FLT3-ITD regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum functions in acute myeloid leukemia.

The FLT3-ITD mutation represents the most frequent genetic alteration in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient and is associated with poor prognosis. Mutation result in the retention of a constitutively active form of this receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the subsequent modification of its downstream effectors. Here, we assessed the impact of such retention on ER homeostasis and found that mutant cells present lower levels of ER stress due to the overexpression of ERO1α, one of the main proteins of the protein folding machinery at the ER. Overexpression of ERO1α resulted essential for ITD mutant cells survival and chemoresistance and also played a crucial role in shaping the type of glucose metabolism in AML cells, being the mitochondrial pathway the predominant one in those with a higher ER stress (non-mutated cells) and the glycolytic pathway the predominant one in those with lower ER stress (mutated cells). Our data indicate that FLT3 mutational status dictates the route for glucose metabolism in an ERO1α depending on manner and this provides a survival advantage to tumors carrying these ITD mutations.

Infección por Helicobacter pylori y factores asociados en adultos de la sierra norte del Perú

Introducción: Helicobacter pylori afecta a más de 50% de la población mundial, siendo más prevalente en poblaciones de nivel socioeconómico bajo; esta bacteria constituye la principal causa de cáncer gástrico a nivel global. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y los factores asociados a la infección por H. pylori en personas adultas que viven en el centro histórico de la ciudad de Cajamarca, en el norte del Perú. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo que incluyó 124 personas encuestadas mediante un cuestionario y evaluadas mediante endoscopía y cultivo de biopsia gástrica. Una biopsia por persona fue sometida a prueba de ureasa y los cultivos se confirmaron por reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC). Resultados: La frecuencia de infección fue de 60,5 % (IC 95% 51,3 - 69,2). El análisis univariado demostró asociación significativa entre la infección y la edad (p = 0,002), y entre la infección y el antecedente de patología gástrica (p = 0,015). El análisis multivariado reveló dos factores asociados: edad (OR = 0,94; IC95% 0,90-0,97) y antecedente de infección por H. pylori (OR = 0,23; IC95% 0,08 - 0,67). Conclusiones: Existe alta frecuencia de infección por H. pylori en esta población; la edad y el antecedente de infección constituyen factores asociados que deben evaluarse con mayor profundidad.

Background: Helicobacter pylori affects more than 50% of the world's population, being more prevalent in populations of low socioeconomic status. H. pylori is the main cause of gastric cancer globally. Aim: To establish the frequency and factors associated with H. pylori infection in adults living in the historic center of Cajamarca City, in northern Peru. Methods: This was a descriptive study that included 124 individuals surveyed through a questionnaire and evaluated through endoscopy and gastric biopsy culture. One biopsy per person underwent the urease test, and the cultures were confirmed by PCR. Results: The frequency of infection was 60.5% (95% CI 51.3 - 69.2). In the univariate analysis, there was a significant association between the infection and age (p = 0.002), and between the infection and a history of gastric pathology (p = 0.015). The multivariate analysis revealed two associated factors: age (OR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.90 - 0.97), and history of H. pylori infection (OR = 0.23; 95% CI 0.08 - 0.67). Conclusions: There is a high frequency of H. pylori infection in this population, and the age and history of H. pylori infection are factors that should be further evaluated.

Síntomas gastrointestinales, disfunción respiratoria, hepática y renal, principales factores asociados a letalidad por rickettsiosis trasmitida por garrapatas en Mexicali, Baja California, México

