Automated FerryBox monitoring reveals the first recorded river induced crude oil seep transport to the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia

This study presents the first documented occurrence of a natural crude oil seep plume associated with river discharge along the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia in modern times. Between September and December 2022, hydrocarbon signals were detected using a crude oil sensor integrated into a FerryBox system that traversed the Strait of Magellan and several channels of southern Patagonia, covering approximately 510 km. The highest levels of crude oil signals were observed in the mid-basin of the Strait of Magellan. These signals exhibited a strong negative correlation with sea surface salinity, coinciding with the water discharge from the San Juan River. Notably, during periods of high river discharge, typically exceeding 15 m3 s-1, a distinct crude oil plume was detected moving towards the Magellan Strait. Conversely, when river discharge fell below this threshold, no noticeable crude oil signal was observed. As river discharge decreased and winds intensified during the austral summer, the crude oil signal gradually dissipated. This observation suggests that the dispersion of crude oil becomes limited during periods of low river discharge, as buoyant currents remain confined close to the coast. Historical records indicate that this seep has been releasing hydrocarbons into the Strait of Magellan for at least the past 120 years, implying a long history of chronic crude oil input into this relatively isolated region of the world. This finding shows the potential contribution to the understanding of marine ecosystems dynamics and potential pollutants in poorly studied regions through the use of automated monitoring FerryBox system, enabling both spatial and temporal high-resolution surveys.

Powering prescription: Mitochondria as "Living Drugs" - Definition, clinical applications, and industry advancements

Mitochondria's role as engines and beacons of metabolism and determinants of cellular health is being redefined through their therapeutic application as "Living Drugs" (LDs). Artificial mitochondrial transfer/transplant (AMT/T), encompassing various techniques to modify, enrich, or restore mitochondria in cells and tissues, is revolutionizing acellular therapies and the future of medicine. This article proposes a necessary definition for LDs within the Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs) framework. While recognizing different types of LDs as ATMPs, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, we focus on mitochondria due to their unique attributes that distinguish them from traditional cell therapies. These attributes include their inherent living nature, diverse sources, industry applicability, validation, customizability for therapeutic needs, and their capability to adapt and respond within recipient cells. We trace the journey from initial breakthroughs in AMT/T to the current state-of-the-art applications by emerging innovative companies, highlighting the need for manufacturing standards to navigate the transition of mitochondrial therapies from concept to clinical practice. By providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific, clinical, and commercial landscape of mitochondria as LDs, this article contributes to the essential dialogue among regulatory agencies, academia, and industry to shape their future in medicine.

Global taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of bees in apple orchards

An essential prerequisite to safeguard pollinator species is characterisation of the multifaceted diversity of crop pollinators and identification of the drivers of pollinator community changes across biogeographical gradients. The extent to which intensive agriculture is associated with the homogenisation of biological communities at large spatial scales remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated diversity drivers for 644 bee species/morphospecies in 177 commercial apple orchards across 33 countries and four global biogeographical biomes. Our findings reveal significant taxonomic dissimilarity among biogeographical zones. Interestingly, despite this dissimilarity, species from different zones share similar higher-level phylogenetic groups and similar ecological and behavioural traits (i.e. functional traits), likely due to habitat filtering caused by perennial monoculture systems managed intensively for crop production. Honey bee species dominated orchard communities, while other managed/manageable and wild species were collected in lower numbers. Moreover, the presence of herbaceous, uncultivated open areas and organic management practices were associated with increased wild bee diversity. Overall, our study sheds light on the importance of large-scale analyses contributing to the emerging fields of functional and phylogenetic diversity, which can be related to ecosystem function to promote biodiversity as a key asset in agroecosystems in the face of global change pressures.

Nonlinear confocal positioner for micron-scale target alignment

This paper presents a novel target positioner system that exhibits high sensitivity and accuracy. Specifically, the system is capable of precisely locating rough target surfaces within a micron-scale in the focal plane. The high sensitivity comes from the nonlinear detection scheme which uses the two-photon-absorption process in a Si-photodiode and a CMOS sensor at 1550 [nm]. The setup employs a confocal configuration that is easy to align and does not require a conjugated focal plane selective aperture (pinhole), thus demonstrating its feasibility and tilt tolerance of the target. Moreover, the system offers high accuracy up to 5 [μm], which corresponds to the step size of the focus scanning. The presented positioner system has potential applications in microfabrication with lasers and laser-driven plasma accelerators even at high repetition rates, limited by the detection bandwidth of the photodiode. Additionally, the principle can be extended to cameras if spatial information is needed and the system design can be extended to other spectral ranges with minimal changes.

Ethnicity and Parkinson's Disease: Motor and Nonmotor Features and Disease Progression in Latino Patients Living in Rural California

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder among older adults worldwide. Currently, studies of PD progression rely primarily on White non-Latino (WNL) patients. Here, we compare clinical profiles and PD progression in Latino and WNL patients enrolled in a community-based study in rural Central California.

