Effectiveness of tricalcium silicate-based cements: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Tricalcium silicate-based cements exhibit several beneficial properties for dental health and biocompatibility, which can induce biomineralisation. Objectives: To assess the sealing ability and intratubular penetration of tricalcium silicate-based sealers using warm and cold obturation techniques. Materials and Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for endodontically treated teeth with bioceramics and their sealing capacity in root canal obturation published up to February 2023. Results: Of the 90 articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria, and only 10 were used for the meta-analysis, of which four addressed intratubular penetration, four addressed sealing capacity, and two addressed both variables. In the sealing capacity group, the meta-analysis concluded a standardised mean difference (SMD) of -1.31 in favour of the test group (warm) with a certain nonsignificant trend (p = 0.081); regarding intratubular penetration, the meta-analysis concluded an SMD = 2.34 in favour of the test group (warm) with significantly greater penetration (p = 0.032). Conclusion: The warm obturation technique introduced significantly greater intratubular penetration than the cold technique, along with a remarkably superior sealing capacity compared to the cold technique, approaching statistical significance.

Comparison of aesthetic treatments for molar-incisor hypomineralisation: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a developmental defect that predominantly targets the first permanent molars and incisors and consists of hypomineralisation of the enamel. A range of treatment options are available to improve aesthetics in this condition, including resin infiltration, bleaching techniques, restorations, microabrasion, and laser therapy. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse the effects of treatments on changes in enamel colour in teeth with MIH lesions and determine whether resin infiltration is the most aesthetic treatment. Material and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Scopus databases until December 2022. The addressed PICO question was: "Is resin Infiltration the most effective treatment for restoring aesthetics in comparison to other treatments in patients with Molar incisor hypomineralisation?''. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted with the selected studies to integrate the information using R.51 software (R Core Team (2013)). Results: In total, 678 articles were obtained from the initial search, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies concluded that resin infiltration was the most successful treatment method in the aesthetic rehabilitation of MIH lesions. Six of the eleven articles were included in the meta-analysis, which indicated that the treatments generated substantial colour changes. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provided significant data suggesting that resin infiltration is the most effective treatment for achieving aesthetic improvements in MIH lesions, with the meta-analysis providing a significant result (p = 0.051) in favour of the hypothesis.

Cuidados al final de la vida en unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal de Iberoamérica: una mirada desde la perspectiva de enfermería / End-of-life care in neonatal intensive care units in Iberoamerica: A look from the nursing perspective

Introducción: Los cuidados al final de la vida (CFV) son una parte fundamental de la asistencia al recién nacido ingresado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal (UCIN). El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar cómo se implementan los CFV en UCIN de Iberoamérica. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en 2022 mediante encuesta vía correo electrónico y redes oficiales de SIBEN a profesionales de enfermería de UCIN de países de Iberoamérica, sobre aspectos relacionados con los CFV. Recolección y análisis de datos con REDCap y STATA 14.0. Resultados: Obtuvimos 400 respuestas de enfermeros/as de 11 países, el 73% procedentes de hospitales terciarios. El 86% de los respondedores eran responsables directos de brindar CFV, si bien un 48% dijeron no haber recibido formación. Solo 67 (17%) afirmaron que la UCIN en la que trabajan cuenta con un protocolo. Las acciones que se implementan durante los CFV fueron infrecuentes (≤50%) en todos los ítems explorados y muy poco frecuentes (<20%) en permitir el acceso libre de familiares, contar con privacidad, brindar asistencia psicológica, registrar el proceso en la historia clínica, asistir con los procesos burocráticos u otorgar un plan de seguimiento para el duelo. Conclusión: La mayoría de los profesionales de enfermería encuestados eran responsables directos de proveer CFV, pero no contaban con protocolos, no habían recibido capacitación y consideraron que los CFV podrían mejorarse significativamente. Las estrategias para los CFV en la región iberoamericana requieren ser optimizadas.(AU)

