Merging sociality and robotics through an evolutionary perspective.

Robotics, using social mechanisms like hormonal modulation, may accelerate our understanding of core sociality principles.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison on Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Towards Artificial Agents.

Historically, there has been a great deal of confusion in the literature regarding cross-cultural differences in attitudes towards artificial agents and preferences for their physical appearance. Previous studies have almost exclusively assessed attitudes using self-report measures (i.e., questionnaires). In the present study, we sought to expand our knowledge on the influence of cultural background on explicit and implicit attitudes towards robots and avatars. Using the Negative Attitudes Towards Robots Scale and the Implicit Association Test in a Japanese and Dutch sample, we investigated the effect of culture and robots' body types on explicit and implicit attitudes across two experiments (total n = 669). Partly overlapping with our hypothesis, we found that Japanese individuals had a more positive explicit attitude towards robots compared to Dutch individuals, but no evidence of such a difference was found at the implicit level. As predicted, the implicit preference towards humans was moderate in both cultural groups, but in contrast to what we expected, neither culture nor robot embodiment influenced this preference. These results suggest that only at the explicit but not implicit level, cultural differences appear in attitudes towards robots. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12369-022-00917-7.

How video calls affect mimicry and trust during interactions.

Many social species, humans included, mimic emotional expressions, with important consequences for social bonding. Although humans increasingly interact via video calls, little is known about the effect of these online interactions on the mimicry of scratching and yawning, and their linkage with trust. The current study investigated whether mimicry and trust are affected by these new communication media. Using participant-confederate dyads (n = 27), we tested the mimicry of four behaviours across three different conditions: watching a pre-recorded video, online video call, and face-to-face. We measured mimicry of target behaviours frequently observed in emotional situations, yawn and scratch and control behaviours, lip-bite and face-touch. In addition, trust in the confederate was assessed via a trust game. Our study revealed that (i) mimicry and trust did not differ between face-to-face and video calls, but were significantly lower in the pre-recorded condition; and (ii) target behaviours were significantly more mimicked than the control behaviours. This negative relationship can possibly be explained by the negative connotation usually associated with the behaviours included in this study. Overall, this study showed that video calls might provide enough interaction cues for mimicry to occur in our student population and during interactions between strangers. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Face2face: advancing the science of social interaction'.

Choque séptico por Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Septic shock due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Resumen: La tuberculosis típicamente se considera una enfermedad crónica, aunque puede manifestarse de forma aguda, cuya manifestación se revisa en este caso clínico. La patogenia de la tuberculosis aguda suele estar relacionada con factores epidemiológicos y genéticos del huésped. El choque séptico debido a Mycobacterium tuberculosis es poco frecuente, pero está bien reconocido, se comporta de manera similar al choque séptico bacteriano, conocido como sepsis tuberculosa gravissima. Nuestra paciente ingresó con afectación hemodinámica y diagnóstico de choque séptico que evolucionó a insuficiencia multiorgánica; a pesar del tratamiento antimicrobiano y antituberculoso establecido, falleció a los cinco días del ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. El espectro de la enfermedad por M. tuberculosis dificulta el diagnóstico, a menos que la sospecha clínica sea alta, pero la alta mortalidad exige su consideración. El inicio temprano del tratamiento es decisivo para optimizar el resultado clínico.

Abstract: Tuberculosis is typically considered a chronic disease, although it can be manifested acutely, whose form is reviewed in this clinical case. The pathogenesis of acute tuberculosis is usually related to epidemiological and genetic factors of the host. Septic shock due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is rare, but it is well recognized, behaving similarly to bacterial septic shock, known as sepsis tuberculosa gravissima. Our patient was admitted with hemodynamic compromise and diagnosis of septic shock that evolved to multiorganic failure; despite antimicrobial and antituberculous management, patient died five days after admission to the intensive care unit. The spectrum of M. tuberculosis disease makes diagnosis difficult, unless clinical suspicion is high, but high mortality requires consideration. The early start of therapy is decisive to optimize the clinical outcome.

The DEAD-Box RNA Helicases of Bacillus subtilis as a Model to Evaluate Genetic Compensation Among Duplicate Genes.