Introducción: La rickettsiosis, enfermedad potencialmente mortal, es trasmitida por vectores como Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis y D. andersonii, reservorios de Rickettsia rickettsii. En Baja California, México, es endémica, multifactorial, tiene alta letalidad, sus manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas y ataque multisistémico dificultan el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a la letalidad por rickettsiosis trasmitida por garrapatas en Mexicali, Baja California. Pacientes y Métodos : Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, retrospectivo, de 40 registros de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de rickettsiosis, periodo 2014 a 2018. Variables analizadas: sociodemográficas, clínicas, laboratorio clínico, evolución y desenlace. Se reportan frecuencias y medidas de asociación. Resultados: 24 defunciones y 16 vivos. Más de 90% tuvo contacto conocido con garrapatas. Afectó en su mayoría a < 45 años en ambos grupos. La evolución antes del ingreso fue similar y la estancia hospitalaria fue mayor en los pacientes vivos (3,2 ± 4.7 vs 10,62 ± 7,6 p = 0,0002). Fiebre, cefalea, mialgias fueron predominantes. Datos asociados con letalidad: disfunción respiratoria (OR 38,33 IC95% 4,06-361,3 p < 0,0001), creatinina elevada (OR 15,4 IC95% 3,08-76,77 p < 0,0003), retardo del llenado capilar (OR 13,0 IC95% 2,73-61,78 p = 0,0005), dolor abdominal (OR 8,33, IC95% 1,90-36,44 p = 0,0029), AST (OR 7,5, IC95% 1,69-33,27 p = 0,005). Conclusión: Esta enfermedad requiere de identificación temprana de factores que se asocian con letalidad para un tratamiento oportuno y adecuado.

Background: Rickettsiosis, a potentially fatal disease, is transmitted by vectors such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis and D. andersonii, reservoirs of Rickettsia rickettsii. In Baja California, Mexico, it is endemic, multifactorial, has high lethality, its nonspecific clinical manifestations and multisystem attack make diagnosis and timely treatment difficult. Aim: Identify the risk factors associated with lethality due to tick-transmitted rickettsiosis in Mexicali, Baja California. Methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective study of 40 records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rickettsiosis, period 2014 to 2018. Analyzed variables: sociodemographic, clinical, clinical laboratory, evolution and outcome. Frequencies and association measures are reported. Results: 24 patients died and 16 survived. More than 90% had reported contact with ticks. It mostly affected ≤ 45 years in both groups. The evolution before admission was similar, and the hospital stay was longer in patients who lived (3.2 ± 4.7 vs 10.62 ± 7.6 p = 0.0002). Fever, headache, and myalgia are predominant. Data associated with lethality: respiratory dysfunction (OR 38.33 95% CI 4.06-361.3 p < 0.0001), elevated creatinine (OR 15.4 95% CI 3.08-76.77 p < 0.0003), delayed capillary refill (OR 13.0, 95% CI 2.73-61.78 p = 0.0005), abdominal pain (OR 8.33, 95% CI 1.90-36.44 p = 0.0029), AST (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.69-33.27 p = 0.005). Conclusion: This disease requires early identification of factors that are associated with lethality for timely and adequate treatment.

Screening mammography frequency following dense breast notification among a predominantly Hispanic/Latina screening cohort.

PURPOSE: Nationally legislated dense breast notification (DBN) informs women of their breast density (BD) and the impact of BD on breast cancer risk and detection, but consequences for screening participation are unclear. We evaluated the association of DBN in New York State (NYS) with subsequent screening mammography in a largely Hispanic/Latina cohort. METHODS: Women aged 40-60 were surveyed in their preferred language (33% English, 67% Spanish) during screening mammography from 2016 to 2018. We used clinical BD classification from mammography records from 2013 (NYS DBN enactment) through enrollment (baseline) to create a 6-category variable capturing prior and new DBN receipt (sent only after clinically dense mammograms). We used this variable to compare the number of subsequent mammograms (0, 1, ≥ 2) from 10 to 30 months after baseline using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: In a sample of 728 women (78% foreign-born, 72% Hispanic, 46% high school education or less), first-time screeners and women who received DBN for the first time after prior non-dense mammograms had significantly fewer screening mammograms within 30 months of baseline (Odds Ratios range: 0.33 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.12-0.85) to 0.38 (95% CI 0.17-0.82)) compared to women with prior mammography but no DBN. There were no differences in subsequent mammogram frequency between women with multiple DBN and those who never received DBN. Findings were consistent across age, language, health literacy, and education groups. CONCLUSION: Women receiving their first DBN after previous non-dense mammograms have lower mammography participation within 2.5 years. DBN has limited influence on screening participation of first-time screeners and those with persistent dense mammograms.

