PDCM Finder: an open global research platform for patient-derived cancer models.

PDCM Finder (www.cancermodels.org) is a cancer research platform that aggregates clinical, genomic and functional data from patient-derived xenografts, organoids and cell lines. It was launched in April 2022 as a successor of the PDX Finder portal, which focused solely on patient-derived xenograft models. Currently the portal has over 6200 models across 13 cancer types, including rare paediatric models (17%) and models from minority ethnic backgrounds (33%), making it the largest free to consumer and open access resource of this kind. The PDCM Finder standardises, harmonises and integrates the complex and diverse data associated with PDCMs for the cancer community and displays over 90 million data points across a variety of data types (clinical metadata, molecular and treatment-based). PDCM data is FAIR and underpins the generation and testing of new hypotheses in cancer mechanisms and personalised medicine development.

Endothelial and exercise vasodilation are reduced in postmenopausal females with obesity versus lean and overweight.

BACKGROUND: Obesity (OB) is highly prevalent in females after menopause, especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation which contributes to endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium assists in regulating blood flow (BF) during exercise and is attenuated in females with OB. The purpose of this study was to examine upper and lower limb flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and BF regulation during graded low-intensity submaximal exercises in postmenopausal females with BMI in the lean (LN), overweight (OW) and OB categories. METHODS: Participants were grouped by body mass index (BMI) into LN (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2; n = 11), OW (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2; n = 15), and OB (BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m2; n = 13). FMD of the brachial (BA-FMD) and superficial femoral arteries (FA-FMD) were assessed. Subsequently, BF and vascular conductance (VC) in the upper (BA-BF and BA-VC) and lower limbs (FA-BF and FA-VC) were measured during separate 3-stage incremental rhythmic handgrip and plantarflexion exercises. RESULTS: Significantly lower FA-FMD (P < 0.05) were seen in OB than LN and OW groups with no differences in BA-FMD. Increases in FA-BF and FA-VC were attenuated during the last stage of plantarflexion exercise at 30% of 1RM in OB (both P < 0.001) compared to LN and OW, while upper-body exercise vasodilation was unchanged. FA-BF and FA-VC during plantarflexion exercise were correlated to FA-FMD (FA-BF: r = 0.423, P = 0.007, FA-VC: r = 0.367, P = 0.021) and BMI (FA-BF: r = -0.386, P = 0.015, FA-VC: r = -0.456, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal females with OB have reduced lower-limb endothelial and exercise vasodilator function during submaximal dynamic plantarflexion exercise compared to LN and OW. Our findings indicate that obesity may predict diminished leg endothelial function, BF and VC during exercise in postmenopausal females.

L-Citrulline supplementation attenuates aortic pressure and pressure waves during metaboreflex activation in postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal women have augmented pressure wave responses to low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) due to an overactive metaboreflex (postexercise muscle ischaemia, PEMI), contributing to increased aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP). Menopause-associated endothelial dysfunction via arginine (ARG) and nitric oxide deficiency may contribute to exaggerated exercise SBP responses. L-Citrulline supplementation (CIT) is an ARG precursor that decreases SBP, pulse pressure (PP) and pressure wave responses to cold exposure in older adults. We investigated the effects of CIT on aortic SBP, PP, and pressure of forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) waves during IHG and PEMI in twenty-two postmenopausal women. Participants were randomised to CIT (10 g/d) or placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Aortic haemodynamics were assessed via applanation tonometry at rest, 2 min of IHG at 30 % of maximal strength, and 3 min of PEMI. Responses were analysed as change (Δ) from rest to IHG and PEMI at 0 and 4 weeks. CIT attenuated ΔSBP (−9 ± 2 v. −1 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·006), ΔPP (−5 ± 2 v. 0 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·03), ΔPf (−6 ± 2 v. −1 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·01) and ΔPb (−3 ± 1 v. 0 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·02) responses to PEMI v. PL. The ΔPP during PEMI was correlated with ΔPf (r = 0·743, P < 0·001) and ΔPb (r = 0·724, P < 0·001). Citrulline supplementation attenuates the increase in aortic pulsatile load induced by muscle metaboreflex activation via reductions in forward and backward pressure wave amplitudes in postmenopausal women.

