Social exclusion, corruption, recall of authorities, inequality and fiscal centralization: inducers of social conflict in Peru (2016-2023).

The objective of the article was to investigate the possible inducing factors that contributed to determine the frequency of social conflicts at the subnational level in Peru between 2016 and 2021, including income inequality, social exclusion, fiscal centralism, corruption and revocation of authorities, for which four regression models were built. Disaggregated official data from the 24 departments and the provinces of Lima and Callao were analyzed. Economic inequality was associated with the Gini coefficient. To establish the association between social conflict and the inducers, it was estimated using Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient. Statistical calculation was also employed to appreciate the collinearity between the inducers. The results showed that the revocation of subnational authorities determines 42.5% of social conflict. On the other hand, corruption and fiscal centralism determine 28.5% of the perception of suffering social exclusion. Inequality and social conflict determined 21.8% of the relevance of the execution and quality of public spending by the national government in the regions. Sixty percent of social conflicts in Peru are of an environmental nature. The population that has declared the greatest discrimination corresponds to Puno (28%). 55.6% of those surveyed consider corruption to be one of the country's main problems. Corruption and social exclusion have a negative impact on the effectiveness of economic results and promote social conflicts. Inefficient use of fiscal resources translates into low quality of services and diminished credibility of the national and subnational governments. This situation highlights the need to design public policies that reduce conflicts and promote adequate governance.

Risk of Sarcopenia Identified by Sarc-Calf, Nutritional Status and Hand Grip Strength in Patients with Hematological Cancer.

Background: Hematological cancer patients are prone to the development of sarcopenia and impaired nutritional and functional status. SARC-CalF is a screening tool for the risk of sarcopenia that has shown good results in this population. This study aimed to identify the risk of sarcopenia by SARC-CalF and to verify its association with nutritional status and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) in patients with hematological cancer. Materials and Methods: Adult patients, of both sexes, with hematological cancer, and in outpatient care participated in the study. We measured the Hand Grip Strength of the Dominant Hand (HGSD) and the Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness of the Dominant Hand (APMTD). Moreover, we applied the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and SARC-CalF. Data were analyzed with SPSS® software, 22.0, with a significance level of 5.0%. Results: Fifty-one patients aged an average of 60.4 ± 15.1 years were evaluated. Of those, 58.8% were elderly, 51% female, and 80.4% declared themselves non-white. The predominant diagnosis was Mature B Lymphoid Cell Neoplasia (37.7%), and 60.8% of the patients had a diagnosis time of ≤ 3 years. PG-SGA revealed that 35.3% of the patients were malnourished; APMTD and HGSD revealed that 60.8% and 25.5% had reduced muscle strength, respectively. SARC-CalF exposed that 39.2% of the patients were at risk for sarcopenia. Significant associations were found between SARC-CalF and diagnosis time ≤ 3 years (p = 0.039), PG-SGA (p = 0.020), APMTD (p = 0.039) and HGSD (p = 0.002). After binary logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, the reduced HGSD remained associated with the risk of sarcopenia. Conclusion: SARC-CalF identified a risk of sarcopenia in 39.2% of patients. The reduced HGSD was associated with the risk of sarcopenia.

Choristoma: a very rare cause of thyroid nodule. Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Choristoma is a well-defined benign lesion formed by histologically normal tissue in an unusual location. Diagnosis is confirmed after surgical removal of the mass. To our knowledge, to date there has been only one case of thyroid choristoma described in the literature. PATIENT FINDINGS: A 70-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented with sudden cervical enlargement. Cervical CT scan showed a 47mm hypodense nodule on the right thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration revealed follicular lesion of undetermined significance. During the following weeks there was noticeable thyroid enlargement. Reassessment with thyroid ultrasound showed a 73mm nodule. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a choristoma composed of squamous epithelium lined cysts, smooth muscle, adipose tissue, connective tissue, foci of ossification and extramedullary hematopoiesis. No cytological atypia or tumoral necrosis were found. Thyroid choristomas are an exceedingly rare cause of a thyroid nodule.

Skeletal muscle mass obtained by anthropometric equation and presence of sarcopenia in postmenopausal women.