METHOD

PD patients within 5 years of diagnosis were identified from 3 counties between 2001 and 2015. During up to 3 visits, participants were examined by movement disorders specialists and interviewed. We analyzed cross-sectional differences in PD clinical features severity at each study visit and used linear mixed models and Cox proportional hazards models to compare motor, nonmotor, and disability progression longitudinally and to assess time to death in Latinos compared to WNL patients.

RESULTS

Of 775 patients included, 138 (18%) self-identified as Latino and presented with earlier age at diagnosis (63.6 vs 68.9) and death (78.6 vs 81.5) than WNL. Motor (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17 [0.71, 1.94]) and nonmotor symptoms did not progress faster in Latino versus WNL patients after accounting for differences in baseline symptom severity. However, Latino patients progressed to disability stages according to Hoehn and Yahr faster than WNL (HR = 1.81 [1.11, 2.96]). Motor and nonmotor symptoms in Latino patients were also medically managed less well than in WNL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our PD study with a large proportion of Latino enrollees and progression data reveals disparities in clinical features and progression by ethnicity that may reflect healthcare access and structural socioeconomic disadvantages in Latino patients with PD.

Effects of bisphenol F, bisphenol S, and bisphenol AF on cultured human osteoblasts

Bisphenol A (BPA) analogs, like BPA, could have adverse effects on human health including bone health. The aim was to determine the effect of BPF, BPS and BPAF on the growth and differentiation of cultured human osteoblasts. Osteoblasts primary culture from bone chips harvested during routine dental work and treated with BPF, BPS, or BPAF for 24 h at doses of 10-5, 10-6, and 10-7 M. Next, cell proliferation was studied, apoptosis induction, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In addition, mineralization was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days of cell culture in an osteogenic medium supplemented with BP analog at the studied doses. BPS treatment inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner at all three doses by inducing apoptosis; BPF exerted a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at the highest dose alone by an increase of apoptosis; while BPAF had no effect on proliferation or cell viability. Cell differentiation was adversely affected by treatment with BPA analogs in a dose-dependent, observing a reduction in calcium nodule formation at 21 days. According to the results obtained, these BPA analogs could potentially pose a threat to bone health, depending on their concentration in the organism.

Project Confirm: Accelerated Drug Approvals for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The FDA has an accelerated approval program for drugs that have been identified as promising treatments for serious conditions when the available data suggest that the benefits outweigh the foreseeable risks. All of the currently available treatment options for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) initially went through the accelerated approval program. Here, a group of academic CML experts, patient panelists, and members from the FDA convened to discuss the utility of the accelerated approval program as it pertains to CML, and the utility of this program in future drug development in this disease. The results of that discussion are summarized here.

The journey: staying on top of your cancer

The journey: staying on top of your cancer The patient authors with over 48 years of combined real-world experience with chronic myeloid leukemia, and a health care professional, use their own personal experiences to describe the factors that may affect the patient-doctor relationship, patient care and outcomes. The authors believe that this podcast series and associated manuscript will aid both patients and health care professionals to improve their patient-doctor relationships and communication through diagnosis, treatment decision-making and learning to live with CML (or another disease). In this episode, they discuss communication between a patient and their health care team and establishing a treatment protocol.

Lessons learned: managing financial costs and where you can go for more information

LESSONS LEARNED

managing financial costs and where you can go for more information The patient authors with over 48 years of combined real-world experience with chronic myeloid leukemia, and a health care professional, use their own personal experiences to describe the factors that may affect the patient-doctor relationship, patient care and outcomes. The authors believe that this podcast series and associated manuscript will aid both patients and health care professionals to improve their patient-doctor relationships and communication through diagnosis, treatment decision-making and learning to live with CML (or another disease). In this episode, they discuss managing financial costs and where to find resources and support groups.

The beginning: diagnosis and selecting your doctor

The beginning: diagnosis and selecting your doctor The patient authors with over 48 years of combined real-world experience with chronic myeloid leukemia, and a health care professional, use their own personal experiences to describe the factors that may affect the patient-doctor relationship, patient care and outcomes. The authors believe that this podcast series and associated manuscript will aid both patients and health care professionals to improve their patient-doctor relationships and communication through diagnosis, treatment decision-making and learning to live with CML (or another disease). In this episode, they discuss the importance of the patient-doctor relationship, the patient authors' own diagnosis experiences, and considerations when selecting a health care team.

