Well-being and contexts of development of U.S. citizen children in Mexico following parental deportation or voluntary relocation.

When undocumented immigrant parents are deported from the United States, they must decide whether or not to take their U.S.-born and undocumented immigrant children with them, often to countries the children have never visited or know little about. Other parents do not wait to be deported by the government and decide to relocate to their home countries with or without their children. Both sets of families experience relocation but under different circumstances. These differences deserve exploration to understand the psychological and emotional effects on children's well-being. In this cross-sectional study, we explored differences in self-concept, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, as well as the perception of the home, school, and neighborhood contexts of 178 U.S. citizen children (USCC) whose parents returned to Mexico forcibly and voluntarily. Through snowball sampling, we recruited the sample from two bordering Mexican states, Michoacán and the State of Mexico. Significant estimated marginal mean differences in internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, unhappiness, as well as parent-child conflict and support were found between USCC who relocated due to a parental deportation and those USCC whose parents relocated to Mexico voluntarily. Implications for clinicians in Mexico and the United States include recognizing the reasons, timing, decisions, events, and contexts of relocation. Findings can help inform immigration policies, practices, and future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Screening of potential donors for anaerobic stress tolerance during germination in rice.

The rising cost of transplanting rice has made direct seeding an affordable alternative for rice establishment, particularly in Africa. However, direct seeding, while cost-effective, faces crop establishment challenges due to flooding. Uncontrolled water, driven by erratic rains in low-lying areas or uneven fields, limit germination. Rice possesses the unique ability of anaerobic germination, enabling it to sprout and emerge in oxygen-deprived conditions. Understanding rice's response to anaerobic stress during germination is crucial for resilience breeding. Africa, although relying on direct seeding, has made limited progress in addressing flooding during germination compared to Asia. Anaerobic stress tolerance ensures successful crop emergence even in oxygen-limited environments and can help suppress weeds, a significant challenge in direct-seeded rice cultivation. This study aims to contribute by screening for potential rice donors exhibiting anaerobic stress tolerance. We screened 200 rice genotypes at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania, primarily focusing on landraces with untapped potential. Using an alpha lattice design, we conducted two anaerobic experiments in September and October 2022, adding 7 cm of standing water immediately after dry seeding for flooded and maintaining a 2 cm water level after germination in the control for duration of 21 days. We identified potential donors based on selection index computed from genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) using eight variables: germination at 14 DAS, germination at 21 DAS, seedling height at 14 DAS, seedling height at 21 DAS, shoot dry matter at 21 DAS, root dry matter at 21 DAS, culm diameter at 21 DAS, and root length at 21DAS. Ten genotypes emerged as the most promising, exhibiting at least 70% germination in floodwater at 21 DAS and greater selection indices. These genotypes were like: Afaa Mwanza 1/159, Rojomena 271/10, Kubwa Jinga, Wahiwahi, Magongo ya Wayungu, Mpaka wa Bibi, Mwangaza, Tarabinzona, IB126-Bug 2013A, and Kanamalia with respective percentages of 75, 74, 71, 86, 75, 80, 71, 80, 70, and 73. These findings contribute to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of flooding during germination. These donors, will be potential to enrich the gene pool for anaerobic germination, providing valuable resources for breeding for flooding tolerance.

Sexual Harassment Beliefs and Myth Acceptance Among Hispanic and Indigenous Farmworkers in California (USA) and Michoacán (Mexico).

We explore workplace sexual harassment (WSH) myth acceptance, bystander discomfort, and beliefs among farmworkers in California, USA, and Michoacán, Mexico. Surveys were conducted with the guidance of community advisory boards among 197 farmworkers (38 men and 59 women in California; 40 men and 60 women in Michoacán). Men and women in Michoacán had similar discomfort and myth acceptance. California women reported more discomfort than men but were similar in myth acceptance. The highest levels of myth acceptance ranged from 66 to 88%. The majority (85-90%) believed that something must be done to prevent WSH in agriculture.