Endothelial dysfunction influences augmented aortic hemodynamic responses to metaboreflex activation in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: Postmenopausal women experience augmented aortic hemodynamic responses to isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise and metaboreflex activation post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI). Relationships between endothelial function brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and aortic stiffness carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) with aortic pulsatile hemodynamics during IHG and PEMI have not been determined. The relationships between aortic hemodynamic responses to PEMI were evaluated. METHODS: Aortic blood pressure (BP), wave reflection, and pressure of forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) waves were measured using arterial tonometry at rest, IHG at 30% maximal force, and PEMI in 30 (15/group) postmenopausal women with low (≤ 4.5%) and normal (≥ 5.5%) FMD. Hemodynamic responses were analyzed as the change (Δ) from rest to the last minute of IHG and PEMI. RESULTS: Brachial and aortic systolic BP (SBP) responses to IHG were higher in the low vs normal FMD group (P < 0.05). Aortic SBP (Δ20 ± 8 vs Δ11 ± 7 mmHg), pulse pressure (PP) (Δ12 ± 8 vs Δ6 ± 4 mmHg), augmented pressure (AP) (Δ5 ± 3 vs Δ2 ± 2 mmHg), and Pb (Δ6 ± 4 vs Δ3 ± 2 mmHg) responses to PEMI were greater (P < 0.05) in women with low vs. normal FMD. FMD was negatively correlated with aortic SBP, PP, AP, and Pb (P < 0.05) responses to PEMI. cfPWV was not correlated with responses to PEMI. CONCLUSION: Endothelial dysfunction relates to augmented aortic pulsatile load during metaboreflex activation, which may increase cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.

Basal characteristics of patients who responded to Ovarian Fragmentation for Follicular Activation (OFFA) or In Vitro Activation (IVA): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify if there is a subset of patients with POI who are more likely to show follicular growth after ovarian fragmentation for follicular activation (OFFA) or in vitro activation (IVA). Five studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis with a total of 164 patients. Forty-three patients showed follicle development (26.21%). Of those, the pregnancy rate was 35.58% (11/43) and the live birth rate was 20.93% (9/43). Our meta-analysis showed that age was not associated with follicle growth. However, lower baseline FSH, lower duration of amenorrhea/diagnosis, and presence of follicles remaining in biopsy were statistically significant for follicle development. Patients with basal characteristics mentioned before may have more chances to show follicle growth after OFFA or IVA. Taking into account that approximately 20% of patients with follicle growth had live birth, these results are very promising. Given the overall certainty of evidence, future studies are needed to confirm said results.

Evaluating pollution-related damage and restoration success in urban forests with participatory monitoring and digital tools.

Peri-urban forest monitoring requires indicators of vegetation damage. An example is the sacred fir (Abies religiosa) forests surrounding Mexico City, which have been heavily exposed to tropospheric ozone, a harmful pollutant, for over 4 decades. We developed a participatory monitoring system with which local community members and scientists generated data on ozone tree damage. Santa Rosa Xochiac rangers (13) used the digital tool KoboToolBox to record ozone damage to trees, tree height, tree ages, tree condition, tree position, and whether the tree had been planted. Thirty-five percent of the trees (n = 1765) had ozone damage. Younger trees had a lower percentage of foliage damaged by ozone than older trees (p < 0.0001), and asymptomatic trees tended to be younger (p < 0.0001). Symptomatic trees were taller than asymptomatic trees of the same age (R2 c  = 0.43, R2 m  = 0.27). Involving local communities facilitated forest monitoring and using digital technology improved data quality. This participatory system can be used to monitor forest condition change over time and thus aids restoration efforts driven by government or local communities' interests, facilitating local decision-making.

Evaluación del daño relacionado a la contaminación y del éxito de la restauración de los bosques urbanos con un monitoreo participativo y herramientas digitales Resumen El monitoreo de los bosques periurbanos requiere indicadores de daños en la vegetación. Un ejemplo son los bosques de abeto (Abies religiosa) que rodean la Ciudad de México, pues desde hace más de 4 décadas han estado expuestos al ozono troposférico, un contaminante nocivo. Desarrollamos un sistema de monitoreo participativo con el que miembros de la comunidad local y científicos generaron datos sobre los daños causados por el ozono en los árboles. Los guardabosques de Santa Rosa Xochiac (133) utilizaron la herramienta digital KoboToolBox para registrar los daños causados por el ozono en los árboles, su altura, edad, estado, posición y si eran árboles plantados. El 35% de los árboles (n = 1,765) presentó daños por ozono. Los árboles más jóvenes tenían un menor porcentaje de follaje dañado por el ozono que los árboles más viejos (p<0.0001), y los árboles asintomáticos tendían a ser más jóvenes (p<0.0001). Los árboles sintomáticos eran más altos que los asintomáticos de la misma edad (R2 c = 0.43, R2 m = 0.27). La participación de las comunidades locales facilitó el monitoreo forestal y el uso de tecnología digital mejoró la calidad de los datos. Este sistema participativo puede utilizarse para monitorear los cambios en el estado de los bosques a lo largo del tiempo y contribuir a los esfuerzos de restauración impulsados por el gobierno o las comunidades locales, facilitando la toma de decisiones a nivel local.

