Violence Exposure and Disability in Colombian Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: the Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Violence is an important public health problem and one of the main causes of deaths worldwide. The mental health consequences of surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Previous studies have identified that there is a relationship between depression and level of disability in female survivors of IPV. Estimating the direct, indirect or total effect of an exposure on an outcome makes it possible to identify mediating effects between a group of variables. Detecting mediation effects is useful for identifying casual pathways that generate a final outcome and provides a rationale for designing interventions to target the mediator, which in turn positively affects the outcome. The objective was to identify the mediating role of depressive symptoms on the relationship between IPV and disability. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 94 women over the age of 18 who were survivors of IPV by men. They were recruited from two public hospitals in Cali and Tuluá in southwest Colombia. An analysis of casual relationships was performed using structural equation modelling that was made up of: four exogenous observed variables (age, current relationship status [in a relationship or single], level of schooling, and history of an impairment), intermediate endogenous variables (violence and depressive symptoms), and the main endogenous variable (disability). The analyses were carried out in Stata14.2. RESULTS: The direct effect of IPV severity on the level of disability was not statistically significant (ß=0.09; P=0.63). However, the indirect effect of IPV severity on disability mediated by depressive symptoms was (ß=0.39; P<0.01). The total effect of IPV severity on the level of disability was even greater (ß=0.48; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a complete mediating role of depressive symptoms on the relationship between the severity of IPV and the level of disability for the female participants in this study. The results of this research contribute to defining strategies to prevent and address intimate partner violence, depressive symptoms and disability in this population.

Glutamine promotes human CD8+ T cells and counteracts imiquimod-induced T cell hyporesponsiveness.

T cells protect tissues from cancer. Although investigations in mice showed that amino acids (AA) critically regulate T cell immunity, this remains poorly understood in humans. Here, we describe the AA composition of interstitial fluids in keratinocyte-derived skin cancers (KDSCs) and study the effect of AA on T cells using models of primary human cells and tissues. Gln contributed to ∼15% of interstitial AAs and promoted interferon gamma (IFN-γ), but not granzyme B (GzB) expression, in CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the Toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ), a common treatment for KDSCs, down-regulated the metabolic gatekeepers c-MYC and mTORC1, as well as the AA transporter ASCT2 and intracellular Gln, Asn, Ala, and Asp in T cells. Reduced proliferation and IFN-γ expression, yet increased GzB, paralleled IMQ effects on AA. Finally, Gln was sufficient to promote IFN-γ-production in IMQ-treated T cells. Our findings indicate that Gln metabolism can be harnessed for treating KDSCs.

Postintensive care syndrome in patients and family members. Analysis of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cohorts, with face-to-face follow-up at three months and one year.

OBJECTIVE: Compare prevalence and profile of post-intensive care patient (P-PICS) and family/caregiver (F-PICS) syndrome in two cohorts (COVID and non-COVID) and analyse risk factors for P-PICS. DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort (March 2018-2023), follow-up at three months and one year. SETTING: 14-bed polyvalent Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Level II Hospital. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: 265 patients and 209 relatives. Inclusion criteria patients: age > 18 years, mechanical ventilation > 48 h, ICU stay > 5 days, delirium, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrest. Inclusion criteria family: those who attended. INTERVENTIONS: Follow-up 3 months and 1 year after hospital discharge. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Patients: sociodemographic, clinical, evolutive, physical, psychological and cognitive alterations, dependency degree and quality of life. Main caregivers: mental state and physical overload. RESULTS: 64.9% PICS-P, no differences between groups. COVID patients more physical alterations than non-COVID (P = .028). These more functional deterioration (P = .005), poorer quality of life (P = .003), higher nutritional alterations (P = .004) and cognitive deterioration (P < .001). 19.1% PICS-F, more frequent in relatives of non-COVID patients (17.6% vs. 5.5%; P = .013). Independent predictors of PICS-P: first years of the study (OR: 0.484), higher comorbidity (OR: 1.158), delirium (OR: 2.935), several reasons for being included (OR: 3.171) and midazolam (OR: 4.265). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence PICS-P and PICS-F between both cohorts was similar. Main factors associated with the development of SPCI-P were: higher comorbidity, delirium, midazolan, inclusion for more than one reason and during the first years.

