Measuring and understanding information storage and transfer in a simulated human gut microbiome.

Considering biological systems as information processing entities and analyzing their organizational structure via information-theoretic measures has become an established approach in life sciences. We transfer this framework to a field of broad general interest, the human gut microbiome. We use BacArena, a software combining agent-based modelling and flux-balance analysis, to simulate a simplified human intestinal microbiome (SIHUMI). In a first step, we derive information theoretic measures from the simulated abundance data, and, in a second step, relate them to the metabolic processes underlying the abundance data. Our study provides further evidence on the role of active information storage as an indicator of unexpected structural change in the observed system. Besides, we show that information transfer reflects coherent behavior in the microbial community, both as a reaction to environmental changes and as a result of direct effective interaction. In this sense, purely abundance-based information theoretic measures can provide meaningful insight on metabolic interactions within bacterial communities. Furthermore, we shed light on the important however little noticed technical aspect of distinguishing immediate and delayed effects in the interpretation of local information theoretical measures.

Counterion Loss from Charged Surface-Bound Complexes Drives the Formation of Loosely Packed Monolayers.

The functionality of multicomponent self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can be severely diminished by the segregation of like components into nanoscale domains, a process that maximizes favorable short-range intermolecular interactions. Here, we explore the use of a modular family of sulfur-functionalized metal bis(terpyridine) complexes ([M(tpy-R)2]2+(PF6-)2) to prepare mixed SAMs, considering that the comparable structure, dimensions, and ionic composition of these species should render them interchangeable within the adsorbed surface layer. While surface voltammetry experiments show that these SAMs do exhibit compositions representative of their assembly solutions, they also suggest, in line with previous reports, that adjacent complexes in the monolayer are separated by a gap of ∼ 1 nm. Remarkably, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal no F 1s peak features that would confirm the proliferation of PF6- counterions on the surface. We propose that the loosely packed structure of these SAMs results from the loss or exchange of PF6- counterions, which introduces significant repulsive Coulomb interactions between the adsorbed 2+ charged complexes. The hypothesis is supported by an electrostatic model which indicates that these complexes should form close-packed SAMs if mobile counterions are present. First-principles calculations demonstrate that complex-counterion binding interactions are weakened by charge transfer to the gold substrate, suggesting that this may play an important role in the formation of such low-coverage SAMs. Together, this study raises important questions regarding the assembly, organization, and composition of charged SAMs and highlights new opportunities in the design of multicomponent monolayer assemblies with free volume, for example, to facilitate surface-based reactions or support molecular switches.

Reduced Plasma Selenoprotein P Is Associated With Type I Antithrombin Deficiency and a Prothrombotic State.

CONTEXT.­: A positive association between antithrombin activity and selenium level was reported. Selenoprotein P, the most important selenium carrier, was identified within human plasma fibrin clots. OBJECTIVE.­: To investigate the relationship between selenoprotein P and antithrombin and its role in modulation of fibrin clot properties in antithrombin-deficient patients. DESIGN.­: Proteomic analysis of plasma fibrin clots was performed with mass spectrometry. In 108 patients with genetically confirmed type I (57%) or type II (43%) antithrombin deficiency and in healthy controls (n = 50), we assessed plasma selenoprotein P levels and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, along with fibrin clot permeability, clot lysis time, and thrombin generation. RESULTS.­: Clot-bound antithrombin concentration was 0.46 ± 0.32 mg/g protein, while selenoprotein P level was 30-fold lower (0.015 ± 0.012 mg/g). Type I compared to type II antithrombin-deficient patients had higher clot-bound antithrombin and selenoprotein P levels (both P < .001), associated together (ρ = 0.93, P < .001). Individuals with type I compared to type II antithrombin deficiency or controls had about 40% lower plasma selenoprotein P levels (P < .001). In antithrombin-deficient patients, plasma selenoprotein P was associated with antithrombin antigen (ρ = 0.35, P < .001) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (ρ = 0.42, P < .001). Plasma selenoprotein P correlated also with endogenous thrombin potential (r = -0.33, P < .001), fibrin clot permeability (r = 0.43, P < .001), and clot lysis time (r = -0.40, P < .001) in antithrombin-deficient patients but not in controls. CONCLUSIONS.­: Patients with type I antithrombin deficiency had higher clot-bound selenoprotein P and reduced plasma selenoprotein P levels. Plasma selenoprotein P was associated with prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype and enhanced thrombin generation.

