In health and illness: does taste remain consistent? Exploring the influence of inflammation on taste perception through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Dysgeusia is characterized by a loss of taste perception, leading to malnutrition. This situation affects inflammatory conditions such as respiratory and neurological conditions, obesity, cancer, chemotherapy, aging, and many others. To date, there is not much information on the prevalence and risk of dysgeusia in an inflammatory condition; also, it is unclear which flavor is altered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched three databases from January 2018 to January 2023. Participants were children, adults, or elderly persons with an inflammatory condition and evaluated taste loss. A random effects model was used for statistical analysis to calculate the pooled odds ratio with its corresponding 95.0% confidence interval to estimate the probability of taste alteration (dysgeusia) in an inflammatory condition. RESULTS: The data allowed us to conduct a systematic review, including 63 original articles and 15 studies to perform the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a heterogenicity of 84.7% with an odds ratio of 3.25 (2.66-3.96), indicating a significant risk of Alzheimer's disease, SARS-CoV-2, chemotherapy, and rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory conditions and taste alterations are linked. Dysgeusia is associated with a higher risk of malnutrition and poorer general health status, especially in vulnerable populations.

[Translated article] Experience in major complications with total trapezometacarpal prostheses.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of rhizarthrosis using trapeziometacarpal prostheses (TMP) is increasing. Complications may lead to loss of the implant and result in salvage surgery. Our aim was to assess major complications with the use of some TMP models and their rescue. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study on TMP implanted between 2006 and 2021. Models studied: Arpe®, Elektra®, Ivory®, Maïa®, Isis® and Touch®. Demographic data were assessed, implant placement by radiographic study, technical data, complications, salvage surgeries and final survival. RESULTS: Review of 224 TMP, 45 Arpe® (95.5% survival, rate follow-up [R] 6-16 years), 5 Elektra® (80% survival, R 13-14), 14 Ivory® (92.8% survival, R 9-11), 7 Maïa® (100% survival, R 8-9), 115 Isis® (99.1% survival, R 1-8), 38 Touch® (100% survival, R 1-4). The medial angle of the dome with the proximal articular surface of the trapezium in the lateral plane, was: Arpe®: 8.85°, Elektra®: not assessable, Ivory®: 6.6°, Maïa®: 14.4°, Isis®: 3.8°, and Touch®: 5.95°. The Isis® was placed 100% with scopic guidance presenting a significantly lower angle respect to the medial angle of the dome with the proximal articular surface of the trapezium. As main complications, we observed 3.5% of dislocations and 4% of mobilisations, with the Elektra® being responsible for 47% of these. Nineteen salvage surgeries were performed, with 3% of the implants being lost. CONCLUSIONS: Dislocation and mobilisation are the most observed complications, the Elektra® responsible for almost half of them. Correct placement and implant design appear to be crucial to avoid them in the short and long term.

Screws versus plate with screws for osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: fractures involving the posterior malleolus (PM) of the ankle can have significant functional and clinical implications if not properly treated. The optimal treatment approach for these fractures remains uncertain. This review aims to compare the use of cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation in terms of their impact on the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis and functional outcomes in patients with PM fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies directly comparing cannulated screws versus plate with screw fixation for PM fractures and their association with the development of postoperative osteoarthritis and functional outcomes. The quality of the included studies was assessed using appropriate assessment tools. The data on osteoarthritis development and functional outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: a total of 691 articles were screened, and several studies were included for analysis. The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis between the cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in functional outcomes between the two treatment approaches. CONCLUSION: based on the available evidence, there is no significant difference in the development of postoperative ankle osteoarthritis or functional outcomes between cannulated screws and plate with screw fixation for PM fractures. However, further research is needed to strengthen these findings and provide more conclusive evidence.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las fracturas que involucran el maléolo posterior (MP) del tobillo pueden tener importantes implicaciones funcionales y clínicas si no se tratan adecuadamente. El enfoque de tratamiento óptimo para estas fracturas sigue siendo incierto. El objetivo de esta revisión es comparar el uso de tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos en cuanto a su impacto en el desarrollo de la osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales en pacientes con fracturas del MP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en las bases de datos de PubMed, EMBASE y Cochrane Library para identificar estudios que compararan directamente tornillos canulados versus placa con fijación de tornillos para fracturas de MP y su asociación con el desarrollo de osteoartrosis postoperatoria y los resultados funcionales. La calidad de los estudios incluidos se evaluó utilizando herramientas de evaluación adecuadas. Los datos sobre el desarrollo de osteoartrosis y los resultados funcionales se extrajeron y analizaron. RESULTADOS: se revisaron un total de 691 artículos y se incluyeron varios estudios para su análisis. Los hallazgos revelaron que no hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria entre los grupos de tornillos canulados y placa con fijación de tornillos. Del mismo modo, no hubo una diferencia significativa en los resultados funcionales entre los dos enfoques de tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: según la evidencia disponible, no hay una diferencia significativa en el desarrollo de osteoartrosis de tobillo postoperatoria o en los resultados funcionales entre los tornillos canulados y la placa con fijación de tornillos para las fracturas del MP. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para fortalecer estos hallazgos y proporcionar evidencia más concluyente.