Breaking the Mucin Barrier: A New Affinity Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach to Unveil Potential Cell Markers and Pathways Altered in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with largely unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option; however, despite its use, recurrence with a fatal outcome is common. The lack of molecular characterisation of PMP and other mucinous tumours is mainly due to the physicochemical properties of mucin. RESULTS: This manuscript describes the first protocol capable of breaking the mucin barrier and isolating proteins from mucinous tumours. Briefly, mucinous tumour samples were homogenised and subjected to liquid chromatography using two specific columns to reduce mainly glycoproteins, albumins and immunoglobulin G. The protein fractions were then subjected to mass spectrometry analysis and the proteomic profile obtained was analysed using various bioinformatic tools. Thus, we present here the first proteome analysed in PMP and identified a distinct mucin isoform profile in soft compared to hard mucin tumour tissues as well as key biological processes/pathways altered in mucinous tumours. Importantly, this protocol also allowed us to identify MUC13 as a potential tumour cell marker in PMP. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, our results demonstrate that this protein isolation protocol from mucin will have a high impact, allowing the oncology research community to more rapidly advance in the knowledge of PMP and other mucinous neoplasms, as well as develop new and effective therapeutic strategies.

Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children.

Importance: High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective: To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants: This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure: Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results: Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (ß coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (ß coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (ß coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (ß coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (ß coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.

Age and Sex Differences in the Contribution of Mean Arterial Pressure to Pulse Pressure Before Middle Age.

INTRODUCTION: A lower ability to buffer pulse pressure (PP) in the face of increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) may underlie the disproportionate increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in women from young adulthood through middle-aged relative to men. AIM: To evaluate the contribution of MAP to the change in PP and pressure wave contour in men and women from young adulthood to middle age. METHODS: Central pressure waveform was obtained from radial artery applanation tonometry in 312 hypertensive patients between 16 to 49 years (134 women, mean age 35 ± 9 years), 185 of whom were on antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: Higher MAP levels (≥ 100 mmHg) were significantly associated with higher brachial and central SBP (P < 0.001), PP (P < 0.001), incident wave (P = 0.005), AP (P < 0.001), and PWV (P < 0.001) compared to lower MAP levels. The relationship between MAP and brachial PP (P < 0.001), central PP (P < 0.001), incident wave (P < 0.001), and AP (P < 0.01), but not PWV, strengthens with age. The age-related increase in the contribution of MAP to brachial PP (P < 0.001), central PP (P < 0.001), and incident wave (P < 0.001) was more prominent in women than in men beginning in the fourth decade. In multiple regression analyses, MAP remained a significantly stronger predictor of central PP and incident wave in women than in men, independent of age, heart rate, and antihypertensive treatment. In turn, age remained a significantly stronger predictor of central PP and incident wave in women than in men, independent of MAP, heart rate, and antihypertensive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Women of reproductive age showed a steeper increase in PP with increasing MAP, despite comparable increases in arterial stiffness in both sexes. The difference was driven by a greater contribution of MAP to the forward component of the pressure wave in women.

Withdrawal of drug therapy in responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy: rationale and design of the REMOVE trial.

Introduction and objectives Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy associated with left bundle branch block (LBBB). In these patients, the device can normalize left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether CRT responders still require neurohormonal blockers. The aim of this study is to determine the long-term safety of withdrawing drug therapy in these patients. Methods The REMOVE trial (NCT05151861) is a prospective, multicenter, open-label and randomized 1:1 study designed to assess the effect of withdrawing neurohormonal blockers in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy associated with left bundle branch block who recovered LVEF after CRT. The study will include a 12-month follow-up with the option to continue into the follow-up extension phase for up to 24 months. The primary endpoint is the recurrence of cardiomyopathy defined as any of the following criteria: a) a reduction in LVEF > 10% (provided the LVEF is < 50%); b) a reduction in LVEF > 10% accompanied by an increase > 15% in the indexed end-systolic volume relative to the previous value and in a range higher than the normal values, or c) decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous diuretic administration. In patients meeting the primary endpoint, drug therapy will be restarted. Conclusions The results of this study will help to enhance our understanding of CRT superresponders, a specific group of patients.

Wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 gene for COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance in Tucumán, Argentina.

Wastewater-based epidemiology provides temporal and spatial information about the health status of a population. The objective of this study was to analyze and report the epidemiological dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the province of Tucumán, Argentina during the second and third waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between April 2021 and March 2022. The study aimed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, correlating it with clinically reported COVID-19 cases. Wastewater samples (n = 72) were collected from 16 sampling points located in three cities of Tucumán (San Miguel de Tucumán, Yerba Buena y Banda del Río Salí). Detection of viral nucleocapsid markers (N1 gene) was carried out using one-step reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Viral loads were determined for each positive sample using a standard curve. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between viral load (copies/mL) and the clinically confirmed COVID-19 cases reported at specific sampling points in San Miguel de Tucumán (SP4, SP7, and SP8) in both months, May and June. Indeed, the high viral load concurred with the peaks of COVID-19 cases. This method allowed us to follow the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 infection during epidemic outbreaks. Thus, wastewater monitoring is a valuable epidemiological indicator that enables the anticipation of increases in COVID-19 cases and tracking the progress of the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 genome-based surveillance should be implemented as a routine practice to prepare for any future surge in infections.

A randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of lidocaine administered intravenously, intranasally or as infraorbital nerve block in dogs undergoing rostral rhinosocopy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of lidocaine administered intravenously, intranasally or as an infraorbital nerve block in dogs undergoing rostral rhinoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 43 client-owned dogs. METHODS: After premedication with medetomidine 0.01 mg kg-1 and methadone 0.2 mg kg-1 intramuscularly, anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Dogs were randomly allocated to receive 2 mg kg-1 of 2% lidocaine as a bilateral infraorbital nerve block (INB) via the caudal intraoral approach, via bilateral topical intranasal administration (TIA) or as an intravenous bolus (IVB). At 5 minutes following lidocaine administration, responses to rhinoscopy (RR) and biopsies (RB) were evaluated using a simple scoring system (0: no reaction; 1: reaction). Response to the rhinoscopy in the recovery period (RE) was recorded. Recovery quality was scored using a simple descriptive score. Heart rate, respiratory rate and noninvasive arterial blood pressure were recorded. Intravenous (IV) fentanyl 0.001 mg kg-1 was administered if an increase > 20% in any variable occurred. Gross movement was attenuated using propofol 0.5 mg kg-1 IV. Scores were analysed using the Chi-square test with Monte Carlo method. Cardiorespiratory changes among and overtime between groups were compared using one-way anova and one-way anova for repeated measures, respectively, or the correspondent non-parametric tests; p < 0.05. RESULT: Of the 43 dogs, 42 completed the study. No statistically significant differences were detected in either physical reactions or changes in cardiorespiratory variables for RR, RB, RE or recovery quality, although RB tended to be higher in group TIA (7/10 versus 1/10 INB and 3/13 IVB).Various cardiorespiratory variables changed overtime within groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, all three investigated techniques attenuated responses during rostral rhinoscopy in dogs, although INB and IVB were more efficacious when biopsies were taken.

Region of Murcia's 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth.

Objective: The aim of this review was to summarize the process and results of the Region of Murcia's 2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Methods: Indicators from the Global Matrix initiative (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport & Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Active Play, Active Transport, Sedentary Behaviors, Family & Peers, School, Community & Environment, and Government) were evaluated based on the best available data in the Region of Murcia. Results: Active play was the indicator with the highest grade (B+), followed by Organized Sport & Physical Activity (B) and Active Play (B). School and Family and Peers indicators obtained a C+ and C grade, respectively. Both Community and Environment and Sedentary Behaviors indicators received a D+ grade. The grade for Overall Physical Activity and Government indicators was D. Physical Fitness was the indicator with the lowest grade of this Report Card (D-). None of the indicators received an incomplete grade (INC) because of a lack of available information. Conclusions: The present Report Card offers evidence highlighting the low level of physical activity in Spanish children and adolescents living in the Region of Murcia. Further studies and surveillance efforts are urgently needed for most of the indicators analyzed, which should be addressed by researchers and the Region of Murcia's Government for this specific population. A strong commitment from the Government of the Region of Murcia is needed at all levels to promote a cultural change that will lead children and young people in this region to improve the current situation.

