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Background: Migrants are disproportionately affected by several infectious diseases differing the risk within migrant groups. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of six chronic infections in asymptomatic migrants attended at primary care or specialized units where health assessments are offered. Methods: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma spp., and Trypanosoma cruzi infections in the migrant population who participated in a screening programme implemented at six primary health care centres, and two infectious diseases outpatient clinics in Catalonia, Spain. Results: Of the 314 recruited migrants, 284 (90.4 %) were tested for at least one infection. The prevalence of the infections was as follows: 1.8 % for HIV, 1.8 % for chronic hepatitis B virus, 14.1 % for previous exposure to a hepatitis B virus infection, 0.4 % for hepatitis C virus infection, 2.6 % for S.stercoralis infection, and 7.0 % for T.cruzi infection. No cases infected with Schistosoma spp. were reported. A higher prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C virus was observed in Sub-Saharan Africans, whereas a higher prevalence of S.stercoralis and T.cruzi infections was reported in migrants from Latin-America and the Caribbean. Conclusion: Findings suggest a high burden of the studied infections, including parasitic infections, in the migrant population with variations within migrant groups based on areas of birth.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the performance of a novel multiplex serological assay, able to simultaneously detect IgG of six infections, as a screening tool for imported diseases in migrants. Methods: Six panels of 40 (n = 240) anonymized serum samples with confirmed infections were used as positive controls to assess the multiplex assay's sensitivity. One panel of 40 sera from non-infected subjects was used to estimate the seropositivity cutoffs, and 32 non-infected sera were used as negative controls to estimate each serology's sensitivity and specificity. The multi-infection screening test was validated in a prospective cohort of 48 migrants from endemic areas.The sensitivity of the Luminex assay was calculated as the proportion of positive results over all positive samples identified by reference tests. The specificity was calculated using 32 negative samples. Uncertainty was quantified with 95 % confidence intervals using receiver operating characteristic analyses. Results: The sensitivity/specificity were 100 %/100 % for HIV (gp41 antigen), 97.5 %/100 % for Hepatitis B virus (HBV-core antigen), 100 %/100 % for Hepatitis C virus (HCV-core antigen), 92.5 %/90.6 % for strongyloidiasis [31-kDa recombinant antigen (NIE)], 97.5 %/100 % for schistosomiasis (combined serpin Schistosoma mansoni and S.haematobium antigens) and 95 %/90.6 % for Chagas disease [combined Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP11) and paraflagellar rod proteins 2 (PFR2) antigens].In the migrant cohort, antibody response to the combination of the T.cruzi antigens correctly identified 100 % individuals, whereas HBV-core antigen correctly identified 91.7 % and Strongyloides-NIE antigen 86.4 %. Conclusions: We developed a new, robust and accurate 8-plex Luminex assay that could facilitate the implementation of screening programmes targeting migrant populations.

IntroductionEarly menarche is associated with obesity, and metabolic and mental health risks, among other diseases. Thus, it is relevant to identify modifiable risk factors of early menarche. Some nutrients and foods have been linked to pubertal timing, but how menarche relates to overall dietary patterns is unclear.MethodsThe aim of this study was to analyze the association between dietary patterns and age at menarche in a prospective cohort of Chilean girls from low and middle-income families. We conducted a survival analysis of 215 girls (median = 12.7 years, IQR = 12.2–13.2) from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (GOCS) who had been followed prospectively since 4 years of age (2006). Age at menarche and anthropometric measurements were recorded every 6 months since 7 years of age while diet (24-hour dietary recall) was collected for 11 years. Dietary patterns were obtained from exploratory factor analysis. Accelerated Failure Time models adjusted for potential confounding variables were used to study the association between dietary patterns and age at menarche.ResultsGirls' median age at menarche was 12.7 years. Three dietary patterns were identified: “Breakfast/Light Dinner,” “Prudent” and “Snacking” which explained 19.5% of the diet variation. Girls in the lowest tertile of the “Prudent” pattern had menarche 3 months earlier than girls in the highest tertile (β: 0.022; 95% CI: 0.003; 0.041). “Breakfast/Light Dinner” and “Snacking” patterns were not associated with age at menarche.ConclusionOur results suggest that healthier dietary patterns during puberty might be associated with menarche timing. Nevertheless, further studies are required to confirm this result and to clarify the association between diet and puberty.