Caracterización de la enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica en pacientes diabéticos del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico General Calixto García

Fundamento: las enfermedades cerebrovasculares constituyen una de las principales causas de mortalidad en el mundo. En las Américas constituyen la tercera causa de muerte y su incidencia se ve aumentada en los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica aguda. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes diabéticos que ingresaron en el Hospital Calixto García con diagnóstico de enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica aguda en el período comprendido entre enero y diciembre 2022. El universo estuvo constituido por la totalidad de pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 que ingresaron en la Institución y la población por 148 pacientes. Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, color de piel y edad; tensión arterial e índice de masa corporal; colesterol, triacilgliceridos y glicemia; tipo enfermedad cerebrovascular y su gravedad y comorbilidades. Se utilizaron métodos de la estadística descriptiva como frecuencia absoluta y porciento. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas creadas a los efectos. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, el color de piel blanca y el grupo etáreo entre los 60 y 69 años con un 58,1 43,9 y 40,5 % respectivamente. Predominaron los pacientes hipertensos y con sobrepeso relacionados con la mayor gravedad de la enfermedad cerebrovascular, los pacientes hiperglicémicos con valores de colesterol y triacilgliceridos altos, en ellos fue más grave el evento isquémico cerebral. La hipertensión arterial y la cardiopatía isquémica prevalecieron en la población estudiada con un 81,8 y 52,7 respectivamente. Conclusiones: la enfermedad cerebrovascular fue más frecuente en el sexo masculino, color de piel blanca y pacientes de edad avanzada. La hipertensión arterial, el sobrepeso, la hiperglucemia así como los valores altos de colesterol y triglicéridos predominaron en la muestra y se relacionaron con la mayor gravedad del evento cerebrovascular isquémico.

Foundation: cerebrovascular diseases are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. In the Americas they constitute the third cause of death and their incidence is increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Objective: to characterize type 2 diabetic patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Method: a descriptive study was carried out in diabetic patients who were admitted to the Calixto García Hospital with a diagnosis of acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the period between January and December 2022. The universe consisted of all type 2 diabetic patients who were admitted to the Institution and the population of 148 patients. The variables analyzed were: sex, skin color and age; blood pressure and body mass index; cholesterol, triacylglycerides and glycemia; type of cerebrovascular disease and its severity and comorbidities. Descriptive statistical methods such as absolute frequency and percentage were used. The results were presented in tables created for the purpose. Results: the male sex, the white skin color and the age group between 60 and 69 years predominated with 58.1, 43.9 and 40.5 % respectively. Hypertensive and overweight patients related to the greater severity of cerebrovascular disease, hyperglycemic patients with high cholesterol and triacylglyceride values ​​predominated, and in them the cerebral ischemic event was more severe. Arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease prevailed in the studied population with 81.8 and 52.7 respectively. Conclusions: cerebrovascular disease was more frequent in males, white skin color and elderly patients. Arterial hypertension, overweight, hyperglycemia as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride values ​​predominated in the sample and were related to the greater severity of the ischemic cerebrovascular event.

DBT-PAHSE Intervention for Reduce Emotion Dysregulation and Suicide Behavior in Mexican Early Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of time on suicidal behavior, associated risk factors, and protective factors in early Mexican adolescents. Method: With a two-year longitudinal design, which included 18 of 34 adolescents who had previously participated in a DBT skills training program (DBT-PAHSE). The study evaluated ideation, suicide attempt, depression, emotional dysregulation, and psychological resources. Results: We observed differentiating significant differences over time in emotional dysregulation (F = 2.36 p = 0.04, η2= 0.12, ß = 0.72), affective resources (F = 3.94, p = 0.01, η2 = 0.18, ß = 0.82), and suicidal ideation. (F = 2.55, p = 0.03, η2= 0.13, ß = 0.77). In conclusion, the DBT-PAHSE program prevented deaths by suicide. It showed a reduction in emotional dysregulation up to two years after the end of treatment and maintained an increase in emotional and social resources. However, improvements are required to reduce depression over time and strengthen psychological resources.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated thrombosis in patients with bladder and kidney cancer: a study of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) thrombosis and cancer group.

PURPOSE: Both venous and arterial thrombotic events (VTE/AT) can be associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, there is a paucity of information apropos patients in routine clinical practice. METHODS/PATIENTS: Retrospective, multicenter study promoted by the Thrombosis and Cancer Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Individuals with kidney or bladder cancer who initiated ICI between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2020 were recruited. Minimum follow-up was 6 months (except in cases of demise). The primary objective was to calculate the incidence of ICI-associated VTE/AT and secondary objectives included to analyze their impact on survival and identify variables predictive of VTE/AT. RESULTS: 210 patients with kidney cancer were enrolled. The incidence of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 13 months) was 5.7%. Median overall survival (OS) was relatively lower among subjects with VTE/AT (16 months, 95% CI 0.01-34.2 vs. 27 months, 95% CI 22.6-31.4; p = 0.43). Multivariate analysis failed to reveal predictive variables for developing VTE/ AT. 197 patients with bladder were enrolled. There was a 9.1% incidence rate of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 8 months). Median OS was somewhat higher in patients with VTE/AT (28 months, 95% CI 18.4-37.6 vs 25 months, 95% CI 20.7-29.3; p = 0.821). Serum albumin levels < 3.5 g/dl were predictive of VTE/ AT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no association between developing VTE/AT and ICI use in patients with renal or bladder cancer. Serum albumin levels are a predictive factor in individuals with bladder cancer.

