Alkoxy-Bridged Dicopper(II) Cores Meet Tetracyanonickelate Linkers: Structural, Magnetic, and Theoretical Investigation of Cu/Ni Coordination Polymers.

Two heterometallic Cu(II)/Ni(II) coordination polymers, [Cu2(Hbdea)2Ni(CN)4]n (1) and [Cu2(dmea)2Ni(CN)4]n·nH2O (2), were successfully self-assembled in water by reacting Cu(II) nitrate with H2bdea (N-butyldiethanolamine) and Hdmea (N,N-dimethylethanolamine) in the presence of sodium hydroxide and [Ni(CN)4]2-. These new coordination polymers were investigated by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and fully characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, elemental analysis, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, and theoretical DFT and CASSCF calculations. Despite differences in crystal systems, in both compounds, each dinuclear building block [Cu2(µ-aminopolyalcoholate)2]2+ is bridged by diamagnetic [Ni(CN)4]2- linkers, resulting in 1D (1) or 2D (2) metal-organic architectures. Experimental magnetic studies show that both compounds display strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -602.1 cm-1 for 1 and -151 cm-1 for 2) between Cu(II) ions within the dimers mediated by the µ-O-alkoxo bridges. These results are corroborated by the broken symmetry DFT studies, which also provide further insight into the electronic structures of copper dimeric units. By reporting a facile self-assembly synthetic protocol, this study can be a model to widen a still limited family of heterometallic Cu/Ni coordination polymer materials with different functional properties.

Influence of SPION Surface Coating on Magnetic Properties and Theranostic Profile.

This study aimed to develop multifunctional nanoplatforms for both cancer imaging and therapy using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Two distinct synthetic methods, reduction-precipitation (MR/P) and co-precipitation at controlled pH (MpH), were explored, including the assessment of the coating's influence, namely dextran and gold, on their magnetic properties. These SPIONs were further functionalized with gadolinium to act as dual T1/T2 contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Parameters such as size, stability, morphology, and magnetic behavior were evaluated by a detailed characterization analysis. To assess their efficacy in imaging and therapy, relaxivity and hyperthermia experiments were performed, respectively. The results revealed that both synthetic methods lead to SPIONs with similar average size, 9 nm. Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated that samples obtained from MR/P consist of approximately 11-13% of Fe present in magnetite, while samples obtained from MpH have higher contents of 33-45%. Despite coating and functionalization, all samples exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. Hyperthermia experiments showed increased SAR values with higher magnetic field intensity and frequency. Moreover, the relaxivity studies suggested potential dual T1/T2 contrast agent capabilities for the coated SPpH-Dx-Au-Gd sample, thus demonstrating its potential in cancer diagnosis.

[Evaluation of PD-L1 expression and intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration in triple-negative invasive breast carcinoma]. / Evaluación de la expresión de PD-L1 e infiltración linfocitaria intratumoral en carcinoma de mama invasivo triple negativo.

INTRODUCTION: Triple negative breast cancer endophenotype (TNBC) is one of the least frequent and without therapeutic target; therefore we propose to study the correlation of PD-L1 immune checkpoint with the establishment of tumor microenvironment assessed by intratumoral stromal lymphocyte infiltration (TILS) and its importance in clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed, with 31 cases of triple-negative infiltrating breast carcinoma and 57 unmatched controls of Luminal A, Luminal B and HER-2 endophenotype seen in one year. The following variables were evaluated: histologic type and grade, PD-L1 expression with clone 22C3, TILS, lymphovascular invasion, tumor size, lymph node involvement and metastasis. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: a statistically significant negative correlation was found between TILS and PD-L1 (rho - 0.106, p 0.025), indicating that the higher the expression of PD-L1, the lower the intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration. In the TILS B (10-40% TILS) and C (40-90% TILS) groups where there was a marked intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate, a greater number of patients were negative for PD-L1 (CPS <10) with 16 and 10 cases, respectively. For TNBC cases a negative association coefficient was identified (rho -0.378) with statistical significance (p 0.01). DISCUSSION: The association between TNBC, TILS and PDL1 expression was established, which is important for the establishment of target therapies and the development of precision medicine.

