Distribution of gamma-ray elements in Cerro do Jarau impact structure and a proposal of geothermal modeling.

Large meteorite impacts release kinetic energy that induces rock deformation, high temperatures and fluid circulation during the cratering process. To understand the correlation between rock deformation and fluid circulation, it is relevant to investigate post-impact hydrothermal flux and its relation to the local geology. The Cerro do Jarau impact structure is a ~13.5 km diameter impact structure located in southern Brazil and formed on Cretaceous continental flood basalts of the Serra Geral Formation and underlying sedimentary strata. This study collected ground gamma-ray data over the structure and produced K, eTh and eU concentrations, eTh/K ratio and F-factor maps to characterize it in terms of its radiometric signatures and their respective spatial distribution. A general decrease in the concentration of the three elements was observed from the outer-rim towards the center of the crater. The central area is defined by very low radiometric values, with relatively high K values, thus indicating the occurrence of K-bearing rocks. Numerical simulations using the HYDROTHERM 3 code showed the fluid circulation pattern over the impact structure. Data interpretation resulted in a scenery consistent with potential fluid remobilization within the impact structure related to hydrothermal processes in the late stages of the crater formation process.

Subconjunctival liposomal sirolimus vs. cyclosporine or tacrolimus as treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs: A double-blind, randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of a 100 microgram subconjunctival injection of liposome-encapsulated sirolimus (SCJS) to cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (CsA/T) for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs. METHODS: Dogs with signs and symptoms of KCS were block-randomized to one of two treatment groups: Biweekly SCJS or conventional treatment (CsA/T). Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1) scores, conjunctival hyperemia (CH) scores, corneal opacity (CO) scores, and clinical evaluation of potential side effects were recorded every 2 weeks for 14 weeks for both groups. Differences between groups were analyzed using the mixed results ANOVA and U-Mann Whitney tests (p < .05 was considered significant). RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes were included in the study, of which 20 eyes completed follow-up. There was no statistically significant interaction between the treatment group and time on STT-1 score (p = .165), and median CH and CO scores showed no statistically significant differences between groups (p = .353 and p = .393, respectively). There were no clinically significant side effects present in any subject at any time. CONCLUSION: In this trial, a 1 mg/mL (100 micrograms) SCJS every 2 weeks showed similar safety and efficacy profiles as daily CsA/T in dogs with KS after 14 weeks of treatment. Larger studies should be performed to further assess SCJS as an alternative treatment for KCS.

Comparative evolutionary analyses of eight whitefly Bemisia tabaci sensu lato genomes: cryptic species, agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors.

BACKGROUND: The group of > 40 cryptic whitefly species called Bemisia tabaci sensu lato are amongst the world's worst agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors. Outbreaks of B. tabaci s.l. and the associated plant-virus diseases continue to contribute to global food insecurity and social instability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Published B. tabaci s.l. genomes have limited use for studying African cassava B. tabaci SSA1 species, due to the high genetic divergences between them. Genomic annotations presented here were performed using the 'Ensembl gene annotation system', to ensure that comparative analyses and conclusions reflect biological differences, as opposed to arising from different methodologies underpinning transcript model identification. RESULTS: We present here six new B. tabaci s.l. genomes from Africa and Asia, and two re-annotated previously published genomes, to provide evolutionary insights into these globally distributed pests. Genome sizes ranged between 616-658 Mb and exhibited some of the highest coverage of transposable elements reported within Arthropoda. Many fewer total protein coding genes (PCG) were recovered compared to the previously published B. tabaci s.l. genomes and structural annotations generated via the uniform methodology strongly supported a repertoire of between 12.8-13.2 × 103 PCG. An integrative systematics approach incorporating phylogenomic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial markers supported a monophyletic Aleyrodidae and the basal positioning of B. tabaci Uganda-1 to the sub-Saharan group of species. Reciprocal cross-mating data and the co-cladogenesis pattern of the primary obligate endosymbiont 'Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum' from 11 Bemisia genomes further supported the phylogenetic reconstruction to show that African cassava B. tabaci populations consist of just three biological species. We include comparative analyses of gene families related to detoxification, sugar metabolism, vector competency and evaluate the presence and function of horizontally transferred genes, essential for understanding the evolution and unique biology of constituent B. tabaci. s.l species. CONCLUSIONS: These genomic resources have provided new and critical insights into the genetics underlying B. tabaci s.l. biology. They also provide a rich foundation for post-genomic research, including the selection of candidate gene-targets for innovative whitefly and virus-control strategies.