The importance of developing open communication and a professional, long-term relationship between patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their oncologist

A good patient-doctor relationship and positive communication strongly influence patient quality of life and clinical outcomes. Demonstrating the importance of communication in the patient-doctor relationship are three patient authors who have 48 years of combined real-world experience with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the USA. Using their own personal experiences, these patient authors and a healthcare professional provide suggestions related to improving patient-doctor relationships and communication at each stage of the journey from diagnosis to learning to live with CML. The authors believe these recommendations are applicable to patients with CML and with other diseases, their caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Exploring the role of mitochondria transfer/transplant and their long-non-coding RNAs in regenerative therapies for skin aging

Advancing age and environmental stressors lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in the skin, inducing premature aging, impaired regeneration, and greater risk of cancer. Cells rely on the communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus by tight regulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to avoid premature aging and maintain healthy skin. LncRNAs act as key regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and maintenance of skin structure. However, research on how the lncRNAs are dysregulated during aging and due to stressors is needed to develop therapies to regenerate skin's function and structure. In this article, we discuss how age and environmental stressors may alter lncRNA homeodynamics, compromising cell survival and skin health, and how these factors may become inducers of skin aging. We describe skin cell types and how they depend on mitochondrial function and lncRNAs. We also provide a list of mitochondria localized and nuclear lncRNAs that can serve to better understand skin aging. Using bioinformatic prediction tools, we predict possible functions of lncRNAs based on their subcellular localization. We also search for experimentally determined protein interactions and the biological processes involved. Finally, we provide therapeutic strategies based on gene editing and mitochondria transfer/transplant (AMT/T) to restore lncRNA regulation and skin health. This article offers a unique perspective in understanding and defining the therapeutic potential of mitochondria localized lncRNAs (mt-lncRNAs) and AMT/T to treat skin aging and related diseases.

Accuracy and prognostic impact of FDG PET / CT and biopsy in bone marrow assessment of follicular lymphoma at diagnosis: A Nation‐Wide cohort study

BACKGOUND

In the workup of follicular lymphoma (FL), bone marrow biopsy (BMB) assessment is a key component of FLIPI and FLIPI2, the most widely used outcome scores. During the previous decade, several studies explored the role of FDG-PET/CT for detecting nodal and extranodal disease, with only one large study comparing both techniques.

METHODS

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and the prognostic impact of both procedures in a retrospective cohort of 299 FL patients with both tests performed at diagnosis. In order to avoid a collinearity bias, FLIPI2 was deconstructed in its founding parameters, and the bone marrow involvement (BMI) parameter separately included as: a positive BMB, a positive PET/CT, the combined "PET/CT and BMB positive" or "PET/CT or BMB positive". These variables were also confronted independently with the POD24 in 233 patients treated with intensive regimens.

RESULTS

In the total cohort, bone marrow was involved in 124 and 60 patients by BMB and PET/CT, respectively. In terms of overall survival, age > 60 y.o. and the combined "PET/CT or BMB positive" achieved statistical independence as a prognostic factor. In patients treated with an intensive regimen, only the combined "PET/CT or BMB positive" added prognostic value for a shorter overall survival, when confronted with the POD24.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that in FL both BMB and PET/CT should be considered at diagnosis, as their combined assessment provides independent prognostic value in the context of the most widely use clinical scores.

Direct Measurement of Resonances in ^{7}Be(α,γ)^{11}C Relevant to νp-Process Nucleosynthesis

We have performed the first direct measurement of two resonances of the ^{7}Be(α,γ)^{11}C reaction with unknown strengths using an intense radioactive ^{7}Be beam and the DRAGON recoil separator. We report on the first measurement of the 1155 and 1110 keV resonance strengths of 1.73±0.25(stat)±0.40(syst)  eV and 125_{-25}^{+27}(stat)±15(syst)  meV, respectively. The present results have reduced the uncertainty in the ^{7}Be(α,γ)^{11}C reaction rate to ∼9.4%-10.7% over T=1.5-3  GK, which is relevant for nucleosynthesis in the neutrino-driven outflows of core-collapse supernovae (νp process). We find no effect of the new, constrained reaction rate on νp-process nucleosynthesis.

Morphine-induced changes in the function of microglia and macrophages after acute spinal cord injury

Background

Opioids are among the most effective and commonly prescribed analgesics for the treatment of acute pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, morphine administration in the early phase of SCI undermines locomotor recovery, increases cell death, and decreases overall health in a rodent contusion model. Based on our previous studies we hypothesize that morphine acts on classic opioid receptors to alter the immune response. Indeed, we found that a single dose of intrathecal morphine increases the expression of activated microglia and macrophages at the injury site. Whether similar effects of morphine would be seen with repeated intravenous administration, more closely simulating clinical treatment, is not known.

Methods

To address this, we used flow cytometry to examine changes in the temporal expression of microglia and macrophages after SCI and intravenous morphine. Next, we explored whether morphine changed the function of these cells through the engagement of cell-signaling pathways linked to neurotoxicity using Western blot analysis.

Results

Our flow cytometry studies showed that 3 consecutive days of morphine administration after an SCI significantly increased the number of microglia and macrophages around the lesion. Using Western blot analysis, we also found that repeated administration of morphine increases β-arrestin, ERK-1 and dynorphin (an endogenous kappa opioid receptor agonist) production by microglia and macrophages.

Conclusions

These results suggest that morphine administered immediately after an SCI changes the innate immune response by increasing the number of immune cells and altering neuropeptide synthesis by these cells.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-022-00739-3.