BackgroundIn addition to the lack of COVID-19 diagnostic tests for the whole Spanish population, the current strategy is to identify the disease early to limit contagion in the community.AimTo determine clinical factors of a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 infection.Design and settingDescriptive, observational, retrospective study in three primary healthcare centres with an assigned population of 100,000.MethodExamination of the medical records of patients with COVID-19 infections confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Logistic multivariate regression models adjusted for age and sex were constructed to analyse independent predictive factors associated with death, ICU admission and hospitalization.ResultsWe included 322 patients (mean age 56.7 years, 50% female, 115 (35.7%) aged ≥ 65 years): 123 (38.2) were health workers (doctors, nurses, auxiliaries). Predictors of ICU admission or death were greater age (OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.03 to 1.07), male sex (OR = 2.94; 95%CI = 1.55 to 5.82), autoimmune disease (OR = 2.82; 95%CI = 1.00 to 7.84), bilateral pulmonary infiltrates (OR = 2.86; 95%CI = 1.41 to 6.13), elevated lactate-dehydrogenase (OR = 2.85; 95%CI = 1.28 to 6.90), elevated D-dimer (OR = 2.85; 95%CI = 1.22 to 6.98) and elevated C-reactive protein (OR = 2.38; 95%CI = 1.22 to 4.68). Myalgia or arthralgia (OR = 0.31; 95%CI = 0.12 to 0.70) was protective factor against ICU admission and death. Predictors of hospitalization were chills (OR = 5.66; 95%CI = 1.68 to 23.49), fever (OR = 3.33; 95%CI = 1.89 to 5.96), dyspnoea (OR = 2.92; 95%CI = 1.62 to 5.42), depression (OR = 6.06; 95%CI = 1.54 to 40.42), lymphopenia (OR = 3.48; 95%CI = 1.67 to 7.40) and elevated C-reactive protein (OR = 3.27; 95%CI = 1.59 to 7.18). Anosmia (OR = 0.42; 95%CI = 0.19 to 0.90) was the only significant protective factor for hospitalization after adjusting for age and sex.ConclusionDetermining the clinical, biological and radiological characteristics of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection will be key to early treatment and isolation and the tracing of contacts.

Background: Misreporting of energy intake (EI) in self-reported dietary assessment is inevitable, and even less is known about which food items are misreported by low-middle income adolescents. We evaluated the prevalence of misreporting of energy intake and its relationship with nutrients and food intake. Methods: We analyzed 24 h dietary recalls collected from 576 adolescents (52.08% boys) from southeastern Santiago. Anthropometrics measurements and information about sociodemographic characteristics were obtained during clinical visits. The method proposed by McCrory et al. was used to identify under-reporters (UnRs), over-reporters (OvRs), or plausible reporters (PRs). Food items were collapsed into 28 categories and every food item was expressed as a percentage of total EI. Logistic regression models were performed to investigate the factors associated with misreporting, and a two-part model was used to estimate the difference in the percentage of EI between UnRs versus PRs, and OvRs versus PRs in each food item. Results: Half of the participants were classified as UnRs and 9% were OvRs. UnR was higher among boys (62%) and adolescents with overweight and obesity (72%). OvR was higher among adolescents with normal weight. UnRs had a lower intake of energy from cookies/cake, chocolate/confectionery, and a higher intake of vegetables and eggs than PRs. OvRs had a higher intake of cookies/cake, chocolate/confectionery, and a lower intake of fruit, white milk, and yogurt than PRs. Conclusions: A high frequency of UnR among boys and participants with excess weight was found in this study. Healthy and unhealthy foods are reported differently between UnRs and OvRs of energy intake, indicating that bias is specific for some food items that adolescents commonly eat.

Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) among older Colombians and to explore the factors associated with this condition. Methods: This study presents a secondary analysis of the SABE-Colombia survey, a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older adults. The dependent variable was self-reported swallowing difficulty, assessed through the question: “How often do you have difficulty or discomfort swallowing?” Descriptive and bivariate analyses of the sample were performed, followed by multivariate analysis, adjusting for confounding variables. Results: The final sample included 19 004 older Colombians, whose mean age was 69 years (56% women). The overall prevalence of swallowing difficulty was 12.2%. In the multivariate analysis, significant associations were observed between swallowing difficulty and several factors, including male sex (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.03 – 1.26), age > 80 years (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.08 – 1.47), dependence in activities of daily living (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.23 – 2.13), cognitive impairment (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.30 – 1.70), depressive symptoms (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.15 – 1.65), sarcopenia (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.02 – 1.69), malnutrition (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.23 – 1.49), and osteoarticular disease (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.07 – 1.38). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of swallowing difficulty among older community-dwelling Colombians. Our results showed a strong correlation between swallowing difficulty and risk factors such as cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, osteoarticular disease, and dependence in activities of daily living, but not with malnutrition or sarcopenia.

BackgroundThe current standard of interpretation provision is not efficacious or not acceptable to Deaf patients who communicate using sign language. In-person or video relay interpretation (VRI) sign language interpretation is largely unavailable. There are no clear data on the availability of VRI or in-person interpretation. Given the limited number of available sign language interpreters and the cost, VRI may be more available than in-person. Existing evidence tends to focus on assessing personal preferences of Deaf users regarding interpretation and interpreters’ preferences. Although respecting preferences is essential, there is a vacuum of knowledge on how the format of access to interpretation impacts the quality of communication between Deaf persons and health personnel. ObjectiveThis study aims to look at the effectiveness of the VRI system in improving communication outcomes between Deaf patients and doctors versus the available standard of care of the usual communication tools, including informal interpretation, lip- or note-reading, and using their mobile phones to contact a formal or informal interpreter, for Deaf patients aged 18 years and older in Bogota, Colombia. MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial with a total sample size of 216 participants, divided into 2 groups: an intervention group, which receives a medical appointment using VRI, and a control group, which receives a medical appointment using standard communication. Both the Deaf participants and the health care professionals will be blinded to the allocation, as they will not know whether the appointment will involve VRI or standard communication until they arrive at the office. The primary outcome measure will be an assessment of communication using a Doctor-Patient Communication Scale. This scale was translated into Colombian Sign Language following a rigorous cultural adaptation and translation procedure. Furthermore, the database contains key clinical variables and recommendations provided by the doctor during a general medicine appointment. We will compute associations. ResultsRecruitment opened on August 24, 2023. As of July 2024, 180 participants had been enrolled. The intervention and data collection were finalized in October 2024. The findings of this study are expected to be submitted for publication in early 2025. ConclusionsThis study will provide rigorous evidence regarding information and communications technology intervention in health care, addressing empirical challenges in using inclusive research designs in public health. In addition, effective VRI models that address the challenges faced by Deaf people will be tested, implemented, and maintained in low- and middle-income countries. A disability-inclusive evaluative tool for quality communication mediated by VRI in health care is also tested. Ultimately, this will lead to evidence-based recommendations for implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in mobile health contexts. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05966623; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05966623 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/64590

