Resilience and quality of life in patients who underwent mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19, one year after discharge: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 often experience severe long-term sequelae. This study aimed to assess resilience and Quality of Life (QoL) of patients who underwent mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19, one year after discharge. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients who received mechanical ventilation for severe COVID-19 and were assessed one-year post-discharge. Participants completed a structured questionnaire via telephone comprising the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale (PCFS). To establish the association between QoL and resilience, Spearman correlations were calculated between the PCFS and the CD-RISC. Linear regression models were adjusted to evaluate which factors were associated with QoL, with the total score of PCFS as the dependent variable. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were included in the analysis. The CD-RISC had a median score of 83 (IQR 74-91). The PCFS results showed that 61.3% (n = 138) of the patients were able to resume their daily activities without limitations. Among them, 37.3% (n = 84) were classified as Grade 0 and 24% (n = 54) as Grade 1. Mild and moderate functional limitations were found in 33.7% of the patients, with 24.8% (n = 56) classified as Grade 2 and 8.8% (n = 20) as Grade 3. Severe functional limitations (Grade 4) were observed in 4.8% (n = 11) of the patients. High CD-RISC scores were associated with lower levels of PCFS score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of critically ill patients who underwent mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19, 38% of patients experienced a significant decline in their QoL one year after hospital discharge. Finally, a high level of resilience was strongly associated with better QoL one year after discharge.

Fluid flow reconstruction around a free-swimming sperm in 3D.

We investigate the dynamics and hydrodynamics of a human spermatozoa swimming freely in 3D. We simultaneously track the sperm flagellum and the sperm head orientation in the laboratory frame of reference via high-speed high-resolution 4D (3D+t) microscopy, and extract the flagellar waveform relative to the body frame of reference, as seen from a frame of reference that translates and rotates with the sperm in 3D. Numerical fluid flow reconstructions of sperm motility are performed utilizing the experimental 3D waveforms, with excellent accordance between predicted and observed 3D sperm kinematics. The reconstruction accuracy is validated by directly comparing the three linear and three angular sperm velocities with experimental measurements. Our microhydrodynamic analysis reveals a novel fluid flow pattern, characterized by a pair of vortices that circulate in opposition to each other along the sperm cell. Finally, we show that the observed sperm counter-vortices are not unique to the experimental beat, and can be reproduced by idealised waveform models, thus suggesting a fundamental flow structure for free-swimming sperm propelled by a 3D beating flagellum.

Deep convolutional neural network for weld defect classification in radiographic images.

The quality of welds is critical to the safety of structures in construction, so early detection of irregularities is crucial. Advances in machine vision inspection technologies, such as deep learning models, have improved the detection of weld defects. This paper presents a new CNN model based on ResNet50 to classify four types of weld defects in radiographic images: crack, pore, non-penetration, and no defect. Stratified cross-validation, data augmentation, and regularization were used to improve generalization and avoid over-fitting. The model was tested on three datasets, RIAWELC, GDXray, and a private dataset of low image quality, obtaining an accuracy of 98.75 %, 90.255 %, and 75.83 %, respectively. The model proposed in this paper achieves high accuracies on different datasets and constitutes a valuable tool to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of quality control processes in the welding industry. Moreover, experimental tests show that the proposed approach performs well on even low-resolution images.

Building momentum through networks: Bioimaging across the Americas.

In September 2023, the two largest bioimaging networks in the Americas, Latin America Bioimaging (LABI) and BioImaging North America (BINA), came together during a 1-week meeting in Mexico. This meeting provided opportunities for participants to interact closely with decision-makers from imaging core facilities across the Americas. The meeting was held in a hybrid format and attended in-person by imaging scientists from across the Americas, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay. The aims of the meeting were to discuss progress achieved over the past year, to foster networking and collaborative efforts among members of both communities, to bring together key members of the international imaging community to promote the exchange of experience and expertise, to engage with industry partners, and to establish future directions within each individual network, as well as common goals. This meeting report summarises the discussions exchanged, the achievements shared, and the goals set during the LABIxBINA2023: Bioimaging across the Americas meeting.