Profiles of muscle-specific oxygenation responses and thresholds during graded cycling incremental test.

Compared to the determination of exercise thresholds based on systemic changes in blood lactate concentrations or gas exchange data, the determination of breakpoints based on muscle oxygen saturation offers a valid alternative to provide specific information on muscle-derived thresholds. Our study explored the profiles and timing of the second muscle oxygenation threshold (MOT2) in different muscles. Twenty-six cyclists and triathletes (15 male: age = 23 ± 7 years, height = 178 ± 5 cm, body mass = 70.2 ± 5.3 kg; 11 female: age = 22 ± 4 years, height = 164 ± 4 cm, body mass = 58.3 ± 8.1 kg) performed a graded exercise test (GXT), on a cycle ergometer. Power output, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, skinfolds and muscle oxygen saturation were registered in five muscles (vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior and triceps brachii) and percentage at which MOT2 occurred for each muscle was determinated using the Exponential Dmax. The results of Statistical Parametric Mapping and ANOVA showed that, although muscle oxygenation displayed different profiles in each muscle during a GXT, MOT2 occurred at a similar percentage of the GXT in each muscle (77% biceps femoris, 75% tibalis anterior, 76% gastrocnemius medialis and 72% vastus lateralis) and it was similar that systemic threshold (73% of the GXT). In conclusion, this study showed different profiles of muscle oxygen saturation in different muscles, but without notable differences in the timing for MOT2 and concordance with systemic threshold. Finally, we suggest the analysis of the whole signal and not to simplify it to a breakpoint.

Misoprostol oral u oxitocina intramuscular en la tercera fase del parto

Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad del misoprostol oral vs. oxitocina intramuscular en el manejo de la tercera fase del parto. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en pacientes embarazadas tratadas con misoprostol oral (grupo A) u oxitocina intramuscular (grupo B) para el manejo de la tercera fase del parto. Se analizaron las características generales, valores de hemoglobina y hematocrito, perdida hemática post-parto y efectos adversos. Resultados: Los datos se obtuvieron en 191 en el grupo A y 197 en el grupo B. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en las características generales. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores promedio de hemoglobina - hematocrito post-parto, duración de la tercera fase del parto y perdidas sanguíneas entre los grupos, así como en el uso de uterotónicos adicionales y necesidad de hemoderivados. Las pacientes del grupo A presentaron mayor frecuencia de escalofríos, diarrea, náuseas y fiebre comparado con el grupo B (p < 0,05). Conclusión: El misoprostol oral es igual de efectivo que la oxitocina intramuscular cuando se usa como agente farmacológico para el manejo de la tercera fase del parto. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of oral misoprostol vs. intramuscular oxytocin in the management of the third stage of labor. Methodology: A case-control study was carried out in pregnant patients treated with oral misoprostol (group A) or intramuscular oxytocin (group B) for the management of the third stage of labor. General characteristics, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, postpartum blood loss and adverse effects were analyzed. Results: The data were obtained in 191 in group A and 197 in group B. No significant differences were found between groups in general characteristics. There were also no significant differences in mean postpartum hemoglobin-hematocrit values, duration of the third stage of labor and blood loss between the groups, as well as in the use of additional uterotonics and the need for blood products. Patients in group A had a higher frequency of chills, diarrhea, nausea and fever compared to group B (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral misoprostol is as effective as intramuscular oxytocin when used as a pharmacological agent for the management of the third stage of labor. (provided by Infomedic International)

[Pseudocyst of adrenal gland. Case report]. / Pseudoquiste de glándula suprarrenal. Reporte de un caso.

Background: Adrenal gland cysts are a rare entity, with a reported incidence in post-mortem series of 0.06-0.18%. However, the incidence seems to be increasing in recent years. The presentation of adrenal gland cysts is usually asymptomatic, but those cases in which symptoms are present are usually non-specific, which makes adrenal cysts generally recognized as incidentalomas. The finding is mainly made by computed tomography. The main objective of this article was to describe the clinical course of a patient with an adrenal gland pseudocyst, which is accompanied by symptoms of compression and persistent pain of long evolution in the left flank. Clinical case: A 65-year-old female patient attended the emergency room of a second-level hospital due to an increase in volume of the abdominal region with a sensation of fullness, heartburn, vomiting and pain. Computed tomography was performed, which reported a cystic mass and, later, exploratory laparotomy plus adrenalectomy were carried out. The pathology analysis reported a diagnosis of a 10 x 15 x 14 cm solid, cystic, and adherent tumor, coinciding with a pseudocyst of the adrenal gland. Conclusions: Adrenal gland cysts are rare. Computed tomography is recommended for its diagnosis and the standard of treatment is surgical intervention in the presence of symptoms.