Objective: To analyze the amount of muscle and the presence of sarcopenia in postmenopausal women using different methods, verifying the agreement between them as to skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with postmenopausal women aged ≥ 50 years. SMM was obtained from a predictive equation, Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA), and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) were calculated. The cut-off point of SMI was determined for the population itself. The agreement between the SMI obtained using the different methods was verified. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). The significance level adopted for all tests was 5.0%. Results: A total of 112 women were evaluated, with an average age of 66.1 ± 5.65 years. Among them, 51.8% were sufficiently active and 43.8% were overweight and obese. The SMI cut-offs were 6.46 kg/m2 for the predictive equation and 7.66 kg/m2 for BIA, with high sensitivity and specificity. There was an excellent agreement in the identification of SMM by the predictive equation (0.89 [0.824-0.917], p < 0.001) and BIA (0.92 [0.883-0.945], p < 0.001), in reference to DXA. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 0.9%, 1.8%, and 2.7% according to BIA, DXA, and the predictive equation, respectively. Conclusion: The predictive equation showed the expected agreement in estimating skeletal muscle mass in postmenopausal women, offering a viable and accurate alternative.

Prospective Study on Individualized Dose Adjustment of Tolvaptan Based on Urinary Osmolality in Patients With ADPKD.

Introduction: Tolvaptan has been shown to reduce renal volume and delay disease progression in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, no biomarkers are currently available to guide dose adjustment. We aimed to explore the possibility of individualized tolvaptan dose adjustments based on cut-off values for urinary osmolality (OsmU). Methods: This prospective cohort study included patients with ADPKD, with rapid disease progression. Tolvaptan treatment was initiated at a dose of 45/15 mg and increased based on OsmU, with a limit set at 200 mOsm/kg. Primary renal events (25% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] during treatment), within-patient eGFR slope, and side effects were monitored during the 3-year follow-up. Results: Forty patients participated in the study. OsmU remained below 200 mOsm/kg throughout the study period, and most patients required the minimum tolvaptan dose (mean dose, 64 [±10] mg), with a low discontinuation rate (5%). The mean annual decline in eGFR was -3.05 (±2.41) ml/min per 1.73 m2 during tolvaptan treatment, compared to the period preceding treatment, corresponding to a reduction in eGFR decline of more than 50%. Primary renal events occurred in 20% of patients (mean time to onset, 31 months; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 28-34). Conclusion: Individualized tolvaptan dose adjustment based on OsmU in patients with ADPKD and rapid disease progression provided benefits in terms of reducing eGFR decline, compared with reference studies, and displayed lower dropout rates and fewer side effects. Further studies are required to confirm optimal strategies for the use of OsmU for tolvaptan dose adjustment in patients with ADPKD.

Ethnomedicinal Study and Evaluation of the Anxiolytic-like and Diuretic Effects of the Orchid Stanhopea tigrina Bateman ex Lindl-(Orchidaceae).

Stanhopea tigrina Bateman ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae) is an orchid endemic to Mexico, known as "Calavera" or "calaverita", in the Huasteca Potosina (central region of Mexico). This plant species is used for the folk treatment of mental disorders and urological kidney disorders, according to the ethnomedicinal information obtained in this study. Ethanolic extracts of leaves (HE) and pseudobulb (PE) were obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to carry out the chemical characterization of HE and PE. The pharmacological effects (antioxidant, diuretic, anxiolytic, locomotor, hypnotic, and sedative) of HE and PE were evaluated. The possible mechanism of action of the anxiolytic-like activity induced by HE was assessed using inhibitors of the GABAergic, adrenergic, and serotonergic systems. The possible mechanism of the diuretic action of HE was assessed using prostaglandin inhibitory antagonists and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockers. HE at 50 and 100 mg/kg exerted anxiolytic-like activity without inducing hypnosis or sedation. Flumazenil, prazosin, and ketanserin inhibited the anxiolytic-like activity shown by HE, which suggests the participation of GABA, α1-adrenergic receptors, and 5-HT2 receptors, respectively. The diuretic effect was reversed by the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NAME, which caused the reduction in nitric oxide (NO). These results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of S. tigrina leaves exhibited anxiolytic-like activity and diuretic effects without inducing hypnosis or sedation. This work validates the medicinal uses of this orchid species.