Introducción: El endofenotipo de cáncer de mama triple negativo (TNBC) es uno de los menos frecuentes y sin diana terapéutica, por tanto, se plantea estudiar la correlación del punto de control inmunológico PD-L1 con el establecimiento de microambiente tumoral evaluado por la infiltración linfocitaria intratumoral estromal (TILs) y su importancia en la práctica clínica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles, con 31 casos de carcinoma infiltrante de la mama triple negativo y 57 controles no pareados de endofenotipo Luminal A, Luminal B y HER-2 atendidos en un año. Se evaluaron las variables: tipo y grado histológico, expresión PD-L1 con el clon 22C3, TILs, invasión linfovascular, tamaño tumoral, compromiso de ganglios linfáticos y metástasis. El análisis estadístico se ejecutó con la prueba de chi cuadrado y prueba de coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: Se encontró una correlación negativa estadísticamente significativa entre TILs y PD-L1 (rho - 0.106, p 0.025), indicando que a mayor expresión de PD-L1, es menor la infiltración linfocitaria intratumoral. En los grupos de TILs B (10-40% TILs) y C (40-90% TILs) donde se presenta marcado infiltrado inflamatorio intratumoral se evidenció mayor número de pacientes negativos para PD-L1 (CPS <10) con 16 y 10 casos respectivamente. Para los casos TNBC se logró identificar un coeficiente de asociación negativa (rho -0.378) y con significancia estadística (p 0.01). Discusión: Se estableció la asociación de TNBC, TILs y expresión de PDL1, lo cual es importante para la instauración de terapias diana y el desarrollo de la medicina de precisión.

Enhancing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with Down syndrome: An integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a non-rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 800 live births worldwide. Further, it is associated with comorbidities, anatomical alterations of the respiratory tract, and immunological dysfunctions that make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. OBJECTIVE: To systematize the current scientific knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among individuals with DS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This integrative review was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This review was conducted in the following databases: the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, BVS), PubMed, and Web of Science, using MeSH descriptors. The search included English or Portuguese studies published between January 1, 2020, and October 14, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 55 articles from 24 countries were selected, comprising 21 case-control or cohort studies, 23 case reports or series, and 11 narrative reviews or opinion studies. The articles were grouped into five categories: previous comorbidities, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features and evolution, cytokine storm and interleukins, living in institutions as a risk factor, and behavioral actions as a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Individuals with DS are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to variables such as previous comorbidities, immunological factors, and their habitable environments. These aspects confer a higher risk of infection and an unfavorable clinical course. The precise pathways involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in individuals with DS are not clear, thus requiring further studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The Open Science Framework registered the research protocol (https://osf.io/jyb97/).

Dynamics of Docosahexaenoic Acid Utilization by Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages.

In this work, the incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in mouse resident peritoneal macrophages and its redistribution within the various phospholipid classes were investigated. Choline glycerophospholipids (PC) behaved as the major initial acceptors of DHA. Prolonged incubation with the fatty acid resulted in the transfer of DHA from PC to ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (PE), reflecting phospholipid remodeling. This process resulted in the cells containing similar amounts of DHA in PC and PE in the resting state. Mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analyses of phospholipid molecular species indicated a marked abundance of DHA in ether phospholipids. Stimulation of the macrophages with yeast-derived zymosan resulted in significant decreases in the levels of all DHA-containing PC and PI species; however, no PE or PS molecular species were found to decrease. In contrast, the levels of an unusual DHA-containing species, namely PI(20:4/22:6), which was barely present in resting cells, were found to markedly increase under zymosan stimulation. The levels of this phospholipid also significantly increased when the calcium-ionophore A23187 or platelet-activating factor were used instead of zymosan to stimulate the macrophages. The study of the route involved in the synthesis of PI(20:4/22:6) suggested that this species is produced through deacylation/reacylation reactions. These results define the increases in PI(20:4/22:6) as a novel lipid metabolic marker of mouse macrophage activation, and provide novel information to understand the regulation of phospholipid fatty acid turnover in activated macrophages.

Cas13d-mediated isoform-specific RNA knockdown with a unified computational and experimental toolbox.

