Impact of Hypnotherapy on Fear, Pain, and the Birth Experience: A Systematic Review.

In recent times, research has been conducted on the use of hypnosis during childbirth preparation and its effects on pain, fear, and overall childbirth experience. The main objective of this study was to analyze the published scientific literature on the use of hypnotherapy during childbirth preparation and the outcomes achieved during labor. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, with a search performed on the PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, and WOS databases. Studies meeting inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were evaluated for methodological quality using the PEDro scale. The searches yielded a total of 84 results, from which 7 RCTs of high scientific quality were selected. Each article examined the impact of a hypnosis intervention during pregnancy and the results obtained during labor. The analysis covered the use of epidural anesthesia, pharmacological analgesia during labor, self-reported pain, labor duration, type of delivery, fear of childbirth, and childbirth experience. The results demonstrated benefits in reducing fear and pain during labor, along with an enhancement in the overall childbirth experience. Hypnotherapy can be a valuable resource for reducing fear and pain during labor and improving the lived childbirth experience.

Intravenous Ascorbic Acid for the Prevention of Postreperfusion Syndrome in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the last therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS), defined as a fall in mean arterial pressure of more than 30% within the first 5 minutes after reperfusion of at least 1 minute, can occur in liver transplantation as a deep hemodynamic instability with associated hyperfibrinolysis immediately after reperfusion of the new graft. Its incidence has remained unchanged since it was first described in 1987. PRS is related to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, whose pathophysiology involves the release of several mediators from both the donor and the recipient. The antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid has been studied in resuscitating patients with septic shock and burns. Even today, there are publications with conflicting results, and there is a need for further studies to confirm or rule out the usefulness of this drug in this group of patients. The addition of ascorbic acid to preservation solutions used in solid organ transplantation is under investigation to harness its antioxidant effect and mitigate I/R injury. Since PRS could be considered a manifestation of I/R injury, we believe that the possible beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on the occurrence of PRS should be investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the benefits of ascorbic acid over saline in the development of PRS in adult liver transplantation. METHODS: We plan to conduct a single-center randomized controlled trial at the Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Spain. A total of 70 participants aged 18 years or older undergoing liver transplantation will be randomized to receive either ascorbic acid or saline. The primary outcome will be the difference between groups in the incidence of PRS. The randomized controlled trial will be conducted under conditions of respect for fundamental human rights and ethical principles governing biomedical research involving human participants and in accordance with the international recommendations contained in the Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent revisions. RESULTS: The enrollment process began in 2020. A total of 35 patients have been recruited so far. Data cleaning and analysis are expected to occur in the first months of 2024. Results are expected around the middle of 2024. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this study could be particularly relevant because it will be the first to analyze the clinical effect of ascorbic acid in liver transplantation. Moreover, we believe that this study fills an important gap in the knowledge of the potential benefits of ascorbic acid in the field of liver transplantation, particularly in relation to PRS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database 2020-000123-39; https://tinyurl.com/2cfzddw8; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05754242; https://tinyurl.com/346vw7sm. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/50091.

[Procalcitonin as sepsis predictor in cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass]. / Procalcitonina como predictor de sepsis en cirugía cardiovascular con circulación extracorpórea.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass generates an exacerbated response that may lead to sepsis. Objective: To describe the association between procalcitonin levels and sepsis diagnosis in cardiovascular surgery subjects with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: A case-series study was conducted in 142 patients. Serum procalcitonin levels were measured at 24 hours and at 72 hours after surgery using a point of care testing based on quantitative immunochromatographic method. To assess association between procalcitonin levels and sepsis status, we calculated area under the curve (AUC) and sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for the best cut-off point. Results: From 142 patients studied, 7 developed sepsis after surgery (4.9%). For 24-hours procalcitonin levels AUC was 0.921 and best cut-off point was 3.8 ng/mL (sensitivity 0.857 and specificity 0.904). In the case of 72-hours procalcitonin levels, we observed a value of 0.868 for AUC and best cut-off point was 8.4 ng/mL (sensitivity 0.86 and specificity 0.97). Conclusions: Procalcitonin levels at 24 and 72 hours after cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass are associated with sepsis presence at cut-off points of 3.8 and 8.4 ng/mL respectively.