Experience in major complications with total trapezometacarpal prostheses. / Experiencia en complicaciones mayores con las prótesis totales trapeciometacarpianas.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of rhizarthrosis using trapeziometacarpal prostheses (TMP) is increasing. Complications may lead to loss of the implant and result in salvage surgery. Our aim was to assess major complications with the use of some TMP models and their rescue. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study on TMP implanted between 2006 and 2021. Models studied: Arpe®, Elektra®, Ivory®, Maïa®, Isis® and Touch®. Demographic data were assessed, implant placement by radiographic study, technical data, complications, salvage surgeries and final survival. RESULTS: Review of 224 TMP, 45 Arpe® (95.5% survival, rate follow-up [R] 6-16 years), 5 Elektra® (80% survival, R 13-14), 14 Ivory® (92.8% survival, R 9-11), 7 Maïa® (100% survival, R 8-9), 115 Isis® (99.1% survival, R 1-8), 38 Touch® (100% survival, R 1-4). The medial angle of the dome with the proximal articular surface of the trapezium in the lateral plane, was: Arpe®: 8.85°, Elektra®: not assessable, Ivory®: 6.6°, Maïa®: 14.4°, Isis®: 3.8°, and Touch®: 5.95°. The Isis® was placed 100% with scopic guidance presenting a significantly lower angle respect to the medial angle of the dome with the proximal articular surface of the trapezium. As main complications, we observed 3.5% of dislocations and 4% of mobilisations, with the Elektra® being responsible for 47% of these. Nineteen salvage surgeries were performed, with 3% of the implants being lost. CONCLUSIONS: Dislocation and mobilisation are the most observed complications, the Elektra® responsible for almost half of them. Correct placement and implant design appear to be crucial to avoid them in the short and long term.

Indigenous ecological calendars and seasonal vector-borne diseases in the Colombian Amazon: an intercultural and interdisciplinary approach / Calendarios ecológicos indígenas y enfermedades estacionales transmitidas por vectores en la Amazonia colombiana: un enfoque intercultural e interdisciplinario

Traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous groups in the southeastern Colombian Amazon coincides in identifying the two main hydrological transition periods (wet-dry: August-November; dry-wet: March-April) as those with greater susceptibility to disease in humans. Here we analyze the association between indigenous knowledge about these two periods and the incidence of two vector-borne diseases: malaria and dengue. We researched seven "ecological calendars" from three regions in the Colombian Amazon, malaria and dengue cases reported from 2007 to 2019 by the Colombian National Institute of Health, and daily temperature and precipitation data from eight meteorological stations in the region from 1990-2019 (a climatological normal). Malaria and dengue follow a seasonal pattern: malaria has a peak from August to November, corresponding with the wet-dry transition (the "season of the worms" in the indigenous calendars), and dengue has a peak in March and April, coinciding with the dry-wet transition. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between rainfall and dengue and a negative correlation between rainfall and malaria. However, as the indigenous ecological knowledge codified in the calendars suggests, disease prediction cannot be reduced to a linear correlation with a single environmental variable. Our data show that two major aspects of the indigenous calendars (the time of friaje as a critical marker of the year and the hydrological transition periods as periods of greater susceptibility to diseases) are supported by meteorological data and by the available information about the incidence of malaria and dengue.(AU)