Alternative splicing is an essential mechanism for diversifying proteins, in which mature RNA isoforms produce proteins with potentially distinct functions. Two major challenges in characterizing the cellular function of isoforms are the lack of experimental methods to specifically and efficiently modulate isoform expression and computational tools for complex experimental design. To address these gaps, we developed and methodically tested a strategy which pairs the RNA-targeting CRISPR/Cas13d system with guide RNAs that span exon-exon junctions in the mature RNA. We performed a high-throughput essentiality screen, quantitative RT-PCR assays, and PacBio long read sequencing to affirm our ability to specifically target and robustly knockdown individual RNA isoforms. In parallel, we provide computational tools for experimental design and screen analysis. Considering all possible splice junctions annotated in GENCODE for multi-isoform genes and our gRNA efficacy predictions, we estimate that our junction-centric strategy can uniquely target up to 89% of human RNA isoforms, including 50,066 protein-coding and 11,415 lncRNA isoforms. Importantly, this specificity spans all splicing and transcriptional events, including exon skipping and inclusion, alternative 5' and 3' splice sites, and alternative starts and ends.

Enhancing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with Down syndrome: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a non-rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 800 live births worldwide. Further, it is associated with comorbidities, anatomical alterations of the respiratory tract, and immunological dysfunctions that make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. OBJECTIVE: To systematize the current scientific knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among individuals with DS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This integrative review was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This review was conducted in the following databases: the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, BVS), PubMed, and Web of Science, using MeSH descriptors. The search included English or Portuguese studies published between January 1, 2020, and October 14, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 55 articles from 24 countries were selected, comprising 21 case-control or cohort studies, 23 case reports or series, and 11 narrative reviews or opinion studies. The articles were grouped into five categories: previous comorbidities, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features and evolution, cytokine storm and interleukins, living in institutions as a risk factor, and behavioral actions as a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Individuals with DS are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to variables such as previous comorbidities, immunological factors, and their habitable environments. These aspects confer a higher risk of infection and an unfavorable clinical course. The precise pathways involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in individuals with DS are not clear, thus requiring further studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The Open Science Framework registered the research protocol (https://osf.io/jyb97/).

Investigation of Charge-Ordered Barium Iron Fluorides with One-Dimensional Structural Diversity and Complex Magnetic Interactions.

Three mixed-valence barium iron fluorides, Ba7Fe7F34, Ba2Fe2F9, and BaFe2F7, were prepared through hydrothermal redox reactions. The characteristic structures of these compounds feature diverse distributions of FeIIF6 octahedra and FeIIIF6 groups. Ba7Fe7F34 contained one-dimensional infinite ∞[FeIIFeIII6F34]14- double chains, comprising cis corner-sharing octahedra along the b direction; Ba2Fe2F9 contained one-dimensional ∞[Fe2F9]4- double chains, consisting of cis corner-sharing octahedra along the chain (a-axis direction) and trans corner-sharing octahedra vertical to the chain, while BaFe2F7 revealed three-dimensional (3D) frameworks that consist of isolated edge-sharing dinuclear FeII2F10 units linked via corners by FeIIIF6 octahedra. Magnetization and Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements revealed that Ba7Fe7F34 exhibits an antiferromagnetic phase transition at ∼11 K, where ferrimagnetic ∞[FeIIFeIII6F34]14- double chains are arranged in a paralleling manner, while Ba2Fe2F9 shows canted antiferromagnetic ordering at ∼32.5 K, leading to noncollinear spin ordering.

Hydroxyproline metabolism enhances IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression and inhibits autophagic flux.

The immune checkpoint protein PD-L1 plays critical roles in both immune system homeostasis and tumor progression. Impaired PD-1/PD-L1 function promotes autoimmunity and PD-L1 expression within tumors promotes immune evasion. If and how changes in metabolism or defined metabolites regulate PD-L1 expression is not fully understood. Here, using a metabolomics activity screening-based approach, we have determined that hydroxyproline (Hyp) significantly and directly enhances adaptive (i.e., IFN-γ-induced) PD-L1 expression in multiple relevant myeloid and cancer cell types. Mechanistic studies reveal that Hyp acts as an inhibitor of autophagic flux, which allows it to regulate this negative feedback mechanism, thereby contributing to its overall effect on PD-L1 expression. Due to its prevalence in fibrotic tumors, these findings suggest that hydroxyproline could contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and that Hyp metabolism could be targeted to pharmacologically control PD-L1 expression for the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases.

Saturated fatty acid-enriched small extracellular vesicles mediate a crosstalk inducing liver inflammation and hepatocyte insulin resistance.