Introducción: los quistes de glándula suprarrenal son una entidad rara, con un reporte en la incidencia de series post mortem de 0.06-0.18%. Sin embargo, la incidencia parece ir en aumento en los últimos años. La presentación de los quistes de glándula suprarrenal es habitualmente asintomática, pero en aquellos casos en que se presentan síntomas, estos suelen ser inespecíficos, lo cual hace que los quistes suprarrenales generalmente sean reconocidos como incidentalomas. El hallazgo se hace principalmente mediante tomografía computarizada. El objetivo principal de este artículo fue describir el curso clínico de una paciente con un pseudoquiste de glándula suprarrenal, que se acompaña de síntomas de compresión y dolor persistente de larga evolución en el flanco izquierdo. Caso clínico: mujer de 65 años que acudió a urgencias de un hospital de segundo nivel por aumento de volumen de región abdominal con sensación de plenitud, pirosis, vómito y dolor. Se realizó tomografía computarizada que reportó masa quística; posteriormente se realizó laparotomía exploradora y adrenalectomía. El análisis de patología reportó diagnóstico de tumor de 10 x 15 x 14 cm, sólido, quístico y adherido, coincidente con pseudoquiste de glándula suprarrenal. Conclusiones: los quistes de glándula suprarrenal son raros. Para su diagnóstico se recomienda realizar tomografía computarizada y el estándar de tratamiento es la intervención quirúrgica ante la presencia de sintomatología.

Revisiting Sub-Band Gap Emission Mechanism in 2D Halide Perovskites: The Role of Defect States.

Understanding the sub-band gap luminescence in Ruddlesden-Popper 2D metal halide hybrid perovskites (2D HaPs) is essential for efficient charge injection and collection in optoelectronic devices. Still, its origins are still under debate with respect to the role of self-trapped excitons or radiative recombination via defect states. In this study, we characterized charge separation, recombination, and transport in single crystals, exfoliated layers, and polycrystalline thin films of butylammonium lead iodide (BA2PbI4), one of the most prominent 2D HaPs. We combined complementary defect- and exciton-sensitive methods such as photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, modulated and time-resolved surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy, constant final state photoelectron yield spectroscopy (CFSYS), and constant light-induced magneto transport (CLIMAT), to demonstrate striking differences between charge separation induced by dissociation of excitons and by excitation of mobile charge carriers from defect states. Our results suggest that the broad sub-band gap emission in BA2PbI4 and other 2D HaPs is caused by radiative recombination via defect states (shallow as well as midgap states) rather than self-trapped excitons. Density functional theory (DFT) results show that common defects can readily occur and produce an energetic profile that agrees well with the experimental results. The DFT results suggest that the formation of iodine interstitials is the initial process leading to degradation, responsible for the emergence of midgap states, and that defect engineering will play a key role in enhancing the optoelectronic properties of 2D HaPs in the future.

Hydrocarbon composition of oils spilt on the Brazilian coast in 2019 and 2022.

The chemical composition of spilt oils from events that took place on the north-eastern coast of Brazil in 2019 and 2022 was investigated to better understand their sources, and post-spill processes. Oils from both events originated from different sources, based on their fingerprints, hydrocarbons composition and specific biomarkers, such as the C23 tricyclic terpane and oleanane. Despite the differences, the source rocks share similarities in paleoenvironments and depositional conditions and both oils suffered little weathering, mainly due to evaporation and dissolution. Our findings for 2019 spilt oil reinforce that it is a mixed product, enriched both in lighter n-alkanes and 25-norhopanes. Differently, the 2022 samples exhibited characteristics of a non-processed crude oil that originated from a paraffinic deposit in storage tanks. The molecular composition and diagnostic ratios reported for samples from these spill events help to establish baselines for ongoing monitoring of oil spills in marine ecosystems.