Submerged single-photon LiDAR imaging sensor used for real-time 3D scene reconstruction in scattering underwater environments.

We demonstrate a fully submerged underwater LiDAR transceiver system based on single-photon detection technologies. The LiDAR imaging system used a silicon single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector array fabricated in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology to measure photon time-of-flight using picosecond resolution time-correlated single-photon counting. The SPAD detector array was directly interfaced to a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) for real-time image reconstruction capability. Experiments were performed with the transceiver system and target objects immersed in a water tank at a depth of 1.8 meters, with the targets placed at a stand-off distance of approximately 3 meters. The transceiver used a picosecond pulsed laser source with a central wavelength of 532 nm, operating at a repetition rate of 20 MHz and average optical power of up to 52 mW, dependent on scattering conditions. Three-dimensional imaging was demonstrated by implementing a joint surface detection and distance estimation algorithm for real-time processing and visualization, which achieved images of stationary targets with up to 7.5 attenuation lengths between the transceiver and the target. The average processing time per frame was approximately 33 ms, allowing real-time three-dimensional video demonstrations of moving targets at ten frames per second at up to 5.5 attenuation lengths between transceiver and target.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy for Benign and Malignant Bone Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic yield and accuracy of both image-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle biopsy and evaluate the benefit of performing fine-needle biopsy in addition to CNB in patients with suspected benign and malignant bone tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed on March 10, 2021, to determine whether fine-needle aspiration (FNA) plays any role when performed alone or in combination with CNB. The included studies were aggregated for the pooled estimates of diagnostic yield and histologic accuracy of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of bone tumors. Twenty-nine studies published between 1996 and 2021 were included. RESULTS: When all patients with bone tumors were included, the rates of diagnostic yield and accuracy of FNA and CNB were 88.5% and 82.5% and 91.4% and 92.7%, respectively; the rates of both the methods combined were 96.5% and 94.1%, respectively; and for the lytic subgroup, the rates of diagnostic yield and accuracy of CNB and both the methods combined were 94.3% and 100% and 98.9% and 90.4%, respectively. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis showed that core biopsy alone outperformed fine-needle biopsy alone in all categories of benign and malignant tumors. Additionally, the diagnostic yield was improved when FNA was used in addition to CNB for lytic bone lesions.

Suicidal ideation among people with Parkinson's disease and comparison with a control group.

BACKGROUND: Detection of suicidal ideation (SI) is key for trying to prevent suicide. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of SI and related factors in Spanish people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD) and to compare them with a control group. METHODS: PD patients and controls recruited from the Spanish cohort COPPADIS from January 2016 to November 2017 were included. Two visits were conducted: V0 (baseline); V2 (2-year ± 1 month follow-up). SI was defined as a score ≥1 on item nine of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to SI. RESULTS: At baseline, 693 PwPD (60.2% males; 62.59 ± 8.91 years old) and 207 controls (49.8% males; 60.99 ± 8.32 years old) were included. No differences between PwPD and controls were detected in SI frequency at either V0 (5.1% [35/693] vs. 4.3% [9/207]; p = 0.421) or at V2 (5.1% [26/508] vs. 4.8% [6/125]; p = 0.549). Major depression (MD) and a worse quality of life were associated with SI at both visits in PwPD: V0 (MD, OR = 5.63; p = 0.003; PDQ-39, OR = 1.06; p = 0.021); V2 (MD, OR = 4.75; p = 0.027; EUROHIS-QOL8, OR = 0.22; p = 0.006). A greater increase in the BDI-II total score from V0 to V2 was the only factor predicting SI at V2 (OR = 1.21; p = 0.002) along with an increase in the total number of non-antiparkinsonian drugs (OR = 1.39; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The frequency of SI (5%) in PwPD was similar to in controls. Depression, a worse quality of life, and a greater comorbidity were related to SI.