Effect of tobacco use on Zenker's diverticulotomy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes in patients with and without history of tobacco use who underwent Zenker's diverticulotomy (ZD). STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent ZD via an open stapler, rigid endoscopic CO2 laser, stapler or harmonic scalpel, and flexible endoscopic technique from January 2006 to December 2020 was performed. Data were abstracted for patient demographics, diverticular features, and rates of adverse events and symptomatic recurrence. RESULTS: Out of 424 patients, 146 (34.4 %) had a history of tobacco use: 126 (29.7 %) were former smokers, and 20 (4.7 %) were active smokers. In univariable cross-sectional analyses, the likelihood of postoperative bleeding, perforation, emergency department visits, unplanned readmission, or recurrence did not demonstrate an association with tobacco use history even after adjustment for age, sex, and surgical approach. Similarly, in Cox Proportional Hazards regression, tobacco use was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence, even after correcting for age, sex, and type of surgery. The median time to recurrence observed in our cohort was 11.5 years amongst non-smokers, 8.7 years amongst former smokers, and 1.2 years amongst active smokers (p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in post-operative adverse events or frequency of recurrence of ZD between active, former, and non-smokers. Although underpowered and not statistically significant, median time to recurrence appears to be shorter in smokers when compared with former and non-smokers following surgery.

Machine learning regression algorithms to predict emissions from steam boilers.

Currently, the modeling of complex chemical-physical processes is drastically influencing industrial development. Therefore, the analysis and study of the combustion process of the boilers using machine learning (ML) techniques are vital to increase the efficiency with which this equipment operates and reduce the pollution load they contribute to the environment. This work aims to predict the emissions of CO, CO2, NOx, and the temperature of the exhaust gases of industrial boilers from real data. Different ML algorithms for regression analysis are discussed. The following are input variables: ambient temperature, working pressure, steam production, and the type of fuel used in around 20 industrial boilers. Each boiler's emission data was collected using a TESTO 350 Combustion Gas Analyzer. The modeling, with a machine learning approach using the Gradient Boosting Regression algorithm, showed better performance in the predictions made on the test data, outperforming all other models studied. It was achieved with predicted values showing a mean absolute error of 0.51 and a coefficient of determination of 99.80%. Different regression models (DNN, MLR, RFR, GBR) were compared to select the most optimal. Compared to models based on Linear Regression, the DNN model has better prediction performance. The proposed model provides a new method to predict CO2, CO, NOx emissions, and exhaust gas outlet temperature.

Feature-based 3D+t descriptors of hyperactivated human sperm beat patterns.

The flagellar movement of the mammalian sperm plays a crucial role in fertilization. In the female reproductive tract, human spermatozoa undergo a process called capacitation which promotes changes in their motility. Only capacitated spermatozoa may be hyperactivated and only those that transition to hyperactivated motility are capable of fertilizing the egg. Hyperactivated motility is characterized by asymmetric flagellar bends of greater amplitude and lower frequency. Historically, clinical fertilization studies have used two-dimensional analysis to classify sperm motility, despite the inherently three-dimensional (3D) nature of sperm motion. Recent research has described several 3D beating features of sperm flagella. However, the 3D motility pattern of hyperactivated spermatozoa has not yet been characterized. One of the main challenges in classifying these patterns in 3D is the lack of a ground-truth reference, as it can be difficult to visually assess differences in flagellar beat patterns. Additionally, it is worth noting that only a relatively small proportion, approximately 10-20% of sperm incubated under capacitating conditions exhibit hyperactivated motility. In this work, we used a multifocal image acquisition system that can acquire, segment, and track sperm flagella in 3D+t. We developed a feature-based vector that describes the spatio-temporal flagellar sperm motility patterns by an envelope of ellipses. The classification results obtained using our 3D feature-based descriptors can serve as potential label for future work involving deep neural networks. By using the classification results as labels, it will be possible to train a deep neural network to automatically classify spermatozoa based on their 3D flagellar beating patterns. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the descriptors by applying them to a dataset of human sperm cells and showing that they can accurately differentiate between non-hyperactivated and hyperactivated 3D motility patterns of the sperm cells. This work contributes to the understanding of 3D flagellar hyperactive motility patterns and provides a framework for research in the fields of human and animal fertility.

