Alpha-linolenic acid modulates systemic and adipose tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and the endocannabinoid system in dairy cows.

Metabolic disorders are often linked to alterations in insulin signaling. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids modulate immunometabolic responses; thus, we examined the effects of peripartum n-3 on systemic and adipose tissue (AT)-specific insulin sensitivity, immune function, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in dairy cows. Cows were supplemented peripartum with saturated fat (CTL) or flaxseed supplement rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Blood immunometabolic biomarkers were examined, and at 5-8 d postpartum (PP), an intravenous glucose-tolerance-test (GTT) and AT biopsies were performed. Insulin sensitivity in AT was assessed by phosphoproteomics and proteomics. Peripartum n-3 reduced the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17α, lowered the percentage of white blood cells PP, and reduced inflammatory proteins in AT. Systemic insulin sensitivity was higher in ALA than in CTL. In AT, the top canonical pathways, according to the differential phosphoproteome in ALA, were protein-kinase-A signaling and insulin-receptor signaling; network analysis and immunoblots validated the lower phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), and lower abundance of insulin receptor, together suggesting reduced insulin sensitivity in ALA AT. The n-3 reduced the plasma concentrations of ECS-associated ligands, and lowered the abundances of cannabinoid-1-receptor and monoglycerol-lipase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells PP. Peripartum ALA supplementation in dairy cows improved systemic insulin sensitivity and immune function, reduced ECS components, and had tissue-specific effects on insulin-sensitivity in AT, possibly counter-balancing the systemic responses.

A trait-environment relationship approach to participatory plant breeding for organic agriculture.

The extent of intraspecific variation in trait-environment relationships is an open question with limited empirical support in crops. In organic agriculture, with high environmental heterogeneity, this knowledge could guide breeding programs to optimize crop attributes. We propose a three-dimensional framework involving crop performance, crop traits, and environmental axes to uncover the multidimensionality of trait-environment relationships within a crop. We modeled instantaneous photosynthesis (Asat ) and water-use efficiency (WUE) as functions of four phenotypic traits, three soil variables, five carrot (Daucus carota) varieties, and their interactions in a national participatory plant breeding program involving a suite of farms across Canada. We used these interactions to describe the resulting 12 trait-environment relationships across varieties. We found one significant trait-environment relationship for Asat (taproot tissue density-soil phosphorus), which was consistent across varieties. For WUE, we found that three relationships (petiole diameter-soil nitrogen, petiole diameter-soil phosphorus, and leaf area-soil phosphorus) varied significantly across varieties. As a result, WUE was maximized by different combinations of trait values and soil conditions depending on the variety. Our three-dimensional framework supports the identification of functional traits behind the differential responses of crop varieties to environmental variation and thus guides breeding programs to optimize crop attributes from an eco-evolutionary perspective.

Distinct mechanoreceptor pezo-1 isoforms modulate food intake in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Two PIEZO mechanosensitive cation channels, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, have been identified in mammals, where they are involved in numerous sensory processes. While structurally similar, PIEZO channels are expressed in distinct tissues and exhibit unique properties. How different PIEZOs transduce force, how their transduction mechanism varies, and how their unique properties match the functional needs of the tissues they are expressed in remain all-important unanswered questions. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a single PIEZO ortholog (pezo-1) predicted to have 12 isoforms. These isoforms share many transmembrane domains but differ in those that distinguish PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in mammals. We used transcriptional and translational reporters to show that putative promoter sequences immediately upstream of the start codon of long pezo-1 isoforms predominantly drive green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in mesodermally derived tissues (such as muscle and glands). In contrast, sequences upstream of shorter pezo-1 isoforms resulted in GFP expression primarily in neurons. Putative promoters upstream of different isoforms drove GFP expression in different cells of the same organs of the digestive system. The observed unique pattern of complementary expression suggests that different isoforms could possess distinct functions within these organs. We used mutant analysis to show that pharyngeal muscles and glands require long pezo-1 isoforms to respond appropriately to the presence of food. The number of pezo-1 isoforms in C. elegans, their putative differential pattern of expression, and roles in experimentally tractable processes make this an attractive system to investigate the molecular basis for functional differences between members of the PIEZO family of mechanoreceptors.