The In Vivo Biological Fate of Protein Corona: A Comparative PET Study of the Fate of Soft and Hard Protein Corona in Healthy Animal Models.

Radiolabeling and nuclear imaging techniques are used to investigate the biodistribution patterns of the soft and hard protein corona around poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) after administration to healthy mice. Soft and hard protein coronas of 131I-labeled BSA or 131I-labeled serum are formed on PLGA NPs functionalized with either polyehtylenimine (PEI) or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The exchangeability of hard and soft corona is assessed in vitro by gamma counting exposing PLGA NPs with corona to non-labeled BSA, serum, or simulated body fluid. PEI PLGA NPs form larger and more stable coronas than BSA PLGA NPs. Soft coronas are more exchangeable than hard ones. The in vivo fate of PEI PLGA NPs coated with preformed 18F-labeled BSA hard and soft coronas is assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) following intravenous administration. While the soft corona shows a biodistribution similar to free 18F BSA with high activity in blood and kidney, the hard corona follows patterns characteristic of nanoparticles, accumulating in the lungs, liver, and spleen. These results show that in vivo fates of soft and hard corona are different, and that soft corona is more easily exchanged with proteins from the body, while hard corona is largely retained on the nanoparticle surface.

Venous malformation differential diagnosis with an odontogenic abscess on a pediatric patient. Case report and review of the literature.

Venous malformations (VMs) are aberrant venous vessel angiogenesis present at birth. However, they can become apparent later in life, debuting in early childhood. This poses a clinical quest for surgeons, dentists, and pediatricians, as they might appear as a compressible mass in the head and neck region, not uncommonly mistaking them for odontogenic abscesses or other soft tissue tumors. The differential diagnosis can be challenging and imaging techniques are often needed. Ultrasounds are extremely useful initially as other diagnostic tools can be potentially harmful in the context of a VM. MRI is key as it provides accurate extension and location information, and allows to plan invasive treatment alternatives if the patient requires it. In this article, we present the case of a 6-year-old girl who was treated by mistake for an infection upon the diagnosis of an incipient odontogenic abscess instead of a venous malformation, and a literature review on VMs. Key words:Venous malformation, odontogenic abscess, differential diagnosis.

Comparison of ddRADseq and EUChip60K SNP genotyping systems for population genetics and genomic selection in Eucalyptus dunnii (Maiden).

Eucalyptus dunnii is one of the most important Eucalyptus species for short-fiber pulp production in regions where other species of the genus are affected by poor soil and climatic conditions. In this context, E. dunnii holds promise as a resource to address and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Despite its rapid growth and favorable wood properties for solid wood products, the advancement of its improvement remains in its early stages. In this work, we evaluated the performance of two single nucleotide polymorphism, (SNP), genotyping methods for population genetics analysis and Genomic Selection in E. dunnii. Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) was compared with the EUChip60K array in 308 individuals from a provenance-progeny trial. The compared SNP set included 8,011 and 19,008 informative SNPs distributed along the 11 chromosomes, respectively. Although the two datasets differed in the percentage of missing data, genome coverage, minor allele frequency and estimated genetic diversity parameters, they revealed a similar genetic structure, showing two subpopulations with little differentiation between them, and low linkage disequilibrium. GS analyses were performed for eleven traits using Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) and a conventional pedigree-based model (ABLUP). Regardless of the SNP dataset, the predictive ability (PA) of GBLUP was better than that of ABLUP for six traits (Cellulose content, Total and Ethanolic extractives, Total and Klason lignin content and Syringyl and Guaiacyl lignin monomer ratio). When contrasting the SNP datasets used to estimate PAs, the GBLUP-EUChip60K model gave higher and significant PA values for six traits, meanwhile, the values estimated using ddRADseq gave higher values for three other traits. The PAs correlated positively with narrow sense heritabilities, with the highest correlations shown by the ABLUP and GBLUP-EUChip60K. The two genotyping methods, ddRADseq and EUChip60K, are generally comparable for population genetics and genomic prediction, demonstrating the utility of the former when subjected to rigorous SNP filtering. The results of this study provide a basis for future whole-genome studies using ddRADseq in non-model forest species for which SNP arrays have not yet been developed.