Introduction: End-of-life care (ELC) represents a quality milestone in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The objective of this study was to explore how ELC are carried out in NICUs in Iberoamerica. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out in 2022 through the administration of an anonymous survey sent to neonatal nursing professionals. The survey included general data and work activity data; existence and contents of ELC protocols in the NICU and training received. The survey was distributed by email and published on official SIBEN social networks. REDCap and STATA 14.0 software were used for data collection and analysis. Results: We obtained 400 responses from nurses from 11 countries, 73% working in third level hospitals. A percentage of 86 of the respondents are directly responsible for providing ELC, although 48% of them said they had not received training on this subject. Only 67 (17%) state that the NICU in which they work has a protocol that establishes a strategy for performing the ELC. Finally, the actions that are implemented during the ELC are globally infrequent (≤50%) in all the items explored and very infrequent (<20%) in relation to allowing free access to family members, having privacy, providing psychological assistance, register the process in the medical record, assist with bureaucratic processes or grant a follow-up plan for grief. Conclusion: Most of the nursing professionals surveyed are directly responsible for this care, do not have protocols, have not received training, and consider that the ELC could be significantly improved. Strategies for ELCs in the Ibero-American region need to be optimized.(AU)

End-of-life care in neonatal intensive care units in Iberoamerica: A look from the nursing perspective.

INTRODUCTION: End-of-life care (ELC) represents a quality milestone in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The objective of this study was to explore how ELC are carried out in NICUs in Iberoamerica. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, through the administration of an anonymous survey sent to neonatal nursing professionals. The survey included general data and work activity data; existence and contents of ELC protocols in the NICU and training received. The survey was distributed by email and published on official SIBEN social networks. REDCap and STATA 14.0 software were used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: We obtained 400 responses from nurses from 11 countries in the Ibero-American region. 86% of the respondents are directly responsible for providing ELC, although 48% of them said they had not received training on this subject. Only 67 (17%) state that the NICU in which they work has a protocol that establishes a strategy for performing the ELC. Finally, the actions that are implemented during the ELC are globally infrequent (≤50%) in all the items explored and very infrequent (<20%) in relation to allowing free access to family members, having privacy, providing psychological assistance, register the process in the medical record, assist with bureaucratic processes or grant a follow-up plan for grief. CONCLUSION: Most of the nursing professionals surveyed are directly responsible for this care, do not have protocols, have not received training, and consider that the ELC could be significantly improved. Strategies for ELCs in the Ibero-American region need to be optimized.

Riboflavin bio-enrichment of soy beverage by selected roseoflavin-resistant and engineered lactic acid bacteria.

Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the ability to synthesize riboflavin, a trait linked to the presence of ribG, ribB, ribA and ribH genes located in the rib operon. Previous screening of riboflavin producers identified several LAB strains belonging to different species with this ability, but none of them surpassed 0.25 mg/L production of the vitamin. In this study, we explored two strategies to obtain riboflavin-overproducing strains: by roseoflavin selection of mutants, and by the transformation of selected strains with plasmids pNZ:TuR.rib or pNZ:TuB.rib containing the genes ribG, ribB, ribA and ribH from Lactococcus cremoris MG1363. The resulting riboflavin-overproducing strains were able to produce yields between 0.5 and 6 mg/L in culture media and several of them were selected for the fermentation of soy beverages. Riboflavin in bio-enriched soy beverages was evaluated by direct fluorescence measurement and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence analysis. Soy beverages fermented with the recombinant strains Lactococcus cremoris ESI 277 pNZ:TuB.rib and Lactococcus lactis INIA 12 pNZ:TuR.rib showed the highest riboflavin yields (>5 mg/L) after 24 h fermentation. On the other hand, roseoflavin-resistant mutant Limosilactobacillus fermentum INIA P143R2 was able to enrich fermented soy beverages with 1.5 mg/L riboflavin. Riboflavin-overproducing LAB strains constitute a good option for riboflavin enrichment of soy beverages by fermentation and the commercialization of such beverages could be very useful to prevent riboflavin deficiency.