Radiative Capture on Nuclear Isomers: Direct Measurement of the ^{26m}Al(p,γ)^{27}Si Reaction

We present the first direct measurement of an astrophysical reaction using a radioactive beam of isomeric nuclei. In particular, we have measured the strength of the key 447-keV resonance in the ^{26m}Al(p,γ)^{27}Si reaction to be 432_{-226}^{+146}  meV and find that this resonance dominates the thermally averaged reaction rate for temperatures between 0.3 and 2.5 GK. This work represents a critical development in resolving one of the longest standing issues in nuclear astrophysics research, relating to the measurement of proton capture reactions on excited quantum levels, and offers unique insight into the destruction of isomeric ^{26}Al in astrophysical plasmas.

Simplified risk-prediction for benchmarking and quality improvement in emergency general surgery. Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Emergency General Surgery (EGS) conditions account for millions of deaths worldwide, yet it is practiced without benchmarking-based quality improvement programs. The aim of this observational, prospective, multicenter, nationwide study was to determine the best benchmark cutoff points in EGS, as a reference to guide improvement measures.

METHODS

Over a 6-month period, 38 centers (5% of all public hospitals) attending EGS patients on a 24-h, 7-days a week basis, enrolled consecutive patients requiring an emergent/urgent surgical procedure. Patients were stratified into cohorts of low (i.e., expected morbidity risk <33%), middle and high risk using the novel m-LUCENTUM calculator.

RESULTS

A total of 7258 patients were included; age (mean ± SD) was 51.1 ± 21.5 years, 43.2% were female. Benchmark cutoffs in the low-risk cohort (5639 patients, 77.7% of total) were: use of laparoscopy ≥40.9%, length of hospital stays ≤3 days, any complication within 30 days ≤ 17.7%, and 30-day mortality ≤1.1%. The variables with the greatest impact were septicemia on length of hospital stay (21 days; adjusted beta coefficient 16.8; 95% CI: 15.3 to 18.3; P < .001), and respiratory failure on mortality (risk-adjusted population attributable fraction 44.6%, 95% CI 29.6 to 59.6, P < .001). Use of laparoscopy (odds ratio 0.764, 95% CI 0.678 to 0.861; P < .001), and intraoperative blood loss (101-500 mL: odds ratio 2.699, 95% CI 2.152 to 3.380; P < .001; and 500-1000 mL: odds ratio 2.875, 95% CI 1.403 to 5.858; P = .013) were associated with increased morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers, for the first time, clinically-based benchmark values in EGS and identifies measures for improvement.

Addition of chemotherapy to nivolumab after PD-1 inhibitor failure as bridge to allogeneic stem cell transplantation in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma: report on three cases and literature review

The poor prognosis of refractory or relapsed (R/R) classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) after autologous stem cell transplantation has improved greatly due to the introduction of brentuximab vedotin and PD-1 inhibitors. However, the duration of response achieved with these novel agents is too short. The information about the management of patients after anti-PD-1 therapy failure is very limited in cHL, although chemotherapy alone or combined with PD-1 inhibitors has shown encouraging results. We report three cases of heavily pretreated cHL, refractory to nivolumab monotherapy, successfully rescued with the addition of chemotherapy to nivolumab, as a bridge to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). All three patients presented poor clinical features such as three to four previous lines including brentuximab vedotin and autologous stem cell transplantation, refractoriness to the last line of therapy previous to nivolumab, and rapid disease progression. Notwithstanding these characteristics and nivolumab failure, they achieved a complete response after the addition of chemotherapy, were consolidated with allo-SCT, and still remain in complete response. There are few studies concerning the combination of PD-1 inhibitors and chemotherapy after nivolumab failure, including one retrospective study and one phase II trial with nivolumab plus bendamustine. Therefore, only few patients are consolidated with allo-SCT. However, there are several ongoing trials investigating new combinations of chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitors in R/R cHL, as well as in first line. All these data suggest that anti-PD-1 therapy may reprogram the immune system, activating and inhibiting effector and immunosuppressive cells, respectively, leading to overtake of chemorefractoriness. Allo-SCT can increase the immune-related events of patients treated with anti-PD-1 previously, consistent on acute graft-versus-host disease, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and noninfectious febrile syndrome. In conclusion, the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy may be a feasible therapy after anti-PD-1 treatment failure as a bridge to allo-SCT.

P–398 Decidualization inhibits the expression of CXCR3-binding chemokines by human decidual stromal cells. Role in maternal-fetal immune tolerance

Study question

We aimed to analyze the effects of decidualization on the expression of chemokines that attract abortogenic T cells by human DSCs.

Summary answer

Decidualization inhibits the expression of chemokines that attract Th1 and Tc1 cells by DSCs, thereby preventing the arrival of abortogenic T cells into the decidua.