Bacterial cellulose films production by Kombucha symbiotic community cultured on different herbal infusions.

The symbiotic community of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) of Kombucha beverage produces a floating film composed of bacterial cellulose, a distinctive biobased material. In this work, Kombucha fermentation was carried out in six different herbal infusions, where SCOBY was able to synthesise cellulosic films. Infusions of black and green tea, yerba mate, lavender, oregano and fennel added with sucrose (100 g/l) were used as culture media. In all cultures, film production resulted in a maximum after 21 days. Yield conversion, process productivity and antioxidant activity were quantified. Macroscopic and microscopic features of films were determined based on electronic microscopy, calorimetric and mechanical properties and hydration behaviour. Native films from yerba mate had a remarkable antioxidant activity of 93 ± 4% of radical inhibition due to plant polyphenols, which could prevent food oxidation. Results revealed that films retained natural bioactive substances preserving important physicochemical properties, essential for developing active materials.

Factores clínicos y bioquímicos asociados con la tirotropina en embarazadas aparentemente sanas / Clinical and biochemical factors associated with thyrotropin in seemingly healthy pregnant women

Introducción: Los valores de tirotropina (TSH) pueden modificarse marcadamente durante el embarazo, en relación con diversos factores clínicos y bioquímicos. Objetivo: Identificar los factores clínicos y bioquímicos asociados con la tirotropina en embarazadas aparentemente sanas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, con 247 gestantes aparentemente sanas del municipio Plaza de la Revolución., en el periodo comprendido de septiembre de 2015 a enero de 2019. Variables analizadas: edad materna y gestacional, trimestre del embarazo, color de la piel, paridad, hábito de fumar, antecedentes familiares de enfermedad tiroidea (APF), consumo de suplementos con yodo, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presencia de bocio al examen físico, TSH, tiroxina total (T4t) y libre (T4l), triyodotironina total (T3t) y libre (T3l), gonadotropina coriónica (hCG), anticuerpos contra la peroxidasa tiroidea (AcTPO) y la tiroglobulina (AcTg) y yoduria. Resultados: La TSH (1,66 ± 0,91mUI/L) tuvo una asociación negativa con la edad materna (r = -0,17; p = 0,008), la paridad (nulíparas 1,80 ± 0,90 mUI/L, multíparas 1,45 ± 0,89 mUI/L; p = 0,003), los APF (positivos 1,56 ± 0,91 mUI/L, negativos 1,81 ± 0,89 mUI/L; p = 0,03), la T4t (r = -0,15; p = 0,02), la T4l (r = -0,23; p = 0,000) y la hCG (r = -0,52; p = 0,001). Mostraron una relación directa la edad gestacional (r = 0,25; p = 0,000) y el uso de suplementos yodados (consumo 1,96 ± 0,72mUI/L, no consumo 1,62 ± 0,93 mUI/L; p = 0,03). Conclusiones: La tirotropina presenta una relación inversa con la edad materna, la paridad, los antecedentes familiares de enfermedad tiroidea, la T4 total y libre, y la gonadotropina coriónica, y una relación directa con la edad gestacional y el consumo de suplementos con yodo(AU)