Catalytic specificity and crystal structure of cystathionine γ-lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The escalating drug resistance among microorganisms underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies and a comprehensive understanding of bacteria's defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and antibiotics. Among the recently discovered barriers, the endogenous production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) via the reverse transsulfuration pathway, emerges as a noteworthy factor. In this study, we have explored the catalytic capabilities and crystal structure of cystathionine γ-lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaCGL), a multidrug-opportunistic pathogen chiefly responsible for nosocomial infections. In addition to a canonical L-cystathionine hydrolysis, PaCGL efficiently catalyzes the production of H2S using L-cysteine and/or L-homocysteine as alternative substrates. Comparative analysis with the human enzyme and counterparts from other pathogens revealed distinct structural features within the primary enzyme cavities. Specifically, a distinctly folded entrance loop could potentially modulate the access of substrates and/or inhibitors to the catalytic site. Our findings offer significant insights into the structural evolution of CGL enzymes across different pathogens and provide novel opportunities for developing specific inhibitors targeting PaCGL.

SUMOylation controls Hu antigen R posttranscriptional activity in liver cancer.

The posttranslational modification of proteins critically influences many biological processes and is a key mechanism that regulates the function of the RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR), a hub in liver cancer. Here, we show that HuR is SUMOylated in the tumor sections of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in contrast to the surrounding tissue, as well as in human cell line and mouse models of the disease. SUMOylation of HuR promotes major cancer hallmarks, namely proliferation and invasion, whereas the absence of HuR SUMOylation results in a senescent phenotype with dysfunctional mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Mechanistically, SUMOylation induces a structural rearrangement of the RNA recognition motifs that modulates HuR binding affinity to its target RNAs, further modifying the transcriptomic profile toward hepatic tumor progression. Overall, SUMOylation constitutes a mechanism of HuR regulation that could be potentially exploited as a therapeutic strategy for liver cancer.

Father's Absence in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is associated with alterations in paternal behavior, T, cort, presence of ERα, and AR in mPOA/ BNST.

Testosterone (T), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and androgen receptor (AR) play a significant role in the regulation of paternal behavior. We determined the effects of deprivation of paternal care on alterations in paternal behavior, T concentrations in plasma, and the presence of ERα and AR in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial amygdala (MeA), and olfactory bulb (OB), as well as the corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in plasma caused by deprivation of paternal care in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Twenty pairs of gerbils were formed; the pups were deprived of paternal care (DPC) in 10 pairs. In another 10 pairs, the pups received paternal care (PC). Ten males raised in DPC condition and 10 males raised in PC conditions were mated with virgin females. When they became fathers, each DPC male and PC male was subjected to tests of paternal behavior on day three postpartum. Blood samples were obtained to quantify T and CORT concentrations, and the brains were removed for ERα and AR immunohistochemistry analyses. DPC males gave less care to their pups than PC males, and they had significantly lower T concentrations and levels of ERα and AR in the mPOA and BNST than PC males. DPC males also had higher CORT concentrations than PC males. These results suggest that in the Mongolian gerbil father's absence causes a decrease in paternal care in the offspring, which is associated with alterations in the neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate it.

Differences in Serum miRNA Profiles by Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status: Implications for Developing an Equitable Ovarian Cancer Screening Test.