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.

Identifying the needs of older people living with HIV (≥ 50 years old) from multiple centres over the world: a descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: Older People Living with HIV (OPWH) combine both aging and HIV-infection features, resulting in ageism, stigma, social isolation, and low quality of life. This context brings up new challenges for healthcare professionals, who now must aid patients with a significant comorbidity burden and polypharmacy treatments. OPWH opinion on their health management is hardly ever considered as a variable to study, though it would help to understand their needs on dissimilar settings. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, comparative study including patients living with HIV aged ≥50 years old from multiple centers worldwide and gave them a survey addressing their perception on overall health issues, psychological problems, social activities, geriatric conditions, and opinions on healthcare. Data was analyzed through Chisquared tests sorting by geographical regions, age groups, or both. RESULTS: We organized 680 participants data by location (Center and South America [CSA], Western Europe [WE], Africa, Eastern Europe and Israel [EEI]) and by age groups (50- 55, 56-65, 66-75, >75). In EEI, HIV serostatus socializing and reaching undetectable viral load were the main problems. CSA participants are the least satisfied regarding their healthcare, and a great part of them are not retired. Africans show the best health perception, have financial problems, and fancy their HIV doctors. WE is the most developed region studied and their participants report the best scores. Moreover, older age groups tend to live alone, have a lower perception of psychological problems, and reduced social life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' opinions outline region- and age-specific unmet needs. In EEI, socializing HIV and reaching undetectable viral load were the main concerns. CSA low satisfaction outcomes might reflect high expectations or profound inequities in the region. African participants results mirror a system where general health is hard to achieve, but HIV clinics are much more appealing to them. WE is the most satisfied region about their healthcare. In this context, age-specific information, education and counseling programs (i.e. Patient Reported Outcomes, Patient Centered Care, multidisciplinary teams) are needed to promote physical and mental health among older adults living with HIV/AIDS. This is crucial for improving health-related quality of life and patient's satisfaction.

Congenital left atrial appendage ostial stenosis in an extremely premature infant diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography.

Congenital left atrial appendage ostial stenosis is a very rare congenital cardiac condition. We present the case of an extremely premature infant with congenital left atrial appendage ostial stenosis diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiographic imaging.

Origin, impacts, and potential solutions to the fragmentation of the Mexican health system: a consultation with key actors.

BACKGROUND: One of the central debates in health policy is related to the fragmentation of health systems. Fragmentation is perceived as a major obstacle to UHC. This article presents the results of a consultation with a group of actors of the Mexican policy arena on the origins and impacts of the fragmentation of the Mexican health system. METHODS: We used a consultation to nine key actors to collect thoughts on the fragmentation of the Mexican health system. The group included national and local decision makers with experience in health care issues and researchers with background in health systems and/or public policies. The sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Participants defined the term 'fragmentation' as the separation of the various groups of the population based on characteristics which define their access to health care services. This is a core characteristic of health systems in Latin America (LA). In general, those affiliated to social security institutions have a higher per capita expenditure than those without social security, which translates into differential health benefits. According to the actors in this consultation, fragmentation is the main structural problem of the Mexican health system. Actors agreed that the best way to end fragmentation is through the creation of a universal health system. Defragmentation plans should include a research component to document the impacts of fragmentation, and design and test the instruments needed for the integration process. CONCLUSIONS: First, health system fragmentation in Mexico has created problems of equity since different population groups have unequal access to public resources and different health benefits. Second, Mexico needs to move beyond the fragmentation of its health system and guarantee, through its financial integration, access to the same package of health services to all its citizens. Third, defragmentation plans should include a research component to document the impacts of fragmentation, and design and test the instruments needed for the integration process. Fourth, defragmentation of health systems is not an easy task because there are vested interests that oppose its implementation. Political strategies to meet the resistance of these groups are an essential component of any defragmentation plan.