Introduction: Thyrotropin (TSH) values can be sharply modified during pregnancy, in relation to various clinical and biochemical factors. Objective: Identify clinical and biochemical factors associated with thyrotropin in seemingly healthy pregnant women. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with 247 seemingly healthy pregnant women from Plaza de la Revolution municipality in the period from September 2015 to January 2019. Variables analyzed: maternal and gestational age, trimester of pregnancy, skin color, pregnancies, smoking habit, family history of thyroid disease (APF), consumption of iodine supplements, body mass index (BMI), presence of goiter to physical examination, TSH, total and free (T4l) thyroxine (T4t), total (T3t) and free (T3l) triiodothyronine, chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (AcTPO) and thyroglobulin (AcTg) and urinary iodine. Results: TSH (1.66 ± 0.91mUI/L) had a negative association with maternal age (r = -0.17; p x 0.008), pregnancy (nulliparas 1.80 ± 0.90 mUI/L, 1.45 ± 0.89 mUI/L; p x 0.003), APF (positive 1.56 ± 0.91 mUI/L, negative 1.81 ± 0.89 mUI/L; p x 0.03), the T4t (r = -0.15; p s 0.02), the T4l (r = -0.23; p x 0.000) and the hCG (r = -0.52; p x 0.001). They showed a direct relationship with gestational age (r x 0.25; p x 0.000) and the use of iodine supplements (consumption 1.96 ± 0.72mUI/L, not consumption 1.62 ± 0.93 mUI/L; p x 0.03). Conclusions: Thyrotropin has an inverse relationship with maternal age, pregnancies, family history of thyroid disease, total and free T4, and chorionic gonadotropin, and a direct relationship with gestational age and consumption of iodine supplements(AU)

Mindful attention moderating the effect of experiential avoidance in terms of mental health among Latinos in a federally qualified health center.

The present study examined the moderating role of mindful attention in the relation between experiential avoidance and anxious arousal, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and the number of mood and anxiety disorders among a sample of Latinos seeking health services at a primary care facility. Participants included 326 adult Latinos (Mage = 39.79 years, SD = 11.27; 88.9% female; 98.2% used Spanish as their first language). Results provided empirical evidence of an interaction between mindful attention and experiential avoidance for anxious arousal, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and the number of mood and anxiety disorders in the studied sample. Specifically, among Latinos with lower (vs higher) levels of mindfulness, greater experiential avoidance was related to greater anxiety/depressive symptoms and number of mood and anxiety disorders. Together, these data provide novel empirical evidence of the clinically relevant interplay between mindful attention and experiential avoidance regarding a relatively wide array of negative emotional symptoms and disorders among Latino primary care patients. Limitations of the study include a largely female sample and cross-sectional data.

Rumination and PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed Latinos in primary care: Is mindful attention helpful?

The present investigation examined the moderating role of mindful attention in the relation between rumination and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms (i.e., re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal, and total PTSD symptoms) among trauma-exposed Latinos in a primary care medical setting. It was hypothesized that mindful attention would moderate, or lessen, the relation between rumination and all facets of PTS, even after controlling for clinically relevant covariates. Participants included 182 trauma-exposed adult Latinos (89.0% female; Mage = 37.8, SD = 10.6% and 95.1% reported Spanish as their first language) attending a community-based integrated healthcare clinic in the Southwestern United States. Mindful attention was a significant moderator of relations between rumination and all PTS facets. Specifically, rumination and PTSD symptoms were significantly related yet only in the context of low (vs. high) levels of mindful attention. Mindfulness-based skills may offer incremental value to established treatment protocols for traumatic stress, especially when high levels of rumination are present. Rumination may also serve to identify those who are at greatest risk for developing PTSD after trauma exposure and, therefore, most likely to benefit from mindfulness-based strategies.

Factors behind job preferences of Peruvian medical, nursing and midwifery students: a qualitative study focused on rural deployment.

BACKGROUND: Deployment of health workforce in rural areas is critical to reach universal health coverage. Students' perceptions towards practice in rural areas likely influence their later choice of a rural post. We aimed at exploring perceptions of students from health professions about career choice, job expectations, motivations and potential incentives to work in a rural area. METHODS: In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted among medical, nursing and midwifery students from universities of two Peruvian cities (Ica and Ayacucho). Themes for assessment and analysis included career choice, job expectations, motivations and incentives, according to a background theory a priori built for the study purpose. RESULTS: Preference for urban jobs was already established at this undergraduate level. Solidarity, better income expectations, professional and personal recognition, early life experience and family models influenced career choice. Students also expressed altruism, willingness to choose a rural job after graduation and potential responsiveness to incentives for practising in rural areas, which emerged more frequent from the discourse of nursing and midwifery students and from all students of rural origin. Medical students expressed expectations to work in large urban hospitals offering higher salaries. They showed higher personal, professional and family welfare expectations. Participants consistently favoured both financial and non-financial incentives. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing and midwifery students showed a higher disposition to work in rural areas than medical doctors, which was more evident in students of rural origin. Our results may be useful to improve targeting and selection of undergraduate students, to stimulate the inclination of students to choose a rural job upon graduation and to reorient school programmes towards the production of socially committed health professionals. Policymakers may also consider using our results when planning and implementing interventions to improve rural deployment of health professionals.