Factors associated with surgical resection in patients with Crohn's disease: long-term evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient characteristics and factors associated with surgical resection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: An analysis was performed on data from 295 patients with CD in follow-up from 2001 to 2018. Medical record data comprised age, gender, location, behavior and duration of the CD, smoking, and extraintestinal manifestation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of surgical resection. RESULTS: Out of the 295 patients with CD, 155 underwent surgical resection (53.2% male, mean age: 43.88 ± 14.35 years). The main indications for surgery were stenosis (44.5%), clinical intractability (15.5%), and intra-abdominal fistulas (15.5%). Smoking (p < 0.001), longer CD duration (p < 0.0001), ileo-colonic location (p = 0.003), stenosing behavior (p < 0.0001), and fistulizing behavior (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with surgical resection. Initial use of biological was significantly more frequent in the group of patients without surgical resection (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CD still frequently need surgical treatment. Smoking (current or past), longer disease time, stenosing and fistulizing behavior, and ileo-colonic localization in CD patients were associated with a higher risk of surgery. Awareness about factors associated with unfavorable outcome allows such patients to be treated more appropriately.

OFF-times before, during, and after nighttime sleep periods in Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations and the effects of opicapone: A post hoc analysis of diary data from BIPARK-1 and -2.

INTRODUCTION: In BIPARK-1 and BIPARK-2, addition of once-daily opicapone to levodopa/carbidopa significantly reduced daily "OFF"-time relative to placebo in adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor fluctuations. Diary data from these studies were pooled and analyzed post hoc to characterize "OFF"-times around nighttime sleep and to explore the effects of opicapone 50 mg. METHODS: "OFF" before sleep (OBS), "OFF during the nighttime sleep period" (ODNSP), early morning "OFF" (EMO), and duration of nighttime sleep and awake periods were analyzed descriptively at baseline. Mean changes from baseline to Week 14/15 (end of double-blind treatment) were analyzed using two-sided t-tests in participants with data for both visits. RESULTS: At baseline, 88.3 % (454/514) of participants reported having OBS (34.0 %), ODNSP (17.1 %), or EMO (79.6 %). Those with ODNSP had substantially shorter mean duration of uninterrupted sleep (4.4 h) than the overall pooled population (7.1 h). At Week 14/15, mean decrease from baseline in ODNSP duration was significantly greater with opicapone than with placebo (-0.9 vs. -0.4 h, P < 0.05). In participants with ODNSP at baseline, the decrease in total time spent awake during the night-time sleep period was significantly greater with opicapone than with placebo (-1.0 vs. -0.4 h, P < 0.05), as was the reduction in percent time spent awake during the night-time sleep period (-12.8 % vs. -4.5 %, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: "OFF"-times around nighttime sleep were common in BIPARK-1 and BIPARK-2. Opicapone may improve sleep by decreasing the amount of time spent awake during the night in patients with PD who have night-time sleep period "OFF" episodes.

Opicapone to Treat Early Wearing-off in Parkinson's Disease Patients: The Korean ADOPTION Trial.

BACKGROUND: Increasing levodopa (L-dopa)/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCI) daily dose or adding a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor to levodopa/DDCI therapy are strategies used to manage wearing-off symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the COMT inhibitor opicapone versus an additional dose of levodopa to treat early wearing-off in PD patients. METHODS: ADOPTION was a randomized, parallel-group, open-label, Phase 4 study conducted in Korea. At baseline, eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to opicapone 50 mg (n = 87) or L-dopa 100 mg (n = 81) (added to current L-dopa/DDCI therapy) for 4 weeks. The main efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to end of study in absolute off time. Other endpoints included changes in on time, in Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and 8-item PD Questionnaire scores, and the Clinical and Patient Global Impression of Improvement/Change. RESULTS: The adjusted mean in absolute off time was significantly greater for opicapone 50 mg than for L-dopa 100 mg (-62.1 vs. -16.7 minutes; P = 0.0015). Opicapone-treated patients also reported a greater reduction in the percentage of off time (P = 0.0015), a greater increase in absolute on time (P = 0.0338) and a greater increase in the percentage of on time (P = 0.0015). There were no significant differences in other secondary endpoints. The L-dopa equivalent daily dose was significantly higher in the opicapone group (750.9 vs. 690.0 mg; P = 0.0247), when a 0.5 conversion factor is applied. CONCLUSIONS: Opicapone 50 mg was more effective than an additional 100 mg L-dopa dose at decreasing off time in patients with PD and early wearing-off.