Quantitative changes in the corneal endothelium and central corneal thickness during anterior chamber inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To establish the effects of anterior chamber inflammation (ACI) on the corneal endothelium parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review using medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, VHL, and medRxiv) on March 8, 2023, for studies that included patients with ACI who had undergone specular microscopy or pachymetry. Case series with >10 patients, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using CLARITY tools and validated scales such as those by Hassan Murad et al. and Hoy et al. A narrative synthesis and a quantitative standardized mean difference meta-analysis, I2 heterogeneity assessment, and publication bias tests were conducted. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023420148) and approved by the Universidad del Rosario ethical committee (DVO005 2277- CV1712). RESULTS: Thirty-four studies, encompassing 1,388 eyes with ACI, were included. Compared with healthy controls, overall, ACI eyes show significant mean differences in endothelial parameters (endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HEX)) (P < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis compared with healthy controls, both active and chronic-recurrent ACI demonstrated a reduced ECD. An increased CV was observed in active, inactive, and chronic-recurrent ACI. Lower HEX was evident in inactive, acute, and chronic-recurrent ACI, while both active and acute ACI exhibited high CCT. CONCLUSION: ACI leads to significant alterations in endothelial parameters and CCT. The primary contributors to these changes are increased IOP, uveitis duration, and intraocular surgeries. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of ACI etiology on the endothelium, potential biases in IOP measurements during acute ACI episodes, and the potential necessity for monitoring the endothelial parameters and CCT in patients with chronic ACI.

Association of the MC4R gene with growth traits and meat quality in Colombian hair sheep.

Objective: The objective of this study was to associate the 1016G > A variant of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene with lamb's weight, growth, and meat quality in the Colombian hair sheep breed. Materials and Methods: A total of 168 lambs, weights were measured at birth weight (BW), at weaning adjusted weaning weight (AWW), at 6 months [adjusted weight (AW180)], at slaughter adjusted slaughter weight (ASW), daily weight gain preweaning daily gain (preWDG), and postweaning daily gain (postWDG) weaning, and after slaughter, pH, texture, and cook-loss (CL) in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle according to the American Meat Science Association methodology. The 1016G > A genotypes were obtained by sequencing. Genotypic and allele frequencies, heterozygosities, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were estimated. Using a generalized linear model, the genotype and the allelic substitution effect were associated with the evaluated traits. Results: The heterozygous genotype (0.48) and G allele (0.61) were the most frequent. Heterozygosities were similar (0.47), indicating HWE. The genotype affected the BW (p < 0.05), with a higher value for the GG genotype (2.69 kg). AWW (12.75 kg), AW180 (19.67 kg), and ASW (31.21 kg) weights and daily weight gain (preWDG = 115.41 gm; postWDG = 96.16 gm) were not associated. Average pH, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and CL were 5.75 units, 49.46 N, and 32.02%, with no genotype effect. The G > A substitution only affected BW at -388 gm (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 1016G > A variant is polymorphic and affects the BW but not other growth traits or the meat quality of the LTL muscle.