Láser resección transuretral prostática: estudio de seguridad con un nuevo sistema de fotovaporización selectiva con láser de diodo de alta intensidad en próstatas mayores de 80 ml / Laser transurethral resection of the prostate: Safety study of a novel system of photoselective vaporization with high power diode laser in prostates larger than 80 mL

Objetivo: Presentar la viabilidad de la vaporización fotoselectiva de la próstata (VFP) con un nuevo sistema de resección de láser de diodo. El tratamiento quirúrgico de la hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) está en constante evolución. Las técnicas de láser se utilizan cada vez más en próstatas de gran tamaño. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo para evaluar los datos operativos y los resultados de los pacientes con VFP utilizando láser de diodo de alta potencia (DAP) y una innovadora fibra con cabeza de cuarzo en forma de pala en los pacientes con próstata > 80 ml. Se describen los datos demográficos, tiempo quirúrgico, pérdida de hemoglobina, resultados operatorios (IPSS, calidad de vida [CdV], Qmáx, residuo posmiccional [RPM], IIEF-5 y micción diaria) y las complicaciones de la clasificación Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Treinta y un pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Dieciséis (51,6%) estaban en tratamiento antiplaquetario activo y 12 (38,7%) habían recibido anticoagulantes antes de la cirugía. Todos los casos fueron seguidos al menos 6 meses. No se produjeron complicaciones graves intraoperatorias ni postoperatorias. Tres pacientes (9,7%) tuvieron complicaciones leves según la clasificación Clavien-Dindo. Veintisiete (87,1%) fueron dados de alta en el primer día del postoperatorio sin catéter. Hubo mejoras significativas en el IPSS, CdV, Qmáx y RPM, tanto a los 3 como a los 6 meses (p < 0,0001), pero la función sexual según el IIEF-5 no mostró diferencias. La urgencia (de cualquier grado) aumentó a los 3 meses (48,4%; p = 0,002) y se redujo considerablemente a los 6 meses (9,7%, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: Esta experiencia piloto con fibra en forma de pala y DAP es alentadora. Esto demuestra que la resección con láser es un procedimiento seguro, logrando excelentes resultados en cuanto a IPSS, CdV y Qmáx en próstatas grandes, incluso en pacientes de alto riesgo. Se necesita un seguimiento más prolongado, estudios controlados comparativos y aleatorios para generalizar estos resultados

Objective: To present the feasibility of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with of a new diode laser-resection system. Surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is constantly evolving. Laser techniques are increasingly used in prostates of large size. Methods: A prospective study was performed to evaluate operative data and patient outcomes with PVP using high-power diode laser (HPD) and a novel quartz-head fiber with shovel shape in patients with prostate > 80 mL. Demographic data, operative time, hemoglobin loss, operative results (IPSS, quality of life (QoL), Qmax, post void residue (PVR), IIEF-5 and micturition diary) and complications following Clavien-Dindo classification are described. Results: Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Sixteen (51.6%) were on active antiplatelet treatment and 12 (38.7%) had received anticoagulants before surgery. All cases were followed at least 6 mo. No intraoperative or postoperative major complications occurred. Three patients (9.7%) had minor complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Twenty-seven (87.1%) were discharged on postoperative day one without catheter. There were significant improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR, both at 3 and 6 mo (P < .0001), but sexual function according to IIEF-5 showed no differences. Urgency (any grade) increased at 3 mo (48.4%; P = .002) and considerably decreased at 6 mo (9.7%;P < .0001). Conclusion: This pilot experience with shovel shape fiber and HPD is encouraging. It shows that laser-resection is a safe procedure, achieving excellent results in terms of IPSS, QoL and Qmax in large prostates even in high-risk patients. Longer follow-up, comparative and randomized controlled studies are needed to widespread these results

Laser transurethral resection of the prostate: Safety study of a novel system of photoselective vaporization with high power diode laser in prostates larger than 80mL.