Introducción: la circulación extracorpórea durante la cirugía cardiovascular genera una respuesta exacerbada que puede asociarse con sepsis. Objetivo: describir la asociación entre los niveles de procalcitonina y el diagnóstico de sepsis en sujetos de cirugía cardiovascular con circulación extracorpórea. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio de serie de casos en 142 pacientes. Los niveles de procalcitonina fueron medidos a las 24 horas y a las 72 horas después de la cirugía. Para evaluar la asociación entre los niveles de procalcitonina y la identificación de sepsis, se calculó el área bajo la curva (AUC) y la sensibilidad y especificidad identificando el mejor punto de corte. Resultados: de un total de 142 pacientes estudiados, 7 desarrollaron sepsis (4.9%). En los niveles de procalcitonina en las 24 horas, el AUC fue de 0.921 y el mejor punto de corte fue 3.8 ng/mL (sensibilidad de 0.857 y especificidad de 0.904). En el caso de los niveles de procalcitonina a las 72 horas, observamos un AUC de 0.868 y el mejor punto de corte fue 8.4 ng/mL (sensibilidad de 0.86 y especificidad de 0.97). Conclusiones: los niveles de procalcitonina a las 24 y 72 horas de la cirugía cardiovascular con circulación extracorpórea se asociaron con la presencia de sepsis con los puntos de corte de 3.8 ng/mL y 8.4 ng/mL respectivamente.

Public policy guidelines for a comprehensive, territorial and sustainable development to improve productivity and competitiveness. Case Tungurahua province-Ecuador.

In this work we elaborate a proposal for policy guidelines for the improvement of productivity and competitiveness of the province of Tungurahua -Ecuador-, such proposal is based on the theoretical foundations about the concept of a comprehensive, territorial and sustainable development applied to the territorial diagnosis. Herein three analysis techniques were used as a methodological strategy: The Rasmussen Method, which consists of a multisector model based on the Input-Output Tables-; the technique of focus groups for the analysis of perception on the prioritization of key sectors by the population and by the productive sectors; and the Shift-Share Analysis, to determine the level of growth of some sectors with respect to others. The results have allowed the identification of the strengths and weaknesses, as well as, the opportunities and threats associated with the levels of productivity and competitiveness of the province of Tungurahua. Therefore, strategies have been formulated aimed at the comprehensive, territorial and sustainable development of the province, which are built on the strengthening of endogenous capacities in science, technology and innovation, the encouragement of a coordination and articulation between the actors, the strengthening of the local business web and the internationalization of the territory.

Hacia una educación inclusiva. La Educación Especial ayer, hoy y mañana / Towards an Inclusive Education. Special Education Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Al inicio del nuevo milenio bien pudiera hacerse una visión retrospectiva sobre la situación de la educación especial, con el fin de ir cerrando algunas puertas e ir abriendo algunas ventanas que renueven el aire en el que vayamos a respirar desde la teoría y desde la práctica en el ámbito de la diversidad. De ahí que en este artículo hagamos una revisión tanto a nivel terminológico como conceptual para centrarnos sobre todo en la perspectiva de futuro que se nos ofrece desde la filosofía de una educación inclusiva y la buena práctica de una escuela para todos. Avanzamos la idea de propiciar un medio ambiente enriquecedor, manteniendo las diferencias en un mundo diverso, potenciando las posibilidades personales y multiculturales para crecer todos juntos en un mundo sin barreras físicas, morales o sociales. Si por nuestra parte hay actitud favorable hacia las personas con discapacidad, y si por nuestra parte arbitramos las medidas necesarias para dar respuesta a las posibles necesidades, sería factible acoger a todo el que llegue, darle la bienvenida y brindarle las ayudas necesarias para que cada uno –junto a todos los suyos– encuentre su trayectoria en la vida. (AU)

In the beginning of the new millennium, it is possible to look back on the situation of special education, in order to close some doors and open some windows to help renew the air that we are going to breath in the areas of theory and practice in the diversity field. Therefore, this paper is a review at a terminology and conceptual level in order to focus on future perspectives of the philosophy of educational inclusion and good practices in a school for all. We advance the idea of promoting a rich environment while maintaining the differences of a diverse world, and of improving personal and multicultural capabilities in order to grow in a world without physical, moral, or social barriers. If we have positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities, and if we develop the required strategies to answer possible needs, it will be possible to host everyone who comes, welcome them, and offer them the required supports to help them find –together with their significant ones– the pathway for their lives. (AU)