Introduction ISMiHealth is a clinical decision support system, integrated as a software tool in the electronic health record system of primary care, that aims to improve the screening performance on infectious diseases and female genital mutilation (FGM) in migrants. The aim of this study is to assess the health impact of the tool and to perform a process evaluation of its feasibility and acceptability when implemented in primary care in Catalonia (Spain).Methods and analysis This study is a cluster randomised control trial where 35 primary care centres in Catalonia, Spain will be allocated into one of the two groups: intervention and control. The health professionals in the intervention centres will receive prompts, through the ISMiHealth software, with screening recommendations for infectious diseases and FGM targeting the migrant population based on an individualised risk assessment. Health professionals of the control centres will follow the current routine practice.A difference in differences analysis of the diagnostic rates for all aggregated infections and each individual condition between the intervention and control centres will be performed. Mixed-effects logistic regression models will be carried out to identify associations between the screening coverage and predictor factors. In addition, a process evaluation will be carried out using mixed methodology.Ethics and dissemination The study protocol has been approved by the institutional review boards at Hospital Clínic (16 June 2022, HCB/2022/0363), Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Primary Care Research Institute IDIAPJGol (22 June 2022, 22/113-P) and the Almería Research Ethics Committee (27 July 2022, EMC/apg). The study will follow the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. All researchers and associates signed a collaboration agreement in which they undertake to abide by good clinical practice standards.Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and communications to congresses.Trial registration number NCT05868005.

Introducción. En los países de medianos y bajos ingresos, los datos sobre la mortalidad y los factores de riesgo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica son limitados. Objetivo. Identificar la incidencia de muerte y sus variables relacionadas en una población colombiana durante 12 meses de seguimiento. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de sujetos con diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en una clínica de tercer nivel en Colombia. Los cocientes de probabilidades se calcularon mediante un análisis de regresión logística multivariable con la variable de resultado “mortalidad a los 12 meses”. Resultados. Ingresaron 524 pacientes, de los cuales el 18,1 % (95 / 524) murió. La edad promedio fue de 69,7 (DE = 8,92) y el 59,2 % (310 / 524) eran mujeres. Las variables asociadas con la mortalidad fueron la edad (OR = 6,54; IC95%: 3,65-11,36; p < 0,001), años de exposición al humo de leña (OR = 4,59; IC95%: 1,64-12,82; p = 0,002), insuficiencia cardiaca crónica (OR = 1,81; IC95%: 1,13-2,91; p = 0,014), enfermedad cerebrovascular (OR = 3,35; IC95%: 1,04-10,75; p = 0,032) y enfermedad renal crónica (OR=6,96; IC 95%:1,15-41,67; p = 0,015). Al ajustar las variables en el análisis multivariado únicamente se mostró asociación entre el sexo (OR = 1,55; IC95%: 0,95-2,54; p = 0,008) y la edad (OR = 5,94; IC95%: 3,3-10,69; p < 0,001). Conclusión. La edad, los años de exposición al humo de leña, la insuficiencia cardiaca crónica, la enfermedad cerebrovascular y la renal crónica fueron variables clínicas asociadas a un desenlace fatal. Sin embargo, la edad y el sexo fueron las únicas relacionadas con la mortalidad al ajustarlas por factores de confusión.

This article proposes an analysis of Juan Marsé’s work based on the theme of memory. In order to do so, we start by differentiating between the diverse processes concerning memory and we find that in the author’s fictional project the so-called “subaltern memory” takes on special relevance. The protagonists, Charnegos from the Catalan periphery, and their use of popular tradition (through cinema and aventis) run uninterruptedly through Juan Marsé’s narrative and are placed at the service of a literary truth that functions in opposition of the truth imposed by the Franco regime. The aim is to detect not only what kind of memories proliferate in Marsé’s narrative, but also what political sense they have in relation to the dictatorial past; that is, how the subaltern memories of the Kabileños construct in fiction a universe of reference different from that imposed by official memory.