The impact of the Covid-19 vaccination policy in Mexico. A quasi-experimental effectiveness evaluation of a multi-vaccine strategy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a vaccination campaign that administered five different technologies in a middle-income country with one of the largest Covid-19 epidemics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from Mexico's Epidemiological Surveillance System for Viral Respiratory Disease (Sisver) and the design of the vaccine policy in Mexico as a natural experiment, we applied difference-in-differences econometric methods to assess the strategy's effectiveness on transmission, hospitalizations, and mortality rates among adults 60 to 64 years old in Mexico between April and June 2021. RESULTS: We estimated average effectiveness levels of 60.9% against confirmed cases of Covid-19. Vaccination also decreased hospitalizations and deaths by 62.7 and 62.6%, respectively. After adjusting for vaccination coverage, we found an impact of 79.1, 80.9, and 81.3% reduction in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among the vaccinated. CONCLUSION: Despite the significant progress in our knowledge of Covid-19 vaccination effectiveness, the available evidence relies mostly on experiences from high-income countries. This study contributes to the scientific literature of Covid-19 vaccination effectiveness in a middle-income country with a multi-vaccine scheme.

Examining the effects of genetic ancestry information on appraisals of contested racial identities.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing accessibility of DNA ancestry information may influence perceptions of others' and one's own racial identity. The current work tested whether the presence of genetic testing information influenced Black participants' perceptions of individuals who claim a mismatched racial identity (i.e., a racial identity that differs from their parents), and whether these perceptions are moderated by the amount of corroborating DNA evidence and racial claim of the target. METHOD: Black participants (N = 1,041) were randomly assigned to read about an individual claiming a Black or White mismatched racial identity. The target either had a majority amount (71%) of corroborating genetic information, a minimal amount (29%) or made no mention of genetic information. RESULTS: When a majority percentage of corroborating genetic information was provided, participants evaluated Black-identified targets more favorably than White-identified targets. Additionally, Black-identified targets were evaluated most favorably when they had a majority amount of corroborating genetic information. CONCLUSIONS: Among Black perceivers, a majority amount of corroborating genetic information increased positive evaluations of a mismatched, Black-identified racial claim. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Preventive Conservation of a Short Theatre Skit (Valencian "Sainete") with Cloud Data Storage and Internet of Things.

Preventing the progressive deterioration of works of art over time is a topic of great interest to collectors and museums. With this aim, time capsules where environmental conditions remain unchanged are well known for preserving art. In this paper, a prototype of an IoT time capsule is presented with a focus on low cost in order to make it accessible to private collectors or small museums with tight budgets. Valencian 'sainetes' (small plays), which are considered materials of artistic interest, have been placed in a "time capsule", which is a manually made container with insulating materials for keeping small pieces for a long time. Environmental control has been performed with a low-cost microcontroller, sensors and actuators connected to a free online IoT platform. This platform recorded data and made decisions based on these data, sending cooling or heating orders to an environmental control system. The results obtained are very satisfactory and open interesting perspectives for future research. However, they also highlight some relevant technical and economic limitations that will have to be considered in the future.

Use, Validity and Reliability of Inertial Movement Units in Volleyball: Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature.

The use of inertial devices in sport has become increasingly common. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of multiple devices for measuring jump height in volleyball. The search was carried out in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and SPORTDiscus) using keywords and Boolean operators. Twenty-one studies were selected that met the established selection criteria. The studies focused on determining the validity and reliability of IMUs (52.38%), on controlling and quantifying external load (28.57%) and on describing differences between playing positions (19.05%). Indoor volleyball was the modality in which IMUs have been used the most. The most evaluated population was elite, adult and senior athletes. The IMUs were used both in training and in competition, evaluating mainly the amount of jump, the height of the jumps and some biomechanical aspects. Criteria and good validity values for jump counting are established. The reliability of the devices and the evidence is contradictory. IMUs are devices used in volleyball to count and measure vertical displacements and/or compare these measurements with the playing position, training or to determine the external load of the athletes. It has good validity measures, although inter-measurement reliability needs to be improved. Further studies are suggested to position IMUs as measuring instruments to analyze jumping and sport performance of players and teams.