OBJECTIVE: To present the feasibility of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with of a new diode laser-resection system. Surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is constantly evolving. Laser techniques are increasingly used in prostates of large size. METHODS: A prospective study was performed to evaluate operative data and patient outcomes with PVP using high-power diode laser (HPD) and a novel quartz-head fiber with shovel shape in patients with prostate>80mL. Demographic data, operative time, hemoglobin loss, operative results (IPSS, quality of life (QoL), Qmax, post void residue (PVR), IIEF-5 and micturition diary) and complications following Clavien-Dindo classification are described. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included in the study. Sixteen (51.6%) were on active antiplatelet treatment and 12 (38.7%) had received anticoagulants before surgery. All cases were followed at least 6mo. No intraoperative or postoperative major complications occurred. Three patients (9.7%) had minor complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Twenty-seven (87.1%) were discharged on postoperative day one without catheter. There were significant improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR, both at 3 and 6mo (P<.0001), but sexual function according to IIEF-5 showed no differences. Urgency (any grade) increased at 3mo (48.4%; P=.002) and considerably decreased at 6mo (9.7%; P<.0001). CONCLUSION: This pilot experience with shovel shape fiber and HPD is encouraging. It shows that laser-resection is a safe procedure, achieving excellent results in terms of IPSS, QoL and Qmax in large prostates even in high-risk patients. Longer follow-up, comparative and randomized controlled studies are needed to widespread these results.

Virtual reality simulator for training on photoselective vaporization of the prostate with 980 nm diode laser and learning curve of the technique.

OBJECTIVE: The utility of a virtual reality simulator for training of the photoselective vaporization of the prostate with diode laser was studied. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two experiments were performed with a simulator (VirtaMed AG, Zürich, Switzerland) with software for specific training in prostate vaporization in contact mode with Twister fiber (Biolitec AG, Jena, German). Eighteen surgeons performed ablation of the prostate (55 cc) twice and compared the score obtained (190 points efficacy and 80 safety) in the second one of them by experience groups (medical students, residents, specialists). They also performed a spatial orientation test with scores of 0 to 6. After, six of these surgeons repeated 15 ablations of the prostate (55 and 70 ml). Improvement of the parameters obtained was evaluated to define the learning curve and how experience, spatial orientation skills and type of sequences performed affects them. RESULTS: Global efficacy and safety score was different according to the grade of experience (P=.005). When compared by pairs, specialist-student differences were detected (p=0.004), but not specialist-resident (P=.12) or resident-student (P=.2). Regarding efficacy of the procedure, specialist-student (p=0.0026) and resident-student (P=.08) differences were detected. The different partial indicators in terms of efficacy were rate of ablation (P=.01), procedure time (P=.03) and amount of unexposed capsule (p=0.03). Differences were not observed between groups in safety (P=.5). Regarding the learning curve, percentage median on the total score exceeded 90% after performing 4 procedures for prostates of 55 ml and 10 procedures for prostate glands of 70 ml. This course was not modified by previous experience (resident-specialist; P=.6). However, it was modified according to the repetition sequence (progressive-random; P=.007). Surgeons whose spatial orientation was less than the median of the group (value 2.5) did not surpass 90% of the score in spite of repetition of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Simulation for ablation of the prostate with contact diode laser is a good learning model with discriminative validity, as it correlates the metric results with levels of experience and sills. The sequential repetition of the procedure on growing levels of difficulty favors learning.