The increased prevalence and significant negative consequences associated with cyberbullying justify the need for empirical research that helps provide a deeper understanding of the problem. The objective of this study was to identify the existence of different cyberbullying profiles (according to degree of cybervictimization and cyberaggression of students) and whether these profiles vary with regard to anxiety, depression, and stress. The sample consisted of 1,185 students aged 12 to 18 ( M = 14.01; DT = 2.36). A latent class analysis and ANOVA were carried out. The data showed four profiles: not-involved (low scores for cybervictimization and cyberaggression), cybervictims (moderately high scores for cybervictimization and low scores for cyberaggression), cyberbullies (low scores for cybervictimization and moderately high scores for cyberaggression), and cybervictims-cyberbullies (high scores for cybervictimization and cyberaggression). Statistically significant differences in anxiety, depression, and stress were found between the profiles. The group of cybervictims and cybervictims-cyberbullies presented higher anxiety than the not-involved group and cyberbullies. The cybervictims-cyberbullies group showed higher depression and stress levels than the other groups, and the cyberbully group showed a higher level of depression than the not-involved group.

Resumen Las redes sociales han generado una esfera pública híbrida con una creciente atención al papel de los sentimientos en el discurso público. Para los políticos, las redes son útiles al generar entornos de sentimientos individuales y colectivos, más que al dar razones y propiciar el diálogo público. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar si existe sintonía afectiva entre los mensajes de líderes políticos y la respuesta que provocan en las redes. Para ello, se estudiaron los posts de los principales políticos colombianos, durante las manifestaciones del Paro Nacional, de 2021 y las reacciones emotivas que provocaron en Facebook. Tras el estudio, se comprobó la congruencia afectiva entre los mensajes y las reacciones y que el discurso público online se sustenta más en compartir criterios emotivos, que en una línea deliberativa racional.

Abstract Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are obligate endoparasites that feed on their host plants to complete its life cycle, representing a major threat to agriculture and economy worldwide. The development of new management strategies becomes essential as effective chemical nematicides are progressively being restricted. Hence, we analysed grape pomace-derived biochars, pyrolysed at 350 °C (BC350) and 700 °C (BC700), focusing on their potential for RKN control. The thermal treatment of grape pomace caused an increase in the concentration of carbon and plant macro- and micronutrients, which were largely present in a water-soluble form. Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy data showed a general loss of carboxylic functional groups during pyrolysis, partially contributing to the alkalinisation of both biochars, mostly in BC700. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed a highly porous structure filled with different crystals composed of elements such as K, Ca, Mg, P, Si or Al, which could be a suitable environment for the growth of microorganisms. Biochar-derived aqueous extracts showed phytotoxicity to tomato seedlings at high concentrations, and disappeared upon dilution, but no toxic effect was observed on the nematode’s infective stage. However, the infective and reproductive traits of a Meloidogyne javanica population in tomato were significantly reduced (i.e. egg masses and eggs per plant) in washed-biochar-treated soil in pots (0.75%; BC350W). Therefore, the large amount of grape waste generated after wine production can be transformed into a valuable product such as biochar, effective for RKNs control, thus reducing the waste management problem and contributing to a circular economy. Graphical abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have become one of the most important health problems. We aimed to assess whether international travel may facilitate their spread through the colonization of asymptomatic travelers. A cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2018 to February 2022). Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained from long-term travelers and recently arrived migrants from non-European countries, and an epidemiological survey was performed. Colonization by Gram-negative bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined by chromogenic media and MALDI-TOF-MS. Resistance mechanisms were determined by the biochip-based molecular biology technique. Risk factors for colonization were assessed by logistic regression. In total, 122 participants were included: 59 (48.4%) recently arrived migrants and 63 (51.6%) long-term travelers. After their trip, 14 (11.5%) participants—5 (8.5%) migrants and 9 (14.3%) travelers—had rectal colonization by one MDR bacterium. Escherichia coli carrying the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) CTX-M-15 was the most frequent. No participants were colonized by MRSA or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The only risk factor independently associated with MDR bacterial colonization was previous hospital attention [OR, 95% CI: 10.16 (2.06–50.06)]. The risk of colonization by MDR bacteria among recently arrived migrants and long-term travelers is similar in both groups and independently associated with previous hospital attention.

The challenges in the characterization of the nutritional quality of grain foods comprise obstacles to public health actions toward promotion of healthier grain-based foods. The present study investigated how carbohydrate metrics related to glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and warning labels of grain foods consumed by individuals living in São Paulo, Brazil. Information on intake of grain foods at individual level was obtained using 24 h recalls within a cross-sectional population-based survey conducted in 2015. There were 244 unique grain products reported by individuals in the survey, assessed through four metrics of carbohydrate quality, considering contents per 10 g of total carbohydrate: (1) ≥1 g fiber, (2) ≥1 g fiber and p-values < 0.001]), and GL (−12.5 to −10.3 [p-values < 0.001]). Warning systems showed a certain degree of discrimination between products according to the metrics (p-value < 0.01 each); however, >50% of products with good nutritional quality according to the carbohydrate metrics still would receive warnings. Findings suggest that carbohydrate metrics identified products with lower GI and GL, and current warning labels may not adequately capture overall nutritional quality of grain foods.