One-year real-world performance of the DBLG1 closed-loop system: Data from 3706 adult users with type 1 diabetes in Germany.

AIM: The Diabeloop Generation 1 (DBLG1) system is an interoperable hybrid closed-loop solution that was commercialized in Germany in March 2021. We report the longitudinal glycaemic outcomes among the first 3706 users in a real-world setting. METHODS: We performed a retrospective data collection of all consenting adult patients with type 1 diabetes who were equipped in Germany with the DBLG1 system before 30 April 2022, and with a minimum 14 days of closed-loop usage. RESULTS: In total, 3706 users (41% women, age 45.1 ± 14.5 years) met the inclusion criteria, reaching a mean follow-up of 131.0 ± 85.1 days, an overall 485 600 days of continuous glucose monitoring data, and a median time spent in closed-loop of 95.0% (IQR 89.1-97.4). The median percentage time in range (70-180 mg/dl) was 72.1% (IQR 65.0-78.9); the time below 70 mg/dl was 0.9% (0.5-1.7), the time below 54 mg/dl was 0.1% (0.1-0.3), and the median Glucose Management Index was 7.0% (6.8-7.3). Exploratory analysis of a subset of 2460 patients in whom baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was available [7.4% (IQR 6.9-8.0)] showed that the achieved mean time in range was influenced by baseline HbA1c, ranging from 65.8 ± 9.9% (A1c ≥8.5%) to 81.3 ± 6.8% (A1c <6.5%). CONCLUSION: This large real-world analysis confirms the relevance of the DBLG1 automated insulin delivery solution for the achievement of standards of care in adult patients with type 1 diabetes.

Increasing and sustaining blood-borne virus screening in Spain and Portugal throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-center quality improvement intervention.

Background: Around 57,000 people in Spain and Portugal currently living with HIV or chronic hepatitis C are unaware of their infection. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted screening efforts for these infections. We designed an intervention to increase and sustain opportunistic blood-borne virus (BBV) screening and linkage to care (SLTC) by implementing the TEST model. Methods: The Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) method of quality improvement (QI) was implemented in 8 healthcare organizations (HCOs), including four hospitals, two clusters of community health centers, and two community-based organizations (CBOs). Baseline assessment included a review of BBV SLTC practices, testing volume, and results 12 months before the intervention. Changes in BBV testing rates over time were measured before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. A mixed ANOVA model was used to analyze the possible effect on testing volumes among HCOs over the three study periods. Intervention: BBV testing was integrated into normal clinical flow in all HCOs using existing clinical infrastructure and staff. Electronic health record (EHR) systems were modified whenever possible to streamline screening processes, implement systemic institutional policy changes, and promote QI. Results: Two years after the launch of the intervention in screening practices, testing volumes increased by 116%, with formal healthcare settings recording larger increases than CBOs. The start of the COVID-19 lockdowns was accompanied by a global 60% decrease in testing in all HCOs. Screening emergency department patients or using EHR systems to automate screening showed the highest resilience and lowest reduction in testing. HCOs recovered 77% of their testing volume once the lockdowns were lifted, with CBOs making the fullest recovery. Globally, enhanced screening techniques enabled HCOs to diagnose a total of 1,860 individuals over the research period. Conclusions: Implementation of the TEST model enabled HCOs to increase and sustain BBV screening, even during COVID-19 lockdowns. Although improvement in screening was noted in all HCOs, additional work is needed to develop strong patient linkage to care models in challenging times, such as global pandemics.

Interobserver Variability and Challenges in Intraoperative Frozen Section Evaluation of Pancreatic Margins in Pancreatectomy Specimens.