Serum miRNAs are promising biomarkers for several clinical conditions, including ovarian cancer. To inform equitable implementation of these tests, we investigated the effects of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status on serum miRNA profiles. Serum samples from a large institutional biobank were analyzed using a custom panel of 179 miRNA species highly expressed in human serum, measured using the Abcam Fireplex assay via flow cytometry. Data were log-transformed prior to analysis. Differences in miRNA by race and ethnicity were assessed using logistic regression. Pairwise t tests analyzed racial and ethnic differences among eight miRNAs previously associated with ovarian cancer risk. Pearson correlations determined the relationship between mean miRNA expression and the social deprivation index (SDI) for Massachusetts residents. Of 1,586 patients (76.9% white, non-Hispanic), compared with white, non-Hispanic patients, those from other racial and ethnic groups were younger (41.9 years ± 13.2 vs. 51.3 ± 15.1, P < 0.01) and had fewer comorbidities (3.5 comorbidities ± 2.7 vs. 4.6 ± 2.8, P < 0.01). On logistic regression, miRNAs predicted race and ethnicity at an AUC of 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.72), which remained consistent when stratified by most comorbidities. Among eight miRNAs previously associated with ovarian cancer risk, seven significantly varied by race and ethnicity (all P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in SDI for any of these eight miRNAs. miRNA expression is significantly influenced by race and ethnicity, which remained consistent after controlling for confounders. Understanding baseline differences in biomarker test characteristics prior to clinical implementation is essential to ensure instruments perform comparably across diverse populations. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: This study aimed to understand factors affecting miRNA expression, to ensure we create equitable screening tests for ovarian cancer that perform well in diverse populations. The goal is to ensure that we are detecting ovarian cancer cases earlier (secondary prevention) in women of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic means.

Asymmetric post-translational modifications regulate the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers in response to leukemia inhibitory factor.

STAT3 is a pleiotropic transcription factor overactivated in 70% of solid tumours. We have recently reported that inactivating mutations on residues susceptible to post-translational modifications (PTMs) in only one of the monomers (i.e. asymmetric) caused changes in the cellular distribution of STAT3 homodimers. Here, we used more controlled experimental conditions, i.e. without the interference of endogenous STAT3 (STAT3-/- HeLa cells) and in the presence of a defined cytokine stimulus (Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, LIF), to provide further evidence that asymmetric PTMs affect the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers. Time-lapse microscopy for 20 min after LIF stimulation showed that S727 dephosphorylation (S727A) and K685 inactivation (K685R) slightly enhanced the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers, while K49 inactivation (K49R) delayed STAT3 nuclear translocation. Our findings suggest that asymmetrically modified STAT3 homodimers could be a new level of STAT3 regulation and, therefore, a potential target for cancer therapy.

Off-label Prescription in Paediatric Dermatology: A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Hospital.

Off-label prescription in paediatric patients is common, where some studies indicate that dermatological conditions are more prone to off-label treatment. This is the first study to analyse the prevalence of off-label prescription in paediatric dermatology consultation. This retrospective observational study was performed using the medical records of paediatric patients who were evaluated in a paediatric dermatological consultation in Pontevedra University Hospital, Pontevedra, Spain. Of the 468 patients reviewed, 186 prescriptions were issued and 51.10% were off-label prescription drugs. The dermatological conditions for which off-label prescription was most common were atopic dermatitis (29.0%), followed by warts (12.9%) and infantile haemangiomas (11.8%). With respect to drugs, topical tacrolimus (23.7%) was the most frequently prescribed off-label drug. The main reason for prescribing an off-label drug was for a disease not included on the label (62.4%), followed by issuing it at a lower age than authorized (55.9%). There was a significant association between a higher percentage of off-label prescription and younger age (p < 0.001), and the treatment of vitiligo, infantile haemangiomas and warts (p < 0.001). Likewise, the off-label prescription was significantly more common in the case of topical terbinafine, timolol, desloratadine and topical salicylic acid (p < 0.001). To conclude, off-label prescription is predominant in paediatric dermatology, as observed in 51.1% of our patients.