El presente artículo se plantea como un espacio desde el que comenzar a analizar el sentido y el funcionamiento político de la compañía teatral valenciana Atirohecho, a partir de los presupuestos ideológicos que la conforman y en el interior de un marco social y cultural con el que interactúa. Así, entendemos Atirohecho como una narrativa para la disputa, es decir, un tipo de agente cultural que centra su producción dramatúrgica en el conflicto de clase interseccional y elabora una propuesta crítica contra los postulados neoliberales del sistema capitalista. Dado el cariz combativo que constituye a la compañía, esta establece una relación compleja con el campo cultural. No se inserta en él de manera aconflictiva, sino que lo tensa y lo reta, expone algunas de sus principales dinámicas de poder. Por todo ello, construimos una puerta de entrada o un asidero iniciático para el estudio de la compañía que se sostiene en tres ejes. En primer lugar, el del teatro físico (que baila), desde el que se concibe la utilización del cuerpo en el espacio dramatúrgico como una herramienta de trabajo que nace vinculada a la noción de la solidaridad obrera. En segundo lugar, abordamos el eje del teatro obrerista, que tiene como pieza central la memoria, es decir, la reactualización del análisis de clase a partir de los postulados feministas y los movimientos populares de América latina. Por último, nos centramos en la vinculación que Atirohecho mantiene con el teatro popular y con los movimientos sociales, a quienes reconocen como protagonistas de su teatro y en cuyas acciones participan. La compañía, que ha colmado la ciudad de referencias, lemas y elementos visuales, ha reactivado un modo de entender el teatro como herramienta de lucha para un territorio en disputa, convulsionado políticamente en las últimas décadas.

Deep networks can facilitate the monitoring of a balanced diet to help prevent various health problems related to eating disorders. Large, diverse, and clean data are essential for learning these types of algorithms. Although data can be collected automatically, the data cleaning process is time-consuming. This study aims to provide the model with the ability to learn even when the data are not completely clean. For this purpose, we extend the Attentive Feature MixUp method to enable its learning on noisy multi-label food data. The extension was based on the hypothesis that during the MixUp phase, when a pair of images are mixed, the resulting soft labels should be different for each ingredient, being larger for ingredients that are mixed with the background because they are better distinguished than when they are mixed with other ingredients. Furthermore, to address data perturbation, the incorporation of the Laplace approximation as a post-hoc method was analyzed. The evaluation of the proposed method was performed on two food datasets, where a notable performance improvement was obtained in terms of Jaccard index and F1 score, which validated the hypothesis raised. With the proposed MixUp, our method reduces the memorization of noisy multi-labels, thereby improving its performance.

Abstract In neuroblastoma, MYCN amplification and 11q-deletion are important, although incomplete, markers of high-risk disease. It is therefore relevant to characterize additional alterations that can function as prognostic and/or predictive markers. Using SNP-microarrays, a group of neuroblastoma patients showing amplification of one or multiple 12q loci was identified. Two loci containing CDK4 and MDM2 were commonly co-amplified, although amplification of either locus in the absence of the other was observed. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK4/6 with ribociclib or abemaciclib decreased proliferation in a broad set of neuroblastoma cell lines, including CDK4/MDM2-amplified, whereas MDM2 inhibition by Nutlin-3a was only effective in p53wild-type cells. Combined CDK4/MDM2 targeting had an additive effect in p53wild-type cell lines, while no or negative additive effect was observed in p53mutated cells. Most 12q-amplified primary tumors were of abdominal origin, including those of intrarenal origin initially suspected of being Wilms’ tumor. An atypical metastatic pattern was also observed with low degree of bone marrow involvement, favoring other sites such as the lungs. Here we present detailed biological data of an aggressive neuroblastoma subgroup hallmarked by 12q amplification and atypical clinical presentation for which our in vitro studies indicate that CDK4 and/or MDM2 inhibition also could be beneficial.

Abstract Background and Aim To investigate the performance of the albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score as an indicator of improved hepatic function using a cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with sustained viral response (SVR) after direct‐acting antiviral therapy (DAA). Methods HCV patients who achieved SVR after DAAs between 2015 and 2016 were followed for at least 24 months. Changes in ALBI were evaluated in the entire cohort and according to liver function and liver stiffness status at baseline. Results Four hundred ninety‐seven patients were enrolled. Exactly 96.92% were in Child–Pugh (CTP) class A, and 42% had grade 2 fibrosis. Median ALBI was −3.02, while 87.7 and 11.3% of patients were in ALBI grades 1 and 2, respectively. ALBI improved significantly over time, particularly in patients who had a worse ALBI at baseline. Exactly 77% of patients initially in ALBI grade 1 and 93.9% of those in ALBI grades 2–3 improved their ALBI score in different amounts. Improved ALBI was observed irrespective of CTP score at baseline. Median ALBI at baseline and after 24 months were −3.03 and −3.27 for CTP 5, 2.02 and −2.88 for CTP 6, and −1.59 and −2.84 for CTP >6. Similarly, a significant improvement in ALBI was observed within each stage of fibrosis at baseline. Conclusion ALBI was a good indicator of improved hepatic function in HCV patients with SVR after DAA therapy, able to identify changes even in those patients who started DAA therapy with well‐preserved function and mild fibrosis. This simple, objective, and noninvasive test should be evaluated in other clinical scenarios where liver function is relevant.