Associations between Agility, the Relative Age Effect, Siblings, and Digit Ratio (D2:D4) in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the influence of relative age effects, siblings, and digit ratio on the agility of children and adolescents. METHODS: The study included 283 children (9.54 ± 1.36 years) and 296 adolescents (14.68 ± 1.36 years) from four different schools. The analyzed variables included anthropometric data, the presence of siblings, relative age effect, and results from the 10 × 5 m shuttle run test. RESULTS: The findings indicated no significant association between agility and either the 2D:4D ratio or the relative age effect in both children and adolescents (p > 0.05). Additionally, having siblings did not have a notable impact on agility. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that relative age did not influence this lack of association (quarter of birth: p = 0.345, ß = 0.039; siblings: p = 0.100, ß = -0.069). However, boys showed higher performance than girls in the 10 × 5 m shuttle run test, and higher body mass index was related to lower agility. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to existing knowledge on the relative effects of age and provide valuable information for physical education teachers on the influence of the 2D:4D ratio and the presence of siblings on the physical fitness of children and adolescents.

Analysis of the Energy Expenditure of Sports School Activities in Children.

(1) Background: This study explores the potential energy expenditure associated with participation in after-school sports activities among primary school children. (2) Methods: The study involved 129 children age (11.35 ± 0.55 years) recruited from eight different public after-school sport programs. (3) Results: Data analyses revealed significant differences between the eight sports in total calories per session, calories per minute, and METs (p < 0.05). All sports showed higher energy expenditure compared to chess (p < 0.05), with soccer and rugby exhibiting the highest energy expenditure per session. Team sports showed elevated energy consumption per session (p < 0.01, r > 0.30), calories per minute (p = 0.01, r > 0.40), and METs (p < 0.01, r > 0.40) in comparison with individual sports. (4) Conclusions: These findings enhance our understanding of the energy expenditure observed in primary school children following various after-school sports activities. The results indicate that team sports, in particular, are pivotal in elevating physical activity levels, thereby playing an essential role in fostering healthier lifestyles among children.

Benefits of Table Tennis for Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review.

This study aims to review the scientific evidence regarding the effects of table tennis practice on children and adolescents. Studies were searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and SportDiscus) from their inception up to May 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the 10-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). A total of twelve studies were examined, with interventions involving children with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, DCD, ASD, and typically developing children. A variety of training programs were assessed over durations ranging from 6 weeks to 1 year in the studies included. Table tennis was shown to positively impact various domains, including executive function, motor skills, visual perception, graphomotor function, gross motor skills, coordination capacity, behavioral inhibition, and social behavior. Nonetheless, it is imperative to expand the number of studies on children and adolescents with diverse conditions to more comprehensively evaluate the benefits of table tennis for each specific condition.

KMT2A Rearrangements in Leukemias: Molecular Aspects and Therapeutic Perspectives.

KMT2A (alias: mixed-lineage leukemia [MLL]) gene mapping on chromosome 11q23 encodes the lysine-specific histone N-methyltransferase 2A and promotes transcription by inducing an open chromatin conformation. Numerous genomic breakpoints within the KMT2A gene have been reported in young children and adults with hematologic disorders and are present in up to 10% of acute leukemias. These rearrangements describe distinct features and worse prognosis depending on the fusion partner, characterized by chemotherapy resistance and high rates of relapse, with a progression-free survival of 30-40% and overall survival below 25%. Less intensive regimens are used in pediatric patients, while new combination therapies and targeted immunotherapeutic agents are being explored in adults. Beneficial therapeutic effects, and even cure, can be reached with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mainly in young children with dismal molecular lesions; however, delayed related toxicities represent a concern. Herein, we summarize the translocation partner genes and partial tandem duplications of the KMT2A gene, their molecular impact, clinical aspects, and novel targeted therapies.

Changes in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic use - UniHcos project.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevalence rates and self-reported changes in patterns of alcohol use among first-year university students in Spain, considering the risk of problematic alcohol use. A serial cross-sectional study based on the uniHcos project was carried out. Data from 10 518 first-year university students (73.3% female, mean age 19 (SD = 1.6)) collected between 2012 and 2022 were analysed. The evolution of the pooled prevalence rates during the time series was analysed and the risk of problematic alcohol consumption was assessed using the AUDIT. Also, self-reported changes in alcohol use patterns during the pandemic were assessed. According to the results, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of alcohol use in the past 30-days was reduced (76.3% in 2019 vs. 63.7% in COVID-19) increasing again in the New Normal period. Thus, a similar pattern in the practice of binge drinking was observed. Regarding the AUDIT score, 21.7% (95%CI 20.9, 22.6) of the students had harmful alcohol consumption, with a higher proportion among males. In the multivariable logistic models, a higher AUDIT score was significantly associated (p-value < 0.001) with being male and living with roommates. According to self-reported changes in consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher proportion of participants with harmful use reported an increase in alcohol consumption compared to those at low-risk (43% vs 19%). Finally, despite the overall reduction in drinking prevalence during COVID-19, changes were not equal for all students and depended on their previous level of problematic drinking, highlighting that this should be considered in the development of strategies against alcohol use in this population.

