First Constraints from DAMIC-M on Sub-GeV Dark-Matter Particles Interacting with Electrons.

We report constraints on sub-GeV dark matter particles interacting with electrons from the first underground operation of DAMIC-M detectors. The search is performed with an integrated exposure of 85.23 g days, and exploits the subelectron charge resolution and low level of dark current of DAMIC-M charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Dark-matter-induced ionization signals above the detector dark current are searched for in CCD pixels with charge up to 7e^{-}. With this dataset we place limits on dark matter particles of mass between 0.53 and 1000 MeV/c^{2}, excluding unexplored regions of parameter space in the mass ranges [1.6,1000] MeV/c^{2} and [1.5,15.1] MeV/c^{2} for ultralight and heavy mediator interactions, respectively.

Lysyl-tRNA synthetase produces diadenosine tetraphosphate to curb STING-dependent inflammation.

Inflammation is an essential part of immunity against pathogens and tumors but can promote disease if not tightly regulated. Self and non-self-nucleic acids can trigger inflammation, through recognition by the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthetase (cGAS) and subsequent activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein. Here, we show that RNA:DNA hybrids can be detected by cGAS and that the Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) inhibits STING activation through two complementary mechanisms. First, LysRS interacts with RNA:DNA hybrids, delaying recognition by cGAS and impeding cGAMP production. Second, RNA:DNA hybrids stimulate LysRS-dependent production of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) that in turn attenuates STING-dependent signaling. We propose a model whereby these mechanisms cooperate to buffer STING activation. Consequently, modulation of the LysRS-Ap4A axis in vitro or in vivo interferes with inflammatory responses. Thus, altogether, we establish LysRS and Ap4A as pharmacological targets to control STING signaling and treat inflammatory diseases.

Isolation on a remote island: genetic and morphological differentiation of a cosmopolitan odonate.

Although low levels of genetic structure are expected in highly widespread species, geographical and/or ecological factors can limit species distributions and promote population structure and morphological differentiation. In order to determine the effects of geographical isolation on population genetic structure and wing morphology, 281 individuals of the cosmopolitan odonate Pantala flavescens were collected from four continental (Central and South America) and five insular sites (Polynesian islands and the Maldives). COI sequences and eight microsatellite loci were used to characterize genetic diversity and genetic structure between and within locations. Linear and geometric morphometry were used to evaluate differences in the size and shape of wings. Genetic analysis showed a global genetic difference between the continental and insular sites. American locations did not show genetic structure, even in locations separated by a distance of 5000 km. Easter Island showed the lowest values of genetic diversity (mainly mitochondrial diversity) and the highest values of genetic differences compared to other insular and continental sites. Individuals from Easter Island showed smaller forewings, a different abdomen length to thorax length ratio, and a different configuration of anal loop in the hindwings. Thus, the greater isolation, smaller area, and young geological age seem to have determined the genetic and morphological differences in P. flavescens of Easter Island, where selection could promote a loss of migratory behavior and may improve other life history traits, such as reproduction. This work provides new insight into how microevolutionary processes operate in isolated populations of cosmopolitan species.

Differential gene expression revealed with RNA-Seq and parallel genotype selection of the ornithine decarboxylase gene in fish inhabiting polluted areas.

How organisms adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions by means of plasticity or selection of favorable genetic variants is a central issue in evolutionary biology. In the Maipo River basin, the fish Basilichthys microlepidotus inhabits polluted and non-polluted areas. Previous studies have suggested that directional selection drives genomic divergence between these areas in 4% of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) loci, but the underlying genes and functions remain unknown. We hypothesized that B. microlepidotus in this basin has plastic and/or genetic responses to these conditions. Using RNA-Seq, we identified differentially expressed genes in individuals from two polluted sites compared with fish inhabiting non-polluted sites. In one polluted site, the main upregulated genes were related to cellular proliferation as well as suppression and progression of tumors, while biological processes and molecular functions involved in apoptotic processes were overrepresented in the upregulated genes of the second polluted site. The ornithine decarboxylase gene (related to tumor promotion and progression), which was overexpressed in both polluted sites, was sequenced, and a parallel pattern of a heterozygote deficiency and increase of the same homozygote genotype in both polluted sites compared with fish inhabiting the non-polluted sites was detected. These results suggest the occurrence of both a plastic response in gene expression and an interplay between phenotypic change and genotypic selection in the face of anthropogenic pollution.