BackgroundDepression is highly prevalent in individuals on hemodialysis, but it is infrequently identified and remains undertreated. In this paper, we present details of the methodology of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 5-week positive psychological intervention in individuals on hemodialysis with comorbid depression delivered using immersive virtual reality (VR) technology. ObjectiveWe aim to describe the protocol and design of the Joviality trial whose main objectives are 2-fold: determine the feasibility of the Joviality VR software through metrics capturing rates of recruitment, refusal, retention, noncompliance, and adherence, as well as end-user feedback; and assess preliminary efficacy for outcomes measures of depressive symptoms, psychological well-being and distress, quality of life, treatment adherence, clinical biomarkers, and all-cause hospitalizations. MethodsThis 2-arm RCT is scheduled to enroll 84 individuals on hemodialysis with comorbid depression from multiple outpatient centers in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Enrollees will be randomized to the following groups: VR-based Joviality positive psychological intervention or sham VR (2D wildlife footage and nature-based settings with inert music presented using a head-mounted display). To be eligible, individuals must be on hemodialysis for at least 3 months, have Beck Depression Inventory-II scores of ≥11 (ie, indicative of mild-to-severe depressive symptoms), be aged ≥21 years, and be fluent in English or Spanish. The Joviality VR software was built using agile design principles and incorporates fully immersive content, digital avatars, and multiplex features of interactability. Targeted skills of the intervention include noticing positive events, positive reappraisal, gratitude, acts of kindness, and mindful or nonjudgmental awareness. The primary outcomes include metrics of feasibility and acceptability, along with preliminary efficacy focused on decreasing symptoms of depression. The secondary and tertiary outcomes include quality of life, treatment adherence, clinical biomarkers, and all-cause hospitalization rates. There are 4 assessment time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention. We hypothesize that depressive symptoms and hemodialysis-related markers of disease will substantially improve in participants randomized to the VR-based Joviality positive psychology treatment arm compared with those in the attention control condition. ResultsThis RCT is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and is scheduled to commence participant recruitment in June 2023. ConclusionsThis trial will be the first to test custom-built VR software to deliver a positive psychological intervention, chairside, in individuals on hemodialysis to reduce symptoms of depression. Within the context of an RCT using an active control arm, if proven effective, VR technology may become a potent tool to deliver mental health programming in clinical populations during their outpatient treatment sessions. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05642364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05642364 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/45100

Desde la noche y la niebla (mujeres en las cárceles franquistas) novela-testimonio (1978), de Juana Doña, constituye, al tiempo, plataforma y disparador de undebate que involucra al resto de narrativas memorialísticas. Para llevar a cabo unaaproximación a la obra, dividimos el análisis en tres ejes o nudos tensionales: la violencia (los efectos que esta tiene sobre los cuerpos, las subjetividades, losimaginarios, así como su marcado componente patriarcal), la comunidad (esto es: lacapacidad de resistencia colectiva de las presas, sus estrategias de oposición ysupervivencia en la cárcel) y la escritura (especialmente, las posibilidades de lecturaque existen en el ahora para rescatar el potencial revolucionario del testimonio). Proponemos, en definitiva, un estudio que ilumina tres zonas concretas de la obra deDoña; zonas que conectan con el resto de narrativas carcelarias y que de una u otramanera continúan algunas de las líneas fundamentales propuestas por los estudiosmemorialísticos de las últimas décadas.

Abstract Background Transgenic animal models are crucial for the study of gene function and disease, and are widely utilized in basic biological research, agriculture and pharma industries. Since the current methods for generating transgenic animals result in the random integration of the transgene under study, the phenotype may be compromised due to disruption of known genes or regulatory regions. Unfortunately, most of the tools that predict transgene insertion sites from high-throughput data are not publicly available or not properly maintained. Results We implemented TC-hunter, Transgene-Construct hunter, an open tool that identifies transgene insertion sites and provides simple reports and visualization aids. It relies on common tools used in the analysis of high-throughput data and makes use of chimeric reads and discordant read pairs to identify and support the transgenic insertion site. To demonstrate its applicability, we applied TC-hunter to four transgenic mice samples harboring the human PPM1D gene, a model used in the study of malignant tumor development. We identified the transgenic insertion site in each sample and experimentally validated them with Touchdown-polymerase chain reaction followed by Sanger sequencing. Conclusions TC-hunter is an accessible bioinformatics tool that can automatically identify transgene insertion sites from DNA sequencing data with high sensitivity (98%) and precision (92.45%). TC-hunter is a valuable tool that can aid in evaluating any potential phenotypic complications due to the random integration of the transgene and can be accessed at https://github.com/bcfgothenburg/SSF .

Desde el punto de vista comunicativo, los partidos conectivos se definen por su inclinación hacia modelos participativos donde los flujos conversacionales posean una estructura horizontal y bidireccional entre la élite de la formación y el activismo de base. Esto es posible gracias a que ceden parte de su organización a herramientas de la Web. Dentro de esta taxonomía se encuentra el partido español Unidas-Podemos como ejemplo de partido conectivo. En esta investigación se analiza la vertiente comunicativa externa, basada en el uso de redes sociales online, de los principales partidos políticos españoles durante el periodo de Estado de Alarma provocado por el COVID-19. Para ello, se observará la tasa de interacción y respuestas en Twitter de los representantes del Congreso de los Diputados. Los resultados muestran que los patrones comunicativos a nivel externo de Unidas-Podemos responden a criterios verticales, propios de los partidos convencionales. From a communicational point of view, connective parties are based on horizontal and bidirectional structure of conversational flows between the elite of the formation and the party activists. This is possible because they delegate part of their organization to digital and online platforms. In this paper we use the Spanish party Unidas-Podemos as a case of study of connective parties. Drawing upon the Twitter response and interaction rate between Spanish representatives and citizens, this research analyzes the external communicative aspect of the main Spanish political parties during the Lockdown caused by COVID-19. The results show that the external communication patterns of Unidas-Podemos respond to vertical criteria, typical of conventional parties.