Seafood product safety: A hybrid graphene/gold-based electrochemical immunosensor for fish allergen analysis.

Seafood product labels with accurate allergen contents can avoid and/or minimize allergic reactions. Therefore, an electrochemical immunosensor for the analysis of ß-parvalbumin (ß-PV, a major fish allergen) was developed. Screen-printed carbon electrodes were nanostructured with reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. The platform was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. In a sandwich-type assay (∼75 min), the antigen-antibody interaction was detected by chronoamperometry using horseradish peroxidase and TMB-H2O2. A linear range of 25-3000 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 2.99 µA.mL/ng, and a limit of detection of 9.9 ng/mL (corresponding to 0.40 ng in the analysed aliquot) were obtained. The selectivity and possible interferences were assessed by analysing several other food allergens and a marine toxin. The sensor was applied to the analysis of 17 commercial foods and the effect of culinary processing (e.g., grilled, canned, smoked) on the ß-PV concentration was assessed. Traces of ß-PV were successfully quantified and ELISA was used to assess the results.

Leukocyte dysfunction and reduced CTLA-4 expression are associated with perianal Crohn's disease.

Although perianal Crohn's disease (PCD) is highly associated with the exacerbated inflammation, the molecular basis and immunological signature that distinguish patients who present a history of perianal lesions are still unclear. This paper aims to define immunological characteristics related to PCD. In this cross-sectional observational study, we enrolled 20 healthy controls and 39 CD patients. Blood samples were obtained for the detection of plasma cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were phenotyped by flow cytometry. Leukocytes were stimulated with LPS or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. Our results show that CD patients had augmented plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and LPS. However, their PBMC was characterized by decreased IL-6 production, while patients with a history of PCD produced higher IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-γ, along with decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). CD patients had augmented FoxP3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) regulatory markers, though the PCD subjects presented a significant reduction in CTLA-4 expression. CTLA-4 as well as IL-6 and TNF responses were able to distinguish the PCD patients from those who did not present perianal complications. In conclusion, IL-6, TNF, and CTLA-4 exhibit a distinct expression pattern in CD patients with a history of PCD, regardless of disease activity. These findings clarify some mechanisms involved in the development of the perianal manifestations and may have a great impact on the disease management.

eTEP Rives-Stoppa impact on abdominal contour: a retrospective observational and clinical quality improvement study using Ellipse 9 tool.

BACKGROUND: The eTEP Rives-Stoppa (RS) procedure, increasingly used for ventral hernia repair, has raised concerns about postoperative upper abdominal bulging. This study aims to objectively evaluate changes in the abdominal contour after eTEP RS and explore potential causes using a novel analytical tool, the Ellipse 9. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing eTEP RS without posterior rectus sheath closure were assessed before and 3 months after surgery using CT scan images. Key measurements analyzed included the distance between linea semilunaris (X2), eccentricity over the Cord (c/a Cord), superior eccentricity (c/a Sup), Y2, and the superior perimeter of the abdomen. The Ellipse 9 tool, which provides graphical images and numerical representations, was utilized alongside patient-reported outcomes to assess perceived abdominal changes. RESULTS: The study group exhibited a trend toward a flatter abdomen with reduced distance between linea semilunaris(X2). However, 17% of patients developed upper abdominal bulging (5). Significant differences in c/a Cord, c/a Sup, Y2, and the superior perimeter of the abdomen, confirmed with Bonferroni corrections, were noted between bulging (5 patients) and non-bulging groups (25 patients). There was a notable disparity between patient perceptions and objective outcomes. CONCLUSION: The eTEP RS procedure improved abdominal contour in most patients from a selected cohort. The Ellipse 9 tool was valuable for the objective analysis of these changes. The cause of bulging post-eTEP RS is probably multifactorial. Notably, there was often a discrepancy between patient perceptions of bulging and objective clinical findings.