Dendritic cells drive profibrotic inflammation and aberrant T cell polarization in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: SSc is a devastating autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and obliterative vasculopathy affecting the skin and visceral organs. While the processes mediating excessive extracellular matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation are clear, the exact link between autoimmunity and fibrosis remains elusive. Th17 cells have been proposed as critical drivers of profibrotic inflammation during SSc, but little is known about the immune components supporting their pathogenic role. Our aim was to determine cytokine responses of stimulated monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) and to determine how they influence T-cell cytokine production in SSc. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dendritic cells (DCs) activate and shape T cell differentiation by producing polarizing cytokines. Hence, we investigated the cytokine responses of monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) from patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and healthy controls (HCs) after stimulation with toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. Also, using co-culture assays, we analysed T cell subpopulations after contact with autologous TLR-activated Mo-DCs. RESULTS: In general, we observed an increased production of Th17-related cytokines like IL-1ß, IL-17F, IL-21 and IL-22 by SSc compared with HC Mo-DCs, with variations between lcSSc vs dcSSc and early- vs late-stage subgroups. Noticeably, we found a significant increment in IL-33 production by Mo-DCs in all SSc cases regardless of their clinical phenotype. Strikingly, T cells displayed Th2, Th17 and dual Th2-Th17 phenotypes after exposure to autologous TLR-stimulated Mo-DCs from SSc patients but not HCs. These changes were pronounced in individuals with early-stage dcSSc and less significant in the late-stage lcSSc subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that functional alterations of DCs promote immune mechanisms favouring the aberrant T cell polarization and profibrotic inflammation behind clinical SSc heterogeneity.

Caracterización de pacientes con fisura labiopalatina

Introducción: Las fisuras labiopalatinas son los defectos congénitos más frecuentemente atendidas en los servicios de cirugía maxilofacial pediátricos. Estas aparecen precozmente en la vida intrauterina durante el período embrionario e inicio del período fetal. Objetivo: Examinar las características clínicas de pacientes con fisuras labiopalatinas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. El universo de estudio quedó conformado por 91 historias clínicas de pacientes atendidos en el departamento de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario "William Soler Ledea" en La Habana, entre 2015 y 2019. Las variables medidas fueron edad, sexo, tipo de fisura, defectos congénitos aislados y defectos congénitos múltiples. Resultados: Predominaron las féminas con 57,1 % y las edades menores de un año para el 54,9 %. Las fisuras palatinas aisladas se presentaron con mayor frecuencia (39,6 %) y las fisuras labiales del lado izquierdo se mostraron en 18 pacientes (32,7 %). El defecto congénito aislado más usual resultó la comunicación interventricular (4,4 %) y el defecto congénito múltiple resultó el síndrome de Goldenhar (5,5 %). Conclusiones: En los niños estudiados con fisuras labiopalatinas existió predominio del sexo femenino, fundamentalmente, en las niñas con menos de cinco años. La fisura palatina aislada resultó la más frecuente; un pequeño grupo de pacientes presentó defectos congénitos asociados, sobre todo cardiovasculares; y los defectos congénitos múltiples se vincularon con mayor frecuencia con las fisuras palatinas aisladas.

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate are the most frequently seen congenital defects in pediatric maxillofacial surgery services. They appear early in intrauterine life during the embryonic and early fetal period. Objective: To examine the clinical characteristics of patients with cleft lip and palate. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. The study universe consisted of 91 clinical histories of patients attended at the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of "William Soler Ledea" University Pediatric Hospital in Havana, between 2015 and 2019. The variables measured were age, sex, type of cleft, isolated congenital defects and multiple congenital defects. Results: Females predominated with 57.1% and ages younger than one year (54.9%). Isolated cleft palates were more frequent (39.6%) and left-sided lip clefts were present in 18 patients (32.7%). The most usual isolated congenital defect was ventricular septal defect (4.4 %) and multiple congenital defect resulted in Goldenhar syndrome (5.5%). Conclusions: In the children studied with cleft lip and palate there was a predominance of the female sex, mainly in girls under five years of age. Isolated cleft palate was the most frequent; and small group of patients presented cleft palate defects.