Cysts (CNs) and root-knot nematodes (RKNs) induce specialized feeding cells, syncytia, and giant cells (GCs), respectively, within plant roots. The plant tissues around the GCs usually by respond forming a root swelling called a gall that contains the GCs. The ontogenesis of feeding cells is different. GC formation is a process of new organogenesis from vascular cells, which are still not well characterized, that differentiate into GCs. In contrast, syncytia formation involves the fusion of adjacent cells that have already differentiated. Nonetheless, both feeding sites show an auxin maximum pertinent to feeding site formation. However, data on the molecular divergences and similarities between the formation of both feeding sites regarding auxin-responsive genes are still scarce. We studied genes from the auxin transduction pathways that are crucial during gall and lateral root (LR) development in the CN interaction by using promoter-reporter (GUS/LUC)transgenic lines, as well as loss of function lines of Arabidopsis. The promoters pGATA23 and several deletions of pmiR390a were active in syncytia, as were in galls, but pAHP6 or putative up-stream regulators as ARF5/7/19 were not active in syncytia. Additionally, none of these genes seemed to play a key role during cyst nematode establishment in Arabidopsis, as the infection rates in loss of function lines did not show significant differences compared to control Col-0 plants. Furthermore, the presence of only canonical AuxRe elements in their proximal promoter regions is highly correlated with their activation in galls/GCs (AHP6, LBD16), but those promoters active in syncytia (miR390, GATA23) carry AuxRe overlapping core cis-elements for other transcription factor families (i.e., bHLH, bZIP). Strikingly, in silico transcriptomic analysis showed very few genes upregulated by auxins common to those induced in GCs and syncytia, despite the high number of upregulated IAA responsive genes in syncytia and galls. The complex regulation of auxin transduction pathways, where different members of the auxin response factor (ARF) family may interact with other factors, and the differences in auxin sensitivity, as indicated by the lower induction of the DR5 sensor in syncytia than galls, among other factors, may explain the divergent regulation of auxin responsive genes in the two types of nematode feeding sites.

Background: The objective of the study was to identify clinical and demographic factors predictive of hospitalization in primary healthcare patients diagnosed with suspected COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used. Patients attended in Casanova primary healthcare centre (CAP) (Barcelona, Spain) for symptoms compatible with possible or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between February 24 and May 30, 2020, were included. Data was collected through the electronic medical record and by telephone interview. Results: 518 patients were included, of whom 283 (54.6%) were female. The median age was 50.2 years and 19.3% were aged ≥65 years: 79% were followed on an outpatient basis while the rest were hospitalized. Predictive factors for hospital admission were male sex, older age, a history of ischemic heart disease and the presence of dyspnoea, haemoptysis, nausea and vomiting, with a sensitivity of 48% and a specificity of 95.4%. Odynophagia and nasal congestion were predictors of a good prognosis. Mortality was 2.3% and 25% of deaths did not occur in hospital. Conclusions: Nearly 80% of primary healthcare patients received only outpatient care. Male sex, older age, a history of ischemic heart disease and symptoms like dyspnoea, haemoptysis, nausea and vomiting could lead to a greater risk of an unfavorable evolution during COVID-19. Patients with at least one of the above factors, which correlate with a higher hospital admission rate, should receive a closer follow-up to early detect when they can benefit from a hospital evaluation based on their clinical evolution. Resumen: Introducción: El objetivo del estudio fue identificar factores clínicos y demográficos predictivos de hospitalización en pacientes de atención primaria con diagnóstico de sospecha de COVID-19 al inicio de la pandemia. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva, con pacientes atendidos en el centro de atención primaria (CAP) de Casanova (Barcelona, España) por síntomas compatibles con infección por SARS-CoV-2, entre 24 de febrero y 30 de mayo de 2020. Los datos se recogieron de la historia clínica electrónica y mediante entrevista telefónica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 518 pacientes. 283 (54.6%) fueron mujeres. La edad media fue 50.2 años. Un 19.3% tenían 65 años o más. El 79% se siguieron de forma ambulatoria y el resto ingresaron en el hospital. Los factores predictivos de ingreso fueron sexo masculino, edad, antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica y la presencia de disnea, hemoptisis, náuseas o vómitos, con una sensibilidad del 48% y una especificidad del 95.4%. Odinofagia y congestión nasal fueron factores predictores de buen pronóstico. La mortalidad fue del 2.3%. El 25% de los pacientes que fallecieron no lo hicieron en el ámbito hospitalario. Conclusiones: Casi el 80% de los pacientes atendidos en Atención Primaria recibieron únicamente atención ambulatoria. Sexo masculino, edad avanzada, antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica y síntomas como disnea, hemoptisis, náuseas y vómitos, podrían conllevar un mayor riesgo de evolución desfavorable. Los pacientes con al menos uno de los factores anteriores, deben recibir un seguimiento más estrecho para detectar precozmente cuándo pueden beneficiarse de una evaluación hospitalaria en función de su evolución clínica.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) are obligate plant parasites that constitute a significant pest for agriculture worldwide. They penetrate the plant roots, reducing the uptake of water and nutrients, causing a significant impact on crop yield. One alternative on focus now for nematode management is biological control. Rhizobacteria within the Bacillus genus show multiple modes of action against plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) that can act alone or in combination. In this context, we evaluated a dual-strain bacteria combination (B. paralicheniformi FMCH001 and B. subtilis FMCH002) to reduce nematode infection in tomato plants. We evaluated mortality of larvae from Meloidogyne javanica in vitro, as well as eggs hatching after the treatment. Atraction, penetration, establishment, and reproduction assays in vitro or in pots in tomato plants infected with M. javanica and treated/ untreated with the dual-strain bacteria combination were also performed. Additionally, morphometric parameters comparing giant cells size from galls of treated and untreated plants by using confocal microscopy were also measured. The results showed that this combination of strains has nematicidal properties in the pre-infection phase by decreasing the egg-hatching, juvenile survival, and attractiveness to the roots. Furthermore, nematode establishment, gall formation, and, remarkably, giant cell development was severely impaired after the bacterial treatment, suggesting interference with morphogenetic mechanisms induced by the nematode during GCs development within the plant. Nematode reproduction in tomato plants was reduced independently of the application mode in soil, before or after bacterial treatment. The dual-strain combination was also effective against other PPNs (i.e. Pratylenchus spp.) and in different crops (soybean). Therefore, combining B. paralicheniformis FMCH001 and B. subtilis FMCH002 is an efficient agent for the biological control of Meloidogyne spp. by interfering with different stages of the nematode cycle as a result of multiple modes of action.