Evaluación de la capacidad de toma de decisiones sobre su salud en pacientes ancianos / Evaluation of the capacity of elderly patients to make decisions about their health

Objetivo. Evaluar la prevalencia de capacidad para la toma de decisiones y las variables relacionadas con ella, en pacientes ancianos de un programa de atención domiciliaria. Material y métodos. Se realiza un estudio descriptivo transversal en 130 pacientes adscritos al programa de atención domiciliaria o residentes en instituciones sociosanitarias de un centro de salud urbano. Se recogen las variables demográficas, las comorbilidades, el apoyo social, la institucionalización, el número de fármacos utilizados, el grado de dependencia (índice de Barthel), la función cognitiva (test de Pfeiffer) y la variable principal que es la capacidad para la toma de decisiones sobre su salud evaluada mediante el instrumento Aid to Capacity Evaluation (ACE). Resultados. Prevalencia de capacidad de 58,5%. Se encontró una asociación entre capacidad e independencia para las actividades de la vida diaria (odds ratio [OR]: 12.214; intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC 95%): 3,90-32,29; p < 0,0001) y función intelectual intacta (OR: 282.750; IC 95%: 34,0-2351,2; p < 0,0001). Las variables numéricas asociadas a la capacidad para la toma de decisiones que presentaron una magnitud de efecto más importante fueron el índice de Barthel (d: −1.398) y el índice de Pfeiffer (d: 3.084). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de incapacidad para la toma de decisiones sobre su salud en pacientes ancianos que son atendidos domiciliariamente es elevada. El grado de dependencia para las actividades de la vida diaria y del deterioro de la función intelectual son factores asociados a la presencia de esta capacidad (AU)

Objective. To assess the decision-making capacity and variables related to this, in elderly patients in a home care program. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 patients assigned to home care program or in social welfare residences of an urban health centre. Demographic variables, as well as comorbidities, social support, institutionalisation, number of drugs used, degree of dependence (Barthel Index), cognitive function (Pfeiffer) were collected. The primary endpoint was the capacity for decision-making about their health assessed using the Aid to Capacity Evaluation (ACE) tool. Results. There was a prevalence of 58.5% capacity. There was an association between ability and independence for activities of daily living (odds ratio (OR): 12.214; Confidence interval 95% (95% CI): 3.90 to 32.29, P <.0001) and function intellectual intact (OR: 282.750, 95% CI 34.0 to 2351.2, P <.0001). Numeric variables associated with the capacity for decision-making that had a more important effect size were the Barthel index (d: −1.398) and Pfeiffer index (d: 3.084). Conclusions. The prevalence of incapacity to make decisions about their health in elderly patients who are cared for in their homes is high. The level of dependence in activities of daily living and the deterioration of intellectual function are factors associated with the presence of this capacity (AU)

Malate and fumarate extend lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Malate, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolite, increased lifespan and thermotolerance in the nematode C. elegans. Malate can be synthesized from fumarate by the enzyme fumarase and further oxidized to oxaloacetate by malate dehydrogenase with the accompanying reduction of NAD. Addition of fumarate also extended lifespan, but succinate addition did not, although all three intermediates activated nuclear translocation of the cytoprotective DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor and protected from paraquat-induced oxidative stress. The glyoxylate shunt, an anabolic pathway linked to lifespan extension in C. elegans, reversibly converts isocitrate and acetyl-CoA to succinate, malate, and CoA. The increased longevity provided by malate addition did not occur in fumarase (fum-1), glyoxylate shunt (gei-7), succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein (sdha-2), or soluble fumarate reductase F48E8.3 RNAi knockdown worms. Therefore, to increase lifespan, malate must be first converted to fumarate, then fumarate must be reduced to succinate by soluble fumarate reductase and the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex II. Reduction of fumarate to succinate is coupled with the oxidation of FADH2 to FAD. Lifespan extension induced by malate depended upon the longevity regulators DAF-16 and SIR-2.1. Malate supplementation did not extend the lifespan of long-lived eat-2 mutant worms, a model of dietary restriction. Malate and fumarate addition increased oxygen consumption, but decreased ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential suggesting a mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Malate also increased NADPH, NAD, and the NAD/NADH ratio. Fumarate reduction, glyoxylate shunt activity, and mild mitochondrial uncoupling likely contribute to the lifespan extension induced by malate and fumarate by increasing the amount of oxidized NAD and FAD cofactors.

Job preferences of nurses and midwives for taking up a rural job in Peru: a discrete choice experiment.