OBJECTIVE: Frozen-section evaluation of the pancreatic margin is challenging. We aimed to determine interobserver variability among gastrointestinal pathologists for the assessment of frozen sections of pancreatic margins with marked chronic pancreatitis and to determine the challenging histological features in discrepant cases. METHODS: We identified 45 patients who underwent pancreas resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and showed marked chronic pancreatitis at pancreatic margin. Deidentified first levels of frozen-sections of the pancreatic margins from all cases were independently reviewed by 5 experienced gastrointestinal pathologists for the presence of carcinoma and/or high-grade dysplasia. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement among pathologists was calculated as kappa coefficients ([Formula: see text]). A consensus diagnosis for discordant cases was obtained after group review and discussion. Interobserver agreement for adenocarcinoma diagnosis was 87%, and there was "substantial agreement" (Fleiss [Formula: see text]=0.78, P<0.01) and "almost perfect agreement" (Brennan-Prediger [Formula: see text]=0.86, P<0.01). Using the final diagnosis based on frozen and permanent sections as the gold standard and the concordant read of at least 3 of 5 pathologists for comparison, the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was made in frozen-sections of pancreas margins, with accuracy 98%, sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%, negative predictive value 97%, positive predictive value 100%, false negative rate 9%, and false positive rate 0%. CONCLUSIONS: We showed excellent interobserver agreement among gastrointestinal pathologists for diagnosis of adenocarcinoma on frozen sections of pancreatic margins with marked chronic pancreatitis. Missed adenocarcinoma at the margin was mainly caused by freezing or cautery artifacts or by overlooking a tiny focus of perineural invasion in a background of marked chronic pancreatitis. The evaluation of deeper levels led to perfect agreement.

Evaluación de marcha e intervención en niños con déficit de extensión de cadera, estudio piloto / Gait assessment and intervention in children with hip extension deficits, pilot study

Resumen Las lesiones del psoas ilíaco generan alteraciones metabólicas y modificaciones mecánicas clínicamente relacionadas con dolor, disminución de la flexibilidad, restricción del rango óptimo de movimiento y marcha. El objetivo es presentar la efectividad de los estiramientos con diferentes técnicas sobre la movilidad de cadera, la flexibilidad del músculo iliopsoas y los parámetros biomecánicos de la marcha en niños con déficit de extensión de cadera. Se evaluaron e intervinieron cuatro pacientes: dos del género masculino y dos del femenino, de los 6 a los 11 años, en el Centro de Rehabilitación Infantil de la SEDENA. La valoración fue con análisis de la marcha y del movimiento, posteriormente se les brindó un protocolo de estiramientos por 10 sesiones. Todos los participantes mostraron resultados significativos en los parámetros temporoespaciales de la marcha, demostrando una mayor calidad en la biomecánica de la marcha.

Abstract The lesions of the iliopsoas generate metabolic alterations and mechanical modifications, clinically related to pain, decreased flexibility, restriction of the optimal range of movement and gait. The objective is to present the effectiveness of stretching with different techniques on hip mobility, iliopsoas flexibility and biomechanical gait parameters in children with hip extension deficit. Four patients were evaluated and intervened, two of the male gender and two of the female gender, from 6 to 11 years old, at the Centro de Rehabilitación Infantil of the SEDENA. The assessment was with analysis of gait and movement, then they were given a stretching protocol for 10 sessions. All participants showed significant results in the time-space parameters of gait, demonstrating a higher quality in gait biomechanics.

Perineural Invasion by an Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of Pancreas: A Case Report of an Unusual and Unreported High-Risk Feature of Malignant Progression.

Perineural invasion is a frequent histological finding in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, perineural invasion by intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), a precursor lesion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, has not been reported so far. We report a unique case of perineural invasion by IPMN in a 60-year-old female who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for high-risk features of IPMN. Histological evaluation showed increased nerve density in the connective tissue of IPMN with multiple foci of perineural invasion by IPMN. In addition, there was a discrete 2 mm focus of invasive carcinoma that did not show perineural invasion. Chemotherapy was started and the patient is disease-free at 29 months follow up. The case illustrates previously unreported neuroplastic alterations and neutrotropism in benign neoplastic component of a malignant IPMN.