Sexuality in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a nonarticular rheumatic syndrome which presents as chronic musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and body aches. FMS affects approximately 2.5% of the population, mostly women. FMS causes physical and psychological problems and reduces quality of life. The objective of this study is to identify qualitative evidence about experiences of women diagnosed with FMS about their sexuality. METHODS: Metasynthesis of qualitative studies. The search included articles published between 2000 and June 2023 on the PubMed, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and SCIELO databases. RESULTS: 450 articles were found through the initial search, of which, only nine fulfilled the criteria and were included in the thematic synthesis. From this analysis, three main themes emerged: (1) "I want to, but I can't": FMS causes a shift in feminine sexuality. (2) Resetting sex life and intimacy. (3) Taking charge of a "new sexuality." CONCLUSIONS: Women with FMS suffer from limitations of their sexuality that affect their partner. Pain, stiffness and a loss of desire make sexual encounters difficult. Becoming aware of this and striving not to lose their sexuality is key to coping with this problem. Women and their sexual partners can change roles and encourage communication, games, foreplay or touching. The use of lubricants, physical exercise and complementary therapies, along with social, professional and partner support, are key to coping with FMS.

Ectopic expression of HNF4α in Het1A cells induces an invasive phenotype.

Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a pathological condition in which the squamous epithelium of the distal oesophagus is replaced by an intestinal-like columnar epithelium originating from the gastric cardia. Several somatic mutations contribute to the intestinal-like metaplasia. Once these have occurred in a single cell, it will be unable to expand further unless the altered cell can colonise the surrounding squamous epithelium of the oesophagus. The mechanisms by which this happens are still unknown. Here we have established an in vitro system for examining the competitive behaviour of two epithelia. We find that when an oesophageal epithelium model (Het1A cells) is confronted by an intestinal epithelium model (Caco-2 cells), the intestinal cells expand into the oesophageal domain. In this case the boundary involves overgrowth by the Caco-2 cells and the formation of isolated colonies. Two key transcription factors, normally involved in intestinal development, HNF4α and CDX2, are both expressed in BO. We examined the competitive ability of Het1A cells stably expressing HNF4α or CDX2 and placed in confrontation with unmodified Het1A cells. The key result is that stable expression of HNF4α, but not CDX2, increased the ability of the cells to migrate and push into the unmodified Het1A domain. In this situation the boundary between the cell types is a sharp one, as is normally seen in BO. The experiments were conducted using a variety of extracellular substrates, which all tended to increase the cell migration compared to uncoated plastic. These data provide evidence that HNF4α expression could have a potential role in the competitive spread of BO into the oesophagus as HNF4α increases the ability of cells to invade into the adjacent stratified squamous epithelium, thus enabling a single mutant cell eventually to generate a macroscopic patch of metaplasia.

Predicting ICU Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients Using Machine Learning: The Predicting Outcome and STratifiCation of severity in ARDS (POSTCARDS) Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of machine learning approaches in the development of a multivariable model for early prediction of ICU death in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DESIGN: A development, testing, and external validation study using clinical data from four prospective, multicenter, observational cohorts. SETTING: A network of multidisciplinary ICUs. PATIENTS: A total of 1,303 patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS managed with lung-protective ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We developed and tested prediction models in 1,000 ARDS patients. We performed logistic regression analysis following variable selection by a genetic algorithm, random forest and extreme gradient boosting machine learning techniques. Potential predictors included demographics, comorbidities, ventilatory and oxygenation descriptors, and extrapulmonary organ failures. Risk modeling identified some major prognostic factors for ICU mortality, including age, cancer, immunosuppression, Pa o2 /F io2 , inspiratory plateau pressure, and number of extrapulmonary organ failures. Together, these characteristics contained most of the prognostic information in the first 24 hours to predict ICU mortality. Performance with machine learning methods was similar to logistic regression (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82-0.91). External validation in an independent cohort of 303 ARDS patients confirmed that the performance of the model was similar to a logistic regression model (AUC, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Both machine learning and traditional methods lead to promising models to predict ICU death in moderate/severe ARDS patients. More research is needed to identify markers for severity beyond clinical determinants, such as demographics, comorbidities, lung mechanics, oxygenation, and extrapulmonary organ failure to guide patient management.