BACKGROUND: Robust evidence on interventions to improve the shortage of health workers in rural areas is needed. We assessed stated factors that would attract short-term contract nurses and midwives to work in a rural area of Peru. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to evaluate the job preferences of nurses and midwives currently working on a short-term contract in the public sector in Ayacucho, Peru. Job attributes, and their levels, were based on literature review, qualitative interviews and focus groups of local health personnel and policy makers. A labelled design with two choices, rural community or Ayacucho city, was used. Job attributes were tailored to these settings. Multiple conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the determinants of job preferences. Then we used the best-fitting estimated model to predict the impact of potential policy incentives on the probability of choosing a rural job or a job in Ayacucho city. We studied 205 nurses and midwives. The odds of choosing an urban post was 14.74 times than that of choosing a rural one. Salary increase, health center-type of facility and scholarship for specialization were preferred attributes for choosing a rural job. Increased number of years before securing a permanent contract acted as a disincentive for both rural and urban jobs. Policy simulations showed that the most effective attraction package to uptake a rural job included a 75% increase in salary plus scholarship for a specialization, which would increase the proportion of health workers taking a rural job from 36.4% up to 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Urban jobs were more strongly preferred than rural ones. However, combined financial and non-financial incentives could almost double rural job uptake by nurses and midwifes. These packages may provide meaningful attraction strategies to rural areas and should be considered by policy makers for implementation.

Synthesis, reactivity, and kinetics of substitution in W3PdSe4 cuboidal clusters. A reexamination of the kinetics of substitution of the related W3S4 cluster with thiocyanate.

The reaction of Pd(dba)(2) (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) with [W(3)Se(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) in 2 M HCl gives the cuboidal cluster [W(3)(PdCl)Se(4)(H(2)O)(9)](3+), which undergoes edge-to-edge condensation and crystallizes from Hpts solutions as edge-linked double-cubane cluster [{W(3)PdSe(4)(H(2)O)(9)}(2)](pts)(8) x 18 H(2)O (pts(-) = p-toluenesulfonate). The substitution of Cl(-) by different ligands, including phenylsulfinate PhSO(2)(-), was explored. The phenylsulfinate complex was crystallized as a 2:1 adduct with cucurbit[6]uril (C(36)H(36)N(24)O(12)), [W(3)(Pd(PhSO(2))Se(4)(H(2)O)(8.58)Cl(0.42)](2)(C(36)H(36)N(24)O(12))Cl(5.16) x 16.83 H(2)O, and its structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. Solution studies indicate that the Pd atom is able to stabilize the pyramidal tautomer of hypophosphorous and phosphorous acid: HP(OH)(2) and P(OH)(3). Kinetic studies were carried out on the reactions with H(3)PO(2) and thiocyanate, which were found to proceed in two and three kinetically resolvable steps, respectively. The kinetic results are discussed in terms of the mechanistic proposals put forward in the literature for related complexes. To gain insight into the details of the substitution kinetics in these kinds of clusters, the reaction of the related [W(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) complex with NCS(-) has been reexamined, and the results obtained provide for the first time information about the rates of substitution of the whole set of nine-coordinated water molecules.

Human colonization of the central territory of Argentina: design matrix models and craniometric evidence.

In this study we test several hypotheses about the peopling of the central territory of Argentina, archaeologically known as Sierras Centrales, by testing the association between four alternative models of the peopling of the area and cranial morphological variation through distance and matrix correlation analyses. Our results show that the ancient inhabitants of Sierras Centrales demonstrated close morphological similarities with the Patagonian and Tierra del Fuego populations. Moreover, the correlation and partial correlation analyses suggest that the peopling of the Sierras Centrales most likely took place as a migratory wave proceeding from the present area of Northeastern Argentina, and continued southward to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Efficacy of Telavancin in a rabbit model of aortic valve endocarditis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus.