What is known already

Decidual stromal cells (DSCs) are the most abundant cells in the human decidua, the tissue that constitutes the maternal component of the placenta. Numerous evidences confirm that DSCs play a key role in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In normal pregnancy, DSCs undergo a process of differentiation (decidualization) under the effect of progesterone and other pregnancy hormones. Decidualized DSCs become rounded and secrete prolactin, IL–15 and other factors. In the mouse, it has been observed that during pregnancy, DSCs inhibit the expression of chemokines that attract abortogenic Th1 and Tc1 cells from blood to the decidua.

Study design, size, duration

We compared the expression of CXCR3-binding chemokines by undifferentiated and decidualized human DSCs. We also compared the capacity of these cells to attract activated Th1 and Tc1 cells in vitro. Ten DSC lines were obtained from elective vaginal terminations of first-trimester pregnancies (6–11 weeks). Donors were healthy women aged 20–30 years. Informed consent was obtained from each donor. This study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the University of Granada.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Decidual stromal cell lines were established as previously described. These lines were decidualized with progesterone and cAMP in vitro. The expression of chemokines by these cells was studied by RT-PCR. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were activated with PHA, anti-CD28 and IL–2. As a consequence of this activation, CXCR3+ Th1 and Tc1 cells were produced. We used a migration assay in Transwell chambers to study the capacity of DSCs to attract these activated T cells.

Main results and the role of chance

We observed that those chemokines that bind to CXCR3, a chemokine receptor detected in activated Th1 and Tc1 cells, were not expressed by either undifferentiated and decidualized DSCs (CXCL9) or their expression was inhibited in decidualized DSCs (CXCL10 P &lt; 0.01, CXCL11 P &lt; 0.05). We found that conditioned media of undifferentiated DSCs decreased the migration of CXCR3+ activated T cells (Th1 and Tc1 cells) (P &lt; 0.05), and this effect was even stronger with conditioned media of decidialized DSCs P &lt; 0.001). These results demonstrated that decidualization of DSCs during pregnancy inhibits the expression of chemokines that attract Th1 and Tc1 cells by DSCs, thereby preventing the arrival of abortogenic T cells into the decidua.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is an in vitro study due to the impossibility of performing an in vivo study in humans for ethical reasons.

Wider implications of the findings: Several publications have shown that DSCs have a therapeutic effect in various Th1-associated diseases. Our results explain this effect and suggest the extension of the use of these cells in the treatment of this type of diseases.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Validation of a laser driven plasma X-ray microfocus source for high resolution radiography imaging

Hard X-ray radiation with high brightness and high fluxes is nowadays available on the fourth generation of synchrotrons and X-FELs, but the large size and complexity of these sources makes its use difficult for widespread applications. New table top X-ray sources driven by ultrashort high power lasers offer a compelling route to expand the availability of hard X-ray sources. They can be used for advanced imaging techniques, due to its small source size and spatial coherence. We present in this paper the validation of a compact laser-driven X-ray microfocus source for high-resolution radiography imaging. This novel device was built at the Laser Laboratory for Acceleration and Applications (L2A2) at the University of Santiago de Compostela. This paper describes the laser-plasma X-ray source with improved stability and characterize some of its properties. We demonstrate the high-contrast and resolution of the images obtained with this source by using masks with well known geometries, and detailed analysis by using the modulation transfer function. Finally, we discuss the properties of this source in comparison to other compact microfocus X-ray sources.

Demanda de productos animales sostenibles: leche de cabra de pastoreo

La leche de pastoreo es una certificación privada que se están implantando en el mercado europeo, principalmente para leche fresca y queso de vaca, debido a su asociación con atributos de salud, calidad y sostenibilidad. La leche de cabra de pastoreo, por sus particularidades productivas y ecosistémicas, puede ser una alternativa de mercado. En el presente estudio, se diseñó una encuesta online para una muestra representativa de consumidores (n=423), y mediante un estudio de clúster se segmentó en base a: i) ocho afirmaciones de hábitos de compra y ii) siete afirmaciones sobre la leche de pastoreo de cabra. Los consumidores se clasificaron en tres clusters: i) COMPROMETIDOS CALIDAD Y PASTOREO (n=210), ii) PASTORALES (n=139) y iii) COMPROMETIDOS PERO INDECISOS (n=70). Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis mixto de texto, usando tres palabras de asociación por consumidor con respecto a la leche de cabra de pastoreo (n=1072). Los resultados indican que los consumidores valoran positivamente la leche de pastoreo de cabra, especialmente aquellos en el clúster A: son de mayor edad, y tendrían una mayor disposición a pagar este producto, asociándola a ideas como la salud, la protección del medioambiente y la calidad sensorial. Este estudio pretende sondear las posibilidades de la leche de cabra y sus productos para crear herramientas que optimicen su futura comercialización.