Development and Validation of a New Score to Assess the Risk of Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a serious complication of solid organ transplantation. It is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events, which are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a score to predict the risk of PTDM in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Medellín, Colombia, between 2005 and 2019. Data from 727 kidney transplant recipients were used to develop a risk prediction model. Significant predictors with competing risks were identified using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard regression models. To build the prediction model, the score for each variable was weighted using calculated regression coefficients. External validation was performed using independent data, including 198 kidney transplant recipients from Tübingen, Germany. Results: Among the 727 kidney transplant recipients, 122 developed PTDM. The predictive model was based on 5 predictors (age, gender, body mass index, tacrolimus therapy, and transient posttransplantation hyperglycemia) and exhibited good predictive performance (C-index: 0.7 [95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.76]). The risk score, which included 33 patients with PTDM, was used as a validation data set. The results showed good discrimination (C-index: 0.72 [95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.84]). The Brier score and calibration plot demonstrated an acceptable fit capability in external validation. Conclusions: We proposed and validated a prognostic model to predict the risk of PTDM, which performed well in discrimination and calibration, and is a simple score for use and implementation by means of a nomogram for routine clinical application.

Adaptation of YOLOv7 and YOLOv7_tiny for Soccer-Ball Multi-Detection with DeepSORT for Tracking by Semi-Supervised System.

Object recognition and tracking have long been a challenge, drawing considerable attention from analysts and researchers, particularly in the realm of sports, where it plays a pivotal role in refining trajectory analysis. This study introduces a different approach, advancing the detection and tracking of soccer balls through the implementation of a semi-supervised network. Leveraging the YOLOv7 convolutional neural network, and incorporating the focal loss function, the proposed framework achieves a remarkable 95% accuracy in ball detection. This strategy outperforms previous methodologies researched in the bibliography. The integration of focal loss brings a distinctive edge to the model, improving the detection challenge for soccer balls on different fields. This pivotal modification, in tandem with the utilization of the YOLOv7 architecture, results in a marked improvement in accuracy. Following the attainment of this result, the implementation of DeepSORT enriches the study by enabling precise trajectory tracking. In the comparative analysis between versions, the efficacy of this approach is underscored, demonstrating its superiority over conventional methods with default loss function. In the Materials and Methods section, a meticulously curated dataset of soccer balls is assembled. Combining images sourced from freely available digital media with additional images from training sessions and amateur matches taken by ourselves, the dataset contains a total of 6331 images. This diverse dataset enables comprehensive testing, providing a solid foundation for evaluating the model's performance under varying conditions, which is divided by 5731 images for supervised system and the last 600 images for semi-supervised. The results are striking, with an accuracy increase to 95% with the focal loss function. The visual representations of real-world scenarios underscore the model's proficiency in both detection and classification tasks, further affirming its effectiveness, the impact, and the innovative approach. In the discussion, the hardware specifications employed are also touched on, any encountered errors are highlighted, and promising avenues for future research are outlined.

Human sperm rotate with a conserved direction during free swimming in four dimensions.

Head rotation in human spermatozoa is essential for different swimming modes and fertilisation, as it links the molecular workings of the flagellar beat with sperm motion in three-dimensional (3D) space over time. Determining the direction of head rotation has been hindered by the symmetry and translucent nature of the sperm head, and by the fast 3D motion driven by the helical flagellar beat. Analysis has been mostly restricted to two-dimensional (2D) single focal plane image analysis, which enables tracking of head centre position but not tracking of head rotation. Despite the conserved helical beating of the human sperm flagellum, human sperm head rotation has been reported to be uni- or bi-directional, and even to intermittently change direction in a given cell. Here, we directly measure the head rotation of freely swimming human sperm using multi-plane 4D (3D+t) microscopy and show that: (1) 2D microscopy is unable to distinguish head rotation direction in human spermatozoa; (2) head rotation direction in non-capacitating and capacitating solutions, for both aqueous and viscous media, is counterclockwise (CCW), as seen from head to tail, in all rotating spermatozoa, regardless of the experimental conditions; and (3) head rotation is suppressed in 36% of spermatozoa swimming in non-capacitating viscous medium, although CCW rotation is recovered after incubation in capacitating conditions within the same viscous medium, possibly unveiling an unexplored aspect of the essential need of capacitation for fertilisation. Our observations show that the CCW head rotation in human sperm is conserved. It constitutes a robust and persistent helical driving mechanism that influences sperm navigation in 3D space over time, and thus is of critical importance in cell motility, propulsion of flagellated microorganisms, sperm motility assessments, human reproduction research, and self-organisation of flagellar beating patterns and swimming in 3D space.