Mixoma odontogénico de larga data en el maxilar. Reporte de caso / Long-Standing odontogenic myxoma of the maxilla. Case Report

Introducción: el mixoma odontogénico es una neoplasia benigna, poco frecuente, de origen mesenquimal proveniente del órgano dentario, es localmente invasivo y no hace metástasis. Su localización más frecuente es a nivel de la mandíbula y poco frecuente en el maxilar. Objetivo: describir las características que presenta un mixoma odontogénico de larga data en el maxilar. Presentación del caso: paciente de sexo masculino de 23 años de edad, soltero, de profesión comerciante, acude a la Catedra de Patología Bucal de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción por presentar una deformidad en la región facial del lado derecho, presente desde la infancia con crecimiento lento sin sintomatología dolorosa. Se realizó una biopsia incisional, tomando una muestra de más de 1 cm de la capsula tumoral para su estudio histopatológico; a partir de la cual se informa sobre un tumor odontogénico mesenquimal compatible con el mixoma odontogénico. Se realizó el tratamiento de una maxilectomía con márgenes de seguridad y el estudio anatomopatológico de todo el tumor extirpado confirmó el diagnóstico de Mixofibroma odontogénico de 2,5 cm de diámetro máximo. Conclusión: un diagnóstico precoz de tumores como los mixomas, que son de crecimiento lento e infiltrante, podría garantizar terapéuticas menos agresivas e invasivas como las del caso presentado, otorgando así mejor pronóstico como calidad de vida a los pacientes.

Introduction: Odontogenic myxoma is a rare benign neoplasm of mesenchymal origin originating from the dental organ, it is locally invasive and does not metastasize. Its most frequent location is at the level of the mandible and infrequently in the maxilla. Objective: To describe the characteristics of a long-standing odontogenic myxoma in the maxilla. Presentation of the case: Male patient, 23 years of age, single, businessman, came to the Department of Oral Pathology of the Faculty of Dentistry of the National University of Asuncion for presenting a deformity in the facial region on the right side, present since childhood with slow growth and no painful symptomatology. An incisional biopsy was performed, taking a sample of more than 1cm of the tumor capsule, for histopathological study; reporting a mesenchymal odontogenic tumor compatible with odontogenic myxoma. A maxillectomy treatment with safety margins performed and the anatomopathological study of the entire excised tumor confirmed the diagnosis of odontogenic myxofibroma with a maximum diameter of 2.5 cm. Conclusion: An early diagnosis of tumors such as myxomas, which are slow-growing and infiltrative, could guarantee less aggressive and invasive therapies such as those in the case presented, thus providing patients with a better prognosis and quality of life.

Keratinocyte Response to Infection with Sporothrix schenckii.

Sporotrichosis is a subacute, or chronic mycosis caused by traumatic inoculation of material contaminated with the fungus Sporothrix schenckii which is part of the Sporothrix spp. complex. The infection is limited to the skin, although its progression to more severe systemic or disseminated forms remains possible. Skin is the tissue that comes into contact with Sporothrix first, and the role of various cell lines has been described with regard to infection control. However, there is little information on the response of keratinocytes. In this study, we used the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and evaluated different aspects of infection from modifications in the cytoskeleton to the expression of molecules of the innate response during infection with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii. We found that during infection with both phases of the fungus, alterations of the actin cytoskeleton, formation of membrane protuberances, and loss of stress fibers were induced. We also observed an overexpression of the surface receptors MR, TLR6, CR3 and TLR2. Cytokine analysis showed that both phases of the fungus induced the production of elevated levels of the chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8, and proinflammatory cytokines IFN-α, IFN-γ and IL-6. In contrast, TNF-α production was significant only with conidial infection. In late post-infection, cytokine production was observed with immunoregulatory activity, IL-10, and growth factors, G-CSF and GM-CSF. In conclusion, infection of keratinocytes with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii induces an inflammatory response and rearrangements of the cytoskeleton.