Procesos celulares modificados en Aedes aegypti infectados con Wolbachia y la susceptibilidad al virus dengue.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la expresión diferencial de proteínas de Aedes aegypti infectados con Wolbachia y su asociación con el ciclo viral del virus dengue (DENV). Material y métodos. Se revisó una base de datos de proteínas de Ae. aegypti infec-tados y no infectados con Wolbachia, cepa wMel y se buscaron estas en revistas indizadas, que hablaran de la proteína y el ciclo viral de DENV. RESULTADOS: La expresión diferencial de proteínas de los mosquitos durante la infección con Wolbachia intervienen en los procesos de entrada, replicación y salida del DENV. CONCLUSIONES: Existen cambios en la expresión de proteínas de células infectadas con Wolbachia, que son necesarias para el ciclo de replicación de DENV, explicando porque algunos mosquitos infectados con Wolbachia son refractarios a la infección por DENV.

Single-port versus multiport robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the da Vinci SP platform.

CONTEXT: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men; robotic prostatectomy has cemented itself as part of the standard of care. Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018, the SP console's application has been increasingly studied and compared with the multiport (MP) robotic approach. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration CRD42021228744, a systematic review was performed in April 2021 on single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (SP-RARPs) compared to MP. Outcomes of interest were operative time, bleeding, complications, analgesic use, and postoperative continence, and erectile function. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Seven studies were included, of which six studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative synthesis, totalling 1068 patients, out of which 324 underwent SP-RARP and 744 underwent MP-RARP. No differences were found in baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index, prostatic-specific antigen, or stage. No differences in blood loss-15.77 mL [-42.44, 10.89], p = 0.25, operative time 3.93 min [-4.12, 11.98], p = 0.34, or positive surgical margins, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.78 [0.55, 1.10], p = 0.15-were found. Length of stay was significantly shorter in SP -0.94 days [-1.56, -0.33], p = 0.003, with no differences in complication rates, with an OR of 1.29 [0.78, 2.14], p = 0.32, continence rates, with an OR of 1.29 [0.90, 1.83], p = 0.16, erectile function, with an OR of 0.86 [0.52, 1.40], p = 0.54, or biochemical recurrence. Qualitative evidence suggests decreased opioid consumption. CONCLUSION: SP-RARPs are feasible alternatives to the traditional MP with possible benefits in pain management and length of stay. Future high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Endovascular Treatment of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment through either percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone or stenting has been previously used as a treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). This review aimed to investigate the results of endovascular treatment for renal artery stenosis in transplanted kidneys as compared with the outcomes of interventions, medical management, and graft survival in non-TRAS patients. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Scopus was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in which studies that reported outcomes of the treatment of TRAS via the endoluminal approach were identified, and their results were meta-analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies with a total of 1522 patients were included. A significant reduction of serum creatinine level was found, favoring the stenting group, with a mean difference of 0.68 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17-1.19; Z=2.60, p=0.0009). Comparison of pre- and post-intervention values of any intervention revealed a significant decrease in overall serum creatinine level (0.65 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.40-0.90; Z=5.09, p=0.00001), overall blood pressure, with a mean difference of 11.12 mmHg (95% CI, 7.29-14.95; Z=5.59, p=0.00001), mean difference in the use of medications (0.77; 95% CI, 0.29-1.24; p=0.002), and peak systolic velocity (190.05; 95% CI, 128.41-251.69; p<0.00001). The comparison of serum creatinine level between endovascular interventions and best medical therapy favored endovascular intervention, with a mean difference of 0.23 mg/dL (95% CI, 0.14-0.32; Z=5.07, p<0.00001). Graft survival was similar between the treated patients and those without TRAS (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.75-1.28; p=0.091). The overall pooled success rate was 89%, and the overall complication rate was 10.4%, with the most prevalent complication being arterial dissection. CONCLUSION: The endovascular treatment of TRAS improves graft preservation and renal function and hemodynamic parameters. PTA + stenting appears to be a more effective option to PTA alone in the stabilization of renal function, with additional benefits from decreased restenosis rates. Further high-quality studies could expand on these findings.