Instrumento de Detección de Necesidades de Capacitación en Psicología de Cuidados Paliativos: Diseño y validación / Palliative Care Psychology Training Needs Assessment Instrument: Design and validation

Introducción. Los psicólogos tienen un papel relevante en el manejo integral en la atención de pacientes en cuidados paliativos y su familia, por lo que deben contar con competencias específicas para proporcionar la atención psicológica en los diferentes niveles de atención en salud. Objetivo: Diseñar un Instrumento de Detección de Necesidades de Capacitación en Psicología de Cuidados Paliativos (IDNCPsic-CP), analizar su validez y confiabilidad. Método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, transversal mediante una encuesta en línea para psicólogos que laboraran en Unidades/Servicios de Cuidados Paliativos en México. Se utilizó un muestreo por conveniencia. Resultados: La muestra total fue de 132 profesionales del Psicología. El IDNCPsic-CP en su versión final fue de 122 reactivos divididos en características generales del psicólogo y la institución, proceso de atención y la Detección de Necesidades de Capacitación se conformó por 3 subescalas: a) Relevancia donde en el Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (AFE) se agrupó en 7 factores (alpha de Cronbach de ,930), y en el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) se confirmaron sólo 4. b) Frecuencia donde el AFE identificó 4 factores, (alpha de cronbach de .977), y en el AFC los siguientes índices de ajuste: χ2/gl= 1,784; CFI=0,917; TLI=0,908, SRMR=0,054 y RMSEA =0,077; y c) Autopercepción de habilidades con un solo factor, (alfa de Cronbach=0.945), el AFC con índices de ajuste: χ2/gl= 1,519; CFI=0,994; TLI=0,987, SRMR=0,023 y RMSEA=0,063. Conclusiones: El IDCNPsic-CP cuenta con puntuaciones altas de validez, confiabilidad y ajuste, que confirman que el instrumento cuenta con las propiedades psicométricas para su uso (AU)

Introduction. Psychologists have a relevant role in the comprehensive management of palliative care patients and their families, so they must have specific competencies to provide psychological care at different levels of health care. Objective: To design an Instrument for the Detection of Training Needs in Palliative Care Psychology (IDNCPsic-CP) and to analyze validity and reliability. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey for psychologists working in Palliative Care Units/Services in Mexico. Convenience sampling was used. Results: The total sample was 132 psychology professionals. The final version of the IDNCPsic-CP consisted of 122 items divided into general characteristics of the psychologist and the institution, process of care and Detection of Training Needs was made up of 3 subscales: a) Relevance, where in the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) it was grouped into 7 factors (cronbach’s alpha of .930), and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) only 4 were confirmed. b) Frequency where EFA identified 4 factors, (cronbach’s alpha of .977), and in CFA the following adjustment indexes: χ2/gl= 1.784; CFI .917; TLI=.908, SRMR=.054 and RMSEA =.077; and c) Self-perception of skills with a single factor, (Cronbach’s alpha=0.945), the AFC with fit indices: χ2/gl= 1.519; CFI=0.994; TLI=0.987, SRMR=0.023 and RMSEA=0.063. Conclusions: The IDCNPsic-CP has high validity, reliability, and fit scores, which confirm that the instrument has the psychometric properties for use (AU)

Discapacidad y calidad de vida después de un accidente de tránsito en Medellín y su área metropolitana. Estudio de cohorte