The presence of duplicated genes in organisms is well documented. There is increasing interest in understanding how these genes subfunctionalize and whether functional overlap can explain the fact that some of these genes are dispensable. Bacillus subtilis possesses four DEAD-box RNA helicases (DBRH) genes, cshA, cshB, deaD/yxiN, and yfmL that make a good case to study to what extent they can complement each other despite their subfunctionalization. They possess the highly conserved N-terminal catalytic domain core common to RNA helicases, but different carboxy-terminal ends. All four genes have been shown to have independent functions although all participate in rRNA assembly. None of the B. subtilis DBRH is essential for growth at 37°C, and all single deletion mutants exhibit defective growth at 18°C except for ΔdeaD/yxiN. Evaluation of double mutants did not reveal negative epistasis, suggesting that they do not have overlapping functions. The absence of any one gene distorts the expression pattern of the others, but not in a specific pattern suggestive of compensation. Overexpression of these paralogous genes in the different mutant backgrounds did not result in cross-complementation, further confirming their lack of buffering capability. Since no complementation could be observed among full sized proteins, we evaluated to what extent the superfamily 2 (SF2) helicase core of the smallest DBRH, YfmL, could be functional when hooked to each of the C-terminal end of CshA, CshB, and DeaD/YxiN. None of the different chimeras complemented the different mutants, and instead, all chimeras inhibited the growth of the ΔyfmL mutant, and other combinations were also deleterious. Our findings suggest that the long time divergence between DEAD-box RNA helicase genes has resulted in specialized activities in RNA metabolism and shows that these duplicated genes cannot buffer one another.

Influence of the Capping Ligand on the Band Gap and Electronic Levels of PbS Nanoparticles through Surface Atomistic Arrangement Determination.

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical methods with different sizes and different capping ligands (oleic acid, myristic acid, and hexanoic acid), avoiding ligand exchange procedures, to study the effect of characteristics of the capping ligands on their energy levels and band gap values. Experimental results (UV-vis-NIR, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy) showed a marked influence of the capping ligand nature on the electro-optical properties of PbS nanoparticles with a very similar size. Differences were observed in the atomistic arrangement on the nanoparticle surface and phonon vibrations with the different capping ligands. These observations suggest that the electro-optical properties of PbS nanoparticles are not only determined by their size, through quantum confinement effects, but also strongly affected by the atomistic arrangement on the nanoparticle surface, which is determined by the capping ligand nature.

Fungal Mannosyltransferases as Fitness Attributes and their Contribution to Virulence.

Fungal pathogens affect a wide variety of hosts, such as human beings, plants, animals, and insects. The course of infection relies on the virulence grade of the fungus and the strength of the defense mechanisms of the host. Virulence factors are closely related to the cell surface; cell wall proteins have a crucial role in adhesion, hyphal development, hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, immunomodulation and surface variation. The enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis are not proper virulence factors, but they are necessary for cell function. The deletion of the genes encoding those enzymes often results in an attenuation of virulence. Secreted proteins and cell wall proteins are modified with sugar residues through the N- and O- glycosylation pathways. A set of glycosidases and glycosyltransferases from the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi bodies determine the outcome of the protein. Proper protein glycosylation is important for folding, localization and protein function. In fungi, the glycoproteins are particularly enriched with mannose moieties. In this review, the role of mannosyltransferases from the Pmt, Ktr/Mnt, Mnn and Och1families for the full development of fungal virulence is summarized and discussed.

Ipact of bezafibrate treatment in patients with hyperfibrinogenemia and ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hyperfibrinogenemia is a predictor of cardiovascular events in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. Bezafibrate decreases fibrinogen levels and also the incidence of major cardiovascular events in primary prevention, but its effects in acute coronary syndrome are unknown. METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial with conventional therapy. We included patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEAMI) and fibrinogen concentration >500 mg/dl at 72 h of evolution. We randomized subjects into two groups: bezafibrate 400 mg (group I) and conventional therapy (group II). Primary end point was decrease of fibrinogen concentrations. Secondary end points were recurrence of angina or infarction, left ventricular failure and combined end points during hospitalization. RESULTS: We included 25 patients in each group. Fibrinogen concentrations were lower at hospital discharge in Group I than in Group II (532.42 +/- 129.6 vs. 889 +/- 127.32 mg/dl in group II, p <0.0001). Secondary end points were more frequent in Group II than in Group I: angina (56% vs. 4%, RR 0.071 [0.010-0.503], p <0.0001), left ventricular failure (24% vs. 4%, RR 0.167 [0.022-1.286], p = 0.049) and combined end points (76% vs. 8%, RR 0.105 [0.027-0.405], p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bezafibrate treatment was a safe treatment and reduced fibrinogen levels in patients with STEAMI and hyperfibrinogenemia. In the short term, this reduction was associated with a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events.

