Haptic experience to significantly motivate anatomy learning in medical students.

BACKGROUND: Currently, multiple tools exist to teach and learn anatomy, but finding an adequate activity is challenging. However, it can be achieved through haptic experiences, where motivation is the means of a significant learning process. This study aimed to evaluate a haptic experience to determine if a tactile and painting with color marker interactive experience, established a better learning process in comparison to the traditional 2D workshop on printed paper with photographs. METHODS: Plaster bone models of the scapulae, humerus and clavicle were elaborated from a computerized scan tomography. Second year undergraduate medical students were invited to participate, where subjects were randomly assigned to the traditional 2D method or the 3D plaster bone model. A third group decided not to join any workshop. Following, all three groups were evaluated on bone landmarks and view, laterality, muscle insertions and functions. 2D and 3D workshop students were asked their opinion in a focus group and answered a survey regarding the overall perception and learning experience. Evaluation grades are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and answers from the survey are presented as percentages. RESULTS: The survey demonstrated the students in the 3D model graded the experience as outstanding, and in five out of the six questions, answers were very good or excellent. In contrast, for students participating in the 2D workshop the most common answers were fair or good. The exception was the answer regarding the quiz, where both groups considered it good, despite the average among all groups not being a passing grade. CONCLUSIONS: To learn the anatomy of the shoulder, the conventional methodology was compared with a haptic experience, where plaster bone models were used, enabling students to touch and paint on them. Based on the focus group and survey this study revealed the 3D workshop was an interactive experience where, the sense of touch and painting greatly contributed to their learning process. Even though this activity was useful in terms of learning bone landmarks, view muscle insertions, and establish relations, further activities must be developed to increase their understanding regarding their function, and its relevance in a clinical setting.

Karyotypic Reshuffling in the Genus Rhipidomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) Revealed by Zoo-FISH.

INTRODUCTION: Rhipidomys is the second most specious and the most widespread genus of the tribe Thomasomyini. Chromosomal data have been an important tool in the taxonomy of the group that presents low variability of diploid number (2n) and highly variable fundamental numbers (FNs). Despite such diversity, the genus has been studied mainly by classical and banding cytogenetic techniques. METHODS: This study performed a comparative study between R. emiliae (2n = 44, FN = 52), R. macrurus (2n = 44, FN = 49), R. nitela (2n = 50, FN = 71), and R. mastacalis (2n = 44, FN = 72) using chromosome painting probes of two Oryzomyini species. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed pericentric inversion as the main rearrangement involved in the karyotype evolution of the group, although tandem fusions/fissions were also detected. In addition, we detected eight syntenic associations exclusive of the genus Rhipidomys, and three syntenic associations shared between species of the tribe Thomasomyini and Oryzomyini. CONCLUSION: Comparative cytogenetic analysis by ZOO-FISH on genus Rhipidomys supports a pattern of chromosomal rearrangement already suggested by comparative G-banding. However, the results suggest that karyotype variability in the genus could also involve the occurrence of an evolutionary new centromere.

The effect of mandala coloring on anxiety and quality of life of women in the climacteric period: a randomized controlled study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of mandala coloring on anxiety and quality of life of women in the climacteric period. METHODS: This research was conducted as an experimental study based on a randomized controlled pre-test and post-test model (single-blind). The study was conducted with women in the climacteric period who presented to a training and research hospital in a western city of Turkey between November 1, 2022, and April 28, 2023. Participants were divided into mandala coloring (n=38) and control groups (n=38). RESULTS: According to the women's socio-demographic and descriptive characteristics, mean age, body mass index, and frequency of menopausal symptoms were similar in both groups. The mean post-test scores of the women in the mandala coloring group on the state-trait anxiety inventory and menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual subscales (29.71±5.22, 0.86±0.97, 0.53±0.61, 0.79±0.84, and 0.92±1.24, respectively) were lower than the mean post-test scores of the women in the control group on the same scales (41.02±1.20, 1.79±1.76, 1.49±1.39, 1.72±1.38, and 1.95±1.82, respectively) (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Mandala coloring reduces menopause-related anxiety levels and improves quality of life effectively.