Background & Aims: Lipotoxicity triggers non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression owing to the accumulation of toxic lipids in hepatocytes including saturated fatty acids (SFAs), which activate pro-inflammatory pathways. We investigated the impact of hepatocyte- or circulating-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) secreted under NAFLD conditions on liver inflammation and hepatocyte insulin signalling. Methods: sEV released by primary mouse hepatocytes, characterised and analysed by lipidomics, were added to mouse macrophages/Kupffer cells (KC) to monitor internalisation and inflammatory responses. Insulin signalling was analysed in hepatocytes exposed to conditioned media from sEV-loaded macrophages/KC. Mice were i.v. injected sEV to study liver inflammation and insulin signalling. Circulating sEV from mice and humans with NAFLD were used to evaluate macrophage-hepatocyte crosstalk. Results: Numbers of sEV released by hepatocytes increased under NAFLD conditions. Lipotoxic sEV were internalised by macrophages through the endosomal pathway and induced pro-inflammatory responses that were ameliorated by pharmacological inhibition or deletion of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Hepatocyte insulin signalling was impaired upon treatment with conditioned media from macrophages/KC loaded with lipotoxic sEV. Both hepatocyte-released lipotoxic sEV and the recipient macrophages/KC were enriched in palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) SFAs, well-known TLR4 activators. Upon injection, lipotoxic sEV rapidly reached KC, triggering a pro-inflammatory response in the liver monitored by Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, NF-κB nuclear translocation, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and infiltration of immune cells into the liver parenchyma. sEV-mediated liver inflammation was attenuated by pharmacological inhibition or deletion of TLR4 in myeloid cells. Macrophage inflammation and subsequent hepatocyte insulin resistance were also induced by circulating sEV from mice and humans with NAFLD. Conclusions: We identified hepatocyte-derived sEV as SFA transporters targeting macrophages/KC and activating a TLR4-mediated pro-inflammatory response enough to induce hepatocyte insulin resistance. Impact and Implications: Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) released by the hepatocytes under non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) conditions cause liver inflammation and insulin resistance in hepatocytes via paracrine hepatocyte-macrophage-hepatocyte crosstalk. We identified sEV as transporters of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and potent lipotoxic inducers of liver inflammation. TLR4 deficiency or its pharmacological inhibition ameliorated liver inflammation induced by hepatocyte-derived lipotoxic sEV. Evidence of this macrophage-hepatocyte interactome was also found in patients with NAFLD, pointing to the relevance of sEV in SFA-mediated lipotoxicity in NAFLD.

Bringing the Nature Futures Framework to life: creating a set of illustrative narratives of nature futures.

To halt further destruction of the biosphere, most people and societies around the globe need to transform their relationships with nature. The internationally agreed vision under the Convention of Biological Diversity-Living in harmony with nature-is that "By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people". In this context, there are a variety of debates between alternative perspectives on how to achieve this vision. Yet, scenarios and models that are able to explore these debates in the context of "living in harmony with nature" have not been widely developed. To address this gap, the Nature Futures Framework has been developed to catalyse the development of new scenarios and models that embrace a plurality of perspectives on desirable futures for nature and people. In this paper, members of the IPBES task force on scenarios and models provide an example of how the Nature Futures Framework can be implemented for the development of illustrative narratives representing a diversity of desirable nature futures: information that can be used to assess and develop scenarios and models whilst acknowledging the underpinning value perspectives on nature. Here, the term illustrative reflects the multiple ways in which desired nature futures can be captured by these narratives. In addition, to explore the interdependence between narratives, and therefore their potential to be translated into scenarios and models, the six narratives developed here were assessed around three areas of the transformative change debate, specifically, (1) land sparing vs. land sharing, (2) Half Earth vs. Whole Earth conservation, and (3) green growth vs. post-growth economic development. The paper concludes with an assessment of how the Nature Futures Framework could be used to assist in developing and articulating transformative pathways towards desirable nature futures. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11625-023-01316-1.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with sickle cell disease: an integrative review.