Dietary intake of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and glucose homeostasis parameters in a non-diabetic senior population.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) have emerged as potential contributors to the development of type-2 diabetes. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), is one of these EDs linked with chronic diseases and gathered attention due to its widespread in food. OBJECTIVE: To assess at baseline and after 1-year of follow-up associations between estimated dietary intake (DI) of PFOS, and glucose homeostasis parameters and body-mass-index (BMI) in a senior population of 4600 non-diabetic participants from the PREDIMED-plus study. METHODS: Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to assess associations between baseline PFOS-DI at lower bound (LB) and upper bound (UB) established by the EFSA, glucose homeostasis parameters and BMI. RESULTS: Compared to those in the lowest tertile, participants in the highest tertile of baseline PFOS-DI in LB and UB showed higher levels of HbA1c [ß-coefficient(CI)] [0.01 %(0.002 to 0.026), and [0.06 mg/dL(0.026 to 0.087), both p-trend ≤ 0.001], and fasting plasma glucose in the LB PFOS-DI [1.05 mg/dL(0.050 to 2.046),p-trend = 0.022]. Prospectively, a positive association between LB of PFOS-DI and BMI [0.06 kg/m2(0.014 to 0.106) per 1-SD increment of energy-adjusted PFOS-DI was shown. Participants in the top tertile showed an increase in HOMA-IR [0.06(0.016 to 0.097), p-trend = 0.005] compared to participants in the reference tertile after 1-year of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to explore the association between DI of PFOS and glucose homeostasis. In this study, a high baseline DI of PFOS was associated with a higher levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c and with an increase in HOMA-IR and BMI after 1-year of follow-up.

Red Blood Cell Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Mortality Following Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may impact mortality following breast cancer (BC); however, epidemiological studies have relied on self-reported assessment of PUFA intake. Herein, we examined the associations between red blood cell (RBC) PUFAs and mortality. METHODS: This nested case-control study included 1,104 women from, the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study, a multi-site randomized controlled trial. Cases (n=290) were women who died from 1995-2006. Matched controls (n=814) were women who were alive at the end of follow-up. PUFAs were measured in baseline RBC samples and included four ω-3 and seven ω-6 PUFAs. We examined each PUFA individually and Principal Components Factor Analysis (PCFA)-derived scores in association with all-cause mortality (ACM) and BC-specific mortality (BCM) using conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In fully-adjusted models, ACM ORs were elevated among women with PUFAs >median (versus ≤median) for α-linolenic acid (ALA, OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.18-2.24) and for linolenic acid (LA, OR=1.56, 95%CI=1.16-2.09), and BCM ORs were elevated for ALA (OR=1.83, 95%CI=1.27-2.63), LA (OR=1.70, 95%CI=1.23-2.37), and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, OR=1.50; 95%CI=1.04-2.16). PCFA-Factor 1 [arachidonic acid/adrenic acid/docosapentaenoic acid] scores >median (versus ≤median) were associated with lower odds of ACM (OR=0.71; 95%CI=0.52-0.97) and BCM (OR=0.69; 95%CI=0.49-0.97), and PCFA-Factor 4 [ALA/GLA] scores >median (versus ≤median) were associated with increased odds of BCM (OR=1.47; 95%CI=1.04-2.09). CONCLUSIONS: RBC ALA, LA, and GLA may be prognostic indicators among BC survivors. IMPACT: These results are important for understanding the associations between a biomarker of PUFA intake and mortality among BC survivors.

Reproductive Ageing: Unlocking the secrets of reproductive longevity: the potential of social insects.

In brief: Social insect queens display both extraordinary longevity and fertility. In this point of view, we describe their distinctive traits that make them useful models for reproductive longevity, holding implications for human health discoveries. Abstract: Social insects present an extraordinary opportunity as models for reproductive longevity because they challenge the conventional patterns of aging and reproduction seen in other model organisms. Their queens are simultaneously long-lived and highly fecund, and understanding how these traits co-occur may lead to discoveries with important implications for human health.