Potential distributions of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and its vector Dipetalogaster maxima highlight areas at risk of Chagas disease transmission in Baja California Sur, Mexico, under climate change.

Dipetalogaster maxima is a primary vector of Chagas disease in the Cape region of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The geographic distribution of D. maxima is limited to this small region of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Our study aimed to construct the ecological niche models (ENMs) of this understudied vector species and the parasite responsible for Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi). We modelled the ecological niches of both species under current and future climate change projections in 2050 using four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0, and RCP 8.5. We also assessed the human population at risk of exposure to D. maxima bites, the hypothesis of ecological niche equivalency and similarity between D. maxima and T. cruzi, and finally the abundance centroid hypothesis. The ENM predicted a higher overlap between both species in the Western and Southern coastal regions of the Baja California Peninsula. The climate change scenarios predicted a Northern shift in the ecological niche of both species. Our findings suggested that the highly tourist destination of Los Cabos is a high-risk zone for Chagas disease circulation. Overall, the study provides valuable data to vector surveillance and control programs.

Colección biológica de mosquitos de importancia médica del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública.

OBJETIVO: Formalizar y sistematizar la Colección Biológica de Mosquitos del Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Material y métodos. Se realizaron tres proyectos sobre la biodiver-sidad de culícidos del Sur, Centro-Occidente y Península de Yucatán. RESULTADOS: La colección de mosquitos concentra 2 001 registros curatoriales que incluyen 13 géneros, 24 sub-géneros y 79 especies. Los ejemplares son representativos de 18 estados, 205 municipios y 594 localidades. Se generaron publicaciones sobre biodiversidad, secuencias genéticas y mapas de distribución de mosquitos vectores en México. CONCLUSIONES: La colección de mosquitos fue incluida en el Catálogo de Colecciones e Instituciones del Sistema Nacional de Información sobre Biodiversidad y sirve de referencia para la entomología médica regional.

Laparoscopic vs open portoenterostomy in biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hepatoportoenterostomy remains the cornerstone of treatment for biliary atresia. Current employed techniques include laparoscopy and open surgery. This study aims to determine if either method provides an advantage. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. Nineteen studies were included. Mean operative time 34.98 (95% CI 20.10, 49.85; p ≤ 0.00001) was longer in laparoscopic while bleeding volumes - 16.63 (95% CI - 23.39, - 9.86; p ≤ 0.00001) as well as the time to normal diet - 2.42 (95% CI - 4.51, - 0.32; p = 0.02) were lower in the laparoscopic group. No differences were observed in mean length of stay - 0.83. Similar complication, transfusions, postoperative cholangitis 0.97, and transplant free survival rates 1.00 (0.63, 1.60; p = 0.99) were seen between groups. Laparoscopic portoenterostomy provides advantages on operative time and bleeding as well as to normal diet when compared to open procedures. Both procedures showed no differences in length of stay, complications, cholangitis, and importantly, native liver survival. Level of evidence: III.

Infection of Aedes mosquitoes by native Wolbachia in urban cemeteries of Southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of Wolbachia infections in Aedes spp. field populations from cemeteries of Southern Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cemeteries were selected to be sampled in the central part of the Soconusco region, Chiapas. Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected during the rainy season of 2015. Females were analyzed individually by PCR to determine the presence of Wolbachia. RESULTS: field overall prevalence of 38% was found; only Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Local strains of Wolbachia were detected and have the potential to be applied as a biological method for vector control.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la presencia de Wolbachia en poblaciones de campo de Aedes spp. en cementerios del Sur de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se seleccionaron seis cementerios como sitios de colecta para las poblaciones silvestres de Aedes albopictus y Ae. aegypti, en la región del Soconusco, Chiapas, durante la época de lluvias 2015. Se determinó la infección por Wolbachia en hembras individuales por PCR. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una infección de 38% por Wolbachia en Ae. albopictus. CONCLUSIONES: Existen cepas locales de Wolbachia en los mosquitos y poseen el potencial de aplicarse como medida de control biológico de vectores.