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy among humans. As the condition promotes susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, and hypercoagulability disorders, several international agencies have included individuals with this disease in the COVID-19 risk group for severe outcomes. However, available information about the subject is not properly systematized yet. This review aimed to understand and summarize the scientific knowledge about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with sickle cell disease. Searches were performed in the Medline, PubMed, and Virtual Health Library databases based on descriptors chosen according to the Medical Subject Headings. We analyzed studies published between 2020 and October 2022, developed with qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The search resulted in 90 articles organized into six categories. There is disagreement in the literature about how different aspects related to sickle cell disease, such as chronic inflammation status, hypercoagulability, hemolytic anemia, use of hydroxyurea, and access to medical care interference with the clinical course of COVID-19. These topics deserve further investigation. It is evident, however, that the infection may manifest in an atypical way and act as a trigger for the development of sickle cell-specific complications, such as acute chest syndrome and vaso-occlusive crises, conditions that are associated with great morbidity and mortality. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be aware of the different forms of presentation of COVID-19 among these individuals. Specific guidelines and therapeutic protocols, as well as public policies for sickle cell individuals, must be considered. Systematic review registration: This review (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NH4AS) and the review protocol (https://osf.io/3y649/) are registered in the Open Science Framework platform.

[COVID-19 in maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality in four locations in Bogotá. Descriptive study.] / COVID-19 en la mortalidad materna, perinatal y neonatal de cuatro localidades de Bogotá. Estudio descriptivo.

OBJECTIVE: The multiple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to be seen from the alteration of vital statistics figures. This is summarized in changes in the usual causes of death and excess attributable mortality, which can finally be seen in structural changes in the populations of the countries. For this reason, this research was created with the objective of determining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality in four locations in Bogotá D.C. (Colombia). METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal investigation was carried out in which 217,419 mortality data were analyzed in the towns of Kennedy, Fontibón, Bosa and Puente Aranda in the city of Bogotá - Colombia that occurred between the years 2018 to 2021, of which maternal (54), perinatal (1,370) and neonatal (483) deaths in order to identify a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection that could be related to the excess mortality associated with COVID-19. The data were collected from the open records of vital statistics of the National Statistics Department (DANE), where they were analyzed from frequency measures or central tendency and dispersion according to the types of variables. The specific mortality indicators related to maternal, perinatal and neonatal death events were calculated. RESULTS: A decrease in perinatal and neonatal mortality was evidenced since 2020, which was associated with the progressive decrease in pregnancies in those same years; Additionally, a considerable increase in maternal deaths was observed for 2021 compared to the other years analyzed. The proportion of maternal deaths in 2020 and 2021 by 10% and 17%, respectively, were attributed to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: It is observed that the trend of maternal mortality is related to the increase in mortality from COVID-19, maternal deaths associated with COVID-19 occurred specifically in the zonal planning units that registered more than 160 cases of COVID-19 for the year 2021.

OBJETIVO: Los múltiples efectos de la pandemia por la COVID-19 se empiezan a ver a partir de la alteración de las cifras de estadísticas vitales. Esto se resume en cambios en las causas de muertes habituales y el exceso de mortalidad atribuible, lo que finalmente se puede ver en modificaciones estructurales de las poblaciones de los países. Por esta razón se crea esta investigación que tuvo como objetivo determinar el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 sobre la mortalidad materna, perinatal y neonatal en cuatro localidades de Bogotá D.C. (Colombia). METODOS: Se realizó una investigación de tipo longitudinal retrospectiva en el que se analizaron 217.419 datos de mortalidades las localidades de Kennedy, Fontibón, Bosa y Puente Aranda de la ciudad de Bogotá - Colombia ocurridas entre los años 2018 a 2021, de los cuales se determinaron las muertes maternas (54), perinatales (1.370) y neonatales (483) a fin de identificar antecedente de infección por SARS-CoV-2 que pudiera estar relacionada con el exceso de mortalidad asociada a la COVID-19. Los datos fueron recopilados de los registros abiertos de estadísticas vitales del Departamento Nacional de Estadística (DANE), en donde fueron analizados a partir de medidas de frecuencias o tendencia central y dispersión de acuerdo con los tipos de variables. Se calcularon los indicadores de mortalidad específicos relacionados con los eventos de muerte materna, perinatal y neonatal. RESULTADOS: Se evidenció una disminución en la mortalidad perinatal y neonatal desde el año 2020, la cual estuvo asociada a la disminución progresiva de embarazos en esos mismos años; de forma adicional se observó un aumento considerable de las muertes maternas para 2021 con respecto a los demás años analizados. La proporción de las muertes maternas en 2020 y 2021 en un 10% y 17%, respectivamente, se atribuyeron a la COVID-19. CONCLUSIONES: Se observa que la tendencia de la mortalidad materna está relacionada con el aumento de la mortalidad por la COVID-19, las muertes maternas asociadas a COVID-19 se presentaron específicamente en las unidades de planeación zonal que registraron más de 160 casos de COVID-19 para el año 2021.