Los conocimientos ecológicos tradicionales de grupos indígenas del sureste de la Amazonia colombiana coinciden en identificar dos principales periodos de transición hidrológica (seco-húmedo: agosto-noviembre; húmedo-seco: marzo-abril) como los de mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades en humanos. Aquí analizamos la asociación entre el conocimiento indígena sobre estos dos periodos y la incidencia de dos enfermedades transmitidas por vectores: malaria y dengue. Investigamos siete calendarios ecológicos de tres regiones en la Amazonia colombiana, casos de dengue y malaria reportados de 2007 hasta 2019 por el Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia y datos diarios de temperatura y precipitación de ocho estaciones meteorológicas en la región, de 1990 a 2019 (una normal climatológica). Malaria y dengue siguen un patrón estacional, la malaria tiene un pico de agosto a noviembre, correspondiendo con la transición húmedo-seco (el "tiempo de gusano" según los calendarios indígenas), mientras que dengue tiene un pico de marzo a abril, coincidiendo con la transición seco-húmedo. Estudios previos mostraron una correlación positiva entre precipitación y dengue, y una correlación negativa entre precipitación y malaria. Sin embargo, como lo sugiere el conocimiento ecológico codificado en los calendarios indígenas, la predicción de enfermedades no puede reducirse a una correlación lineal con una sola variable medioambiental. Nuestros datos muestran que dos aspectos principales de los calendarios indígenas (el tiempo de friaje como un marcador crítico anual y los periodos de transición hidrológica como épocas de mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades) están soportados por datos meteorológicos e información disponible acerca de la incidencia de malaria y dengue.(AU)

The threshold tracking nerve conduction study technique: Experience of clinical users unfamiliar with a research-grade neuronal excitability system.

Objective: To 1) explore if clinical electrophysiologists with different degrees of experience performing standard nerve conduction studies could run a threshold tracking nerve conduction study (TTNCS) protocol and 2) learn how clinical users view a research-grade TTNCSs neuronal excitability system. Methods: Five clinical electrophysiologists conducted a TTNCS session using QTracS and then completed a questionnaire describing their impressions. Results: All of the electrophysiologists completed the QTracS protocol on an initial attempt. Perceived strengths comprised the ease of preparatory steps and quick protocol speed. Identified drawbacks included an unwieldly user-interface. The electrophysiologists indicated that knowledge of TTNCS principles and applications would be critical for incorporation of the method into clinical use. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that clinical electrophysiologists can carry out TTNCSs with a research-grade system. The development of a more user-friendly program, along with dedicated education and training, could lead to wider application of the TTNCS technique. Significance: Considered together with clinical presentation and other biomarkers, increased use of TTNCSs could provide improved assessment of neuromuscular disease and treatment response.

Alineamiento comisural preciso durante el TAVI con ACURATE neo. Prueba de concepto / Accurate commissural alignment during ACURATE neo TAVI procedure. Proof of concept