Effects of a Dam Reservoir on the Distribution of Heavy Metals in Two Chilean Native Freshwater Fish Species.

In order to determine the effect of a dam on metal concentrations in riverine fish species, we studied fish inhabiting the influent (Cachapoal River) and effluent (Rapel River) of the Rapel Reservoir in central Chile. Heavy metals were quantified in gills, liver and muscle of the catfish Trichomycterus areolatus and the silverside Basilichthys microlepidotus. Also, the bioaccumulation index (BAI) was estimated by considering heavy metal concentrations obtained from water and sediment. Results showed the presence of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in the fish organs. The analysis showed high metal concentrations in catfish inhabiting the influent compared to those collected in the effluent. These results indicate a possible filter effect of the dam for most of the metals identified in the fish organs, because metal concentrations decreased in the effluent. Finally, catfish exhibited a larger BAI for most metals analyzed.

An epidemiological study determining blood pressure in a Portuguese cohort: the Guimarães/Vizela study.

Surveying the evolution of blood pressure (BP) levels and hypertension (HTN) prevalence is important. A stringent strategy was utilized in a population cohort study. The BP was measured at two visits at least 3 months apart, and the results were analyzed using the following two methods: the Surveillance method (three BP measurements were performed in one visit, and the results were compared with those published previously for the identical method) and the Clinical method (three measurements per visit for two visits, and the concordant results in both visits were used to determine the BP classification). A total of 2542 subjects completed the evaluation. Using the Clinical method, an average systolic/diastolic BP value of 129.8/76.8 mm Hg was obtained, and the prevalence of HTN was 31.6%. Of the hypertensive patients, 74.3% were aware of his/her condition; 69.1% were treated and 40.8% of those treated had adequate BP control. A total of 24.7% of subjects changed his/her BP classification between visits, and 13.7% misreported HTN. Using the Surveillance method, we determined that the average global SBP has been maintained, with HTN prevalence increasing in this region, drifting from reported trends nationally and worldwide. There has been improvement in the proportion of treated and controlled subjects; however, the Surveillance method overestimated the HTN prevalence and underestimated the proportion of treated and controlled subjects. The BP levels were higher than observed worldwide in high-cardiovascular (CV) risk countries as well as higher than the minimum risk exposure level for developing CV disease.

Influence of land use and climate on the load of suspended solids in catchments of Andean rivers.

Understanding the interaction between anthropogenic land use and the rainfall pattern can be crucial to predict changes in total suspended solids (TSS) in streams and rivers. We assessed the effects of land use and annual rainfall on the TSS load of 19 southern Chilean catchments. The results indicated that the concentration of TSS increased in catchments with a rainy regime and greater annual precipitation. TSS load also increased as the surface of open areas increased at the catchment scale and decreased with increasing cover of glaciers and perennial snow. However, we did not find support for models with interaction terms between climate and land use. Results suggest that a regional decrease in annual rainfall accompanied by an increase in the altitude of the zero isotherms, as predicted by climate models, should have multiple effects on TSS. In particular, increased TSS load can be expected from a contraction of glaciers and perennial snow areas as well as the intensification of new crops and urban expansion.

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of the genus Orestias (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae) in the southern Chilean Altiplano: the relevance of ancient and recent divergence processes in speciation.

This study presents phylogenetic molecular data of the Chilean species of Orestias to propose an allopatric divergence hypothesis and phylogeographic evidence that suggests the relevance of abiotic factors in promoting population divergence in this complex. The results reveal that diversification is still ongoing, e.g. in the Ascotán salt pan, where populations of Orestias ascotanensis restricted to individual freshwater springs exhibit strong genetic differentiation, reflecting putative independent evolutionary units. Diversification of Orestias in the southern Altiplano may be linked to historical vicariant events and contemporary variation in water level; these processes may have affected the populations from the Plio-Pleistocene until the present.