Oogenic development and gonotrophic cycle of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the time of oogenic development and the length of the gonotrophic cycle of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bloodfed females of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were dissected every 4 h to determine the development status of the follicles according to the Christophers' stages. RESULTS: The minimum time of oocyte maturation in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was 64-82 h and 52-64 h post-feeding, respectively. We found that the gonotrophic cycle of Ae. aegypti (3.7-4.2 d) is longer than that of Ae. albopictus (3.2-3.7 d). The follicle length showed significant differences between species at Christophers' stages 2" and 5, whereas follicle amplitude was different between the two mosquitoes at stages 2", 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided new evidence on the reproductive strategies of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus females that coexist in the Neotropical region of Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el tiempo de desarrollo oogénico y del ciclo gonotrófico de Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus en laboratorio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Hembras de Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus alimentadas con sangre fueron disecadas cada cuatro horas para determinar el estado de desarrollo folicular, según los estadios de Christophers. RESULTADOS: El tiempo mínimo de maduración del oocito en Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus fue de 64-82 h y 52-64 h post-alimentación, respectivamente. El ciclo gonotrófico de Ae. aegypti (3.7-4.2 d) fue mayor que el de Ae. albopictus (3.2-3.7 d). La longitud folicular presentó diferencias significativas entre las especies en los estadios de Christophers 2" y 5, mientras que la amplitud folicular fue diferente entre ambos mosquitos en los estadios 2", 3 y 4. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio proporcionó nueva evidencia sobre la estrategia reproductiva de las hembras de Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus que coexisten en la región neotropical de México.

Diversity and potential distribution of culicids of medical importance of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the species distribution, abundance, and diversity of culicids in the Yucatan Peninsula (YP); their potential distribution, using ecological niche modeling (ENM), and the risk of contact with urban and rural populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out through the YP. The diversity of species was determined with the Shannon index. The potential distribution of the culicids was determined through the ENM, as well as the risk of urban and rural populations through contact with vectors. RESULTS: A total of 10 699 specimens, 15 genera and 52 species were registered. Campeche and the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul exhibited the highest diversity. CONCLUSIONS: The ENM predict a high suitability in all the YP of Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronator, and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The vector species that exhibited the highest risk of contact in the YP were Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la distribución, abundancia y diversidad de los culícidos de la Península de Yucatán (PY), su distribución potencial utilizando modelos de nicho ecológico (MNE) y el riesgo de contacto con poblaciones urbanas y rurales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal. La diversidad fue determinada por el índice de Shannon. La distribución potencial de los culícidos se determinó a través de MNE, así como el riesgo de las poblaciones urbanas y rurales al contacto con los vectores. RESULTADOS: En total, se registraron 10 699 especímenes, 15 géneros y 52 especies. Campeche y la Reserva de la Biosfera de Calakmul presentaron la mayor diversidad. CONCLUSIONES: El MNE predice una alta idoneidad en toda la PY para Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronador y Cx. quinquefasciatus. Las especies de vectores que presentaron el mayor riesgo de contacto en la PY fueron Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus.

Sex difference in cerebral blood flow velocity during exercise hyperthermia.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral blood flow and thermal perception during physical exercise under hyperthermia conditions in females are poorly understood. Because sex differences exist for blood pressure control, resting middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAVmean), and pain, we tested the hypothesis that females would have greater reductions in MCAvmean and increased thermal perceptual strain during exercise hyperthermia compared to males. METHODS: Twenty-two healthy active males and females completed 60 min of matched exercise metabolic heat production in a 1) control cool (24.0 ± 0.0 °C; 14.4 ± 3.4% Rh) and 2) hot (42.3 ± 0.3 °C; 28.4 ± 5.2% Rh) conditions in random order, separated by at least 3 days while MCAvmean, thermal comfort, and preference was obtained during the exercise. RESULTS: Compared to 36 °C mean body temperature (Mbt), as hyperthermia increased to 39 °C Mbt, females had a greater reduction in absolute (MCAvmean), and relative change (%Δ MCAvmean) and conductance (%Δ MCAvmean conductance) in MCAVmean compared to males (Interaction: Temperature x Sex, P ≤ 0.002). During exercise in cool conditions, absolute and conductance MCAvmean was maintained from rest through exercise; however, females had greater MCAVmean compared to males (Main effect: Sex, P < 0.0008). We also found disparities in females' perceptual thermal comfort and thermal preference. These differences may be associated with a greater reduction in partial pressure of end-tidal CO2, and different cardiovascular and blood pressure control to exercise under hyperthermia. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, females exercise cerebral blood flow velocity is reduced to a greater extent (25% vs 15%) and the initial reduction occurs at lower hyperthermia mean body temperatures (~38 °C vs ~39 °C) and are under greater thermal perceptual strain compared to males.

