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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

[Right ventricular myxoma. A rare case of pulmonary stenosis]. / Mixoma ventricular derecho. Un caso raro de estenosis pulmonar.

We discuss a case of a fourteen year old girl in whom, clinical signs of right ventricular outflow obstruction were discovered following a syncopal attack. A right ventricular tumor was observed by echocardiography. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma.

[The usefulness of intravascular echography during the percutaneous dilatation of aortic coarctation]. / Utilidad de la ecografía intravascular durante la dilatación percutánea de la coartación aórtica.

An intravascular ultrasound study was performed in a patient, to assess the anatomy of aortic coarctation and the results obtained after percutaneous dilation with a balloon catheter. Intravascular ultrasound imaging provides important additional information, not obtainable with other diagnostic procedures, regarding aortic wall structure and thickness. After balloon dilation, aortic disruption was clearly observed, accounting, together with the stretching of the outer layers of the aortic wall, for the increase in aortic luminal area. Intravascular ultrasound permitted also the accurate assessment of the improvement obtained. Intravascular imaging was clearly superior not only to conventional angiography, but also to transesophageal echocardiography in detecting the mechanism of dilation. We conclude that ultravascular ultrasound, with the additional information that it provides, may help in the selection of patients for percutaneous dilation of the coarctation as well as contributing to the identification of the mechanism of dilation.

[The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a rural population from the north of Catalonia (Spain): La Cerdana]. / Prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una población rural del norte de Cataluña: La Cerdaña.

BACKGROUND: Coronary atherosclerosis is the first cause of death in the developed countries. This is a cross-sectional study of prevalence about cardiovascular risk factors in a rural population in La Cerdaña (Catalonia). METHODS: With the aim of studying the cardiovascular risk factors among the Cerdanya population older than 18 years a representative sample of 425 individuals was studied with participation of 72% being obtained. RESULTS: The prevalences obtained were the following: male smoking habit 46%; female smoking habit 15%; obesity (Quetelet index > 30) male 13%, females 17%; arterial hypertension (systolic > 140 mmHg and/or diastolic > 90 mmHg) in males 9.8%, females 23%; hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol > 250 mg/dl) in males 16.4%, in females 18.7%; cholesterol-HDL lower than 35 mg/dl in males 12.1%, in females 4.9%; hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides > 200 mg/dl) in males 7.8%, in females 7.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The smoking frequency and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in La Cerdaña are lower than in the rest of Catalonia, but the obesity prevalence is higher. It is important to know the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in aim to evaluate the intervention program.

[Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and relationed factors in a population in the centre Madrid]. / Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular y factores relacionados en una población del centro de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia on clinical practice and an important risk factor for ictus. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of this arrythmia in a central district of Madrid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done analysing medical records of 13,945 patients belonging to a primary care centre of Madrid. Time of study: recruitment of data from September 2000 to May 2001; analysis of data: from September 2001 to May 2002. RESULTS: We obtained a total of 425 atrial fibrillations, 348 non-valvular and 77 valvular. Global prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients over 40 years in our area was 2.52%. (2.47% male, 2.55% female). Risk factors for atrial fibrillation more frequently found in non-valvular were high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Among valvulars we found HBP, left atrial size over 45 mm and left ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation shows a prevalence and distribution in the studied area similar to that found in other European countries.

[Transfusion needs during intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods in arthroplasty of the hip and knee]. / Necesidades transfusionales durante el intra y postoperatorio inmediato de la artroplastia de cadera y rodilla. Incidencia y factores asociados.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors associated with immediate perioperative transfusion requirements of hip or knee arthroplasty patients who have not been enrolled in a blood salvage program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study collected demographic (age, sex, weight, height, etc.), physiological (hemoglobin levels, coagulation times, preoperative platelet counts, etc.), clinical history and anesthetic and surgical data (type of anesthesia, surgical diagnosis, duration of procedure) in 112 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: 19 cases of primary knee arthroplasty, 77 cases of hip arthroplasty and 16 replacements of hip arthroplasty. Logistic regression analysis of the aforementioned variables was performed to search for factors related to transfusional needs during and after hip arthroplasty or after knee arthroplasty, which was performed with a tourniquet applied to render intraoperative transfusion unnecessary. RESULTS: The variables that increased the risk of transfusion during surgery were duration of procedure exceeding 120 min (OR 15.24; p = 0.01) and loss of over 500 ml of blood during surgery (OR 11.4; p = 0.02). The variables associated with perioperative transfusion were loss of over 500 ml in the postanesthetic recovery room (OR 12.6; p < 0.0001), hypotensive episodes during recovery (OR 11.7; p = 0.0001), prosthetic replacement (OR 6.33; p = 0.005), height < 160 cm (OR 5.03; p = 0.02), preoperative hemoglobin level < 13.5 g/dl (OR 4.97; p = 0.02), and surgery for reasons other than osteoarthritis (arthritis, pathological fractures, etc.) (OR 4.60; p = 0.04). Variables associated with transfusion of over two units of packed red cells were a history of neoplastic disease unrelated to arthroplasty (OR 378.67; p = 0.005), prosthetic replacement (OR 49.71; p = 0.009), diabetes (OR 36.49; p = 0.02) and a hypotensive event while in the postanesthetic recovery room (OR 29.12; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that certain modifiable factors increase the risk of blood transfusion in knee and hip arthroplasty. Specifically, they are duration of surgery, intra- and postoperative bleeding, preoperative hemoglobin level and instances of perioperative hypotension. Other factors outside our control are height or patient clinical history.

[Hyperbaric chamber. Standardized planning of nursing care]. / Cámara hiperbárica. Planificación estandarizada de cuidados de enfermería.

The author creates a systematic, ordered and standardized nursing treatment methodology for the use of hyperbaric chambers as a up-to-date, simple, practical tool which can be individualized to fit the needs of our patients. The author bases his method on the theoretical-practical knowledge acquired during his years of professional treatment experiences and on a study of the articles published about how nurses work with hyperbaric chambers. The author has not found any bibliographical references on any study which specifically describes standardized nursing procedures related to hyperbaric chambers. The author describes the materials and the functioning of hyperbaric chambers: the human and material resources involved, basic materials in a hyperbaric chamber, and systems to administer oxygen therapy. The author also plans out nursing treatment procedures; therapeutic protocol before entering a hyperbaric chamber; maintenance or standard treatment, that is the protocol working procedure sequence; medical prescriptions; monitoring and vigilance techniques; and how to detect diagnostic and nursing problems. To this end, the author has developed a clinical report check sheet for related nursing procedures as well as a scheme-guide for the most probable problems and diagnoses on which symptoms, causes objectives working procedures and evaluation information are included; these are: risk of a lesion, risk of intoxication, deterioration of a patient's mobility, pain and anxiety.

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.