Controversies in the treatment of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The treatment of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still a controversial issue. Thanks to the 8th edition of TNM by AJCC there is a better distinction between the stages of OSCC. However, Stages I and II still share the same treatment protocol, even if the prognosis is radically different. A retrospective study has been conducted including 70 previously untreated patients with Stage I or II OSCC, treated with tumorectomy and selective neck dissection. The study focuses on the link between pT1/2 and various other factors, particularly histological grading, vascular and perineural invasion, local and cervical recurrence, surgical margins and overall survival. These data reveal significant differences between pT1 and pT2 in histological grade, perineural invasion, cervical recurrence, surgical margins, and overall survival, emphasizing the necessity of different treatment protocols for T1 and T2 OSCC. Distinct strategies should be proposed to treat Stage I and II OSCC, with Stage II patients possibly benefitting from more aggressive treatments: following these data, a wait-and-see strategy should only be considered in Stage I, while certain treatments at the cervical level - such as prophylactic neck dissection and sentinel node biopsy - should always be considered for Stage II tumors.

Diesel exhaust particles exposure exacerbates pro-thrombogenic plasma features ex-vivo after cerebral ischemia and accelerates tPA-induced clot-lysis in hypertensive subjects.

The combustion of fossil fuels, mainly by diesel engines, generates Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) which are the main source of Particulate Matter (PM), a major air pollutant in urban areas. These particles are a risk factor for stroke with 5.6% of cases attributed to PM exposure. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of DEP exposure on clot formation and lysis in the context of stroke. An ex-vivo clot formation and lysis turbidimetric assay has been conducted in human and mouse plasma samples from ischemic stroke or control subjects exposed to DEP or control conditions. Experimental DEP exposure was achieved by nasal instillation in mice, or by ex-vivo exposure in human plasma. Results show consistent pro-thrombogenic features in plasma after human ischemic stroke and mouse cerebral ischemia (distal MCAo), boosted by the presence of DEP. Otherwise, thrombolysis times were increased after ischemia in chronically exposed mice but not in the DEP exposed group. Finally, subjects living in areas with high PM levels presented accelerated thrombolysis compared to those living in low polluted areas. Overall, our results point at a disbalance of the thrombogenic/lytic system in presence of DEP which could impact on ischemic stroke onset, clot size and thrombolytic treatment.

Proteomic and Global DNA Methylation Modulation in Lipid Metabolism Disorders with a Marine-Derived Bioproduct.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our recent findings showed that RCI-1502, a bioproduct derived from the muscle of the European S. pilchardus, has lipid-lowering effects in the liver and heart in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. In the present follow-up study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of RCI-1502 on gene expression and DNA methylation in HFD-fed mice and in patients with dyslipidemia. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 75 proteins in RCI-1502 that are primarily involved in binding and catalytic activity and which regulate pathways implicated in cardiovascular diseases. In HFD-fed mice, RCI-1502 treatment significantly reduced the expression of cardiovascular disease-related genes, including vascular cell adhesion molecule and angiotensin. RCI-1502 also decreased DNA methylation levels, which were elevated in HFD-fed mice, to levels similar to those in control animals. Furthermore, peripheral blood leukocyte DNA from dyslipidemic patients exhibited higher DNA methylation levels than healthy individuals, suggesting a potential association with cardiovascular risk. Serum analysis also revealed that RCI-1502 treatment regulated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with dyslipidemia. Our findings appear to suggest that RCI-1502 is an epigenetic modulator for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, specifically in individuals with dyslipidemia.

Riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según escala Finnish Diabetes Risk Score en atención primaria / Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus According to the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score in Primary care

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2, representa 90-95 por ciento de todas las diabetes, es una enfermedad crónica potencialmente prevenible, la escala Finnish Diabetes Risk Score es uno de los instrumentos más utilizados a nivel mundial para evaluar el riesgo de presentar diabetes en 10 años con enfoque fácil y económico. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes en los próximos 10 años según escala Finnish Diabetes Risk Score en pacientes en una Unidad Médica Familiar de México. Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico, se aplicó la escala Finnish Diabetes Risk Score a 383 pacientes y se analizaron las variables implicadas en dicha escala, las variables edad e índice de masa corporal se describieron con medidas de tendencia central, las variables sexo, escolaridad, así como aquellas dicotómicas y de intervalo, mediante razones y proporciones. Se midió asociación mediante Odds Ratio para dicotómicas y coeficiente de Spearman para numéricas. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 47 años, predominó el sexo femenino, el 71,5 por ciento reportó sedentarismo, el 51,9 por ciento refirió un familiar de primer grado con diabetes, se determinó probabilidad del 67 por ciento de tener peso normal al realizar actividad física diaria; se determinó una probabilidad del 65 por ciento de presentar prediabetes si se tiene sobrepeso u obesidad, se determinó asociación lineal entre índice de masa corporal y edad, el riesgo predominante para desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en 10 años fue alto. Conclusiones: El riesgo de desarrollar diabetes en 10 años en la población estudiada fue elevado y se relacionó con falta de actividad física, antecedentes familiares y sobrepeso(AU)

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, accounts for 90-95 percent of all diabetes. It is a potentially preventable chronic disease. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score is one of the most widely used instruments worldwide to assess the risk of developing diabetes in 10 years with an easy and inexpensive approach. Objective: To determine the risk of developing diabetes in the next 10 years according to the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score in patients in a Family Medical Unit in Mexico. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score was applied to 383 patients and the variables involved in this scale were analyzed. The variables age and body mass index were described with measures of central tendency, while the variables gender, schooling, as well as dichotomous and interval variables, were described by ratios and proportions. Association was measured by Odds Ratio for dichotomous variables and Spearman's coefficient for numerical variables. Results: The average age was 47 years and female gender predominated. Sedentary lifestyle was reported by 71.5 percent and 51.9 percent reported a first-degree relative with diabetes. A 67percent probability of having a normal weight was determined when performing daily physical activity. In addition, a 65percent probability of having prediabetes was established if overweight or obese, and a linear association was found between body mass index and age. The predominant risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in 10 years was high. Conclusions: The risk of developing diabetes in 10 years in the studied population was high and was related to lack of physical activity, family history and overweight(AU)

Hypermetabolism in mice carrying a near-complete human chromosome 21.

The consequences of aneuploidy have traditionally been studied in cell and animal models in which the extrachromosomal DNA is from the same species. Here, we explore a fundamental question concerning the impact of aneuploidy on systemic metabolism using a non-mosaic transchromosomic mouse model (TcMAC21) carrying a near-complete human chromosome 21. Independent of diets and housing temperatures, TcMAC21 mice consume more calories, are hyperactive and hypermetabolic, remain consistently lean and profoundly insulin sensitive, and have a higher body temperature. The hypermetabolism and elevated thermogenesis are likely due to a combination of increased activity level and sarcolipin overexpression in the skeletal muscle, resulting in futile sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) activity and energy dissipation. Mitochondrial respiration is also markedly increased in skeletal muscle to meet the high ATP demand created by the futile cycle and hyperactivity. This serendipitous discovery provides proof-of-concept that sarcolipin-mediated thermogenesis via uncoupling of the SERCA pump can be harnessed to promote energy expenditure and metabolic health.

Hypermetabolism in mice carrying a near complete human chromosome 21.

The consequences of aneuploidy have traditionally been studied in cell and animal models in which the extrachromosomal DNA is from the same species. Here, we explore a fundamental question concerning the impact of aneuploidy on systemic metabolism using a non-mosaic transchromosomic mouse model (TcMAC21) carrying a near complete human chromosome 21. Independent of diets and housing temperatures, TcMAC21 mice consume more calories, are hyperactive and hypermetabolic, remain consistently lean and profoundly insulin sensitive, and have a higher body temperature. The hypermetabolism and elevated thermogenesis are due to sarcolipin overexpression in the skeletal muscle, resulting in futile sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA) activity and energy dissipation. Mitochondrial respiration is also markedly increased in skeletal muscle to meet the high ATP demand created by the futile cycle. This serendipitous discovery provides proof-of-concept that sarcolipin-mediated thermogenesis via uncoupling of the SERCA pump can be harnessed to promote energy expenditure and metabolic health.