Introducción y objetivos: La posición final de las neocomisuras en el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI) es aleatoria, lo que podría dificultar el acceso coronario y procedimientos futuros. Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar un método estandarizado para conseguir el alineamiento de las comisuras con ACURATE neo. Métodos: La relación entre las comisuras nativas y las neocomisuras de la válvula se analizó en 11 pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave sometidos a TAVI. Con base en la tomografía computarizada, se desarrolló un modelo in silico para predecir la posición final de los postes comisurales. A continuación, se desarrolló una técnica modificada de implante con alineamiento comisural adecuado (ACA) y un dispositivo específico para orientar el sistema de liberación. Por último, el implante de TAVI con alineamiento comisural se simuló en modelos impresos en 3D e in vivo. Se analizó el grado de mal alineamiento y de solapamiento coronario (SC). Resultados: El modelo in silico predijo con precisión la posición de los postes comisurales tanto para implantes convencionales (2) como aquellos con técnica de ACA (9) (coeficiente de correlación=0,994; IC95%, 0,989-0,998; p <0,001). El TAVI con una rotación del sistema específica para cada paciente se simuló con éxito en biomodelos y en 9 pacientes (mal alineamiento comisural medio in vivo, 7,7±3,9°). Ninguno de los implantes con técnica ACA presentó SC, mientras que la simulación in silico para los mismos casos pero mediante implante convencional predijo SC en 6 de los 9 casos. Conclusiones: El alineamiento comisural preciso del dispositivo ACURATE neo es factible mediante la inserción del sistema de liberación rotado específicamente para cada paciente basándose en el análisis de la tomografía computarizada. Este método sencillo y reproducible de alineamiento comisural podría utilizarse con todo tipo de dispositivos para TAVI (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Final position of the neo-commissures is uncontrolled during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), potentially hindering coronary access and future procedures. We aimed to develop a standard method to achieve commissural alignment with the ACURATE neo valve. Methods: The relationship between native and TAVI neo-commissures was analyzed in 11 severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVI. Based on computed tomography analysis, an in silico model was developed to predict final TAVI commissural posts position. A modified implantation technique, accurate commissural alignment (ACA) and a dedicated delivery system were developed. TAVI implants were tested in 3-dimensional (3D) printed models and in vivo. Commissural misalignment and coronary overlap (CO) were analyzed. Results: The in silico model accurately predicted final position of commissural posts irrespective of the implantation technique performed (correlation coefficient, 0.994; 95%CI, 0.989-0.998; P<.001). TAVI implant with patient-specific rotation was simulated in 3D printed models and in 9 patients. ACA-oriented TAVI implants presented adequate commissural alignment in vivo (mean commissural misalignment of 7.7 ±3.9°). None of the ACA oriented implants showed CO, whereas in silico conventional implants predicted CO in 6 of the 9 cases. Conclusions: Accurate commissural alignment of the ACURATE neo device is feasible by inserting the delivery system with a patient-specific rotation based on computed tomography analysis. This is a simple and reproducible method for commissural alignment that can be potentially used for all kinds of TAVI devices (AU)

Initial survival of the Isis® total trapeziometacarpal prosthesis with conical trunk threaded cups. / Supervivencia inicial de la prótesis total trapeciometacarpiana de cúpula roscada Isis®.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis through the implantation of total trapeziometacarpal prostheses is in continuous expansion. The Isis® prosthesis is a trunk-conical threaded anchorage prosthesis. Our objective was to assess the functional results and survival of this implant for at least one year of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective study on 53 Isis® prosthesis, implanted from april 2014 to january 2019. The Van Cappelle functional test, pain, strength, mobility, return to previous activity, radiological variables and placement of the trapezial component were evaluated. The surgical technique was performed with a guide wirefocused on the trapezius and control of the scopia. Observed complications were recorded and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-one implants (49 patients) were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 2.1 years (1-5.7). Van Cappelle's test, pain, mobility, and grip and clamp strength improved significantly, as did the distance between the metacarpal head and the trapezius base; 96% of the patients returned in less than 6 months to their activities. Minor complications, 3 De Quervain's tendinopathy and 2 intra-operative metacarpal and 2 trapezium fractures were recorded, and one carpal tunnel syndrome. There was no dislocation, mobilization, or implant infection. CONCLUSIONS: The functional results of the Isis® prosthesis are excellent in the short term, far exceeding the first year of 100% of survival. The complications that arose were minor and few. The anchorage and placement of the trapezial component guided by scopia seem to be crucial for the good result.

Fast production of microwave component prototypes by additive manufacturing and copper coating.

We present a novel method for efficient production of prototypes of microwave components by fused depositing modeling, also known as 3D plastic printing, and vapor deposition coating of a 1 µm copper layer. We demonstrate that the properties of the components follow the predicted performance for low power microwave propagation. The production method offers new opportunities for cheap and efficient production of mock-ups and prototypes of advanced-geometry components for tests with low-power microwaves.