Rasgos clínicos e histopatológicos de quistes de retención salival

RESUMEN Introducción: La formación de los quistes de retención salival denominados mucocele y ránula se encuentran entre las afecciones de las glándulas salivales más frecuentes en edades pediátricas. Objetivo: Examinar los rasgos clínico e histopatológico de los quistes de retención salival. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retroprospectivo de corte trasversal de octubre de 2017 a septiembre de 2019 en 43 pacientes atendidos por consulta externa de maxilofacial del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario "William Soler Ledea" con confirmación histopatológica de quistes de retención salival. Las variables a medir fueron: edad, sexo, etiología, rasgos clínicos, localización y aspecto histopatológico. Resultados: El mucocele fue el diagnóstico en 83 % de los casos y las diferencias por sexo fueron significativas con afectación mayor para el sexo femenino, la etiología más frecuente fue el mordisqueo del labio con 48,8 %, la localización más frecuente el labio inferior con 72,0 %. Hubo relación significativa entre la etiología y las características histopatológicas. Conclusiones: El quiste de retención salival más frecuente es el mucocele con predominio en el sexo femenino, de aspecto nodular, tamaño menor de 5 mm; predominó la localización en el labio inferior y de causa por mordisqueo del labio. Histopatológicamente la ausencia de revestimiento epitelial y presencia de inflamatorio agudo es lo más frecuente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The formation of salivary retention cysts called mucocele and granula are among the most frequent conditions of the salivary glands in pediatric ages. Objective: Assess the clinical and histopathological features of salivary retention cysts. Methods: A retroprospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2017 to September 2019 in 43 patients with histopathological confirmation of salivary retention cysts attended by the maxillofacial outpatient clinic of "William Soler Ledea" University Pediatric Hospital. The variables to be measured were: age, sex, etiology, clinical features, location and histopathological appearance. Results: Mucocele was the diagnosis in 83.0% of the cases and the differences by sex were significant with greater involvement for the female sex, the most frequent etiology was the bite of the lip with 48.8%, and the most frequent location the lower lip with 72.0%. There was a significant relationship between the etiology and histopathological characteristics. Conclusions: The most frequent salivary retention cyst is the mucocele with predominance in the female sex, of nodular appearance, size less than five mm; there was a predominance of localization in the lower lip and caused by the bite of the lip; histopathologically, the absence of epithelial lining and presence of acute inflammation are the most frequent.

Effects of public health measures during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the winter respiratory syncytial virus epidemic: An interrupted time series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Public health measures (PHM) designed to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic have influenced the epidemiological characteristics of other viral infections. Its impact on acute RSV bronchiolitis in infants of ≤24 months old has not been systematically studied in our setting. OBJECTIVES: To describe the monthly pattern of visits to the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) of patients 0 to 14 years of age, the rate of patients diagnosed with RSV acute bronchiolitis per thousand inhabitants of 0 to 24 months, and the rate of them requiring hospital admission during the winter 2020-2021, in the context of local and national COVID-19 restrictions and compare them to the four previous seasons. METHODS: Interrupted time series analysis of patients assisted in the PED and diagnosed with or admitted for RSV acute bronchiolitis in a tertiary University Hospital from January 2016 to February 2020 (pre-intervention period) and from March 2020 to June 2021 (post-intervention period). INTERVENTION: Preventive PHM implemented by the Spanish government weighted by the Containment and Health Index of the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. RESULTS: The intervention was followed by an immediate reduction of the rate of visits to the PED of -19.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] -24.0, -14.9) per thousand, and the rate of diagnoses and admissions for RSV acute bronchiolitis of -44.3 (95% CI -73.8, -14.8) and -1.4 (95% CI -2.7, -0.1) per thousand, respectively, with a delayed rebound. CONCLUSIONS: After the implementation of PHM to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, an immediate and important decline in the visits to the PED was observed, with an upward change thereafter. There was also an initial reduction in the diagnoses of and admissions by RSV acute bronchiolitis. An upward trend was observed six to nine months after the usual time of the winter RSV epidemic, coinciding with the relaxation of the preventive PHM.

Implication of RAS in Postnatal Cardiac Remodeling, Fibrosis and Dysfunction Induced by Fetal Undernutrition.

Fetal undernutrition is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Male offspring from rats exposed to undernutrition during gestation (MUN) exhibit oxidative stress during perinatal life and develop cardiac dysfunction in ageing. Angiotensin-II is implicated in oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular fibrosis and remodeling, and lactation is a key developmental window. We aimed to assess if alterations in RAS during lactation participate in cardiac dysfunction associated with fetal undernutrition. Control dams received food ad libitum, and MUN had 50% nutrient restriction during the second half of gestation. Both dams were fed ad libitum during lactation, and male offspring were studied at weaning. We assessed: ventricular structure and function (echocardiography); blood pressure (intra-arterially, anesthetized rats); collagen content and intramyocardial artery structure (Sirius red, Masson Trichromic); myocardial and intramyocardial artery RAS receptors (immunohistochemistry); plasma angiotensin-II (ELISA) and TGF-ß1 protein expression (Western Blot). Compared to Control, MUN offspring exhibited significantly higher plasma Angiotensin-II and a larger left ventricular mass, as well as larger intramyocardial artery media/lumen, interstitial collagen and perivascular collagen. In MUN hearts, TGF-ß1 tended to be higher, and the end-diastolic diameter and E/A ratio were significantly lower with no differences in ejection fraction or blood pressure. In the myocardium, no differences between groups were detected in AT1, AT2 or Mas receptors, with MrgD being significantly lower in the MUN group. In intramyocardial arteries from MUN rats, AT1 and Mas receptors were significantly elevated, while AT2 and MrgD were lower compared to Control. Conclusions. In rats exposed to fetal undernutrition, RAS disbalance and associated cardiac remodeling during lactation may set the basis for later heart dysfunction.