Limits on the Existence of sub-MeV Sterile Neutrinos from the Decay of ^{7}Be in Superconducting Quantum Sensors

Sterile neutrinos are natural extensions to the standard model of particle physics and provide a possible portal to the dark sector. We report a new search for the existence of sub-MeV sterile neutrinos using the decay-momentum reconstruction technique in the decay of ^{7}Be. The experiment measures the total energy of the ^{7}Li daughter atom from the electron capture decay of ^{7}Be implanted into sensitive superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) quantum sensors. This first experiment presents data from a single STJ operated at a low count rate for a net total of 28 days, and provides exclusion limits on sterile neutrinos in the mass range from 100 to 850 keV that improve upon previous work by up to an order of magnitude.

Spanish radiographers' concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

The current outbreak of COVID-19 has caused worldwide healthcare and social emergency in which healthcare professionals were under extreme work conditions while being fearful of becoming infected or spreading the disease to their relatives. The perceived threat of COVID-19 has the potential to cause severe psychological maladjustment. The aim of the study is to explore Spanish radiographers’ concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study was quantitative, observational and cross-sectional. The sample was made up of 546 radiographers working in Spain during the outbreak. The instrument used for analysis was an ad hoc questionnaire with socio-demographic questions and the questionnaire on perception of threat from COVID-19 validate to spanish healthcare professionals.

Results

The sample consisted of 70.1% of female, 29.7% of male and 0.2% undeclare sex participants. The results showed a high level of a perceived threat from COVID-19 (7.57 ± 0.088), furthermore we observed a high level of threat about the possibility of infecting family members (8.49 ± 0.25), patients (8.33 ± 0.086), and coworkers (8.35 ± 0.084). Furthermore, females have a higher level of a perception of threat to spread infection between patients (r = −0.136; p = 0.001) and coworkers (r = −0.118; p = 0.006), than males.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic is perceived as a serious threat, being especially concerned about the threat of spreading the infection to family, coworkers, and patients. The perception of risk depends partly on professionals’ gender and family responsibilities.

Implications for practice

Our findings suggest that it is recommended that healthcare professionals receive formation to reinforce and improve their emotional competencies for coping successfully with potentially stressful situations like COVI19 pandemic.

Direct Measurement of the ^{7}Be L/K Capture Ratio in Ta-Based Superconducting Tunnel Junctions

We report a high-statistics measurement of the L/K orbital electron capture ratio in ^{7}Be embedded in cryogenic Ta. The thin Ta film formed part of a high-resolution superconducting tunnel junction radiation detector that was used to identify the signals from different decay channels. The measured L/K capture ratio of 0.070(7) is significantly larger than the only previous measurement of this quantity and the theoretical predictions that include in-medium effects. This value is a uniquely sensitive probe of the 1s and 2s orbital overlaps with the nucleus and is of relevance to nuclear and atomic physics, as well as Li production in novae and other astrophysical scenarios. This is the first experiment that uses superconducting tunnel junctions for nuclear-recoil detection, opening a new experimental avenue for low-energy precision measurements with rare isotopes.

Prognostic factors in patients with vulvar cancer: the VULCAN study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the prognostic factors for overall and progression-free survival in patients with vulvar cancer.

METHODS

This international, multicenter, retrospective study included 2453 patients diagnosed with vulvar cancer at 100 different institutions. Inclusion criteria were institutional review board approval from each collaborating center, pathologic diagnosis of invasive carcinoma of the vulva, and primary treatment performed at the participating center. Patients with intraepithelial neoplasia or primary treatment at non-participating centers were excluded. Global survival analysis and squamous cell histology subanalysis was performed.

RESULTS

After excluding patients due to incomplete data entry, 1727 patients treated for vulvar cancer between January 2001 and December 2005 were registered for analysis (1535 squamous, 42 melanomas, 38 Paget's disease and 112 other histologic types). Melanomas had the worse prognosis (p=0.02). In squamous vulvar tumors, independent factors for increase in local recurrence of vulvar cancer were: no prior radiotherapy (p<0.001) or chemotherapy (p=0.006), and for distant recurrence were the number of positive inguinal nodes (p=0.025), and not having undergone lymphadenectomy (p=0.03) or radiotherapy (p<0.001), with a HR of 1.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.21), 2.9 (95% CI 1.4 to 6.1), and 3.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 5.7), respectively. Number of positive nodes (p=0.008), FIGO stage (p<0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.001), tumor resection margins (p=0.045), and stromal invasion >5 mm (p=0.001) were correlated with poor overall survival, and large case volume (≥9 vs <9 cases per year) correlated with more favorable overall survival (p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced patient age, number of positive inguinal lymph nodes, and lack of adjuvant treatment are significantly associated with a higher risk of relapse in patients with squamous cell vulvar cancer. Case volume per treating institution, FIGO stage, and stromal invasion appear to impact overall survival significantly. Future prospective trials are warranted to establish these prognostic factors for vulvar cancer.

Accelerating role of deaggregation agents in lithium-catalysed hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds

A combined computational and experimental approach demonstrates the accelerating role of deaggregation agents, especially HMPA, in the Li-catalysed hydrosilylation of acetophenone in THF solution under very mild conditions.