¿Se justifica la implantación de un nuevo dispositivo de lavado ocular en unidades de primera atención? Una revisión sistemática / Is the introduction of a new eyewash device in first care units justified? A systematic review

Objetivo: determinar los beneficios que aportaría un nuevo dispositivo de lavado para el tratamiento de las lesiones producidas por quemaduras oculares frente a los dispositivos ya existentes y los lavados oculares manuales. Material y método: revisión sistemática en las bases de datos ENFISPO, Cuiden, Cuidatge, Cochrane, Medline, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute, Catálogo de Guías de Práctica Clínica del Sistema Nacional de Salud, Tripdatabase y Fisterra, haciendo uso de lenguaje libre y controlado, así como de operadores booleanos y límites. Para la evaluación de los trabajos seleccionados se utilizó la metodología de lectura crítica de Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Español (CASPe), los criterios de evidencia según la Agència d’Avaluació de Tecnologia Mèdica de la Generalitat de Catalunya (AATM) y la Escala de Validez de Ensayos Clínicos Jadad. Resultados: se analizaron 28 artículos de los 113 localizados inicialmente.12 artículos no pasaron las dos primeras preguntas iniciales del test CASPe. 24 artículos tenían una fuerza de evidencia pobre según la escala AATM. Los accidentes podían ser tratados inicialmente por los compañeros de trabajo, previamente instruidos y utilizando sistemas de lavado existentes en los mismos lugares de trabajo. La irrigación ocular inmediata, mínimo de 15 minutos y hasta normalización del pH, tenía una importancia fundamental en el pronóstico de las quemaduras oculares. Todas las soluciones eran adecuadas excepto las hipotónicas. Conclusiones: existe una escasez de trabajos en el fenómeno de estudio , así como bajos niveles de evidencia de estudios analizados, por lo que se hace preciso seguir investigando en el tema. El mejor tratamiento es la prevención, formación y la actuación precoz. La mayoría de soluciones son eficientes, excepto el fosfato. Los hallazgos obtenidos en la revisión justifican la propuesta un nuevo dispositivo de lavado (AU)

Objective: to determine the benefits of making a new washing device for the treatment of eye injuries from burns compared to existing devices and manual eye washes. Material and methods: systematic review of the databases ENFISPO, Cuiden, Cuidatge, Cochrane, Medline, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute, Catalogue of Clinical Practice Guidelines of the National Health System, Tripdatabase and Fisterra, using free and controlled words and Boolean opera -tors and limits. For the evaluation of the selected works, the methodology for critical reading of the Spanish version of Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Spanish (CASPe), the standards of evidence of the Catalan Agency of Medical Technology Assessment of the Generalitat de Catalunya (CAHTA) and Jada Scale for Validity of Clinical Trials were all used. Results: 28 of the 113 initially located papers were analyzed. 12 papers did not pass the first two initial questions of the CASPe test. 24 items had a poor strength of evidence according to the CAHTA scale. Accidents could be treated initially by previously trained co-workers, using washing systems right at the workplace. The immediate eye irrigation, at least 15 minutes and until normalization of pH, was of paramount importance in the prognosis of eye burns. All solutions were suitable, except hypotonic solutions. Conclusions: there is a lack of studies on the phenomenon of study as well as low levels of evidence of the studies analyzed, which makes further research on this subject necessary. The best treatment is prevention, education and early intervention. Most solutions are efficient, except for phosphate-containing solutions. The findings obtained in this review justify the availability of new washing devices (AU)

Neuroprotective effects of white tea against oxidative stress-induced toxicity in striatal cells.

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and represents an important source of antioxidants mainly catechins that confer beneficial effects in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, age-related disorders or cancer. In the central nervous system, oxidative stress caused by increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species represents an important mechanism for neuronal dysfunction and cell loss in different neurodegenerative disorders. The neuroprotective effects of green-tea-derived polyphenols have extensively been demonstrated in different models of neurotoxicity. However, few data have been reported on the antioxidant activity of white tea extracts in the nervous system. In the present study, we demonstrate that white tea extracts protect striatal cell lines against oxidative stress-mediated cell death. The effects of white tea on protection of striatal cell cultures are likely associated with the antioxidant properties of white tea components since neuronal cell loss induced by nonoxidative insults such as D1 dopamine receptor activation cannot be prevented by pre-treatment with white tea. Altogether our results suggest that regular consumption of white tea may contribute to reduce oxidative stress associated with brain injury and be clinically useful for treating age-related and neurodegenerative disorders.