Hemodiálisis vs Hemodiafiltración en línea / Hemodialysis vs Hemodiafiltration online

INTRODUCCIÓN. La incorporación de nuevas tecnologías como la hemodiafiltración en línea, han mejorado parámetros metabólicos/nutricionales en los pacientes que se encontraban en hemodiálisis convencional; en la actualidad no existen datos registrados en la población ecuatoriana que se encuentra sometida a esta clase de tecnologías. OBJETIVO. Comparar la evolución clínico-metabólica de pacientes que estaban en hemodiálisis convencional y cambiaron a hemodiafiltración en línea, determinar si es favorable la migración de la terapia hemodialítica difusiva a convectiva y establecer si el cambio de terapia dialítica ocasionó resultados favorables. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio analítico retrospectivo. Población y muestra de 38 pacientes enfermos renales crónicos en terapia de sustitución renal modalidad hemodiálisis convencional que cambiaron a hemodiafiltración en línea, independientemente del tiempo de diagnóstico y tratamiento en la unidad de hemodiálisis del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, Quito-Ecuador, durante el periodo marzo 2016 a marzo 2017. RESULTADOS. Los efectos nutricionales y metabólicos pudieron denotar mayor ponderación de resultados favorables en la modalidad de hemodiafiltración. En la estabilidad hemodinámica y la dosis de diálisis se evidenció una leve superioridad en la modalidad de hemodiafiltración en comparación a la Hemodiálisis. En las dosis administradas de Calcio, Hierro, Eritropoyetina y Calcitriol no existieron diferencias significativas entre las dos modalidades de tratamientos. CONCLUSIÓN. El cambio de modalidad de Hemodiálisis convencional a Hemodiafiltración en línea fue favorable, y mejoró los parámetros clínicos/metabólicos de los pacientes que requieren terapia de sustitución renal.

INTRODUCTION. The incorporation of new technologies such as online haemodiafiltration have improved metabolic/nutritional parameters in patients who were on conventional haemodialysis; At present, there are no registered data on the Ecuadorian population that is subjected to this kind of technology. OBJECTIVE. To compare the clinical-metabolic evolution of patients who were on conventional hemodialysis and changed to online hemodiafiltration, to determine if the migration from diffusive to convective hemodialysis therapy is favorable and to establish if the change in dialysis therapy caused favorable results. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Retrospective analytical study. Population and sample of 38 patients with chronic kidney disease in conventional hemodialysis modality renal replacement therapy who changed to online hemodiafiltration, regardless of the time of diagnosis and treatment in the hemodialysis unit of the Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, Quito-Ecuador, during the period March 2016 to March 2017. RESULTS. The nutritional and metabolic effects could denote a greater weighting of favorable results in the hemodiafiltration modality. In hemodynamic stability and dialysis dose, a slight superiority was evidenced in the hemodiafiltration modality compared to hemodialysis. In the administered doses of Calcium, Iron, Erythropoietin and Calcitriol there were no significant differences between the two treatment modalities. CONCLUSION. The change of modality from conventional hemodialysis to online hemodiafiltration was favorable, and improved the clinical/metabolic parameters of patients requiring renal replacement therapy.

Intervención cognitivo conductual para promover la adhesión al tratamiento médico, recursos psicológicos y calidad de vida en pacientes pediátricos con hemodiálisis en México / Cognitive behavioral intervention to promote adherence to medical treatment, psychological resources, and quality of life in pediatric hemodialysis patients in Mexico

La Enfermedad Renal Crónica [ERC] es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. En México, en el año 2018 murieron 13.845 personas por estacausa. El incremento en el riesgo de mortalidad está asociado a la falta de apego al tratamiento. En pacientes pediátricos, una parte importante delmanejo de la enfermedad recae en el cuidador primario. El propósito de la presente investigación fue evaluar la eficacia de una intervención cognitivoconductual para mejorar la adhesión al tratamiento y la calidad de vida, así como promover recursos psicológicos en pacientes pediátricos con ERCen tratamiento de hemodiálisis y al mismo tiempo disminuir la carga en sus cuidadores primarios. El estudio empleó un diseño mixto, longitudinal, queincluyó pre-test, una intervención cognitivo conductual de ocho sesiones en el que se utilizó un manual, una evaluación post-test y un seguimiento a losdos meses. Participaron 5 pacientes pediátricos entre 12 y 17 años de edad y sus cuidadores primarios que asistían a un hospital público de la ciudadde Morelia, Michoacán, en México. Los resultados cuantitativos mostraron una mejora en la adhesión terapéutica, en la calidad de vida global y en losrecursos psicológicos de los pacientes, así como una disminución de la carga en los cuidadores primarios. Los hallazgos cualitativos mostraron que lospacientes lograron entender su padecimiento, expresaron sus emociones respecto a la enfermedad y reconocieron el apoyo de su cuidador primario.Se concluye que el tratamiento cognitivo conductual es una propuesta de intervención eficaz para mejorar las variables de estudio. (AU)