Telehealth Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatments often result in adverse effects that impair a patient's quality of life. Although intensive rehabilitative strategies can be used, their applicability can be limited due to patient-specific and socioeconomic barriers. Telehealth interventions represent a possible novel approach to increase access to these services and improve posttreatment quality of life in the HNC population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to identify studies investigating telemedicine-based interventions for HNC patients to determine whether there is a consensus concerning the cost-effectiveness, clinical utility, and accessibility of this model for rehabilitation. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL were used to identify literature without time limit for publication. A critical appraisal of individual sources was conducted by 2 reviewers. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Studies related to telehealth interventions in the HNC population are limited. Salient themes included feasibility of telehealth as an intervention, effects on self-management and knowledge, impact on quality of life, physical and psychiatric symptoms, and cost. CONCLUSION: Although the current literature presents promising data, indicating that telehealth interventions may be both effective and cost-efficient in the management of HNC patients, more research is needed to definitively elucidate their role in management. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Telehealth interventions are valuable for clinicians as an alternative to expand access to care across the cancer continuum, to strengthen patients' knowledge and consequently their self-management, and to provide continuity of services as well as for remote monitoring of symptoms and response to treatment.

[Lichenoid drug eruption with unfavorable evolution. Difficulties in diagnosis]. / Erupción liquenoide medicamentosa con evolución desfavorable. Dificultades en el diagnóstico.

We report the case of a woman who started with a lichenoid eruption, unfavorable evolution, for which a drug reaction was suspected. The final diagnosis was paraneoplastic pemphigus. Multidisciplinary care and evaluation by an Allergist is important in patients with severe skin reactions, suspected of drug reactions, due to the difficulty in establishing the diagnosis.

Se reporta el caso de una mujer que inició con erupción liquenoide, con evolución desfavorable, por lo que se sospechó una reacción medicamentosa. El diagnóstico final fue pénfigo paraneoplásico. Es importante la atención multidisciplinaria y la evaluación de un alergólogo en pacientes con reacciones cutáneas graves, por sospecha de reacciones farmacológicas, debido a la dificultad para establecer el diagnóstico.

The female upper reproductive tract harbors endogenous microbial profiles.

Introduction: The female reproductive tract harbours unique microbial communities (known as microbiota) which have been associated with reproductive functions in health and disease. While endometrial microbiome studies have shown that the uterus possesses higher bacterial diversity and richness compared to the vagina, the knowledge regarding the composition of the Fallopian tubes (FT) is lacking, especially in fertile women without any underlying conditions. Methods: To address this gap, our study included 19 patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for benign uterine pathology, and 5 women who underwent tubal ligation as a permanent contraceptive method at Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA). We analyzed the microbiome of samples collected from the FT and endometrium using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Our findings revealed distinct microbiome profiles in the endometrial and FT samples, indicating that the upper reproductive tract harbors an endogenous microbiome. However, these two sites also shared some similarities, with 69% of the detected taxa Being common to both. Interestingly, we identified seventeen bacterial taxa exclusively present in the FT samples, including the genera Enhydrobacter, Granulicatella, Haemophilus, Rhizobium, Alistipes, and Paracoccus, among others. On the other hand, 10 bacterial taxa were only found in the endometrium, including the genera Klebsiella, Olsenella, Oscillibacter and Veillonella (FDR <0.05). Furthermore, our study highlighted the influence of the endometrial collection method on the findings. Samples obtained transcervically showed a dominance of the genus Lactobacillus, which may indicate potential vaginal contamination. In contrast, uterine samples obtained through hysterescopy revealed higher abundance of the genera Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Coprococcus, Methylobacterium, Prevotella, Roseburia, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Discussion: Although the upper reproductive tract appears to have a low microbial biomass, our results suggest that the endometrial and FT microbiome is unique to each individual. In fact, samples obtained from the same individual showed more microbial similarity between the endometrium and FT compared to samples from different women. Understanding the composition of the female upper reproductive microbiome provides valuable insights into the natural microenvironment where processes such as oocyte fertilization, embryo development and implantation occur. This knowledge can improve in vitro fertilization and embryo culture conditions for the treatment of infertility.