Cytotaxonomy and Molecular Analyses of Mycteria americana (Ciconiidae: Ciconiiformes): Insights on Stork Phylogeny.

Although molecular information for the wood stork (Mycteria americana) has been well described, data concerning their karyotypical organization and phylogenetic relationships with other storks are still scarce. Thus, we aimed to analyze the chromosomal organization and diversification of M. americana, and provide evolutionary insights based on phylogenetic data of Ciconiidae. For this, we applied both classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques to define the pattern of distribution of heterochromatic blocks and their chromosomal homology with Gallus gallus (GGA). Maximum likelihood analyses and Bayesian inferences (680 bp COI and 1007 bp Cytb genes) were used to determine their phylogenetic relationship with other storks. The results confirmed 2n = 72, and the heterochromatin distribution pattern was restricted to centromeric regions of the chromosomes. FISH experiments identified fusion and fission events involving chromosomes homologous to GGA macrochromosome pairs, some of which were previously found in other species of Ciconiidae, possibly corresponding to synapomorphies for the group. Phylogenetic analyses resulted in a tree that recovered only Ciconinii as a monophyletic group, while Mycteriini and Leptoptlini tribes were configured as paraphyletic clades. In addition, the association between phylogenetic and cytogenetic data corroborates the hypothesis of a reduction in the diploid number throughout the evolution of Ciconiidae.

Microanalytical Characterization of an Innovative Modern Mural Painting Technique by SEM-EDS, NMR and Micro-ATR-FTIR among Others.

During the 20th century, modern painters experimented with different mediums and painting techniques, one of them was Rafael Coronel in his mural painting, Paisaje Abstracto (Abstract landscape). The painting was created with a peculiar pouring technique and an unknown binding medium; ageing produced fractures and severe conservation problems. Therefore, the characterization of the painting medium became an urgent matter in order to understand the current condition of the painting and to develop a proper treatment. The aim of this research was to characterize the chemical composition and painting technique of Paisaje Abstracto. To approach this goal two microsamples were taken and analyzed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), micro attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-ATR-FTIR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analysis allowed for the identification of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as inorganic pigments; aluminosilicate fillers; poly(methyl methacrylate) (pMMA) as a binder; MMA monomer, red organic pigment PR181; benzoyl peroxide, dibutyl phthalate and 1-octadecanol as organic additives. This study presents an innovative painting technique with pMMA, a medium not commonly used by artists, which was probably polymerized onto the painting support.

Rock art: the body culture of movement before Brazil / Arte rupestre: a cultura corporal do movimento antes do Brasil / Arte rupestre: la cultura del cuerpo del movimiento antes de Brasil

This investigation discusses the relationship between the body culture of movement and two rock art scenes located in the Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara, (Serra da Capivara National Park) - PNSC, in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The scenes depict a flic flac and a human pyramid, which have been accepted in contemporaneity as gymnastics and acrobatics. An interdisciplinary theoretical apparatus based on Physical Education and its relationships with Archeology and Anthropology was used in the analysis. The analysis is based on inferences, as nothing guarantees that the hands that portrayed the scenes had the same intentions as the authors of the research. One of the findings understands that motor skills helped the daily demands of adversity for the survival of the group. In another point of view, based on the Ilinx concept, flic flac satisfies the search for a trance/vertigo vital to ritualistic liturgy, and the human pyramid serves the imperative task of consolidating cooperative bonds and trust between its members in a hostile environment. (AU)

A investigação discute as relações entre duas artes rupestres - flic flac e a pirâmide humana -, admitidas na contemporaneidade como ginástica e acrobacia, localizadas no Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara - PNSC, no Estado do Piauí, Brasil, e a cultura corporal do movimento. Utilizou-se de um aparato teórico interdisciplinar fundamentado na Educação Física e suas relações com a Arqueologia e Antropologia na análise. Trata-se de inferências, pois nada garante que as mãos que retrataram as cenas tinham a intencionalidade dos autores da pesquisa. Uma das ilações entende que as habilidades motoras auxiliavam as demandas do cotidiano de adversidades para sobrevivência do grupo. Por outro prisma, a partir do conceito de Ilinx, o flic flac atende a busca de um transe/vertigem vital a liturgia ritualística, e, a pirâmide humana serve a imperiosa tarefa de consolidar os laços cooperativos e de confiança entre os seus membros em um ambiente hostil. (AU)