Waist Circumference as a Tool for Identifying Visceral Fat in Women with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Abdominal adiposity is associated with tumor development and poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer (BC) and can be identified by the measurement of waist circumference (WC) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This study aimed to evaluate the association between waist circumference (WC) and imaging measurement of central adiposity according to age group in women with BC. Abdominal adiposity was assessed by WC and VAT, obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Body mass index (BMI) was assessed. The presence of inflammation was investigated by measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to verify the association between WC and VAT. The significance level adopted for all tests was 5%. This study included 112 women with a mean age of 55.5 ± 11.4 years. After adjusted models, WC remained associated with VAT and for every centimeter increase in WC, there was an increase of 3.12 cm2 (CI: 2.40 - 3.85; p < 0.001) in VAT. WC was associated with VAT in women with breast cancer, proving to be a simple, fast, and noninvasive approach that can be used as a proxy to identify visceral fat.

Impact on Anesthetic Agent Consumption After Autonomic Neural Blockade as Part of a Combined Anesthesia Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative autonomic neural blockade (ANB) was found safe and effective in controlling pain and associated symptoms and reducing analgesic consumption after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This study evaluated whether ANB performed at the outset of LSG reduces anesthetic consumption and promotes hemodynamic stability. METHODS: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial involved patients undergoing LSG in 2 high-volume institutions. Patients were randomized to receive ANB either at the onset or the end of the procedure. The primary outcome measure was the consumption of remifentanil and sevoflurane. Secondary outcomes included Aldrete scale score differences in the recovery room and hemodynamic stability during the surgery. RESULTS: In total, 80 patients (40 in the ANB at the onset group and 40 in the control group) were included for analysis. The consumption of remifentanil was significantly lower in the onset group compared to the control group (mean difference -0.04 mcg/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.06 to -0.02; P < .0001). There were no differences in the Aldrete scale scores between the 2 groups. Mean heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also significantly less during surgery in the ANB at the onset group. No complications related to the ANB occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Performing ANB at the onset of LSG is a safe and effective approach that reduces remifentanil consumption and promotes hemodynamic stability during the procedure. This technique holds promise for optimizing anesthesia management in LSG and other minimally invasive surgeries.

Ectopic Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma Presenting With Osteoporotic Fractures in a Young Man: A Case Report.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can be associated with osteoporosis (OP) and fractures. We present a case of a 49-year-old male referred to our osteoporosis outpatient clinic due to a right femur osteoporotic fracture. At the age of 38, a right plantar nodular lesion was excised, and its histology was compatible with a deep dermis nodule formed by mononuclear and giant osteoclast-like cells. He has reported osteoporotic fractures since age 39 and renal colic episodes since age 45. His father had lipomas and renal colic episodes, and his paternal grandmother had lipomas. The laboratory evaluation was compatible with PHPT. A cervical ultrasound showed a 10mm single solid nodule in the left thyroid lobe, strongly hypoechogenic, with microcalcifications. Its cytology showed parathyroid tissue without atypia. Parathyroid scintigraphy had no uptake. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan showed a femoral neck Z-score of -4.3. He started alendronate/cholecalciferol (70mg/5600IU) weekly. He was submitted to a left hemithyroidectomy. Its histology showed an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas are rare, of which 0.7%-6% are intrathyroidal. The excised foot lesion could be a brown tumour. Furthermore, calcium metabolism evaluation at that time might have allowed a PHPT diagnosis and its morbidity prevention. Osteoporotic fractures in young men must alert to secondary OP.

Meaning of Life Therapy: A Pilot Study of a Novel Psycho-Existential Intervention for Palliative Care in Cancer.

Intervention in Palliative Care aims to provide physical, psychosocial, and spiritual relief for patients and family members. Brief interventions with a psycho-existential approach have shown positive responses; however, cultural adaptations are needed. This pilot study aimed to develop the Meaning of Life Therapy (MLT), a novel psycho-existential intervention, rooted in the Dignity Therapy, Life Review, and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy. MLT was culturally adapted to the Portuguese context to include questions about forgiveness, apology, reconciliation, farewell, and a legacy document, i.e., the Life Letter. Nine PC cancer patients answered a 14-question MLT protocol, intended to help patients find purpose and meaning in life. Eight themes emerged: Family, Preservation of Identity, Life Retrospective, Clinical Situation, Achievements, Socio-Professional Valorization, Forgiveness/Apology/Reconciliation, and Saying Goodbye. MLT has proved its ability to respond to the psycho-existential needs of PC patients. Further studies should be conducted to gain extensive knowledge of the effectiveness of culturally responsive interventions.