Quantitative ultrasound of the tongue: Echo intensity is a potential biomarker of bulbar dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To learn if quantitative ultrasound (QUS) distinguishes the tongues of healthy participants and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients by echo intensity (EI) and to evaluate if EI correlates with measures of bulbar function. METHODS: Ultrasound was performed along the midline of the anterior tongue surface in 16 ALS patients and 16 age-matched controls using a linear hockey stick 16-7 MHz transducer. A region of interest was manually drawn and then EI was determined for the upper 1/3 of the muscle. For patients, the ALS functional rating scale - revised (ALSFRS-R) was used to calculate bulbar sub-scores and the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) was used to measure tongue strength. RESULTS: EI was significantly higher in ALS patients than in healthy participants (49.8 versus 37.8 arbitrary units, p < 0.01). In the patient group, EI was negatively correlated with ALSFRS-R bulbar sub-score (RS = -0.65, p < 0.01). An inverse correlation between EI and tongue strength did not reach significance (RS = -0.34, p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that EI can differentiate healthy from diseased tongue muscle, and correlates with a standard functional measure in ALS patients. SIGNIFICANCE: Tongue EI may represent a novel biomarker for bulbar dysfunction in ALS.

Efectos de la realidad virtual adicionada a un entrenamiento fisioterapéutico en pacientes con artroplastia total de rodilla / Effects of virtual reality added to physiotherapy training in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Antecedentes: En las últimas décadas varios estudios han mostrado resultados beneficiosos con el uso de realidad virtual en pacientes con diversas enfermedades de origen neurológico y musculoesquelético. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los cambios en la funcionalidad posterior a la aplicación de un entrenamiento fisioterapéutico que incluye el uso de realidad virtual en pacientes postoperados de artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR). Materiales y métodos: El presente estudio cuasiexperimental prueba-posprueba fue realizado en el Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán en Santiago de Chile. Mediante un muestreo no probabilístico, se reclutó a 25 a pacientes postoperados de ATR, con un promedio de edad de 69,83 años (desviación estándar de 8,15). Se les realizó entrenamiento fisioterapéutico que incluye el uso de realidad virtual durante 6 semanas. Las medidas de resultado fueron: el cuestionario de funcionalidad WOMAC; la escala Berg Balance; dolor con escala visual analógica (EVA); distancia recorrida con el test de marcha 6 min; el tiempo de traslado con test Time Up and Go (TUG) y la diferencia de la carga de peso en las extremidades inferiores. Resultados: Al finalizar el tratamiento, el WOMAC total mostró una disminución de 17,2 puntos (p = 0,00), la EVA 2,2cm (p = 0,00), el TUG 3 s (p = 0,00) y la diferencia de carga de 11,9kg (p = 0,00). Por el contrario, el Berg Balance mostró un incremento de 9,8 puntos (p = 0,00) y el test de marcha 6 min de 105,7 m (p = 0,00). Conclusiones: Un entrenamiento fisioterapéutico que adiciona realidad virtual, a corto plazo, mejora la funcionalidad en pacientes mayores de 50 años postoperados de ATR unilateral

Background: In recent decades several studies have showed beneficial results with the use of virtual reality in patients with various pathologies of neurological and musculoskeletal origin. The aim of the present study was to describe the changes in functionality after physiotherapy training that included the use of virtual reality in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and methods: The present quasi-experimental trial-post-test study was performed at the San Borja Arriaran Clinical Hospital in Santiago, Chile. Through non- probabilistic sampling, 25 post-operative TKA patients were recruited, with an average age of 69.83 years (standard deviation of 8.15). Physiotherapy training was provided, including the use of virtual reality for 6 weeks. The outcome measures were the WOMAC functionality questionnaire; Berg Balance scale; pain with visual analogue scale (VAS); Distance travelled with the 6-minute walk test; the transfer time with the Time Up and Go test (TUG) and the difference of weight bearing on the lower extremities. Results: At the end of the treatment, the total WOMAC showed a decrease of 17.2 points (P=.00), the VAS 2.2cm (P=.00), the TUG of 3seconds (P=.00) and the load difference was 11.9kg (P=.00). In contrast, the Berg Balance showed an increase of 9.8 points (P=.00) and the 6-minute walk test of 105.7 meters (P=.00). Conclusions: To add virtual reality to a physiotherapeutic training, in the short term, to improve functionality in post-operative patients older than 50 years following unilateral TKA

Morphological and Optical Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles Decorated Porous Silicon.