Histological deep margins in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp and risk of recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Consensus is lacking on adequate deep histological margins in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Deep clearance for tumours located on the scalp is limited by anatomic constraints. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether clear but close deep histological margins (<1 mm) confer a higher risk of recurrence in cSCCs of the scalp treated by wide local excision, compared to deep histological margins ≥1 mm. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective observational cohort study and multivariate competing risk analysis to evaluate risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: In total, 295 patients with 338 cSCCs were included. Close deep histological margins were not associated with an increased cumulative incidence of recurrence (subhazard ratio [SHR] 1.96 [95% CI 0.87-4.41]). However, an increased risk of recurrence was observed for those tumours that presented concurrent invasion of the galea aponeurotica and close deep margins, as opposed to patients without these factors (SHR 3.52 [1.24-10.01]). Tumours with clear but close peripheral margins (<1 mm) also had higher risk of recurrence (SHR 5.01 [1.68-14.97]). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective observational study based on pathology reports. CONCLUSION: Deep histological margins <1 mm do not confer a greater risk of recurrence as long as the tumour is completely excised and the galea aponeurotica is not involved. Surgical excision of cSCC on the scalp should include the galea to ensure proper assessment of deep margins.

Serum cholesterol levels are inversely associated with the risk of malignancy in subjects with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Some epidemiological data suggest that there may be an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and the risk of thyroid cancer in the overall population. The present study was aimed to evaluate the lipid profile specifically in subjects with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules, and compare whether there were any differences between those with benign and malignant nodules. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective study on 204 subjects treated by partial or total thyroidectomy for excision of a Bethesda category IV thyroid nodule, who had undergone a blood lipid profile test in the 12 months prior to surgery. In addition to lipid measures, other demographic, clinical, biochemical and ultrasound data were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-five subjects (36.8%) were diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma in the definitive histopathological examination. Patients with thyroid cancer had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol than subjects with benign thyroid diseases. There were no differences in HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides or total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. There were no differences either between groups in other clinical, biochemical and ultrasound variables, including the use of lipid-lowering drugs. In multivariate analysis, only LDL-cholesterol was independently associated with malignancy. Subjects with follicular carcinoma showed the lowest cholesterol levels, while those with papillary carcinoma had intermediate values between the group with follicular carcinoma and the group with benign thyroid diseases. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with cytologically indeterminate Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules, levels of total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and, particularly, LDL-cholesterol are lower among those with malignant nodules.

Skin cancer risk after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes for severe hematologic, malignant, and immune disorders, yet poses an increased risk of subsequent malignancies. This study aimed to examine the risk of skin cancer following HSCT and identify potential risk factors. The search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases until December 2023. Cohort studies reporting standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for post-HSCT skin cancer or investigating risk factors were included. SIRs, or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI), were calculated using random-effects inverse-variance models. Outcome endpoints were SIRs of skin cancer post-HSCT and risk factors, including gender, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), voriconazole exposure, and total body irradiation (TBI). Twenty-six studies involving 164,944 HSCT recipients (allogeneic HSCT, n = 68,637; autologous HSCT, n = 95,435; mean age: 38.5 ± 13.8 years; 71,354 females [43.3%]) were analyzed. Overall, SIR for skin cancer post-HSCT was 7.21 (95% CI 3.98-13.08), with SIRs of 2.25 (95% CI: 1.37-3.68) for autologous HSCT, and 10.18 (95% CI 5.07-20.43) for allogeneic HSCT. Risk factors for skin cancer risk included cGVHD (HR = 2.86 [95% CI: 2.01-4.07]), specifically for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (HR = 1.80 [95% CI: 1.31-2.46] and HR = 3.68 [95% CI: 2.39-5.68], respectively), male gender (HR = 1.56 [95% CI: 1.15-2.13]), especially for SCC (HR = 1.70 [95% CI: 1.03-2.80]), and voriconazole exposure (HR = 2.01 [95% CI: 1.12-3.61]). TBI showed no statistically significant association with subsequent skin cancer (HR = 1.12 [95% CI: 0.73-1.71]). These findings highlight the importance of rigorous skin cancer surveillance and preventive strategies in HSCT recipients, particularly in male individuals undergoing allogeneic transplants and those with identifiable risk factors, to enable early detection and intervention.