Impact of environmental neurotoxic: current methods and usefulness of human stem cells.

The development of central nervous system is a highly coordinated and complex process. Any alteration of this process can lead to disturbances in the structure and function of the brain, which can cause deficits in neurological development, resulting in neurodevelopmental disorders, including, for example, autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Exposure to certain chemicals during the fetal period and childhood is known to cause developmental neurotoxicity and has serious consequences that persist into adult life. For regulatory purposes, determination of the potential for developmental neurotoxicity is performed according the OECD Guideline 426, in which the test substance is administered to animals during gestation and lactation. However, these animal models are expensive, long-time consuming and may not reflect the physiology in humans; that makes it an unsustainable model to test the large amount of existing chemical products, hence alternative models to the use of animals are needed. One of the most promising methods is based on the use of stem cell technology. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into more specialized cell types. Because of these properties, these cells have gained increased attention as possible therapeutic agents or as disease models. Here, we provide an overview of the current models both animal and cellular, available to study developmental neurotoxicity and review in more detail the usefulness of human stem cells, their properties and how they are becoming an alternative to evaluate and study the mechanisms of action of different environmental toxicants.

Species richness and biogeographical affinities of the marine molluscs from Bahía de Chamela, Mexico.

For more than 10 years (2007-2018), the benthic macroinvertebrates of Bahía de Chamela (Mexican Pacific) were sampled at 31 sites (0-25 m depth). A total of 308 species of the five main classes of benthic molluscs were obtained (106 bivalves, 185 gastropods, 13 polyplacophorans, two scaphopods and two cephalopods). This is a significant increase in the number of species (246 new records) compared to the 62 species previously recorded more than 10 years ago. The distribution in the 31 localities of the bay is given for the first time for most of the species, together with information on its ecological rarity (incidence in the samples). Two families of bivalves (Veneridae and Mytilidae) and three families of gastropods (Calyptraeidae, Muricidae and Collumbellidae) comprised ~ 30% of all species. Ecological rarity was evident with 45 families (45.0%) with only one species and 178 species (57.8%) collected in one site and 67 (21.8%) in two sites. The molluscs of Bahía de Chamela represent 12.2% of all species recorded in the Mexican Pacific. Their biogeographic affinities are mostly related to the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) including the oceanic islands and a few are restricted to the Tropical Mexican Pacific (TMP). Some have broader distributions to adjacent northern and southern temperate regions of the American Pacific, one to the western Atlantic, two pantropical (PAN) and two cosmopolitans (COS). The range distribution of each species was reviewed and updated, thus finding that seven species have extended their ranges of geographic distribution.

Knowledge and Attitudes about Zika Virus Infection and Vaccine Intent among Medical Students in Costa Rica.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a public health problem in the Americas. We assessed ZIKV knowledge, attitudes, and future ZIKV vaccine intent among medical students. In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of medical students in San José, Costa Rica, were surveyed to assess knowledge, attitudes, vaccine intent, and sources of information about ZIKV. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated. Factors associated with vaccine intent were determined by bivariate analysis using a chi-square test. Of 468 participants surveyed, majority were females (299, 63.8%) and lived in urban areas (411, 87%). The participant mean knowledge score was 12.2 (SD: 3.65) out of a possible 20. Students residing in suburban or rural areas (odds ratio [OR]: 0.432; CI: 0.24-0.78), first- or second-year students (OR: 0.423; CI: 0.27-0.67), and aged < 20 years (OR: 0.586; CI: 0.36-0.97) had significantly lower knowledge scores. The participant mean attitude score was 30.2 (SD: 4.76) on a scale of 13-65, with lower numbers indicating a concern for ZIKV severity. A majority of the participants indicated they would be likely or extremely likely to receive a ZIKV vaccine (420, 89.7%) and recommend the vaccine to their patients (439, 93.8%). Vaccine intent was not influenced by demographics, total knowledge, and attitude scores. Students (388, 83%) identified the Internet as their primary source of ZIKV information. A majority of students demonstrated a positive attitude toward ZIKV and willingness to accept and recommend a vaccine. Low knowledge scores underscore the need for ZIKV education, especially in the early years of medical school. Use of the Internet should be considered in dissemination of ZIKV education.