Health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy associated with congenital Zika infection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the health-related quality of life (QOL) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) associated with congenital Zika infection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a consecutive series of children, followed in a referral multicentric rehabilitation network in Brazil. We invited the caregivers to respond to the Brazilian version of the Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILDTM) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0™. We used absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 193 children, at mean age of 50.3±7.6 months. We observed a predominance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V (93.7%). Epilepsy (88.4%) was the most common comorbidity. CPCHILDTM mean scores were activities of daily living (ADL)/personal care 43.2±12.6; positioning, transferring and mobility 33.7±16.5; comfort and emotions 84.4±15.2; communication and social interaction (CoSI) 48.2±24.3; health 70.9±17.1; and overall quality of life (OQOL) 72.1±17.1. Total score was 54.8±11.3. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with cerebral palsy (CP) related to congenital Zika syndrome, the quality of life (QOL) scores were very similar to other populations with cerebral palsy (CP). The activities of positioning, transferring and mobility had the greatest impact on health-related quality of life (QOL). Rehabilitation strategies and public policies should prioritize aspects related to mobility for this population.

Reframing the local-global food systems debate through a resilience lens.

Despite the growing knowledge that food system solutions should account for interactions and drivers across scales, broader societal debate on how to solve food system challenges is often focused on two dichotomous perspectives and associated solutions: either more localized food systems or greater global coordination of food systems. The debate has found problematic expressions in contemporary challenges, prompting us to revisit the role that resilience thinking can play when faced with complex crises that increase uncertainty. Here we identify four 'aching points' facing food systems that are central points of tension in the local-global debate. We apply the seven principles of resilience to these aching points to reframe the solution space to one that embeds resilience into food systems' management and governance at all scales, supporting transformative change towards sustainable food systems.

COVID-19 en la mortalidad materna, perinatal y neonatal de cuatro localidades de Bogotá. Estudio descriptivo / COVID-19 in maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality in four locations in Bogotá. Descriptive study

Fundamentos: Los múltiples efectos de la pandemia por la COVID-19 se empiezan a ver a partir de la alteración de las cifrasde estadísticas vitales. Esto se resume en cambios en las causas de muertes habituales y el exceso de mortalidad atribuible, lo quefinalmente se puede ver en modificaciones estructurales de las poblaciones de los países. Por esta razón se crea esta investigaciónque tuvo como objetivo determinar el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 sobre la mortalidad materna, perinatal y neonatal encuatro localidades de Bogotá D.C. (Colombia).Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de tipo longitudinal retrospectiva en el que se analizaron 217.419 datos de mortalidades laslocalidades de Kennedy, Fontibón, Bosa y Puente Aranda de la ciudad de Bogotá - Colombia ocurridas entre los años 2018 a 2021, de loscuales se determinaron las muertes maternas (54), perinatales (1.370) y neonatales (483) a fin de identificar antecedente de infecciónpor SARS-CoV-2 que pudiera estar relacionada con el exceso de mortalidad asociada a la COVID-19. Los datos fueron recopilados delos registros abiertos de estadísticas vitales del Departamento Nacional de Estadística (DANE), en donde fueron analizados a partirde medidas de frecuencias o tendencia central y dispersión de acuerdo con los tipos de variables. Se calcularon los indicadores demortalidad específicos relacionados con los eventos de muerte materna, perinatal y neonatal.Resultados: Se evidenció una disminución en la mortalidad perinatal y neonatal desde el año 2020, la cual estuvo asociada a ladisminución progresiva de embarazos en esos mismos años; de forma adicional se observó un aumento considerable de las muertesmaternas para 2021 con respecto a los demás años analizados. La proporción de las muertes maternas en 2020 y 2021 en un 10% y17%, respectivamente, se atribuyeron a la COVID-19.Conclusiones: Se observa que la tendencia de la mortalidad materna está relacionada con el aumento de la mortalidad...(AU)