Preliminary Application of Infrared Thermography to Monitoring of Skin Temperature Asymmetries in Professional Padel Players.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate skin temperature (Tsk) asymmetries, using infrared thermography, in professional padel players before (PRE), after (POST) and 10 min after training (POST10), and their relationship with perceptual variables and training characteristics. Thermal images were taken of 10 players before, after and 10 min after a standardized technical training. After training, Tsk of the dominant side was higher than before training in the anterior forearm (30.8 ± 0.4 °C vs. 29.1 ± 1.2 °C, p < 0.01; ES = 1.9), anterior shoulder (31.6 ± 0.6 °C vs. 30.9 ± 0.6 °C, p < 0.05; ES = 1.0) posterior arm (29.5 ± 1.0 °C vs. 28.3 ± 1.2 °C, p < 0.05; ES = 1.0), and posterior forearm (30.8 ± 0.9 °C vs. 29.3 ± 1.6 °C, p < 0.05; ES = 1.1). Likewise, these differences were significant POST10 in the anterior arm, anterior forearm, anterior shoulder, posterior arm and posterior forearm. Comparing the different moments of measurement (PRE, POST and POST10), the temperature was higher POST10 in all the regions analyzed except for the shoulder, abdominals, and lower back. Also, correlations were found between fatigue variation and temperature variation between limbs (Tsk dominance), and no correlation was found except between age and posterior thigh (|r| = 0.69; p < 0.05), and between the racket mass and anterior knee (|r| = 0.81; p < 0.01). In conclusion, infrared thermography allows monitoring of skin asymmetries between limbs in professional padel players, but these asymmetries were not related to overall fatigue variation, overall pain variation, years of experience and training hours.

In Vitro Embryos of Romosinuano and Tropical Milking Cattle during Three Seasons in Veracruz, Mexico.

One of the main factors that influences the fertility of cattle in grazing systems in hot tropical climates is heat stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of season, breed, hormonal and physiological condition on the quantity and quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryos produced in vitro, from Romosinuano (RM) and Tropical Milking (TM) donors. Three ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) were performed, one per season: hot dry (HD; 10, 10), hot humid (HH; 9, 9) and fresh dry (FD; 7, 10) in RM and LT donors. Serum levels of cortisol, insulin and glucose were measured, in addition to heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT). Effect of season x genotype interaction (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in all COC variables and only in cleavage embryos (CLI) (p ≤ 0.05). Body weight (BW) affected all COC variables (p ≤ 0.01), except unviable (UNV) although affected degenerated embryos (DEG) (p ≤ 0.01) and total blastocysts (BLAST) (p ≤ 0.01). Cow age only affected viable COCs (VIAB) (p ≤ 0.05), code one blastocysts (BC1) and BLAST (p ≤ 0.01). Cortisol affected total COCs (COCsT), VIAB and total matured in vitro (TMIV) (p ≤ 0.01), as well as CLI, BC1 (p ≤ 0.01) and BLAST (p ≤ 0.05). Insulin affected COCsT (p ≤ 0.01), UNV (p ≤ 0.05), denuded oocytes (DE) (p ≤ 0.01), BC1 and code two blastocysts (BC2) (p ≤ 0.01). Glucose affected all COC variables (p ≤ 0.01), except UNV and all embryo variables except BC2. HR affected COCsT, DE, TMIV (p ≤ 0.01), CLI, BLAST and DEG (p ≤ 0.05). RR affected COCsT, UNV, VIAB, CLI (p ≤ 0.05), BC1, BLAST and DEG (p ≤ 0.01). RT only affected DE, VIAB (p ≤ 0.01) and BLAST (p ≤ 0.05). The seasonal climatic year variation of Veracruz and changes in physiological and hormonal variables have diverse effects on the cumulus-oocyte complexes and embryos produced by RM and TM donors.