Vestibular migraine: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We performed a narrative review of the recent findings in epidemiology, clinical presentation, mechanisms and treatment of vestibular migraine. RECENT FINDINGS: Vestibular migraine is an underdiagnosed condition that has a high prevalence among general, headache and neuro-otology clinics. Vestibular migraine has a bimodal presentation probably associated with a hormonal component in women. These patients could have a complex clinical phenotype including concomitant autonomic, inflammatory or connective tissue conditions that have a higher prevalence of psychological symptoms, which may mistakenly lead to a diagnosis of a functional neurological disorder. A high proportion of patients with postural perceptual persistent dizziness have a migraine phenotype. Independently of the clinical presentation and past medical history, patients with the vestibular migraine phenotype can respond to regular migraine preventive treatments, including those targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathways. SUMMARY: Vestibular migraine is an underdiagnosed migraine phenotype that shares the pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine, with growing interest in recent years. A thorough anamnesis is essential to increase sensitivity in patients with unknown cause of dizziness and migraine treatment should be considered (see supplemental video-abstract).

Effectiveness of gamification in nursing degree education.

Background: Previous research in nursing has found favorable results from the use of teaching methodologies alternative to lectures. One of the complementary methodologies used for university teaching is gamification, or the inclusion of game elements, creating a dynamic learning environment that allows the acquisition of knowledge and the development of other skills necessary for nursing students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gamification session on student satisfaction and knowledge scores in nursing students in simulated laboratory practice. Methods: A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted with 122 students from the nursing degree program who participated in the research. The evaluation consisted of four sessions of three hours each. In two sessions, participants were trained through a vertical methodology, by means of theoretical training provided by teaching staff, and two hours of clinical simulation, where the students were able to practice the techniques on professional simulators. At the other two sessions, participants received an explanation of the theoretical aspects of the session, one hour of clinical simulation, and one hour of gamification, in which they had to pass tests based on the performance of practical activities on the subject of the session. At the end of the gamification session, all the participants received a certificate as winners of the "nursing game". Results: There was an improvement in the satisfaction and the knowledge level in the gamification sessions. Both were statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was an improvement in the items related to the development of critical thinking and the mobilizing concepts from theory to practice in the gamification sessions. Conclusion: The intervention was effective in improving the satisfaction of the sessions received and in knowledge development.

First-in-human study of alpibectir (BVL-GSK098), a novel potent anti-TB drug.

BACKGROUND: The clinical candidate alpibectir augments the activity of, and overcomes resistance to, the anti-TB drug ethionamide in vitro and in vivo. OBJECTIVES: A Phase 1, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and food effect of alpibectir administered as single and multiple oral doses in healthy volunteers (NCT04654143). METHODS: Eighty participants were randomized. In single ascending dose (SAD), a total of six dose levels of alpibectir (0.5 to 40 mg) were tested under fasted and fed (10 mg) conditions as single daily doses in sequential cohorts. In multiple ascending dose (MAD), repeat doses (5 to 30 mg) were administered once daily for 7 days in three sequential cohorts. RESULTS: No serious adverse event was reported. Thirteen participants across groups experienced a total of 13 mild or moderate treatment-emergent adverse events. Alpibectir showed rapid absorption after single dose (mean Tmax range of 0.88 to 1.53 h). Food affected the PK of alpibectir, characterized by a slower absorption (mean Tmax 3.87 h), a lower Cmax (-17.7%) and increased AUC0-t (+19.6%) compared with the fasted condition. Following repeat dosing, dose proportionality was shown for both Cmax and AUC0-tau. Accumulation of alpibectir was observed across all doses, with a more profound effect on AUC during a dosing interval (AUC0-tau) compared with Cmax (1.8- and 1.3-fold on average), respectively. Steady state was considered to have been achieved by Day 7 of dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Alpibectir was generally well tolerated, and no clinically relevant safety findings were identified in the participants treated during SAD or MAD. The PK is dose-proportional and affected by food.