Cognitive behavioral intervention to promote adherence to medical treatment, psychological resources, and quality of life in pediatric hemodialysispatients in Mexico. Chronic Kidney Disease [CKD] is a public health problem worldwide. In Mexico, in 2018 13,845 people died from this cause.The increased risk of mortality is associated with the lack of adherence to treatment. In pediatric patients, an important part of disease managementfall on the primary caregiver. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral intervention to improveadherence to treatment and quality of life, as well as to promote psychological resources in pediatric patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysistreatment and at the same time reduce the burden on their primary caregivers. The study used a mixed longitudinal design, with a pretest measurement, an 8-session cognitive-behavioral intervention using a manual, a post-test, and a 2-month follow-up test. Five pediatric patients between 12 and 17 years of age and their primary caregivers who attended a public hospital in the city of Morelia, Michoacán, in Mexico participated. The quantitative results showed an improvement in the therapeutic adherence, in the global quality of life and in the psychological resources of the patients,as well as a decrease in the burden on the primary caregivers. Qualitative findings showed that patients understood their condition, expressed theiremotions about the disease, and recognized the support of their primary caregiver. It is concluded that cognitive behavioral treatment is an effectiveintervention proposal to improve the study variables. (AU)

Breeding rice for a changing climate by improving adaptations to water saving technologies.

Climate change is expected to increasingly affect rice production through rising temperatures and decreasing water availability. Unlike other crops, rice is a main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to methane emissions from flooded paddy fields. Climate change can therefore be addressed in two ways in rice: through making the crop more climate resilient and through changes in management practices that reduce methane emissions and thereby slow global warming. In this review, we focus on two water saving technologies that reduce the periods lowland rice will be grown under fully flooded conditions, thereby improving water use efficiency and reducing methane emissions. Rice breeding over the past decades has mostly focused on developing high-yielding varieties adapted to continuously flooded conditions where seedlings were raised in a nursery and transplanted into a puddled flooded soil. Shifting cultivation to direct-seeded rice or to introducing non-flooded periods as in alternate wetting and drying gives rise to new challenges which need to be addressed in rice breeding. New adaptive traits such as rapid uniform germination even under anaerobic conditions, seedling vigor, weed competitiveness, root plasticity, and moderate drought tolerance need to be bred into the current elite germplasm and to what extent this is being addressed through trait discovery, marker-assisted selection and population improvement are reviewed.

The incidence, risk factors and impact of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients due to COVID-19.

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is variable, being associated with worse outcomes. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the incidence, risk factors (considering demographic characteristics, comorbidities, initial clinical presentation and associated complications) and impact of AKI in subjects hospitalized for COVID-19 in two third-level hospitals in Córdoba, Argentina. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. We included 448 adults who were consecutively hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 3 and October 31, 2020 and were followed throughout the hospitalization. The incidence of AKI was 19% (n = 85; stage I = 43, stage II = 17, and stage III = 25, 18 required renal replacement therapy). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that were independently associated with AKI were: age (for every 10 years, adjusted odd ratio [95%CI] = 1.30 [1.04-1.63], p = 0.022), history of chronic kidney disease -CKD- (9.92 [4.52-21.77], p < 0.001), blood neutrophil count at admission -BNCA- (for every increase of 1000 BNCA, 1.09 [1.01-1.18], p = 0.037) and requirement for mechanical ventilation -MV- (6.69 [2.24-19.90], p = 0.001). AKI was associated with longer hospitalization, higher admission (63.5 vs. 29.7%; p < 0.001) and longer stay in the intensive care unit, a positive association with respiratory bacterial superinfection, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, MV requirement and mortality (mortality without AK I = 12.4% vs with AKI = 47.1%; stage I = 26%, stage II = 41% and stage III = 88%; p < 0.001). AKI was independently associated with higher mortality (3.32 [1.6-6.9], p = 0.001). In conclusion, the incidence of AKI in adults hospitalized for COVID-19 was 19% and had a clear impact on morbidity and mortality. The independent risk factors for AKI were: Age, CKD, BNCA and MV.