Esta investigación discute la relación entre la cultura corporal del movimiento y dos escenas de arte rupestre ubicadas en el Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara/PNSC, en el estado de Piauí, Brasil. Las escenas representan flic flac y pirámide humana, que han sido aceptadas en la contemporaneidad como gimnasia y acrobacia. Se utilizó en el análisis un aparato teórico interdisciplinario basado en la Educación Física y sus relaciones con la Arqueología y la Antropología. El análisis se basa en inferencias, nada garantiza que las manos que retrataron las escenas tuvieran las mismas intenciones que los autores de la investigación. Uno de los hallazgos comprende que la motricidad ayudó a las exigencias diarias de la adversidad para la supervivencia del grupo. En otro punto de vista, basado en el concepto Ilinx, flic flac satisface la búsqueda de trance/vértigo vital para la liturgia ritualista, y la pirámide humana cumple la tarea imperativa de consolidar lazos de cooperación y confianza entre sus miembros en un ambiente hostil. (AU)

Decreasing the Symptoms of Essential Tremor With Medical Painting Therapy.

Introduction Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder in the elderly. Bilateral postural tremor usually involves the hands and forearms; the primary diagnostic criteria can be with or without a kinetic tremor. Anticonvulsants are frequently prescribed as a primary medication, and botulinum toxin and deep brain stimulation as secondary options. In this case report, a patient with ET received medical painting therapy guided by the principles of anthroposophy and the work of Liane Collot d´Herbois. Case Presentation A 78-year-old woman presented ET, depression and bipolar symptoms. Additionally, she reported insomnia, constipation, lumbar pain, and sciatic pain. Current medications included lithium carbonate, folic acid, levothyroxine, and zinc, and she had refused to take propranolol for her ET. She agreed to begin medical painting therapy. Over 5 months, she had 16 sessions of medical painting therapy, carried out in 2 stages. The first stage consisted of 6 free painting sessions for patient evaluation, followed by the second stage of 10 therapeutic sessions. Conclusion The patient reported an increased quality of life (including emotional aspects) and a decrease in her ET, as evidenced by the patient's handwriting. Further research is needed to understand the strengths and limitations of this therapy for ET and related conditions.

Chromosome Painting in Gymnotus carapo "Catalão" (Gymnotiformes, Teleostei): Dynamics of Chromosomal Rearrangements in Cryptic Species.

The genus Gymnotus is a large monophyletic group of freshwater weakly-electric fishes, with wide distribution in Central and South America. It has 46 valid species divided into six subgenera (Gymnotus, Tijax, Tigre, Lamontianus, Tigrinus and Pantherus) with large chromosome plasticity and diploid numbers (2n) ranging from 34 to 54. Within this rich diversity, there is controversy about whether Gymnotus (Gymnotus) carapo species is a single widespread species or a complex of cryptic species. Cytogenetic studies show different diploid numbers for G. carapo species, ranging from 40 to 54 chromosomes with varied karyotypes found even between populations sharing the same 2n. Whole chromosome painting has been used in studies on fish species and recently has been used for tracking the chromosomal evolution of Gymnotus and assisting in its cytotaxonomy. Comparative genomic mapping using chromosome painting has shown more complex rearrangements in Gymnotus carapo than shown in previous studies by classical cytogenetics. These studies demonstrate that multiple chromosome pairs are involved in its chromosomal reorganization, suggesting the presence of a complex of cryptic species due to a post zygotic barrier. In the present study, metaphase chromosomes of G. carapo occidentalis "catalão" (GCC, 2n = 40, 30m/sm+10st/a) from the Catalão Lake, Amazonas, Brazil, were hybridized with whole chromosome probes derived from the chromosomes of G. carapo (GCA, 2n = 42, 30m/sm+12st/a). The results reveal chromosome rearrangements and a high number of repetitive DNA sites. Of the 12 pairs of G. carapo chromosomes that could be individually identified (GCA 1-3, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16 and 18-21), 8 pairs (GCA 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 14, 20, 21) had homeology conserved in GCC. Of the GCA pairs that are grouped (GCA [4, 8], [5, 17], [10, 11] and [12, 13, 15]), most kept the number of signals in GCC (GCA [5, 17], [10, 11] and [12, 13, 15]). The remaining chromosomes are rearranged in the GCC karyotype. Analysis of both populations of the G. carapo cytotypes shows extensive karyotype reorganization. Along with previous studies, this suggests that the different cytotypes analyzed here may represent different species and supports the hypothesis that G. carapo is not a single widespread species, but a group of cryptic species.