Impacto del tratamiento con bezafibrato en pacientes con hiperfibrinogenemia e infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del ST / Impact of bezafibrate treatment in patients with hyperfibrinogenemia and ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction: a randomized clinical trial

Introducción: La hiperfibrinogenemia se considera predictora de eventos cardiovasculares en sujetos sanos y pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica. Como medida de prevención primaria, el bezafibrato disminuye el fibrinógeno sanguíneo y los eventos cardiovasculares, pero su efecto en el síndrome coronario agudo aún no se conoce. Material y métodos: Ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, controlado con tratamiento convencional. Se incluyeron pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST y concentraciones de fibrinógeno > 500 mg/dl a las 72 horas de evolución. Se asignaron a recibir 400 mg de bezafibrato (grupo I) o tratamiento convencional (grupo II). Punto primario de evaluación: concentraciones de fibrinógeno; puntos secundarios: recurrencia de angina o infarto, falla ventricular izquierda y puntos finales combinados durante la estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 25 pacientes por grupo. Las concentraciones de fibrinógeno al egreso hospitalario fueron significativamente menores en el grupo I (532.42 ± 129.6 versus 889 ± 127.32 mg/dl del grupo II, p < 0.0001). Los puntos secundarios se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en el grupo II que en el grupo I: angina (56 versus 4%, riesgo relativo 0.071 [0.010-0.503], p < 0.0001), falla ventricular (24 versus 4%, riesgo relativo 0.167 [0.022-1.286], p = 0.049) y puntos finales combinados (76 versus 8%, riesgo relativo 0.105 [0.027- 0.405], p < 0.001). Conclusiones: El tratamiento con bezafibrato fue seguro y logró reducir el fibrinógeno en pacientes con infarto agudo. Esta reducción se asoció con menor frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares a corto plazo.

BACKGROUND: Hyperfibrinogenemia is a predictor of cardiovascular events in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. Bezafibrate decreases fibrinogen levels and also the incidence of major cardiovascular events in primary prevention, but its effects in acute coronary syndrome are unknown. METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial with conventional therapy. We included patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEAMI) and fibrinogen concentration >500 mg/dl at 72 h of evolution. We randomized subjects into two groups: bezafibrate 400 mg (group I) and conventional therapy (group II). Primary end point was decrease of fibrinogen concentrations. Secondary end points were recurrence of angina or infarction, left ventricular failure and combined end points during hospitalization. RESULTS: We included 25 patients in each group. Fibrinogen concentrations were lower at hospital discharge in Group I than in Group II (532.42 +/- 129.6 vs. 889 +/- 127.32 mg/dl in group II, p <0.0001). Secondary end points were more frequent in Group II than in Group I: angina (56% vs. 4%, RR 0.071 [0.010-0.503], p <0.0001), left ventricular failure (24% vs. 4%, RR 0.167 [0.022-1.286], p = 0.049) and combined end points (76% vs. 8%, RR 0.105 [0.027-0.405], p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bezafibrate treatment was a safe treatment and reduced fibrinogen levels in patients with STEAMI and hyperfibrinogenemia. In the short term, this reduction was associated with a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events.

[Effects of incorporating group visits on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetic patients]. / Diabetes y consulta médica grupal en atención primaria. ¿Vale la pena el cambio?

BACKGROUND: A better metabolic control is an important objective of health care in diabetes mellitus. This objective has been achieved elsewhere, incorporating group visits to the usual care of diabetic patients. AIM: To evaluate the effects of a primary care group visit model after 9 and 15 months of implementation, on the metabolic control of diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two cohorts of type 2 diabetic patients, matched by sex, age and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were studied. Group visits (monthly medical consultation and one hour sessions with group interaction on the same day) were implemented in 600 patients and routine visits (monthly one-to-one medical consultation) were implemented in 601 patients. The evolution on FPG, cholesterol, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBF) and body mass index (BMI) were compared. RESULTS: At 15 months of follow up, mean FPG was lower in patients with group visits compared to those in usual individual care (155.3 +/- 59.5 and 175.7 +/- 67.7 mg/dL respectively, p <0.01). SBP and DBF were also lower in patients on group visits (123.6 +/- 13.4 and 127.5 +/-12.8 mmHg, respectively for systolic pressure, p <0.01 and 73.5 +/-8.5 and 79.4 +/-6.3 mmHg, respectively for diastolic pressure, p <0.01). No differences between groups were observed for blood cholesterol or BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of group visits in type 2 diabetic patients improved metabolic control and blood pressure, compared to the usual individual care model.