In this article, physical characteristics of porous silicon (PS) obtained by electro chemical etching using HAuCl4 in the electrolyte are described. The morphological and optical features of PS decorated with gold-nanoparticles (AuNPs) were analyzed in function of the chemical etching time. The insertion of AuNPs inside the PS were performed simultaneously with the formation of the porous silicon layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the formation and incorporation of AuNPs with an average size of 20 nm in the PS structure, which has a pore size of 1.5 µm. Also, it was possible to observe the loss of Si in function of the etching time. Photoluminescence spectroscopy analysis shows a decreasing of the PL intensity, which can be related to the presence of oxygen in the samples. Raman spectroscopy was used to estimate the size of the Si nanocrystals in the PS structure, which suffers a reduction in size due to the presence of HAuCl4 in the electrolyte.

Mechanical properties of bilayers containing sperm sphingomyelins and ceramides with very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Sphingomyelins (SM) and ceramides (Cer) with very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (V) are important components of spermatozoa membranes. In this study, the mechanical properties of bilayers of SM and Cer with nonhydroxy (n-V) and 2-hydroxy (h-V) fatty acid (30:5) were studied by molecular dynamics simulation at different temperatures and in the presence and the absence of salt. From our results, it was evidenced how n-V SM and h-V SM bilayers showed similar behavior. When n-V Cer was added to a h-V SM bilayer, the Gaussian curvature modulus and Ecurve of binary bilayers decreased. This variation in the mechanical properties of the bilayer can be associated with an incipient step during the fecundation process.

Removal of aqueous chromium and environmental CO2 by using photocatalytic TiO2 doped with tungsten.

Removal of hexavalent chromium was accomplished by using photocatalyst materials of TiO2 doped with tungsten oxide, environmental air as oxygen supply and white light as irradiation source. Dichromate anions in concentration ranges of 50 to 1000 µg/L were removed by means of aqueous dispersions of TiO2 doped with tungsten. The aqueous chromium analyses were performed by Differential Pulse Voltammetry technique. Additionally, mineralization of CO2 gas was promoted by the photocatalysis process, as was clearly shown by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses obtained from the TiO2 samples recovered after photocatalytic experiments. Results of sample analyses by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) are presented and discussed.

Morphological and micromechanical characterization of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals embedded in the pecan nutshell (Carya illinoinensis).

The morphology and micromechanical properties of the mineral crystals embedded in the pecan nutshell (Carya illinoinensis) were characterized. Qualitative and quantitative morphological analyses carried out revealed that the crystals were comprised of calcium oxalate (CaOx) and have a wide range of sizes, with prismatic shapes, distributed heterogeneously in the sclerenchyma tissue. From indentation tests, it was found that CaOx crystals are stiffer structures compared to stone cells (sclerenchyma tissue), showing hardness and elastic modulus values of 0.53 ±â€¯0.19 GPa and 9.4 ±â€¯1.80 GPa, respectively. Additionally, the values of fracture toughness (0.08 ±â€¯0.02 MPa m0.5) and the brittleness index (9336 m-0.5) revealed that these types of structures are extremely brittle. The results obtained suggest that the main function of the CaOx crystals is to provide structural support to tissue. The presented methodology demonstrates the potential of the instrumented indentation technique (IIT) for in situ micromechanical characterization of mineral crystals located in plant tissues.

Interactive effects of early life stress and CACNA1C genotype on cortisol awakening response.