Chromosomal Rearrangements and Origin of the Multiple XX/XY1Y2 Sex Chromosome System in Harttia Species (Siluriformes: Loricariidae).

The Neotropical genus Harttia comprises species with extensive chromosomal remodeling and distinct sex chromosome systems (SCSs). So far, three different SCSs with male heterogamety have been characterized in the group. In some species, the presence of the XX/XY1Y2 SCS is associated with a decrease in diploid numbers and several chromosomal rearrangements, although a direct relation to sex chromosome differentiation has not been shown yet. Here, we aimed to investigate the differentiation processes that have led to the establishment of the rare XX/XY1Y2 SCS and track its evolutionary history among other Harttia species. For that, four whole chromosome painting probes derived from chromosome 1 of H. torrenticola (HTO-1), chromosomes 9 and X of H. carvalhoi (HCA-9 and HCA-X), and chromosome X from H. intermontana (HIN-X) were applied in nine Harttia species. Homeologous chromosome blocks were located in Harttia species and demonstrated that Robertsonian (Rb) fusions originated HTO-1, HCA-9, and HCA-X chromosomes, while Rb fissions explain Y1 and Y2 sex chromosomes. Specifically, in H. intermontana, HCA-X, HCA-9, and the NOR-bearing chromosome demonstrated that homeologous blocks were used in the HIN-X and metacentric pair 2 origins. Consequently, diploid numbers changed between the studied species. Overall, the data also reinforce the existence of unstable genomic sites promoting chromosomal differentiation and remodeling within the genus Harttia.

El arte, la pintura y la reumatología a través de la historia: apuntes y consideraciones reflexivas de un reumatólogo cubano / Art, painting and rheumatology through history: notes and reflective considerations of a Cuban rheumatologist

Desde la antigüedad existe una interrelación entre arte y medicina, y una representación de la reumatología y las enfermedades reumáticas. En nuestra revisión incluimos información sobre los periodos cronológicos de la historia en la Europa medieval, en la América prehispánica, y aborigen en Cuba representada por el arte de los taínos, grupo de mayor desarrollo. Repasamos aspectos sociopolíticos y de la cultura general, y reflexionamos sobre la importancia de los paleopatólogos y reumatólogos estudiosos de estos temas, que evidenciaron en la antigüedad en momias y restos fósiles, la presencia de enfermedades como el mal de Pott, osteomielitis y espondiloartropatías. Se reseñan publicaciones de cómo los artistas mostraron en sus pinturas y esculturas algunas enfermedades reumáticas como la gota, artritis reumatoide, artritis reumatoide juvenil y deformidades óseas angulares entre otras. Destacamos obras de los grandes maestros en las que se expresan algunas manifestaciones reumáticas como en el Nacimiento de Venus de Sandro Botticelli o las Tres Gracias de Peter Paul Rubens. Se ofrecen datos históricos del surgimiento de la reumatología, los próceres de la especialidad en Europa y el continente americano, su organización en Ligas regionales como la panamericana (PANLAR), y la modesta contribución de la reumatología cubana mediante algunos logros alcanzados como su integración a organizaciones internacionales de reumatología y osteoporosis como PANLAR, ACCAR, IOF, SIBOMM, y la realización de decenas de eventos internacionales publicaciones de libros, artículos en revistas, la creación de la Revista Cubana de Reumatología, el fomento de la docencia posgrado, y los premios y reconocimientos científicos en eventos internacionales entre otros, todo lo cual permite hoy esbozar pasajes de la historia de la reumatología continental y de Cuba, a través de la visión del arte desde la antigüedad a la contemporaneidad(AU)