Effect of Silymarin Supplementation on Physical Performance, Muscle and Myocardium Histological Changes, Bodyweight, and Food Consumption in Rats Subjected to Regular Exercise Training.

(1) Background: Regular exercise induces physiological and morphological changes in the organisms, but excessive training loads may induce damage and impair recovery or muscle growth. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of Silymarin (SM) consumption on endurance capacity, muscle/cardiac histological changes, bodyweight, and food intake in rats subjected to 60 min of regular exercise training (RET) five days per week. (2) Methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to an eight-week RET treadmill program and were previously administered SM and vitamin C. Bodyweight and food consumption were measured and registered. The maximal endurance capacity (MEC) test was performed at weeks one and eight. After the last training session, the animals were sacrificed, and samples of quadriceps/gastrocnemius and cardiac tissue were obtained and process for histological analyzes. (3) Results: SM consumption improved muscle recovery, inflammation, and damaged tissue, and promoted hypertrophy, vascularization, and muscle fiber shape/appearance. MEC increased after eight weeks of RET in all trained groups; moreover, the SM-treated group was enhanced more than the group with vitamin C. There were no significant changes in bodyweight and in food and nutrient consumption along the study. (5) Conclusion: SM supplementation may enhance physical performance, recovery, and muscle hypertrophy during the eight-week RET program.

Outbreak of Zika Virus Infection, Chiapas State, Mexico, 2015, and First Confirmed Transmission by Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes in the Americas.

BACKGROUND: After decades of obscurity, Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread through the Americas since 2015 accompanied by congenital microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Although these epidemics presumably involve transmission by Aedes aegypti, no direct evidence of vector involvement has been reported, prompting speculation that other mosquitoes such as Culex quinquefasciatus could be involved. METHODS: We detected an outbreak of ZIKV infection in southern Mexico in late 2015. Sera from suspected ZIKV-infected patients were analyzed for viral RNA and antibodies. Mosquitoes were collected in and around patient homes and tested for ZIKV. RESULTS: Of 119 suspected ZIKV-infected patients, 25 (21%) were confirmed by RT-PCR of serum collected 1-8 days after the onset of signs and symptoms including rash, arthralgia, headache, pruritus, myalgia, and fever. Of 796 mosquitoes collected, A. aegypti yielded ZIKV detection by RT-PCR in 15 of 55 pools (27.3%). No ZIKV was detected in C. quinquefasciatus ZIKV sequences derived from sera and mosquitoes showed a monophyletic relationship suggestive of a point source introduction from Guatemala. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the continued, rapid northward progression of ZIKV into North America with typically mild disease manifestations, and implicate A. aegypti for the first time as a principal vector in North America.

Inflationary Quasiparticle Creation and Thermalization Dynamics in Coupled Bose-Einstein Condensates.

A Bose gas in a double-well potential, exhibiting a true Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) amplitude and initially performing Josephson oscillations, is a prototype of an isolated, nonequilibrium many-body system. We investigate the quasiparticle (QP) creation and thermalization dynamics of this system by solving the time-dependent Keldysh-Bogoliubov equations. We find avalanchelike QP creation due to a parametric resonance between BEC and QP oscillations, followed by slow, exponential relaxation to a thermal state at an elevated temperature, controlled by the initial excitation energy of the oscillating BEC above its ground state. The crossover between the two regimes occurs because of an effective decoupling of the QP and BEC oscillations. This dynamics is analogous to elementary particle creation in models of the early universe. The thermalization in our setup occurs because the BEC acts as a grand canonical reservoir for the quasiparticle system.

New exact solution of the relativistic Boltzmann equation and its hydrodynamic limit.

We present an exact solution of the relativistic Boltzmann equation for a system undergoing boost-invariant longitudinal and azimuthally symmetric transverse flow ("Gubser flow"). The resulting exact nonequilibrium dynamics is compared to first and second order relativistic hydrodynamic approximations for various shear viscosity to entropy density ratios. This novel solution can be used to test the validity and accuracy of different hydrodynamic approximations in conditions similar to those generated in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.