Guía de seguimiento no invasivo del tratamiento endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Guidelines for the non-invasive follow-up of abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment

El tratamiento endovascular del aneurisma de aorta abdominal (EVAR) representa uno de los grandes avances de la cirugía vascular en los últimos 50 años. A diferencia del tratamiento abierto, el EVAR precisa un seguimiento postoperatorio estricto. Durante el seguimiento, la imagen del dispositivo y del aneurisma son de extrema importancia para identificar pacientes en riesgo que precisan una intervención secundaria. Ello ha conducido a protocolos de seguimiento rigurosos basados en estudios con angio-TC. El empleo de estos protocolos de seguimiento tan intensivos son criticados actualmente tanto por la alta radiación administrada al paciente como por el empleo de medios de contraste nefrotóxicos. Los programas de seguimiento postoperatorios menos intensivos y basados en ultrasonidos parecen ser seguros en la mayoría de los pacientes. Proponemos un régimen de seguimiento postoperatorio del EVAR que varía la intensidad y frecuencia de los estudios de imagen postoperatorios en función de los hallazgos(AU)

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is one of the greatest advances in vascular surgery over the past 50 years. In contrast to conventional aneurysm repair, EVAR requires stringent posoperative surveillance. Imaging of the graft and aneurysm is of utmost importance during follow-up to identify patients in need of secondary intervention. This has led to rigorous follow-up protocols based on regular CT examinations. The use of these intense follow-up protocols has recently been questioned due to the high radiation doses and the frequent use of nephrotoxic contrast agents. Less intensive follow-up based on ultrasound examination appears to be safe in the vast majority of patients. We suggest an EVAR surveillance regimen that regulates the frequency and intensity of postoperative imaging based on the outcomes(AU)

Utilidad y satisfacción de la implantación de una agenda deautocontrol de prácticas clínicas en Enfermería / Utility and satisfaction with the implementation of clinical practice self-control journals in Nursing

Objetivos: conocer el grado de satisfacción y utilidad que los estudiantesde la Escuela de Enfermería de la Universitat de Girona perciben delas agendas de autocontrol utilizadas durante sus prácticas clínicas en elHospital de Palamós.Material y método: estudio descriptivo transversal en una población de65 estudiantes de Enfermería de primero, segundo y tercer curso. Las variablesprincipales fueron: utilidad de la agenda, carga de trabajo, satisfacciónde la utilidad de la agenda y utilidad de la agenda en el seguimientodel estudiante por parte del tutor. Se utilizó una encuesta deelaboración propia para la recogida de los datos. Se calcularon frecuenciaspara variables categóricas y media y desviación típica para variablescontinuas, así como una comparación de medias mediante un ANOVAcon un nivel de confianza del 95%.Resultados: la agenda de autocontrol se valoró con una puntuación mediade 7,86 (DE: 0,8). El 95,8% de los participantes expresó una valoraciónpositiva de este instrumento. El 98,6% consideró que no les supusouna sobrecarga de trabajo. El 78,1% opinó que la agenda les generabauna sensación de control.Conclusiones: la agenda resulta ser una herramienta eficaz, útil y prácticapara mejorar el aprendizaje de las prácticas clínicas de Enfermería.Sería conveniente la informatización de la misma para una mejor explotaciónde los contenidos (AU)

Objectives: to ascertain the degree of satisfaction and perceived utilitythat Nursing students in the University of Girona have regarding theself-control journals used during their clinical practice sessions in theHospital of Palamós.Material and method: cross-sectional, descriptive study in a populationcomprised of 65 first, second and third year Nursing students. The mainvariables were: utility of the journal, work load, satisfaction regardingthe utility of the journal and utility of the journal in the teacher’s follow-up of students. A self-elaborated survey was used for data collection.Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables and mean andstandard deviation for continuous variables, as well as mean comparisonusing ANOVA with a 95% confidence interval.Results: participants granted the self-control journal a mean score of 7,86(SD: 0,8). 95,8% of participants expressed a positive opinion of thistool. 98,6% claimed it did not entail an overload of work. 78,1% reportedthat the journal provided them with a feeling of control.Conclusions: the journal is an effective, useful and practical tool to improvethe learning of nursing clinical practices. It would be advisableto computerize the journal for a better use of its contents (AU)

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of patient-controlled analgesia compared to continuous elastomeric pump infusion of tramadol and metamizole]. / Análisis coste-efectividad de la PCA postoperatoria frente a la infusión continua elastomérica de tramadol y metamizol.