The Art, Painting and Rheumatology through the history: Notes and reflective Considerations of a Cubans rheumatologist. We carry out an extensive review on some aspects that we consider relevant in "the world of art and its evolution ", developed by primitive man in prehistory, antiquity with the greatness of classicism in architecture, sculpture and painting, focused on its interrelation with the also "art of medicine", rheumatology and rheumatic diseases. We include information on the chronological periods of history in medieval Europe, pre-Hispanic in America, and aboriginal in Cuba, the Caribbean island represented by the art of the Taínos. We review socio-political aspects, and reflect on the capital importance of paleopathologists and rheumatologists studying these issues, which they evidenced in antiquity in Europe and in pre-Hispanic America in mummies and fossil remains, with the presence of diseases such as Pott's disease, osteomyelitis, and spondyloarthropathies. We review to, how the artists showed in their paintings and sculptures some rheumatic diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, angular bone deformities among others. We highlight works by the great masters in which some rheumatic manifestations are expressed, such as the Birth of Venus, or the three Graces of geniuses such as Sandro Botticelli and Peter Paul Rubens. We review historical data on the emergence of rheumatology, their organization in regional leagues such as the Pan-American League (PANLAR), and the contribution of Cuban rheumatology, at the integration into international organizations of rheumatology and osteoporosis such as PANLAR, ACCAR, IOF, SIBOMM, and the realization of dozens of international events, publications of books, articles in magazines, the creation of the Cuban journal of rheumatology, the promotion of postgraduate teaching, obtaining prizes and scientific recognitions in international events among others. These, today allows us to sketch passages in the history of continental rheumatology and Cuba, through the vision of art since ancient times to contemporary(AU)

Physical and Chemical Characterisation of the Pigments of a 17th-Century Mural Painting in the Spanish Caribbean.

The arrival of Spaniards in the Caribbean islands introduced to the region the practice of applying pigments onto buildings. The pigments that remain on these buildings may provide data on their historical evolution and essential information for tackling restoration tasks. In this study, a 17th-century mural painting located in the Cathedral of Santo Domingo on the Hispaniola island of the Caribbean is characterised via UV-VIS-NIR, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM/EDX. The pigments are found in the older Chapel of Our Lady of Candelaria, currently Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy. The chapel was built in the 17th century by black slave brotherhood and extended by Spaniards. During a recent restoration process of the chapel, remains of mural painting appeared, which were covered by several layers of lime. Five colours were identified: ochre, green, red, blue and white. Moreover, it was determined that this mural painting was made before the end of the 18th century, because many of the materials used were no longer used after the industrialisation of painting. However, since both rutile and anatase appear as a white pigment, a restoration may have been carried out in the 20th century, and it has been painted white.

Chromosomal Instability and Origin of B Chromosomes in the Amazonian Glass Tetra Moenkhausia oligolepis (Günther, 1864) (Characiformes, Characidae).

B chromosomes occur in different species of the small characid fishes of the genus Moenkhausia. These supernumerary elements, that do not recombine with chromosomes of the standard A complement and follow their own evolutionary mechanism vary in number, morphology, and distribution. Here, we show karyotypic data of individuals of 2 populations of Moenkhausia oligolepis of the Brazilian Amazon (Pedro Correia and Taboquinha streams, Tocantins river basin), both with a diploid number of 50 chromosomes and karyotypic formula of 10m + 32sm + 8a. In addition to the normal complement, we also observed the occurrence of B chromosomes in the 2 populations with intra- and interindividual variation ranging from 0 to 10 Bs, independent of sex. The C-banding pattern evidenced heterochromatic blocks located mainly in the pericentromeric region of the chromosomes, while the B chromosomes appeared euchromatic. Silver-stained nucleolus organizer regions were identified in multiples sites, and some of these blocks were positive when stained with chromomycin A3. The karyotype analysis and the application of whole-chromosome painting in populations of M. oligolepis reinforce the conservation of the basal diploid number for the genus, as well as the evolutionary tendency in these fishes to carry B chromosomes. Both populations turned out to be in different stages of stability and expansion of their B chromosomes. We further suggest that the origin of these chromosomes is due to the formation of isochromosomes. Here, we identified a pair of complement A chromosomes involved in this process.