Sex steroid receptors in the ovarian follicles of the lizard Sceloporus torquatus.

Estradiol and progesterone have been recognized as important mediators of reproductive events in the female mainly via binding to their receptors. This study aimed to characterize the immunolocalization of the estrogen receptor alfa (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERß) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the ovarian follicles of the lizard Sceloporus torquatus. The localization of steroid receptors has a spatio-temporal pattern that depends on the stage of follicular development. The immunostaining intensity of the three receptors was high in the pyriform cells and the cortex of the oocyte of previtellogenic follicles. During the vitellogenic phase, the granulosa and theca immunostaining was intense even with the modification of the follicular layer. In the preovulatory follicles, the receptors were found in yolk and additionally, ERα was also located in the theca. These observations suggest a role for sex steroids in regulating follicular development in lizards, like other vertebrates.

Strès ak Pwoblèm Pap Janm Fini: Deciphering migration-related stress from the perspectives of Haitian immigrants in Florida.

Relocating and starting a new life in a foreign country may entail a constellation of new stressors for Haitian immigrants; thus, research that enhances our understanding of how this vulnerable population contextualizes migration-related stress is necessary. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify what factors are associated with migration-related stress, and (b) describe which and why specific migration-related stressors were most significant from the perspective of those suffering from high migration-related stress post migration via the stress proliferation lens of the stress process model. In this mixed-methods, sequential, explanatory pilot study, first-generation Haitian immigrants (N = 76) were recruited to operationalize migration-related stress, using the Demands of Immigration Scale (DIS). Participants (n = 8), who scored 25 or higher on the DIS, completed an in-depth audio-recorded follow-up interview that consisted of open-ended questions and a stressor-ranking questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression (quantitative), and thematic analysis with a double-coded approach (qualitative) were employed to analyze the data. Female gender, older age, English fluency, and migration after the age of 18 years were associated with higher migration-related stress. However, only gender and English fluency predicted migration-related stress. In interviews, participants ranked five migration-related stressors as most stressful: language barriers, financial strains, loss of social networks, family conflicts, and exposure to discrimination/stigma. A nuanced depiction of migration-related stressors and proliferation mechanisms of migration-related stress may help identify areas where support and preventive efforts should be directed to improve social integration, stress levels, and mental well-being among immigrants.

Scientific uncertainty and perceived mammography benefits in women screened for breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Personal aversion to scientific uncertainty may influence how women perceive the benefits of mammography, a breast cancer screening practice with conflicting scientific opinions and guidelines. Such associations may even exist among women who participate in screening. METHODS: We evaluated the distribution of aversion to ambiguous medical information (AA-Med), using a 6-item scale capturing the level of agreement with statements about obtaining a cancer screening test with conflicting medical recommendations in 665 women (aged 40-60 years; 79.5% Hispanic) recruited during screening mammography appointments in New York City. We assessed the association of AA-Med with perceptions of benefits of mammography (breast cancer mortality reduction, worry reduction, early detection, treatment improvement) using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Over a quarter of participants expressed negative reactions to medical ambiguity about a cancer screening test (e.g., fear, lower trust in experts), but a majority endorsed intention to undergo screening. AA-Med was higher in women who were U.S.-born, non-Hispanic black, and had marginal to adequate health literacy, but there were no differences by clinical factors or screening experiences (e.g., family history, prior breast biopsy). Women with higher AA-Med were more likely to perceive treatment benefits from mammography (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.99-1.90), but AA-Med was not associated with other perceived mammography benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Aversion to uncertainty regarding cancer screening varies by sociodemographic characteristics but has limited associations with perceived mammography benefits in women who already participate in screening.