Morphing projections: a new visual technique for fast and interactive large-scale analysis of biomedical datasets.

MOTIVATION: Biomedical research entails analyzing high dimensional records of biomedical features with hundreds or thousands of samples each. This often involves using also complementary clinical metadata, as well as a broad user domain knowledge. Common data analytics software makes use of machine learning algorithms or data visualization tools. However, they are frequently one-way analyses, providing little room for the user to reconfigure the steps in light of the observed results. In other cases, reconfigurations involve large latencies, requiring a retraining of algorithms or a large pipeline of actions. The complex and multiway nature of the problem, nonetheless, suggests that user interaction feedback is a key element to boost the cognitive process of analysis, and must be both broad and fluid. RESULTS: In this article, we present a technique for biomedical data analytics, based on blending meaningful views in an efficient manner, allowing to provide a natural smooth way to transition among different but complementary representations of data and knowledge. Our hypothesis is that the confluence of diverse complementary information from different domains on a highly interactive interface allows the user to discover relevant relationships or generate new hypotheses to be investigated by other means. We illustrate the potential of this approach with three case studies involving gene expression data and clinical metadata, as representative examples of high dimensional, multidomain, biomedical data. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Code and demo app to reproduce the results available at https://gitlab.com/idiazblanco/morphing-projections-demo-and-dataset-preparation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Glucosylation prevents plant defense activation in phloem-feeding insects.

The metabolic adaptations by which phloem-feeding insects counteract plant defense compounds are poorly known. Two-component plant defenses, such as glucosinolates, consist of a glucosylated protoxin that is activated by a glycoside hydrolase upon plant damage. Phloem-feeding herbivores are not generally believed to be negatively impacted by two-component defenses due to their slender piercing-sucking mouthparts, which minimize plant damage. However, here we document that glucosinolates are indeed activated during feeding by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. This phloem feeder was also found to detoxify the majority of the glucosinolates it ingests by the stereoselective addition of glucose moieties, which prevents hydrolytic activation of these defense compounds. Glucosylation of glucosinolates in B. tabaci was accomplished via a transglucosidation mechanism, and two glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13) enzymes were shown to catalyze these reactions. This detoxification reaction was also found in a range of other phloem-feeding herbivores.

Clinical and structural brain correlates of hypomimia in early-stage Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reduced facial expression of emotions is a very frequent symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been considered part of the motor features of the disease. However, the neural correlates of hypomimia and the relationship between hypomimia and other non-motor symptoms of PD are poorly understood. METHODS: The clinical and structural brain correlates of hypomimia were studied. For this purpose, cross-sectional data from the COPPADIS study database were used. Age, disease duration, levodopa equivalent daily dose, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III), severity of apathy and depression and global cognitive status were collected. At the imaging level, analyses based on gray matter volume and cortical thickness were used. RESULTS: After controlling for multiple confounding variables such as age or disease duration, the severity of hypomimia was shown to be indissociable from the UPDRS-III speech and bradykinesia items and was significantly related to the severity of apathy (ß = 0.595; p < 0.0001). At the level of neural correlates, hypomimia was related to motor regions brodmann area 8 (BA 8) and to multiple fronto-temporo-parietal regions involved in the decoding, recognition and production of facial expression of emotions. CONCLUSION: Reduced facial expressivity in PD is related to the severity of symptoms of apathy and is mediated by the dysfunction of brain systems involved in motor control and in the recognition, integration and expression of emotions. Therefore, hypomimia in PD may be conceptualized not exclusively as a motor symptom but as a consequence of a multidimensional deficit leading to a symptom where motor and non-motor aspects converge.

Changes in sexual behavior, PrEP use, and COVID-19 experience among men who have sex with men in Mexico.