Diabetes y consulta médica grupal en atención primaria: ¿Vale la pena el cambio? / Effects of incorporating group visits on the metabolic control of type 2 diabetic patients

Background: A better metabolic control is an important objective of health care in diabetes mellitus. This objective has been achieved elsewhere, incorporating group visits to the usual care of diabetic patients. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a primary care group visit model after 9 and 15 months of implementation, on the metabolic control of diabetic patients. Material and methods: Two cohorts of type 2 diabetic patients, matched by sex, age and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were studied. Group visits (monthly medical consultation and one hour sessions with group interaction on the same day) were implemented in 600 patients and routine visits (monthly one-to-one medical consultation) were implemented in 601 patients. The evolution on FPG, cholesterol, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBF) and body mass index (BMI) were compared. Results: At 15 months of follow up, mean FPG was lower in patients with group visits compared to those in usual individual care (155.3 ± 59.5 and 175.7 ± 67.7 mg/dL respectively, p <0.01). SBP and DBF were also lower in patients on group visits (123.6 ± 13.4 and 127.5 ±12.8 mmHg, respectively for systolic pressure, p <0.01 and 73.5 ±8.5 and 79.4 ±6.3 mmHg, respectively for diastolic pressure, p <0.01). No differences between groups were observed for blood cholesterol or BMI. Conclusions: Incorporation of group visits in type 2 diabetic patients improved metabolic control and blood pressure, compared to the usual individual care model.

Efectos colaterales de la infiltración prostaglandina E2 en maxilares de caballos / Collateral effects of the prostaglandin E2 injected in maxillary of guinea pigs

La presente investigación se llevó a cabo con el fin de establecer la distribución sistémica y los efectos colaterales de la infiltración de PGE2 en maxilares. Se realizó una evaluación de los tejidos mediantes cortes histológicos y autorradiografía in situ y en órganos vitales como celebro, corazón,pulmón,riñon,hígado,en musculo estriado esquelético y mucosa oral adyacente al sitio de filtración. Se utilizarón 13 cabayos machos,el primer caballo se tomó con el fin de estandarizar la técnica en cuanto a tiempo y marcaje. Los doce caballos restantes se distribuyeron en cinco grupos experimentales y un caballo fue tomado como control absoluto. En el primero grupo experimental al caballo se le aplicó únicamente PGE2, al del segundo grupo solamente fluresceína sódica al 10, estos caballos fueron sacrificados a las 24 horas. Los nueve restantes, se les aplicó la mezcla de 0.1 ml Timidina 3H. Los tres grupos de caballos se sacrificaron a las 24,72 y 120 horas respectivasmente. La infiltración de la mezcla se realizó en el surco yugal distal a los incisivos superior e inferior derechos, y previa aplicación de 1 ml de Adrenalina intramuscular con el fin de evitar un shock anafiláctico.

Apéndice caudal en los defectos secuenciales de ruptura prematura de amnios. Presentación de un caso / Human pseudotail in sequential defects of amniotic premature rupture

Se presenta el caso de un mortinato que presentó bandas amnióticas constrictivas y adhesiones placentarias, así como el complejo pared-cuerpo-extremidad y la presencia de seudocola. El caso fue estudiado en la Unidad de Patología del Hospital General de Acapulco. Esta entidad denominada cyllosomus y pleurosomus por la teratología antigua, es una rareza. Las anomalías se interpretaron como defectos relacionados con las bandas o con defectos de comprensión. Estos últimos incluyen alteraciones en los miembros, deficiencias en la pared del cuerpo, defectos en el tubo neural y acortamiento del cordón umbilical. La escasez de comunicados en la literatura de nuestro medio es debida a la negligencia respecto de comunicar casos como el que aquí comentamos, lo cual depende también del interés local en la teratología

Perforación uterina y localización vesical de un dispositivo intrauterino y cistolitiasis: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Uterine perforation and vesical localization of an device and cystolithiasis: a case presentation an literature review

Se describe el caso de una perforación uterina por un dispositivo intrauterino y su presencia en la cavidad vesical con la formación de un cálculo, en una paciente de 39 años de edad con dos embarazos posteriores a la colocación del mismo. La paciente presentó posteriormente sintomatología urinaria caracterizada por disuria, hematuria, polaquiuria y tenesmo vesical sin sintomatología uterina. El caso fue visto en julio de 1993 en el Hospital General Regional "Vicente Guerrero" de Acapulco. En la literatura solamente se han comunicado 19 casos de migraciones de dispositivos hacia la vejiga con la formación agregada de cistolitiasis. Se efectúa la revisión de la literatura y se disculte la clínico-radiológica