Analysis of multiple chromosomal rearrangements in the genome of Willisornis vidua using BAC-FISH and chromosome painting on a supposed conserved karyotype.

BACKGROUND: Thamnophilidae birds are the result of a monophyletic radiation of insectivorous Passeriformes. They are a diverse group of 225 species and 45 genera and occur in lowlands and lower montane forests of Neotropics. Despite the large degree of diversity seen in this family, just four species of Thamnophilidae have been karyotyped with a diploid number ranging from 76 to 82 chromosomes. The karyotypic relationships within and between Thamnophilidae and another Passeriformes therefore remain poorly understood. Recent studies have identified the occurrence of intrachromosomal rearrangements in Passeriformes using in silico data and molecular cytogenetic tools. These results demonstrate that intrachromosomal rearrangements are more common in birds than previously thought and are likely to contribute to speciation events. With this in mind, we investigate the apparently conserved karyotype of Willisornis vidua, the Xingu Scale-backed Antbird, using a combination of molecular cytogenetic techniques including chromosome painting with probes derived from Gallus gallus (chicken) and Burhinus oedicnemus (stone curlew), combined with Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) probes derived from the same species. The goal was to investigate the occurrence of rearrangements in an apparently conserved karyotype in order to understand the evolutionary history and taxonomy of this species. In total, 78 BAC probes from the Gallus gallus and Taeniopygia guttata (the Zebra Finch) BAC libraries were tested, of which 40 were derived from Gallus gallus macrochromosomes 1-8, and 38 from microchromosomes 9-28. RESULTS: The karyotype is similar to typical Passeriformes karyotypes, with a diploid number of 2n = 80. Our chromosome painting results show that most of the Gallus gallus chromosomes are conserved, except GGA-1, 2 and 4, with some rearrangements identified among macro- and microchromosomes. BAC mapping revealed many intrachromosomal rearrangements, mainly inversions, when comparing Willisornis vidua karyotype with Gallus gallus, and corroborates the fissions revealed by chromosome painting. CONCLUSIONS: Willisornis vidua presents multiple chromosomal rearrangements despite having a supposed conservative karyotype, demonstrating that our approach using a combination of FISH tools provides a higher resolution than previously obtained by chromosome painting alone. We also show that populations of Willisornis vidua appear conserved from a cytogenetic perspective, despite significant phylogeographic structure.

El Finlay de Albaijés / Finlay painting by Albaijés

La labor científica del doctor Carlos J. Finlay Barrés ha motivado el trabajo de artistas que lo han homenajeado con obras que constituyen auténticos patrimonios artísticos y culturales de la nación. Entre los que le rindieron homenaje con la pintura se encuentra el maestro Juan Albaijés Ciurana, quien representó en un óleo, al ilustre sabio. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar esta obra y fundamentar el noble motivo que inspiró la pintura. Se utilizó el método iconográfico y el iconológico, fundamentados con una revisión bibliográfica sobre la vida del médico cubano y su actividad investigativa que lo convirtió en eminente hombre de ciencia, capaz de elaborar a finales del siglo XIX, una avanzada teoría sobre el modo de contagio y de propagación de la fiebre amarilla, comprobada experimentalmente y llevada a la práctica, lo cual contribuyó a salvar numerosas vidas en Cuba y en otras áreas del continente. Los resultados de este trabajo causan interés por el conocimiento del arte y su relación con la historia de la medicina. Se destaca además el valor didáctico de la obra pictórica para el trabajo educativo orientado a la formación de los futuros profesionales de la salud(AU)