DNA Methylation as a Biomarker for Monitoring Disease Outcome in Patients with Hypovitaminosis and Neurological Disorders.

DNA methylation remains an under-recognized diagnostic biomarker for several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we examined differences in global DNA methylation (5mC) levels in serum samples from patients during the initial- and the follow-up visits. Each patient underwent a blood analysis and neuropsychological assessments. The analysis of 5mC levels revealed two categories of patients; Group A who, during the follow-up, had increased 5mC levels, and Group B who had decreased 5mC levels. Patients with low Fe-, folate-, and vitamin B12- levels during the initial visit showed increased levels of 5mC after treatment when assessed during the follow-up. During the follow-up, 5mC levels in Group A patients increased after treatment for hypovitaminosis with the nutraceutical compounds Animon Complex and MineraXin Plus. 5mC levels were maintained during the follow-up in Group A patients treated for neurological disorders with the bioproducts AtreMorine and NeoBrainine. There was a positive correlation between 5mC levels and MMSE scores, and an inverse correlation between 5mC and ADAS-Cog scores. This expected correlation was observed in Group A patients only. Our study appears to indicate that 5mC has a diagnostic value as a biomarker across different pathologies.

Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Study of trans-Cinnamic Acid and Derivatives on the Parasitic Weed Cuscuta campestris.

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a parasitic weed responsible for severe yield losses in crops worldwide. The selective control of this weed is scarce due to the difficult application of methods that kill the parasite without negatively affecting the infected crop. trans-Cinnamic acid is secreted by plant roots naturally into the rhizosphere, playing allelopathic roles in plant-plant communities, although its activity in C. campestris has never been investigated. In the search for natural molecules with phytotoxic activity against parasitic weeds, this work hypothesized that trans-cinnamic acid could be active in inhibiting C. campestris growth and that a study of a series of analogs could reveal key structural features for its growth inhibition activity. In the present structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, we determined in vitro the inhibitory activity of trans-cinnamic acid and 24 analogs. The results showed that trans-cinnamic acid's growth inhibition of C. campestris seedlings is enhanced in eight of its derivatives, namely hydrocinnamic acid, 3-phenylpropionaldehyde, trans-cinnamaldehyde, trans-4-(trifluoromethyl)cinnamic acid, trans-3-chlorocinnamic acid, trans-4-chlorocinnamic acid, trans-4-bromocinnamic acid, and methyl trans-cinnamate. Among the derivatives studied, the methyl ester derivative of trans-cinnamic acid was the most active compound. The findings of this SAR study provide knowledge for the design of herbicidal treatments with enhanced activity against parasitic weeds.

The aggregate effects of government income transfers shocks: EU evidence.

This paper estimates the aggregate effects of government income transfers shocks for a sample of EU countries. I construct a new measure of transfers shocks based on a dataset by public finance experts of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The identification strategy consists of a narrative analysis of policy actions in old age pensions reported in the ESCB dataset. I find that increases in old age pensions have a positive impact on aggregate expenditure components and employment consistent with a multiplier effect between 0 and 1.