1637 Percutaneous treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation in a "bicuspid" tricuspid valve

A 72 year old female with a past medical history of bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic regurgitation status post placement of a 21 mm Magna Ease aortic valve replacement on 6/1/16, chronic atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, and severe mitral regurgitation presented with symptoms of dyspnea upon exertion.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed normal left ventricular function with severe mitral regurgitation, severe tricuspid regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension. Upon close interrogation of the tricuspid valve, there was evidence of fusion with a raphe present between the septal and anterior leaflets ("a bicuspid" tricuspid valve).

The patient was referred for surgical evaluation where she was deemed to be at increased surgical risk and referred for percutaneous treatment for both severe mitral and severe tricuspid regurgitation. After an uncomplicated transseptal puncture, she underwent a placement of a single MitraClip XT clip to the A2/P2 portions of the mitral valve leaflets leaving mild residual mitral regurgitation by color Doppler. Attention was then taken towards the tricuspid valve where using TEE guidance, a MitraClip XT was positioned over the central aspect of the "bicuspid" tricuspid valve with the opened clip arms perpendicular leaflet coaptation. The MitraClip XT was advanced into the right ventricle and slowly retracted to grab both TV leaflets. There was mild, residual tricuspid regurgitation by color Doppler. The mean gradient across the tricuspid valve was 1 mmHg obtained at a heart rate of 52 bpm.

This case describes the first known percutaneous treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation from a "bicuspid" tricuspid valve with a MitraClip device.

Abstract 1637 Figure.

Multicenter Controlled Study of Intracorporeal Mechanical Side-to-Side Isoperistaltic Anastomosis versus Extracorporeal Anastomosis in Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy: HEMI-D-TREND-Study

Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in the Western world. A third of colorectal tumors are located in the right colon, and right hemicolectomy is the treatment in nondisseminated right colon cancer. The most serious complication of this procedure is anastomotic leak, which occurs in 8.4% of cases. At present, there is no standardized technique for laparoscopic ileo-colic anastomosis. In previous observational studies, intracorporeal side-to-side ileo-colic laparoscopic anastomosis has shown better results than extracorporeal anastomosis in terms of morbidity and mortality. It is known that randomized studies provide higher levels of evidence, but multicenter randomized controlled studies may imply a learning curve bias due to the differences in technical experience acquired at each hospital. As a result, we propose to carry out a prospective, controlled, nonrandomized TREND-study design (Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Non-randomized Designs-TREND) in a large sample of 416 patients (208 per group) in order to assess the use of intracorporeal side-to-side ileo-colic laparoscopic anastomosis as the gold standard in right hemicolectomy.

Neighborhoods' Evaluation: Influence on Well-Being Variables

The influence of neighborhood characteristics on residents’ well-being and residential satisfaction has been widely studied, and has presented considerable variability. This study analyses the extent to which neighborhood resources influence variables relating to well-being, and examines the relationship between neighborhood resources and residents’ perceptions. The study was structured over two phases: (1) the neighborhood resources were evaluated, and (2) 252 neighborhood residents was interviewed. The results have shown that the observation by independent observers of neighborhood resources is connected to residents’ perceptions of their neighborhood. Residents’ perceptions of their neighborhoods is associated with indicators of well-being, and residential satisfaction. Also, the reasons for living in the neighborhood appear to be connected to the observed availability of resources and the perception of it. Wellbeing and residential satisfaction are the outcome of multiple aspects that are not limited to structural and material elements of neighborhoods.

Multifunctional coordination compounds based on lanthanide ions and 5-bromonicotinic acid: magnetic, luminescence and anti-cancer properties

Four novel coordination compounds based on 5-bromonicotinic acid and lanthanide(iii) ions with interesting magnetic and luminescence properties, and a complete absence of cytotoxicity.

Programas de Intervención Alimentario Nutricional en America Latina y el Caribe entre 1970 y 1984

The main objective of this project was to establish an inventory of the food and nutrition programmes during the last 14 years in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Information was obtained from official documents, interviews, and meetings with programme directors.

Nearly all the countries of the region have carried out some kind of food intervention with the aim of improving the nutritional status of the vulnerable population. Of the 137 programmes identified, 126 were food supplementation programmes and 11 were subsidies.

The programmes with the highest cost per beneficiary were the on-site food consumption programmes implemented mainly through nutritional centres (US$ 3240 per beneficiary/yr); next came those in which food was distributed as part of primary health care (US$ 28.40 per beneficiary/ yr). In terms of benefit and excluding the nutritional value of food distributed, the school programmes were the least costly (US$ 8.3 per beneficiary/yr).

Funding was provided by governments with major external support, especially in Central American and Caribbean countries. Most programmes had no evaluation. Thus there is no way of determining the nutritional impact on the target population or the effectiveness of programmes. However, the coverage of most of these programmes was so limited that, even if effective, they would not represent a satisfactory solution to national food and nutrition problems

[Monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak due to the consumption of roast pork meat]

This report presents an outbreak of monophasic Salmonella enteric serovar Typhimurium fagotipe 4, 5, 12: i:-, in a motorcycle concentration in Valladolid. Information was collected to one hundred and twelve affected from seven Spanish Autonomous Communities. The epidemiological investigation associated the outbreak with the consumption of roast pork with sauce sandwiches sold at a street market in that event.