The activities of telavancin and vancomycin were compared in vitro and in the rabbit model of aortic valve endocarditis against a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, COL, and a vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strain, HIP 5836. Telavancin was bactericidal in time-kill studies at a concentration of 5 microg/ml against both COL and HIP5836. Vancomycin was bacteriostatic at 5 microg/ml and bactericidal at 10 microg/ml against COL and was bacteriostatic at 10 microg/ml against VISA strain HIP 5836. Compared to untreated controls, a twice-daily regimen of 30 mg/kg of telavancin reduced mean aortic valve vegetation titers of the COL strain by 4.7 log(10) CFU/g after 4 days of therapy and sterilized 6/11 vegetations compared to 3.4 log(10) CFU/g with 3/10 vegetations sterilized for a regimen of twice-daily vancomycin, 30 mg/kg; these differences were not statistically significant. Telavancin was significantly more effective than vancomycin in the VISA model, producing a 5.5 log(10) CFU/g reduction versus no reduction in CFU with vancomycin. In experiments comparing 2-day regimens of telavancin at 30 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg twice daily, organisms were rapidly eliminated from vegetations, but the effect was not different between the two doses. These results suggest that telavancin may be an effective treatment for endocarditis and other serious staphylococcal infections accompanied by bacteremia, including infections caused by staphylococci not susceptible to vancomycin.

Synthesis and evaluation of diverse analogs of amygdalin as potential peptidomimetics of peptide T.

Peptide T (ASTTTNYT) is a promising molecule to prevent the neuropsychometric symptoms of patients suffering AIDS and for the treatment of psoriasis. In order to fully prove its therapeutic benefits, efforts were put forward to design peptidomimetics of the peptide. In this direction, in a recent computational study the natural product amygdalin was identified as a prospective peptidomimetic of the peptide and later proved to exhibit a similar chemotactic profile to the peptide. However, the cyanide moiety of amygdalin provides to the molecule a toxic profile. The present study reports the synthesis of a set of amygdalin analogs lacking the cyanide group with improved chemotactic profiles.

Culturally sensitive substance abuse intervention for Hispanic and African American adolescents: empirical examples from the Alcohol Treatment Targeting Adolescents in Need (ATTAIN) Project.

AIMS: This study presents preliminary analyses examining the effects of an alcohol and other drug use (AOD) intervention with minority juvenile offenders. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of cultural factors on baseline AOD use among Hispanic and African American youth, as well as on treatment outcome. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 213 juvenile offenders referred for treatment (mean age = 15.7 years), 97 of whom have completed treatment to date. The intervention was carried out in clinics placed within the neighborhoods in which the participants resided. Intervention Alcohol Treatment Targeting Adolescents in Need (ATTAIN) is a controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a brief motivational, cognitive behavioral intervention, guided self-change (GSC). Participants are assigned randomly to the individual format of guided self-change (I-GSC), the family involved format of guided self-Change (F-GSC), choice of one of these two, or a waiting list control condition. Only participants involved in active intervention are included in the present report. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected via structured face-to-face interviews. Alcohol and marijuana use measures were collected using the Time-line Follow-back interview (TLFB). FINDINGS: There were significant reductions in alcohol and marijuana use for all ethnic groups from baseline to post-intervention. Cultural factors (discrimination, acculturation, ethnic pride and cultural mistrust) were associated with pre-intervention levels of alcohol and marijuana use. Among Hispanics, pre-intervention level of substance use were higher among foreign-born than US-born youth. Analyses conducted with the US-born Hispanic group showed that ethnic orientation and ethnic pride were associated positively with greater reductions in alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention provided through ATTAIN appears to be effective with a multi-ethnic population of juvenile delinquents. Cultural factors, such as ethnic orientation and ethnic mistrust, appear to constitute amenability to treatment factors, with US-born Hispanic youth lower in acculturation responding better to the intervention.

Dietary fiber analysis of cassava using gravimetric methods

We report the application of a method which combines digestion with pancreatin and neutral detergent treatment in the analytical study of dietary fiber from cassava. The use of pancreatin previous to the detergent extraction enabled rapid filtration, thus giving more reproducible results for neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, lignin and pectin were also determined. The values obtained for NDF (4.65 per cent ) and pectin (1.17 per cent ) are very important, considering their role in the digestive process