Baculovirus-mediated expression of a Helicobacter pylori protein-based multiepitope hybrid gene induces a potent B cell response in mice.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that is present in over half of the world's population. The colonization of the stomach́s gastric mucosa by H. pylori is related to the onset of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and cancer. The estimated deaths from gastric cancer caused by this bacterial infection are in the 15,000-150,000 range. Current treatment for controlling the colonization of H. pylori includes the administration of two to four antibiotics and a gastric ATPase proton pump inhibitor. Nevertheless, the bacterium has shown increased resistance to antibiotics. Despite an extensive list of attempts to develop a vaccine, no approved vaccine against H. pylori is available. Recombinant viruses are a novel alternative for the control of primary pathogenic agents. In this work, we employed a baculovirus that carries a Thp1 transgene coding for nine H. pylori epitopes, some from the literature, and others were selected in silico from the sequence of H. pylori proteins (carbonic anhydrase, urease B subunit, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, Lpp20, Cag7, and CagL). We verified the expression of this hybrid multiepitopic protein in HeLa cells. Mice were inoculated with the recombinant baculovirus Bac-Thp1 using various administration routes: intranasal, intragastric, intramuscular, and a combination of intranasal and intragastric. We identified a strong adjuvant-independent IgG-antibody response in the serum of recombinant baculovirus-Thp1 inoculated mice, which was specific for a strain of H. pylori isolated from a human patient. The bacterium-specific IgG-antibodies were present in sera 125 days after the first vaccine administration. Also, H. pylori-specific IgA-antibodies were found in feces at 82 days after the first inoculation. A baculovirus-based vaccine for H. pylori is promising for controlling this pathogen in humans.

A Modified Technique for Harvesting Scapular Tip Flap and to Allow 2 Teams to Work at the Same Time.

AIM: The main aim of the present report is to describe a modified technique of tip scapular flap harvesting to allow 2 surgical teams to work at the same time and to shorten surgical times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 25 patients that had undergone maxillary or mandibular reconstruction by using a free scapular tip flap were retrospectively reviewed to identify the possible advantages and disadvantages of this type of flap. RESULTS: Thirteen patients analyzed in this series underwent maxillary reconstruction with tip scapular flap, while the other 12 patients underwent mandibular reconstruction. No failures, partial failures, or infections were evidenced in this series. Scapular tip flap allowed for acceptable esthetic and functional outcomes. In all cases, the patient was placed supine. No major complications were observed at the donor site during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Scapular tip flap might be extremely useful for head and neck reconstruction. Pedicle length, versatility, and reliability represent the major advantages of this reconstructive recourse. Moreover, the resistance of the scapular vascular system to atherosclerosis could be helpful in patients showing contraindications to free fibula flaps.

Efecto de la pandemia en la cirugía radical del cáncer vesical / Effect of the pandemic on radical surgery for bladder cancer

Objetivo: El advenimiento de la pandemia de síndrome respiratorio agudo por coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ha tenido un impacto en el manejo del resto de las patologías por la elevada presión asistencial generada. Por su historia natural, el cáncer vesical susceptible de cistectomía radical (CR) requiere especial atención. Nuestro objetivo es comparar los resultados perioperatorios y oncológicos de estos pacientes durante el estado de alarma respecto a la era pre-COVID en un centro de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo y analítico. Pacientes intervenidos de cistectomía radical por neoplasia entre abril de 2019 y marzo de 2021 divididos en dos grupos, abril 2019-marzo 2020 (n = 42) y abril 2020-marzo 2021 (n = 43). Resultados: Ambos grupos resultaron ser homogéneos. La mediana de espera desde la resección transuretral de vejiga hasta la realización de la CR no aumentó (82,5 vs. 83 días, p = = 0,860). No se observan tampoco diferencias en la estadificación TNM de las piezas quirúrgicas. Los tumores localmente avanzados no aumentaron significativamente (18 vs. 21, p = 0,580). La presencia de afectación ganglionar tampoco presentó diferencias significativas (10 vs. 13, p = 0,675). La estancia media disminuyó en un valor cercano a significación (mediana en días: 11 vs. 8, p = 0,056) sin que ello asociase un mayor número de complicaciones o de reingresos a los 30 días. Conclusión:: En nuestra serie no hemos constatado diferencias significativas en los resultados perioperatorios y oncológicos de pacientes tratados mediante CR durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Introduction: The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic (caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] has had an impact on the management of other pathologies due to the high healthcare pressure generated. Due to its natural history, bladder cancer amenable to radical cystectomy requires special attention. We aim to compare the perioperative and oncological results of these patients during the alarm state with respect to the pre-COVID era in a tertiary care center. Material and methods: Observational descriptive and analytical retrospective research. Patients who underwent radical cistectomy because of bladder cancer between April 2019 to March 2021, divided in two groups, April 2019-March 2020 (n = 42) and April 2020-March 2021 (n = 43). Results: Both groups turned out to be homogeneous. The median wait time from transurethral resection of the bladder to radical cystectomy did not increase (82.5 vs. 83 days, p = 0.860). No differences were observed in the TNM staging of the surgical specimens. Locally advanced tumors did not increase significantly (18 vs. 21, p = 0.580). The presence of lymph node involvement did not present significant differences either (10 vs. 13, p = 0.675). The average stay decreased by a value close to significance (median in days 11 vs. 8, p = 0.056) without being associated with a greater number of complications or readmissions at 30 days. Conclusion: In our series, we have not found significant differences in the perioperative and oncological results of patients treated by radical cystectomy during the COVID-19 pandem