The rs1006737 (A/G) single nucleotide polymorphism within the gene encoding the Cav1.2 subunit of the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (CACNA1C) has been strongly implicated in psychiatric disorders. In addition, calcium channels are sensitive to the effects of glucocorticoids and functional variation may contribute to altered stress responsivity. This study aimed to investigate the role of early life stress (ELS) and its interaction with CACNA1C rs1006737 in affecting the cortisol awakening response (CAR), an indicator of HPA-axis function. Salivary cortisol was measured in 103 healthy adult males (aged 21-63) on two consecutive days at awakening and 30 min later. The ELS measure investigated self-reported adverse life events prior to age 17. The results revealed a marginally significant main effect of CACNA1C, a significant main effect of ELS, and a significant genotype-by-ELS interaction on the CAR, whereby non-risk allele carriers (GG) who had experienced early adversity showed higher CAR compared to the other groups. Further exploratory analyses showed that this interaction may have arisen from individuals who had experienced ELS before adolescence (prior to age 13). This study is the first to provide evidence that the effect of ELS on CAR may be partially moderated via CACNA1C rs1006737 genotype, whereby the heightened CAR in the GG-ELS group may be an indicator of mental health resilience in response to ELS.

Mimicking physiological O2 tension in the female reproductive tract improves assisted reproduction outcomes in pig.

STUDY QUESTION: Is O2 tension in the pig oviduct and uterus affected by the estrous cycle stage and the animal's age, and can the outcome of in vitro embryo development be improved by mimicking these physiological values? SUMMARY ANSWER: O2 tension within the pig reproductive organs is affected by the animal's age, and values close to those measured in vivo have a positive impact on embryo development and quality when used during IVF and embryo culture (EC). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: To obtain a healthy embryo in vitro, it is necessary to adopt a culture microenvironment that approximates physiological conditions. Despite advances in surgical procedures and sensitive probes that allow accurate assessment of in vivo O2 tension, few such studies have been conducted recently in mammals. In addition, no reference values of physiological O2 tension in the reproductive tract exist for large animal models such as pig, and the effect of O2 tension on ART outcomes is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was conducted in pigs. We measured oviductal and uterine O2 tension (n = 29 and 13, respectively) and then examined how the use of the physiological values in pig IVF and EC affected pig ART output (n = 1447 oocytes). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The oviductal and uterine O2 tension at the different stages of the estrous cycle was monitored using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) assisted approach along with a flexible and thin miniaturized luminescent probe. Two groups of pigs, Large-white × Landrace breed, were used: for the first group, 16 pre-pubertal gilts (5 months old and 95 kg) were induced to ovulate with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); in the second group 13 mature sows (24-48 months and 185 kg) were used. IVF and EC were performed at two different O2 tensions: Atmospheric O2 (20%) and the mean in vivo value measured (7%). At 18-20 h post-insemination (hpi), a small sample of presumptive zygotes were fixed, stained and examined under epifluorescence microscopy to assess the fertilization rates. At 48 hpi, cleavage was evaluated under the stereomicroscope. Finally, at 180 hpi, development to the blastocyst stage was quantified, blastocyst morphology was assessed, and embryos were fixed and stained to count the mean cell number per blastocyst. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The mean O2 content within the pig oviduct and uterus was always lower than in ambient air. The average O2 percentage was higher in gilts (10.0%) than in sows (7.6%) (P < 0.0001). The cleavage rate of porcine in vitro fertilized embryos maintained under 7% O2 during IVF and EC was significantly higher (60.0 ± 2.3) compared with those cultured under 20% O2 (32.0 ± 2.2) (P < 0.05). An increase in the number of cells in embryos cultured under the low O2 concentration (88.9 ± 5.9) was observed compared to those cultured under 20% O2 (59.0 ± 5.0) (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA: None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although minimally invasive surgery was used the effect of anesthesia and manipulations on O2 tension within the organs are unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Using physiological oxygen concentrations in IVF/EC could improve ART outcomes. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Grants AGL2012-40180-C03-01 and AGL2015-66341-R. The authors declare no conflict of interest.