Los objetivos del estudio fueron evaluar la incidencia, los factores de riesgo (considerando características demográficas, comorbilidades, presentación clínica inicial y complicaciones asociadas) y el impacto de la lesión renal aguda ­LRA­ en sujetos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en dos instituciones de alta complejidad de Córdoba, Argentina. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 448 adultos que fueron hospitalizados por COVID-19 entre el 3 de marzo y el 31 de octubre del 2020 con seguimiento durante toda la hospitalización. La incidencia de LRA fue 19% (estadio I = 43, estadio II = 17 y estadío III = 25, 18 requirieron diálisis). Las variables que se asociaron de manera independiente con el LRA fueron: edad (por cada 10 años, odd ratio ajustado [IC95%] = 1.30 [1.04-1.63], p = 0.022), enfermedad renal crónica ­ERC­ (9.92 [4.52-21.77], p < 0.001), recuento de neutrófilos sanguíneos al ingreso ­NSI­ (por cada incremento de 1000 NSI, 1.09 [1.01­1.18], p = 0.037) y asistencia respiratoria mecánica ­ARM­ (6.69 [2.24­19.90], p = 0.001). Los sujetos con LRA presentaron una internación más prolongada, mayor requerimiento (63.5 vs. 29.7%; p < 0.001) y estadía más prolongada en unidad de cuidados intensivos, una asociación positiva con sobreinfección respiratoria bacteriana, sepsis, síndrome de distrés respiratorio, requerimiento de ARM y mortalidad (mortalidad sin LRA 12.4% vs. con LRA 47.1%; estadio I = 26%, estadio II = 41% y estadio III = 88%; p < 0.001). LRA se asoció de manera independiente a mayor mortalidad (3.3 [1.6­6.9], p = 0.001). En conclusión, la incidencia de LRA en adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 fue del 19% y tuvo un claro impacto en la morbi-mortalidad. Los factores de riesgo independientes de LRA fueron: edad, ERC, NSI y ARM.

Exposure to Workplace Sexual Harassment among Women and Men Farmworkers in the U.S. and Mexico.

HIGHLIGHTS: Women and men farmworkers reported workplace sexual harassment (WSH). WSH occurred as frequently as daily. Both coworkers and leadership were perpetrators of WSH. ABSTRACT: This study explores experiences relevant to workplace sexual harassment (WSH) in agriculture among men and women farmworkers in California (U.S.) and Michoacán (Mexico). Anecdotal evidence documents women farmworkers having to endure behavioral, verbal, and physical WSH including sexual ogling, degrading language, groping, and requests for sex in exchange for work. We include survey comparisons between men and women in California and Michoacan on WSH among farmworkers. We conducted 197 farmworker surveys (38 men and 59 women in California; 40 men and 60 women in Michoacán). Community advisory boards contributed expertise and input for study strategies, materials, and dissemination. Survey participant ages ranged from 23 to 54 years old. Half worked in Mexico, 68% were married, 80% had children, and 47% had less than 7 years of education. Most farmworkers spoke Spanish and Purhépecha, an indigenous language spoken by the Purhépecha people in Michoacán. We used two strategies to measure WSH exposure in the previous year: (1) direct inquiry-based survey items (asking "Have you ever been the victim of or bystander to workplace sexual harassment?") documenting WSH among women (49%) and men (21%) in California and among women (7%) and men (13%) in Michoacán, and (2) behavior-based WSH items (using explicit examples of WSH behaviors perpetrated against the participant or witnessed by the participant as a bystander) documenting WSH among women (as high as 53%) and men (as high as 45%) in California and among women (as high as 65%) and men (as high as 68%) in Michoacán. Women farmworkers in California reported WSH experiences exceeding those of men. Reported WSH experiences in Michoacán were similar for men and women. Farmworkers identified WSH perpetrators as coworkers more than leadership. The frequency of exposure ranged from daily, weekly, monthly, and up to multiple times a year. Of 46 direct inquiry-based WSH incidents, only one perpetrator was punished, and at least half of all victims said they were forced to change their jobs. The findings of this study inform the development of WSH prevention efforts, such as education tools, support for efforts to facilitate reporting, protections against retaliation for workers, and promoting accountability for perpetrators. This information supports the promotion of policy recommendations and preventive approaches for WSH.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection in two hospitals in Córdoba. / [Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes hospitalizados por infección por SARS-CoV-2 en dos hospitales en Córdoba.]