The scientific work of Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Barrés has motivated the work of artists who have honored him with works that constitute authentic artistic and cultural heritages of the nation. Among those who paid homage to him with painting is the master Juan Albaijés Ciurana, who represented the illustrious sage in oil. The present work aims to show this work and establish the noble motif that inspired the painting. The iconographic and iconological methods were used, based on a bibliographic review on the life of the Cuban doctor and his investigative activity that made him an eminent man of science, capable of elaborating at the end of the 19th century, an advanced theory on the mode of contagion and the spread of yellow fever, proven experimentally and put into practice, which contributed to saving many lives in Cuba and other areas of the continent. The results of this work cause interest in the knowledge of art and its relationship with the history of medicine. The didactic value of the pictorial work for educational work aimed at the training of future health professionals is also highlighted(AU)

Investigating counterfeiting of an artwork by XRF, SEM-EDS, FTIR and synchrotron radiation induced MA-XRF at LNLS-BRAZIL.

In this work, a painting suspected of counterfeiting was analyzed using the synchrotron-based scanning macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) technique. The canvas has erasures including a signature erasure; however, some visible numbers indicate that the artwork may be from the 17th century. Through the studies' elemental maps, Cl-K and Ca-K were observed, which allowed us to reconstruct the signature present in the painting. Elemental maps of Ba-K, Ti-K, Fe-K, Zn-K, and Pb-K were also obtained from the painting, which made possible to visualize how the pigments based on these elements were used in the creative composition of the painting. In addition to the signature region, a region of the painting with dimensions of approximately 120 mm × 120 mm was investigated by synchrotron radiation induced MA-XRF, while keeping a high spatial resolution and elemental sensitivity. The measurements were carried out at the D09B micro-XRF beamline of the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), part of the Brazilian Center of Research in Energy and Materials, in Campinas Brazil. The painting was also investigated by SEM-EDS, and FTIR techniques. Those results, in addition to the supporting elemental maps, allowed additional information to be obtained, such as the binders used on the painting.

Revisiting the Karyotype Evolution of Neotropical Boid Snakes: A Puzzle Mediated by Chromosomal Fissions.

The Boidae family is an ancient group of snakes widely distributed across the Neotropical region, where several biogeographic events contributed towards shaping their evolution and diversification. Most species of this family have a diploid number composed of 2n = 36; however, among Booidea families, the Boidae stands out by presenting the greatest chromosomal diversity, with 2n ranging between 36 and 44 chromosomes and an undifferentiated XY sex chromosome system. Here, we applied a comparative chromosome analysis using cross-species chromosome paintings in five species representing four Boidae genera, to decipher the evolutionary dynamics of some chromosomes in these Neotropical snakes. Our study included all diploid numbers (2n = 36, 40, and 44) known for this family and our comparative chromosomal mappings point to a strong evolutionary relationship among the genera Boa, Corallus, Eunectes, and Epicrates. The results also allowed us to propose the cytogenomic diversification that had occurred in this family: a process mediated by centric fissions, including fission events of the putative and undifferentiated XY sex chromosome system in the 2n = 44 karyotype, which is critical in solving the puzzle of the karyotype evolution of boid snakes.

Occurrence of Aspergillus niger strains on a polychrome cotton painting and their elimination by anoxic treatment.

This study aimed to isolate and identify the population of filamentous fungi colonizing a cotton painting, whose conservation status was compromised and showed signs of biodeterioration due to dirt accumulation and microbial metabolism. In addition, microbiological techniques such as cultivation-dependent approach and molecular biology were used to identify microbial populations and to eliminate their metabolic action. For this, the nondestructive anoxic atmosphere technique was used, in which the microbial metabolism was affected by the absence of oxygen. Prior to exposure to an anoxic atmosphere, only one fungal species, Aspergillus niger, was identified at 12 points sampled in the obverse and reverse of the artwork; no fungal species persisted as a result of anoxic treatment. These results showed that exposure to anoxic conditions was effective for the total elimination of isolated fungal strains as well as their spores. In conclusion, this study proved the unprecedented effectiveness of a nondestructive technique for artwork on textile colonized by black fungi species. Thus, this interdisciplinary work involving conservation, microbiology, and chemistry presents a tool to eliminate microorganisms, while maintaining the integrity of artwork and safety of the restorer, that can be applied prior to artwork restoration.