Objetivo: Comparar al año, el funcionamiento, calidad de vida (cv), dolor y depresión entre adultos menores y mayores de 60 años que tuvieron lesiones moderadas y graves en accidentes de tránsito ocurridos en Medellín y su área metropolitana. Metodología: Análisis secundario de dos cohortes de pacientes con lesiones moderadas y graves ocurridas en Medellín y su área metropolitana en 2009-2010 y 2015-2016. Se hizo evaluación para el funcionamiento, la cv, depresión y el dolor, con instrumentos validados para ello. Las diferencias entre las cohortes 12 meses después del accidente se compararon con t-Student. Se hizo un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para determinar los factores explicativos de discapacidad y cv. Resultados: Se incluyeron 837 pacientes, de los cuales el 84,8 % completó el seguimiento. La motocicleta fue el principal vehículo involucrado (86,1 y 60,7 %). Se observó mejor funcionamiento en mayores de 60 años en cuidado personal, y mayor compromiso en las actividades de la vida diaria, laborales y funcionamiento global. La cv fue significativamente mejor en menores, en desempeño emocional, desempeño físico y función física. En el análisis multivariado, el mayor compromiso en el funcionamiento fue explicado por ser mujer, tener más edad, lesión más grave, mayor dolor y depresión. La mejor cv fue explicada por ser hombre, menos edad, menor gravedad de la lesión, dolor y síntomas depresivos. Conclusiones: La edad, el sexo, la gravedad de la lesión, el dolor y la depresión explican la discapacidad y las dimensiones de la cv 12 meses después del accidente de tránsito.

Objective: To compare functioning, quality of life (QoL), pain, and depression at one year between adults under and over 60 years of age who had moderate and severe injuries in traffic accidents in Medellin and its metropolitan area. Methodology: Secondary analysis of two cohorts of patients with moderate and severe injuries that occurred in Medellín and its metropolitan area in 2009-2010 and 2015-2016. They were evaluated at baseline and 12 months with functioning (who-das ii), QoL (sf-36), pain (vas), and depression (phq-9). The differences between cohorts 12 months after the accident were compared with t-Student test. A multiple linear regression analysis was done to determine factors related to disability and QoL. Results: 837 patients were included, 84,8% completed the follow-up. The motorcycle was the main vehicle involved (86,1% vs. 60,7). Better functioning was observed in people over 60 years of age in personal care, and greater commitment in activities of daily living, work and global functioning. QoL was significantly better in minors, in emotional performance, physical performance and physical function. In the multivariate analysis, the greater compromise in functioning was explained by being female, older, more severe injury, greater pain, and depression. The best QoL was explained by being male, younger, less severe injury, pain, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Age, sex, injury severity, pain, and depression explain disability and QoL dimensions 12 months after the traffic accident.

Objetivo: Comparar a funcionalidade, qualidade de vida (QV), dor e depressão entre adultos com menos e mais de 60 anos de idade que sofreram lesões moderadas e graves em acidentes de trânsito ocorridos em Medellín e sua região metropolitana. Metodologia: Análise secundária de duas coortes de pacientes com lesões moderadas e graves que ocorreram em Medellín e sua área metropolitana em 2009-2010 e 2015-2016. Foi feita avaliação funcional, cv, depressão e dor, com instrumentos validados para isso. As diferenças entre as coortes 12 meses após o acidente foram comparadas com o teste t de Student. Uma análise de regressão linear múltipla foi realizada para determinar os fatores explicativos para deficiência e cv. Resultados: foram incluídos 837 pacientes, dos quais 84,8% completaram o seguimento. A motocicleta foi o principal veículo envolvido (86,1 e 60,7%). Melhor funcionamento foi observado em pessoas com mais de 60 anos nos cuidados pessoais e maior comprometimento nas atividades de vida diária, trabalho e funcionamento global. A QV foi significativamente melhor nos menores, no desempenho emocional, no desempenho físico e na função física. Na análise multivariada, o maior comprometimento funcional foi explicado por ser mulher, ser mais velho, lesão mais grave, maior dor e depressão. A melhor QV foi explicada por ser homem, menor idade, menor gravidade da lesão, dor e sintomas depressivos. Conclusões: Idade, sexo, gravidade da lesão, dor e depressão explicam as dimensões de incapacidade e QV 12 meses após o acidente de trânsito.

