueba y permanecieron sentadas en sillas con y sin basculación durante 60 minutos, en dos jornadas diferentes conservando la hora de la prueba. La incomodidad fue evaluada con una escala visual analógica. Resultados Se encontró que las personas usaron el sistema basculante para realizar cambios posturales de macro reposicionamientos, sin embargo los realizados por éste son menores a los realizados por el mismo cuerpo, es decir sin ayuda del sistema. Además, la percepción de incomodidad fue igual en las dos sillas, posiblemente porque la cantidad total de macro reposicionamientos no varió. Conclusión Se sugiere que estudios futuros contemplen el diseño de sistemas basculantes que suministren macro reposicionamientos de forma controlada y no de forma voluntaria como se realizó en este trabajo. Así como estudiar si este tipo de sistemas automáticos permite mitigar la incomodidad debida al tiempo prolongado en postura sedente.(AU)

Objective To determine whether a tilting system located in the seat of a chair allows for performing voluntary macro-repositioning movements of the pelvis in order to reduce the perception of pain after a prolonged period in the sitting posture. Methods Eight women participated in the experiment. They were asked to sit on the chair with the tilting system and the chair without the tilting system for sixty minutes on two different days but carried out at the same time of day. Discomfort was assessed with the visual analogic scale. Results people used the tilting system to do postural changes of macro-repositioning. However, these movements were less than the movements done with the body, not using the system. Moreover, discomfort perception was the same for each chair. This might be due to the fact that total of macro-repositioning movements did not change. Conclusion Future research should evaluate the effect of tilting systems that provide macro-repositioning in a controlled form, not like in this study. Also, it is necessary to study if these types of automatic systems contribute to the reduction of the discomfort due to a prolonged period in the sitting posture.(AU)

[A study on the influence of grip span on the strength exerted by each finger]. / Estudio sobre la influencia del diámetro de apertura en la fuerza ejercida por cada dedo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of maintaining the same grip span between the thumb and exerting fingers, on the acting force of these in a power grip. METHODS: We conducted an experiment with 30 participants (15 men and 15 women) who made the gesture of apprehension in a device designed to maintain constant grip span to all fingers in 4 different diameters. RESULTS: In the range between 0-75 percent of functional grip span of the fingers, the index, middle and ring finger exert a force significantly equal when the aperture diameter is maintained constant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings would reduce exposure to risk factors for carpal canal syndrome (CTS) in cutting activities, by controlling risk factors like strength. We suggest that on the design of tools, the opening distance for all the fingers must remain constant during the act of apprehension.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar el efecto de mantener un mismo diámetro de apertura en los dedos sobre la fuerza actuante de éstos en un agarre de fuerza. MÉTODOS: Se condujo un experimento con 30 participantes (15 hombres y 15 mujeres) quienes realizaron el gesto de aprehensión en un dispositivo diseñado para mantener constante la apertura para todos los dedos en 4 diámetros diferentes. RESULTADOS: Se muestra evidencia que en un rango de accionamiento entre 0-75% de la apertura funcional, los dedos índice, corazón y anular ejercen una fuerza significativamente igual si el diámetro de apertura se mantiene constante. CONCLUSIONES: Este hallazgo permitiría reducir la exposición de los operarios de herramientas de corte a factores de riesgo de síndrome del conducto carpiano (SCC). Se sugiere que en el diseño de herramientas, la distancia de apertura para todos los dedos debe mantenerse constante durante el gesto de aprehensión.

[Low back pain perception from the prolonged use of a dynamic seat in sitting posture]. / Percepción del dolor lumbar debido al uso de un asiento dinámico en postura sedente prolongada.

Objective To determine whether a tilting system located in the seat of a chair allows for performing voluntary macro-repositioning movements of the pelvis in order to reduce the perception of pain after a prolonged period in the sitting posture. Methods Eight women participated in the experiment. They were asked to sit on the chair with the tilting system and the chair without the tilting system for sixty minutes on two different days but carried out at the same time of day. Discomfort was assessed with the visual analogic scale. Results people used the tilting system to do postural changes of macro-repositioning. However, these movements were less than the movements done with the body, not using the system. Moreover, discomfort perception was the same for each chair. This might be due to the fact that total of macro-repositioning movements did not change. Conclusion Future research should evaluate the effect of tilting systems that provide macro-repositioning in a controlled form, not like in this study. Also, it is necessary to study if these types of automatic systems contribute to the reduction of the discomfort due to a prolonged period in the sitting posture.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of HYNIC protected analogue for 99mTc labeled antibody.

We described herein a simple and efficient microwave assisted synthesis of HYNIC analogues. Two different activated esters of HYNIC, the hydrazine protected with a trifluoroacetyl group (5) and the free hydrazine (6) were conjugated to the monoclonal antibody Nimotuzumab. Technetium-99m radiolabeling of Nimotuzumab was achieved with high efficiency using 5 and 6 derivates. The NHS-HYNIC-Tfa derivate allowed better labeling yields during longer times of preservation of the conjugated antibody.