Introduction: COVID-19 disease shows a marked heterogeneity in its clinical course, with descriptions of some factors associated with a worse prognosis. Knowledge of the disease behavior in the local scenario is relevant to allow a better approach. Methods: Retrospective study in two hospitals in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, with patients aged 18 years or more, hospitalized for active SARS-CoV-2 infection, from March to October, 2020. Results: 448 patients were included, of which 95.75% corresponded to COVID-19 pneumonia. Most of the episodes occurred in men (63.6%), the median age was 63 years (IQR: 53-75), and the most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (55.1%), obesity (31.7%) and diabetes mellitus (28.1%). 162 patients (36.2%) needed admission to the intensive care unit and 66 (14.7%) were placed on mechanical ventilation. 67 patients (15%) died within the first 30 days of follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, the only independent variable predictive of mortality at 30 days was age (adjusted Odds ratio [aOR] = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.11, p <0.001). The 4C-Score and CALL-Score prognostic scores showed good discrimination (Area under the curve [AUC] = 0.766, 95% CI = 0.72-0.80 and AUC = 0.785, 95% CI = 0.70-0.85 respectively) and the predicted percentages of mortality were quite close to what was observed in the present study. Conclusions: Most of the patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection presented comorbidities and were admitted with pneumonia, associated with high mortality. The prognostic scores with the best performance to predict complications were the 4C-score and the CALL-score.

Introducción: La enfermedad COVID-19 muestra una marcada heterogeneidad en su curso clínico, habiéndose descripto algunos factores que se asocian un peor pronóstico. El conocimiento del comportamiento de la enfermedad en el escenario local es de gran relevancia para permitir un mejor abordaje. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, de pacientes de 18 años o más hospitalizados por infección activa por SARS-CoV-2, desde marzo a octubre del año 2020. Resultados: Se incluyeron 448 pacientes, de los cuales el 95.75% correspondieron a neumonía COVID-19. La mayoría de los episodios ocurrieron en hombres (63.6%), la mediana de edad fue 63 años (RIC:53-75), y las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial (55.1%), obesidad (31.7%) y diabetes mellitus (28.1%). Requirieron ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos 162 pacientes (36.2%) y 66 (14.7%), asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Fallecieron 67 pacientes (15%) dentro de los primeros 30 días de seguimiento. En el análisis multivariado la única variable independiente predictora de mortalidad a los 30 días fue la edad (Odds ratio ajustado [ORa]=1.08, IC95%=1.04-1.11, p<0.001). Los scores pronósticos 4C-Score y CALL-Score presentaron muy buena discriminación (Área bajo la curva [ABC]=0.766, IC95%=0.72-0.80 y ABC=0.785, IC95%=0.70-0.85, respectivamente) y los porcentajes predichos de mortalidad se aproximaron bastante a lo observado en el presente estudio. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes hospitalizados por infección por SARS-CoV-2 presentaban comorbilidades y se presentaron como neumonía, asociada a una elevada mortalidad. Los scores pronósticos con mejor rendimiento para predecir complicaciones fueron el 4C-Score y el CALL score.

Technological Improvements in the Genetic Diagnosis of Rett Syndrome Spectrum Disorders.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that constitutes the second most common cause of intellectual disability in females worldwide. In the past few years, the advancements in genetic diagnosis brought by next generation sequencing (NGS), have made it possible to identify more than 90 causative genes for RTT and significantly overlapping phenotypes (RTT spectrum disorders). Therefore, the clinical entity known as RTT is evolving towards a spectrum of overlapping phenotypes with great genetic heterogeneity. Hence, simultaneous multiple gene testing and thorough phenotypic characterization are mandatory to achieve a fast and accurate genetic diagnosis. In this review, we revise the evolution of the diagnostic process of RTT spectrum disorders in the past decades, and we discuss the effectiveness of state-of-the-art genetic testing options, such as clinical exome sequencing and whole exome sequencing. Moreover, we introduce recent technological advancements that will very soon contribute to the increase in diagnostic yield in patients with RTT spectrum disorders. Techniques such as whole genome sequencing, integration of data from several "omics", and mosaicism assessment will provide the tools for the detection and interpretation of genomic variants that will not only increase the diagnostic yield but also widen knowledge about the pathophysiology of these disorders.

Exosomes: Potential Disease Biomarkers and New Therapeutic Targets.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by cells, both constitutively and after cell activation, and are present in different types of biological fluid. Exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, pregnancy disorders and cardiovascular diseases, and have emerged as potential non-invasive biomarkers for the detection, prognosis and therapeutics of a myriad of diseases. In this review, we describe recent advances related to the regulatory mechanisms of exosome biogenesis, release and molecular composition, as well as their role in health and disease, and their potential use as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of their main isolation methods, characterization and cargo analysis, as well as the experimental methods used for exosome-mediated drug delivery, are discussed. Finally, we present potential perspectives for the use of exosomes in future clinical practice.