Novel Rosaceae plant elicitor peptides as sustainable tools to control Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni in Prunus spp

Fruit crops are regarded as important health promoters and constitute a major part of global agricultural production, and Rosaceae species are of high economic impact. Their culture is threatened by bacterial diseases, whose control is based on preventative treatments using compounds of limited efficacy and negative environmental impact. One of the most economically relevant examples is the pathogen Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) affecting Prunus spp. The plant immune response against pathogens can be triggered and amplified by plant elicitor peptides (Peps), perceived by specific receptors (PEPRs). Although they have been described in various angiosperms, scarce information is available on Rosaceae species. Here, we identified the Pep precursor (PROPEP), Pep and PEPR orthologues of 10 Rosaceae species and confirmed the presence of the Pep/PEPR system in this family. We showed the perception and elicitor activity of Rosaceae Peps using the Prunus-Xap pathosystem as proof-of-concept. Treatment with nanomolar doses of Peps induced the corresponding PROPEP and a set of defence-related genes in Prunus leaves, and enhanced resistance against Xap. Peps from the same species had the highest efficiencies. Rosaceae Peps could potentially be used to develop natural, targeted and environmentally friendly strategies to enhance the resistance of Prunus species against biotic attackers.

Diversity of plant defense elicitor peptides within the Rosaceae

BACKGROUND

Plant elicitor peptides (Peps) are endogenous molecules that induce and amplify the first line of inducible plant defense, known as pattern-triggered immunity, contributing to protect plants against attack by bacteria, fungi and herbivores. Pep topic application and transgenic expression have been found to enhance disease resistance in a small number of model plant-pathogen systems. The action of Peps relies on perception by specific receptors, so displaying a family-specific activity. Recently, the presence and activity of Peps within the Rosaceae has been demonstrated. Here we characterized the population of Pep sequences within the economically important plant family of Rosaceae, with special emphasis on the Amygdaleae and Pyreae tribes, which include the most relevant edible species such as apple, pear and peach, and numerous ornamental and wild species (e.g. photinia, firethorn and hawthorn).

RESULTS

The systematic experimental search for Pep and the corresponding precursor PROPEP sequences within 36 Amygdaleae and Pyreae species, and 100 cultivars had a highly homogeneous pattern, with two tribe-specific Pep types per plant, i.e. Pep1 and Pep2 (Amygdaleae) or Pep3 and Pep4 (Pyreae). Pep2 and Pep3 are highly conserved, reaching identity percentages similar to those of genes used in plant phylogenetic analyses, while Pep1 and Pep4 are somewhat more variable, with similar values to the corresponding PROPEPs. In contrast to Pep3 and Pep4, Pep1 and Pep2 sequences of different species paralleled their phylogenetic relationships, and putative ancestor sequences were identified. The large amount of sequences allowed refining of a C-terminal consensus sequence that would support the protective activity of Pep1-4 in a Prunus spp. and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni system. Moreover, tribe-specific consensus sequences were deduced at the center and C-terminal regions of Peps, which might explain the higher protection efficiencies described upon topic treatments with Peps from the same tribe.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study substantially enhances the knowledge on Peps within the Amygdaleae and Pyreae species. It can be the basis to design and fine-tune new control tools against important plant pathogens affecting Prunus, Pyrus and Malus species.

Direct Measurement of the Key E_{c.m.}=456 keV Resonance in the Astrophysical ^{19}Ne(p,γ)^{20}Na Reaction and Its Relevance for Explosive Binary Systems

We have performed a direct measurement of the ^{19}Ne(p,γ)^{20}Na reaction in inverse kinematics using a beam of radioactive ^{19}Ne. The key astrophysical resonance in the ^{19}Ne+p system has been definitely measured for the first time at E_{c.m.}=456_{-2}^{+5}  keV with an associated strength of 17_{-5}^{+7}  meV. The present results are in agreement with resonance strength upper limits set by previous direct measurements, as well as resonance energies inferred from precision (^{3}He, t) charge exchange reactions. However, both the energy and strength of the 456 keV resonance disagree with a recent indirect study of the ^{19}Ne(d, n)^{20}Na reaction. In particular, the new ^{19}Ne(p,γ)^{20}Na reaction rate is found to be factors of ∼8 and ∼5 lower than the most recent evaluation over the temperature range of oxygen-neon novae and astrophysical x-ray bursts, respectively. Nevertheless, we find that the ^{19}Ne(p,γ)^{20}Na reaction is likely to proceed fast enough to significantly reduce the flux of ^{19}F in nova ejecta and does not create a bottleneck in the breakout from the hot CNO cycles into the rp process.