Varicella-Zoster Virus: A Case of Encephalitis.

Infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is very common worldwide and is one of the main causes of infectious encephalitis. Immunosuppressed patients are at increased risk of severe disease and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. We report the case of a 43-year-old man with HIV infection and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy who presented to the emergency department (ER) with complaints of diplopia and a frontal headache, referring to having a child with chickenpox. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed three hyperintense T2-weighted lesions surrounded by edema in the right sublenticular, left occipital and left parietal regions, and VZV DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). After admitting the diagnosis of VZV encephalitis, the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir, with clinical improvement and a favorable outcome.

Can in vitro embryo production be estimated from semen variables in Senepol breed by using artificial intelligence?

Thoroughly analyzing the sperm and exploring the information obtained using artificial intelligence (AI) could be the key to improving fertility estimation. Artificial neural networks have already been applied to calculate zootechnical indices in animals and predict fertility in humans. This method of estimating the results of reproductive biotechnologies, such as in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle, could be valuable for livestock production. This study was developed to model IVEP estimates in Senepol animals based on various sperm attributes, through retrospective data from 290 IVEP routines performed using 38 commercial doses of semen from Senepol bulls. All sperm samples that had undergone the same procedure during sperm selection for in vitro fertilization were evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system to define sperm subpopulations. Sperm morphology was also analyzed in a wet preparation, and the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes, mitochondrial potential, oxidative status, and chromatin resistance were evaluated using flow cytometry. A previous study identified three sperm subpopulations in such samples and the information used in tandem with other sperm quality variables to perform an AI analysis. AI analysis generated models that estimated IVEP based on the season, donor, percentage of viable oocytes, and 18 other sperm predictor variables. The accuracy of the results obtained for the three best AI models for predicting the IVEP was 90.7, 75.3, and 79.6%, respectively. Therefore, applying this AI technique would enable the estimation of high or low embryo production for individual bulls based on the sperm analysis information.

The new Ribopeaks (RPK-II): Updated and enlarged tool for bacterial classification based on r-protein m/z data.

Ribopeaks is a rapid, sensitive, and economic web tool for bacterial identification based on m/z data from MALDI-TOF MS. To provide greater accuracy and robustness in the Ribopeaks analyzes we present an updated bacterial identification tool version, called Ribopeaks II (RPK-II). RPK-II contains a larger database, with r-protein data from fully sequenced bacterial genomes and optimized algorithms. Furthermore, this new version provides additional information about the identified bacterium, regarding antibiotic resistance.

Prevalence and clinical implications of germline pathogenic variants in cancer predisposing genes in young patients across sarcoma subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of cancers occurring mainly in young individuals for which an underlying germline genetic cause remains unclear in most cases. METHODS: Germline DNA from 177 children, adolescents and young adults with soft tissue or bone sarcomas was tested using multigene panels with 113 or 126 cancer predisposing genes (CPGs) to describe the prevalence of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (GPVs). Subsequent testing of a subset of tumours for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) evaluation was performed to investigate the clinical and molecular significance of these variants. RESULTS: GPVs were detected in 21.5% (38/177) of the patients (15.8% in children and 21.6% in adolescents and young adults), with dominant CPGs being altered in 15.2% overall. These variants were found in genes previously associated with the risk of developing sarcomas (TP53, RB1, NF1, EXT1/2) but also in genes where that risk is still emerging/limited (ERCC2, TSC2 and BRCA2) or unknown (PALB2, RAD50, FANCM and others). The detection rates of GPVs varied from 0% to 33% across sarcoma subtypes and GPV carriers were more likely to present more than one primary tumour than non-carriers (21.1%×6.5%; p=0.012). Loss of the wild-type allele was detected in 48% of tumours from GPV carriers, mostly in genes definitively associated with sarcoma risk. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that a high proportion of young patients with sarcomas presented a GPV in a CPG, underscoring the urgency of establishing appropriate genetic screening strategies for these individuals and their families.