Differential histological features and myogenic protein levels in distinct muscles of d-sarcoglycan null muscular dystrophy mouse model.

Skeletal muscle (SkM) comprises slow and fast-twitch fibers, which differ in molecular composition, function, and systemic energy consumption. In addition, muscular dystrophies (DM), a group of diverse hereditary diseases, present different patterns of muscle involvement, progression, and severity, suggesting that the regeneration-degeneration process may differ depending on the muscle type. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the expression of proteins involved in the repair process in different muscles at an early stage of muscular dystrophy in the δ-sarcoglycan null mice (Sgcd-null), a limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2 F model. Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) Staining showed a high number of central nuclei in soleus (Sol), tibialis (Ta), gastrocnemius (Gas), and extensor digitorum longus (Edl) from four months Sgcd-null mice. However, fibrosis, determined by trichrome of Gomori modified staining, was only observed in Sgcd-null Sol. In addition, the number of Type I and II fibers variated differentially in the Sgcd-null muscles vs. wild-type muscles. Besides, the protein expression level of ß-catenin, myomaker, MyoD, and myogenin also presented different expression levels in all the Sgcd-null muscles studied. In summary, our study reveals that muscles with different metabolic characteristics showed distinct expression patterns of proteins involved in the muscle regeneration process. These results could be relevant in designing therapies for genetic and acquired myopathy.

Application of Seaweed Generates Changes in the Substrate and Stimulates the Growth of Tomato Plants.

Ulva ohnoi is a cosmopolitan green seaweed with commercial potential given the biomass that may be generated. We evaluated the effects of substrate changes induced by U. ohnoi application on the vegetative response of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. First, the decomposition dynamics and N release of the dry seaweed biomass were studied using the litterbag method. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of seaweed powder (SP) or seaweed extract (SE) applications on substrate and plant growth. Additionally, the growth parameters responses evaluated were related to the changes in substrate properties associated with each treatment. The results showed that the dry seaweed biomass has a rapid rate of degradation (k = 0.07 day-1) and N release (k = 0.024 day-1). The SP application improved the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the substrate by increasing the availability of minerals, the fungi:bacteria ratio, and the growth morphophysiological parameters (length, area, dry and fresh weight), chlorophyll and mineral content. In contrast, SE treatment showed a positive effect on the root, mineral content, and soil microbes. This study highlights the agricultural potential of U. ohnoi powder as an alternative supplement that supports nutrition and promotes the vegetative growth of plants cultivated in soilless horticultural systems.

Toward Practical Integration of Omic and Imaging Data in Co-Clinical Trials.

Co-clinical trials are the concurrent or sequential evaluation of therapeutics in both patients clinically and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) pre-clinically, in a manner designed to match the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the agent(s) used. The primary goal is to determine the degree to which PDX cohort responses recapitulate patient cohort responses at the phenotypic and molecular levels, such that pre-clinical and clinical trials can inform one another. A major issue is how to manage, integrate, and analyze the abundance of data generated across both spatial and temporal scales, as well as across species. To address this issue, we are developing MIRACCL (molecular and imaging response analysis of co-clinical trials), a web-based analytical tool. For prototyping, we simulated data for a co-clinical trial in "triple-negative" breast cancer (TNBC) by pairing pre- (T0) and on-treatment (T1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the I-SPY2 trial, as well as PDX-based T0 and T1 MRI. Baseline (T0) and on-treatment (T1) RNA expression data were also simulated for TNBC and PDX. Image features derived from both datasets were cross-referenced to omic data to evaluate MIRACCL functionality for correlating and displaying MRI-based changes in tumor size, vascularity, and cellularity with changes in mRNA expression as a function of treatment.