Identification of Structural Features of Hydrocinnamic Acid Related to Its Allelopathic Activity against the Parasitic Weed Cuscuta campestris.

Cuscuta campestris is a parasitic weed species that inflicts worldwide noxious effects in many broadleaf crops due to its capacity to withdraw nutrients and water directly from the crop vascular system using haustorial connections. Cuscuta campestris control in the majority of crops affected is non-existent, and thus, research for the development of control methods is needed. Hydrocinnamic acid occurs naturally in the rhizosphere, playing regulatory roles in plant-plant and plant-microbe communities. The toxicity of hydrocinnamic acid against C. campestris was recently identified. In the present work, a structure-activity relationship study of 21 hydrocinnamic acid analogues was performed to identify key structural features needed for its allelopathic action against the seedling growth of this parasitic plant. The findings of this study provide the first step for the design of herbicides with enhanced activity for the control of C. campestris infection.

Requirement of hepatic pyruvate carboxylase during fasting, high fat, and ketogenic diet.

Pyruvate has two major fates upon entry into mitochondria, the oxidative decarboxylation to acetyl-CoA via the pyruvate decarboxylase complex or the biotin-dependent carboxylation to oxaloacetate via pyruvate carboxylase (Pcx). Here, we have generated mice with a liver-specific KO of pyruvate carboxylase (PcxL-/-) to understand the role of Pcx in hepatic mitochondrial metabolism under disparate physiological states. PcxL-/- mice exhibited a deficit in hepatic gluconeogenesis and enhanced ketogenesis as expected but were able to maintain systemic euglycemia following a 24 h fast. Feeding a high-fat diet to PcxL-/- mice resulted in animals that were resistant to glucose intolerance without affecting body weight. However, we found that PcxL-/- mice fed a ketogenic diet for 1 week became severely hypoglycemic, demonstrating a requirement for hepatic Pcx for long-term glycemia under carbohydrate-limited diets. Additionally, we determined that loss of Pcx was associated with an induction in the abundance of lysine-acetylated proteins in PcxL-/- mice regardless of physiologic state. Furthermore, liver acetyl-proteomics revealed a biased induction in mitochondrial lysine-acetylated proteins. These data show that Pcx is important for maintaining the proper balance of pyruvate metabolism between oxidative and anaplerotic pathways.

Bullying According to Gender, and Immigration Background in Spanish Students.

BACKGROUND: Boys are more frequent aggressors than girls, but there are no conclusive findings on gender differences in victimization. There is a relationship between immigration background and bullying, but differences between generations are still debated. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: 1) to analyze victimization according to gender and immigration background (first and second generation); 2) to compare the attitudes of students against bullying based on these variables. METHOD: A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was carried out, considering gender and immigration background as independent variables, and types of offline bullying (physical, verbal and relational) as dependent variables. The sample was made up of 6,335 Spanish students (50.1% girls; 49.9% boys; average age: 15.83, DT: 0.29). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were detected in types of bullying (considered together) and in attitudes against bullying according to gender and immigration background (p <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Being a first-generation immigrant stands out as the main risk factor. Findings are discussed as to the need to address cultural victimization in schools.