Background: The multiple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to be seen from the alteration of vital statisticsfigures. This is summarized in changes in the usual causes of death and excess attributable mortality, which can finally be seen instructural changes in the populations of the countries. For this reason, this research was created with the objective of determining theimpact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality in four locations in Bogotá D.C. (Colombia).Methods: A retrospective longitudinal investigation was carried out in which 217,419 mortality data were analyzed in the towns ofKennedy, Fontibón, Bosa and Puente Aranda in the city of Bogotá - Colombia that occurred between the years 2018 to 2021, of whichmaternal (54), perinatal (1,370) and neonatal (483) deaths in order to identify a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection that could be related tothe excess mortality associated with COVID-19. The data were collected from the open records of vital statistics of the National StatisticsDepartment (DANE), where they were analyzed from frequency measures or central tendency and dispersion according to the types ofvariables. The specific mortality indicators related to maternal, perinatal and neonatal death events were calculated.Results: A decrease in perinatal and neonatal mortality was evidenced since 2020, which was associated with the progressive de-crease in pregnancies in those same years; Additionally, a considerable increase in maternal deaths was observed for 2021 compared tothe other years analyzed. The proportion of maternal deaths in 2020 and 2021 by 10% and 17%, respectively, were attributed to COVID-19.Conclusions: It is observed that the trend of maternal mortality is related to the increase in mortality from COVID-19, maternaldeaths associated with COVID-19 occurred specifically in the zonal planning units that registered more than 160 cases of COVID-19for the year 2021.(AU)

Citrus Bright Spot Virus: A New Dichorhavirus, Transmitted by Brevipalpus azores, Causing Citrus Leprosis Disease in Brazil.

Citrus leprosis (CL) is the main viral disease affecting the Brazilian citriculture. Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) trees affected by CL were identified in small orchards in Southern Brazil. Rod-like particles of 40 × 100 nm and electron lucent viroplasm were observed in the nucleus of infected cells in symptomatic tissues. RNA extracts from three plants, which proved negative by RT-PCR for known CL-causing viruses, were analyzed by high throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing after RT-PCR. The genomes of bi-segmented ss(-)RNA viruses, with ORFs in a typical organization of members of the genus Dichorhavirus, were recovered. These genomes shared 98-99% nt sequence identity among them but <73% with those of known dichorhavirids, a value below the threshold for new species demarcation within that genus. Phylogenetically, the three haplotypes of the new virus called citrus bright spot virus (CiBSV) are clustered with citrus leprosis virus N, which is a dichorhavirus transmitted by Brevipalpus phoenicis sensu stricto. In CiBSV-infected citrus plants, B. papayensis and B. azores were found, but the virus could only be transmitted to Arabidopsis plants by B. azores. The study provides the first evidence of the role of B. azores as a viral vector and supports the assignment of CiBSV to the tentative new species Dichorhavirus australis.

Flux Growth, Crystal Structure, and Chemical Bonding of Yb2PdGe3, an AlB2 Superstructure within the Rare-Earth Series.

The complete structure revision of the RE2PdGe3 (RE = rare-earth metal) series revealed that Yb2PdGe3 is the only AlB2 ordered superstructure. Good-quality single crystals of this compound were successfully grown from molten indium flux, enabling accurate single-crystal investigations. Yb2PdGe3 crystallizes with the Ce2CoSi3-type structure in the hexagonal space group P6/mmm (no. 191) with lattice parameters a = 8.468(1) Å and c = 4.0747(7) Å. This structure is a four-order derivative of AlB2, composed of planar ∞2[PdGe3] honeycomb layers spaced by Yb species, located at the center of Ge6 and Ge4Pd2 hexagons. A superconducting transition is observed below the critical temperature of 4 K. A divalent state of Yb is deduced from magnetic susceptibility measurements below room temperature, which indicate an almost nonmagnetic behavior. A charge transfer from Yb to Pd and Ge was evidenced by the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) effective charges; polar four-atomic Ge-Pd/Yb and two-atomic Pd-Yb bonds were observed from the ELI-D (electron localizability indicator), partial ELI-D, and ELI-D/QTAIM intersections. The bonding interactions between Ge atoms within regular Ge6 hexagons are found to be intermediate between single bonds, as in elemental Ge, and higher-order bonds in the hypothetic Ge6H6 and Ge66- aromatic molecules.