Quality of life related to both general and oral health two years after treatment for subcondylar fracture.

The success of treatment for condylar fractures is usually assessed by functional outcomes, while studies on patient perceptions are scarce. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the middle-term quality of life, related to both general health and oral health, of patients treated for subcondylar fracture, either by open reduction or by closed fixation, compared to healthy volunteers. In a single trauma centre, among 226 consecutive patients with subcondylar fractures that were treated in years 2018-2019 (two to three years prior to the survey), 148 fulfilled the selection criteria. They were classified as those with other facial fractures that were treated by open reduction (n = 79), and those without other fractures that were treated either by open reduction (n = 34) or by closed fixation (n = 35). An age matched group of healthy volunteers (n = 65) also participated in the study. All participants replied to the Short-Form-Health-Survey (SF-36) and the Oral-Health-Impact-Profile (OHIP-49), using the social messenger platform WhatsApp. The SF-36 showed that patients with closed-fixation reported better mental health than patients with open reduction, but worse than healthy volunteers. Contrariwise, on the OHIP-49, compared to patients with open reduction (with/without other facial fractures) and to healthy volunteers, patients with closed-fixation reported worse quality of life on physical pain, psychological discomfort, and physical disability. The influence of age was evident just on the OHIP-49, on the report of physical limitation and physical pain. Two to three years after the subcondylar fracture, patients treated either by open reduction or closed fixation might report decreased quality of life compared to healthy volunteers; patients treated by open reduction might report lesser mental health related quality of life (SF-36), but superior oral health related quality of life (OHIP-49) than patients treated by closed fixation.

The role of L-carnitine in bovine embryo metabolism. A review of the effect of supplementation with a metabolic modulator on in vitro embryo production.

Early embryo development is driven first by the maternal RNAs and proteins accumulated during the oocyte's cytoplasmic maturation and then after the embryo genome activation. In mammalian cells, ATP generation occurs via oxidative pathways or by glycolysis, whereas in embryonic stem cells, the consumption of glucose, pyruvate, lipids, and amino acids results in ATP synthesis. Although the bovine embryo has energy reserves in glycogen and lipids, the glycogen concentration is deficient. Conversely, lipids represent the most abundant energy reservoir of bovine embryos, where lipid droplets-containing triacylglycerols are the main fatty acid stores. Oocytes of many mammalian species contain comparatively high amounts of lipids stored as droplets in the ooplasm. L-carnitine has been described as a cofactor that facilitates the mobilization of fatty acids present in the oocyte's cytoplasm into the mitochondria to facilitate ß-oxidation processes. However, the L-carnitine effects by addition to media in the in vitro produced embryos on the quality are highly disputed and contradictory by different researchers. This review's objective was to explore the effect that the addition of L-carnitine on culture media could have on the overall bovine embryo production in vitro, from the oocyte metabolism to the modulation of gene expression in the developing embryos.

Medicinal Plants with Anti-dengue and Immunomodulatory Activity.

Dengue fever is a disease with a high mortality rate around the world, which is an important issue for the health authorities of many countries. As a result of this, the search for new drugs that are effective to combat this disease has become necessary. Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times to treat a wide list of diseases, including dengue fever. In this mini-review, 12 medicinal plants with known pharmacological properties are presented, which have been used in studies to evaluate their antiviral activity in vitro tests. Among the chemical agents involved in the antiviral response, found in the alcoholic extracts of these plants, are flavonoids, terpenes and alkaloids, which within the mechanism of action in blocking viral replication are considered entry inhibitors, fusion inhibitors, translation inhibitors and protease inhibitors. The present work shows whether these plants possess antiviral activity and the chemical compounds involved in this response.