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on sexual behavior and PrEP use among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico. Between April 20th and 27th, 2020 - well into Mexico's lockdown - we conducted a virtual survey among 637 MSM exploring sexual behavior during the first month of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mexico and the impact of lockdown on PrEP use. We applied logistic regression models to assess predictors of PrEP use continuation. Over half the participants (52%) reported having a sexual encounter in the last two weeks. 75% of participants reported a decrease in the number of sexual partners because of COVID-19. The use of PrEP dropped from 90% to 64% during the first month of lockdown. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that younger participants were less likely to continue using PrEP than those 25 + years. Also, those who perceived themselves as not likely to acquire COVID-19 and those who reported using a condom in their last sexual encounter were more likely to continue using PrEP during the lockdown. This study provides evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on sexual behavior and PrEP use among MSM in Mexico during the lockdown. Sexual and reproductive health services will need to consider the risk of COVID-19 in providing HIV and PrEP programs to guarantee participants' and health care providers' safety.

Predictors of the change in burden, strain, mood, and quality of life among caregivers of Parkinson's disease patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Caregiver burden in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been studied in many cross-sectional studies but poorly in longitudinal ones. The aim of the present study was to analyze the change in burden, strain, mood, and quality of life (QoL) after a 2-year follow-up in a cohort of caregivers of patients with PD and also to identify predictors of these changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PD patients and their caregivers who were recruited from January/2016 to November/2017 from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort were included in the study. They were evaluated again at 2-year follow-up. Caregivers completed the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory (ZCBI), Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index (EUROHIS-QOL8) at baseline (V0) and at 2-year follow-up (V2). General linear model repeated measure and lineal regression models were applied. RESULTS: Significant changes, indicating an impairment, were detected on the total score of the ZCBI (p < 0.0001), CSI (p < 0.0001), BDI-II (p = 0.024), and EUROHIS-QOL8 (p = 0.002) in 192 PD caregivers (58.82 ± 11.71 years old; 69.3% were females). Mood impairment (BDI-II; ß = 0.652; p < 0.0001) in patients from V0 to V2 was the strongest factor associated with caregiver's mood impairment after the 2-year follow-up. Caregiver's mood impairment was the strongest factor associated with an increase from V0 to V2 on the total score of the ZCBI (ß = 0.416; p < 0.0001), CSI (ß = 0.277; p = 0.001), and EUROHIS-QOL (ß = 0.397; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Burden, strain, mood, and QoL were impaired in caregivers of PD patients after a 2-year follow-up. Mood changes in both the patient and the caregiver are key aspects related to caregiver burden increase.

The Role of Effective Knowledge on Contraceptive Methods Use in the Replication of Mother-Daughter Adolescent Pregnancy in Mexico.

An important gap in the literature is the analysis of the role of effective knowledge concerning use of contraceptive methods in the intergenerational reproduction of adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries. Using data from the 2014 Mexico National Survey of Demographic Dynamics, we conducted a retrospective cohort and complete case analysis of women aged ≤ 19 years cohabitating with their mothers and who self-reported having had sexual intercourse at the moment of the survey (n = 5143). We estimated instrumental variable probit models (IV-probit) to assess the association between effective knowledge concerning the use of contraceptive methods and adolescent pregnancy. We stratified our models according to parental history of adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy prevalence in our sample was 58.7%. The IV-probit model showed that mothers with a history of adolescent pregnancy were 12.1 percentage points more likely to have daughters who experience adolescent pregnancy. In addition, daughters with effective knowledge concerning the use of contraceptive methods were 1.3 percentage points less likely to experience an adolescent pregnancy. Our findings carry relevant implications for policies seeking to reduce adolescent pregnancy. They highlight the need for policies and programs that tackle the intergenerational transmission of sexual and reproductive behaviors by increasing the information available to adolescents and enhancing their effective knowledge about the use of contraceptive methods. Identifying population groups at higher risk of adolescent pregnancy can contribute to the design of successful reproductive health policies in Mexico and other low- and middle-income countries.