El objetivo del presente artículo es llevar a cabo un estudio de la obra Para la libertad. Memorias a un padre asesinado (2017), de Antonio Martínez i Ferrer, al tiempo que la utilizamos como plataforma y disparadero de un debate que involucra al resto de relatos memorialísticos. Por ello, partimos de tres ejes o interrogantes: la autoría (¿desde dónde narra?), la composición y estrategia (¿cómo narra?) y la dirección política o el sentido ideológico (¿hacia qué lugar?). El análisis pretende problematizar algunos de los elementos centrales que atraviesan a las memorias subalternas y focalizar el debate en torno a las estrategias de recuperación de las narrativas presas.

Background Among species with size structured demography, population structure is determined by size specific survival and growth rates. This interplay is particularly important among recently settled colonial invertebrates for which survival is low and growth is the only way of escaping the high mortality that small colonies are subject to. Gorgonian corals settling on reefs can grow into colonies of millions of polyps and can be meters tall. However, all colonies start their benthic lives as single polyps, which are subject to high mortality rates. Annual survival among these species increases with size, reflecting the ability of colonies to increasingly survive partial mortality as they grow larger. Methods Data on survival and growth of gorgonian recruits in the genera Eunicea and Pseudoplexaura at two sites on the southern coast of St John, US Virgin Islands were used to generate a stage structured model that characterizes growth of recruits from 0.3 cm until they reach 5 cm height. The model used the frequency distributions of colony growth rates to incorporate variability into the model. Results High probabilities of zero and negative growth increase the time necessary to reach 5 cm and extends the demographic bottleneck caused by high mortality to multiple years. Only 5% of the recruits in the model survived and reached 5 cm height and, on average, recruits required 3 y to reach 5 cm height. Field measurements of recruitment rates often use colony height to differentiate recruits from older colonies, but height cannot unambiguously identify recruits due to the highly variable nature of colony growth. Our model shows how recruitment rates based on height average recruitment and survival across more than a single year, but size-based definitions of recruitment if consistently used can characterize the role of supply and early survival in the population dynamics of species.

The total global food demand is expected to increase up to 50% between 2010 and 2050; hence, there is a clear need to increase plant productivity with little or no damage to the environment. In this respect, biochar is a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter at high temperatures with a limited oxygen supply, with different physicochemical characteristics that depend on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. When used as a soil amendment, it has shown many positive environmental effects such as carbon sequestration, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and soil improvement. Biochar application has also shown huge benefits when applied to agri-systems, among them, the improvement of plant growth either in optimal conditions or under abiotic or biotic stress. Several mechanisms, such as enhancing the soil microbial diversity and thus increasing soil nutrient-cycling functions, improving soil physicochemical properties, stimulating the microbial colonization, or increasing soil P, K, or N content, have been described to exert these positive effects on plant growth, either alone or in combination with other resources. In addition, it can also improve the plant antioxidant defenses, an evident advantage for plant growth under stress conditions. Although agricultural residues are generated from a wide variety of crops, cereals account for more than half of the world’s harvested area. Yet, in this review, we will focus on biochar obtained from residues of the most common and relevant cereal crops in terms of global production (rice, wheat, maize, and barley) and in their use as recycled residues to stimulate plant growth. The harvesting and processing of these crops generate a vast number and variety of residues that could be locally recycled into valuable products such as biochar, reducing the waste management problem and accomplishing the circular economy premise. However, very scarce literature focused on the use of biochar from a crop to improve its own growth is available. Herein, we present an overview of the literature focused on this topic, compiling most of the studies and discussing the urgent need to deepen into the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the beneficial effects of biochar on plant productivity.