OBJECTIVES: Little information is available on the cost-effectiveness of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The present study compared PCA to continuous infusion by elastomeric pump. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty ASA 1 or 2 patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery were enrolled for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and costs derived from intravenous PCA with metamizole and tramadol compared to continuous infusion of the same analgesic solution by elastomeric pump in the 48 hours following surgery. Patient satisfaction and side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: The analgesic effectiveness and side effects of the 2 regimens were similar, although 61% of patients in the elastomeric pump group needed morphine for rescue analgesia compared to 33% in the PCA group (P < .05). In the PCA group, 81% of the patients said they would repeat the analgesic treatment compared to only 56% in the elastomeric pump group (P = .05). The mean number of nursing interventions was 16 for the PCA group and 19 for the elastomeric pump group. The mean cost of the treatment (not including the PCA pump, provided by the manufacturer) was Euros 41.35 for the PCA group and Euros 56.22 for the elastomeric pump group. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic efficacy of the 2 regimens was similar. However, patient satisfaction was greater with PCA and use of an elastomeric pump was more expensive. In the setting of the present study, postoperative PCA proved to be more advantageous than continuous elastomeric pump infusion.

Análisis coste-efectividad de la PCA postoperatoria frente a la infusión continua elastomérica de tramadol y metamizol / Cost-effectiveness of patient-controlled analgesia compared to continuous elastomeric pump infusion of tramadol and metamizole

OBJETIVOS: Existen pocos datos relativos al coste-efectividad de los sistemas de analgesia controlada por el paciente (PCA) en el postoperatorio. El presente estudio compara desde esta perspectiva la PCA con una infusión elastomérica continua. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo, controlado y aleatorizado en 50 pacientes ASA I o II sometidas a cirugía mayor ginecológica, que evalúa durante las primeras 48 horas de postoperatorio la efectividad, los efectos secundarios, la satisfacción y los costes derivados de la administración de una pauta PCA i.v de metamizol y tramadol (Grupo PCA), frente a la infusión elastomérica continua de la misma solución analgésica (Grupo Elastómero). RESULTADOS: La efectividad analgésica y los efectos secundarios de las pautas fueron similares, aunque más pacientes del Grupo Elastómero precisaron rescates analgésicos con morfina (61% frente al 33% del grupo PCA; p < 0,05). El 81% de las pacientes del Grupo PCA repetirían el tratamiento analgésico frente a sólo el 56% del grupo Elastómero -p = 0,05-). El número medio de intervenciones de enfermería fue de 16 y 19 para los grupos PCA y Elastómero respectivamente. Los gastos medios de los tratamientos (no incluida la bomba PCA facilitada por la industria) ascendieron en el grupo PCA a 41,35 euros frente a los 56,22 euros del grupo Elastómero. CONCLUSIONES: Ambas pautas presentaron una eficacia analgésica parecida aunque la PCA resultó más satisfactoria, a la vez que el elastómero fue más caro. En las condiciones particulares de nuestro estudio la PCA postoperatoria resultó más ventajosa que la infusión continua elastomérica (AU)

OBJECTIVES: Little information is available on the cost-effectiveness of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The present study compared PCA to continuous infusion by elastomeric pump. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty ASA 1 or 2 patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery were enrolled for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and costs derived from intravenous PCA with metamizole and tramadol compared to continuous infusion of the same analgesic solution by elastomeric pump in the 48 hours following surgery. Patient satisfaction and side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: The analgesic effectiveness and side effects of the 2 regimens were similar, although 61% of patients in the elastomeric pump group needed morphine for rescue analgesia compared to 33% in the PCA group (P<.05). In the PCA group, 81% of the patients said they would repeat the analgesic treatment compared to only 56% in the elastomeric pump group (P=.05). The mean number of nursing interventions was 16 for the PCA group and 19 for the elastomeric pump group. The mean cost of the treatment (not including the PCA pump, provided by the manufacturer) was €41.35 for the PCA group and €56.22 for the elastomeric pump group. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic efficacy of the 2 regimens was similar. However, patient satisfaction was greater with PCA and use of an elastomeric pump was more expensive. In the setting of the present study, postoperative PCA proved to be more advantageous than continuous elastomeric pump infusion (AU)

Mama, por qué aún me hago pis? / Mum, why am i still doing pee-pee?

No disponible

Estudio de los trastornos del sueño en los niños de un centro de salud / Study of sleep disorders in children at a health centre

No disponible

Estudio sobre la adhesión al tratamiento antibiótico en las enfermedades agudas en la población infantil de atención primaria / Study in primary care on the adherence of young children with acute pathology to their antibiotic treatment

No disponible