Plant Chromosome-Specific Probes by Microdissection of a Single Chromosome: Is That a Reality?

Painting plant chromosomes through chromosomal in situ suppression (CISS) hybridization has long been considered impracticable. Seeking to build specific and complex probes from a single microdissected chromosome, we employed human chromosomes as models to standardize all the necessary steps for application in plants. Human metaphases were used to define the adequate conditions for microdissection, chromosome DNA amplification and labeling through degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR, and in situ hybridization stringency. Subsequently, these methodologies were applied in the plant species Zea mays (chromosome 1) and Capsicum annuum (chromosome 7 or 8). The high quality of human and plant cytogenetic preparations and the meticulous standardization of each step, especially the most critical ones - microdissection and first round of DNA amplification - were crucial to eliminate the signs of non-specific hybridization and for direct application in plants. By overcoming these challenges, we obtained chromosome-specific probes, which allowed to achieve a clear and uniform painting of the entire target chromosomes with little or no background, evidencing their complexity and specificity. Despite the high amount of ubiquitous repetitive sequences in plant genomes, the main drawback for chromosome painting, we successfully employed our methodology on two plant species. Both have more than 80% repetitive sequences, which is compared to the human genome (66-69%). This is the first time that plant chromosome-specific probes were successfully obtained from a single A mitotic or meiotic microdissected chromosome. Thereby, we assume that chromosome painting through microdissection and CISS hybridization can now be considered a reality in the field of plant cytogenetics.

Chromosomal Signatures Corroborate the Phylogenetic Relationships within Akodontini (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae).

Comparative chromosome-painting analysis among highly rearranged karyotypes of Sigmodontinae rodents (Rodentia, Cricetidae) detects conserved syntenic blocks, which are proposed as chromosomal signatures and can be used as phylogenetic markers. In the Akodontini tribe, the molecular topology (Cytb and/or IRBP) shows five low-supported clades (divisions: "Akodon", "Bibimys", "Blarinomys", "Oxymycterus", and "Scapteromys") within two high-supported major clades (clade A: "Akodon", "Bibimys", and "Oxymycterus"; clade B: "Blarinomys" and "Scapteromys"). Here, we examine the chromosomal signatures of the Akodontini tribe by using Hylaeamys megacephalus (HME) probes to study the karyotypes of Oxymycterus amazonicus (2n = 54, FN = 64) and Blarinomys breviceps (2n = 28, FN = 50), and compare these data with those from other taxa investigated using the same set of probes. We strategically employ the chromosomal signatures to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among the Akodontini. When we follow the evolution of chromosomal signature states, we find that the cytogenetic data corroborate the current molecular relationships in clade A nodes. We discuss the distinct events that caused karyotypic variability in the Oxymycterus and Blarinomys genera. In addition, we propose that Blarinomys may constitute a species complex, and that the taxonomy should be revised to better delimit the geographical boundaries and their taxonomic status.

Nicaraguan Homeowner Showing Gratitude for Concrete Flooring as Part of a Public Health Mission Trip.

Description I'm Bree Kinnison, a fourth-year medical student and aspiring psychiatrist. When I'm not studying, I enjoy painting using acrylics. This painting depicts a very fond memory of mine. After completing the medical portion of our mission trip in Nicaragua, we began our public health portion. Along with fellow students, I laid concrete flooring in this woman's house. For all 76 years of her life, she had never experienced anything other than a dirt floor in her home. Traditional dirt flooring in Nicaraguan homes is responsible for many preventable illnesses. When shown the final product, she reached out and hugged the first person she could get ahold of. She began crying and thanking God for placing us in her life. We were equally grateful for this life-changing experience.