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The aim of this study is to calculate the gains of the quantified visually enhanced vestibulo-ocular reflex (qVVOR) and the quantified vestibulo-ocular reflex suppression (qVORS), using a specific system to generate a visual suppression index (SI) in healthy subjects obtained through the gains of qVVOR and qVORS, and to determine the normal values of the index, as well as the influence of age and sex variables on the SI. Methods. This prospective observational clinical study includes 83 healthy subjects who underwent the head impulse and suppression tests (HIMP and SHIMP, respectively), qVVOR, and qVORS tests, all of the vHIT. The sinusoidal tests (qVVOR and qVORS) were conducted at an intended frequency of 0.75 Hz. The gains of these tests were calculated using a system specifically designed for this purpose. A formula for the SI was established using a ratio of the gains from these tests. Two SI values are presented: unilateral, distinct for each direction of head movement, and bilateral, representing the suppression of both sides simultaneously. Results. Mean gains for the qVVORs were 0.981 ± 0.070 and 0.978 ± 0.077 for the rightwards and leftwards qVVORs, respectively. The gains for the suppressed tests were 0.334 ± 0.112 and 0.353 ± 0.110 for the rightwards and leftwards qVORSs, respectively. A difference of 0.05 Hz was observed between the expected (0.75 Hz) and the obtained frequency of head movement, which is statistically significant (p < 0.001). The SI was 0.342 ± 0.118 for the right side (right SI) and 0.363 ± 0.117 for the left side (left SI). The bilateral SI had a mean value of 0.295 ± 0.104. No significant differences in the SI were noted according to the subject’s age. The SI for women was lower than in the case of males. Conclusions: The VVOR/VORS quantification algorithm allows for the reliable calculation of the numerical gain of qVVOR and qVORS with mathematical soundness and consistency of results. Our data support the use of a single or specific measure for direction of head movement; although significant differences exist, these differences are not clinically relevant.

Background/Objective: Allergic reactions to insulin have decreased significantly since the introduction of human insulin preparation, but up to 2.4% of insulin-treated patients can still be affected. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody against the surface antigen CD20 on B lymphocytes, and it is largely used to treat lymphoproliferative and rheumatological conditions. In a very few published case reports, rituximab has been used as an investigational drug to treat severe insulin allergy refractory to conventional therapy. Here, we present an unusual case of a 40-year-old woman with T1DM and severe insulin allergy that was successfully treated with rituximab. Case Report: The patient was diagnosed with T1DM at age 37. Three years later, skin reactions developed at insulin administration sites. These consisted of pruritic and painful erythema and wheals that appeared within 1 to 4 h of insulin administration, followed by induration, subcutaneous nodules, and surrounding lipodystrophy that lasted several days with spontaneous resolution in 1 to 2 weeks. Extensive immunologic evaluation suggested the reaction was related to insulin allergy. Skin biopsy revealed sublobular panniculitis. After failed conventional treatment with antihistamines, glucocorticoid, and various insulins, rituximab infusion as an investigational approach was initiated. This was very successful, leading to prolonged remission of her insulin allergy. Discussion: First-line management of insulin allergy should focus on second-generation antihistamines and switching insulin preparation. In refractory cases, systemic immunotherapy with rituximab can be a viable option. Conclusion: Practitioners should be aware that in patients with insulin allergy who fail conventional treatment, immunotherapy with rituximab can be a viable option.

Rvisdiff is an R/Bioconductor package that generates an interactive interface for the interpretation of differential expression results. It creates a local web page that enables the exploration of statistical analysis results through the generation of auto-analytical visualizations. Users can explore the differential expression results and the source expression data interactively in the same view. As input, the package supports the results of popular differential expression packages such as DESeq2, edgeR, and limma. As output, the package generates a local HTML page that can be easily viewed in a web browser. Rvisdiff is freely available at https://bioconductor.org/packages/Rvisdiff/.

Introducción. La diabetes mellitus de tipo 1 se considera una de las enfermedades crónicas más frecuentes de la infancia. Es un factor de gran riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad cardiovascular temprana y afecta también la salud ósea. Objetivo. Describir las características demográficas y los parámetros bioquímicos de una población de niños con diabetes de tipo 1, supervisados en la unidad pediátrica de diabetes de un hospital español de tercer nivel. Materiales y métodos. En este estudio retrospectivo, se determinaron los parámetros de control metabólico, lipídico y óseo en 124 niños con diabetes de tipo 1, a los que se hizo seguimiento en la Unidad Pediátrica de Diabetes del Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet de Zaragoza, desde mayo del 2020 hasta julio del 2021. Resultados. Los niños con diabetes de tipo 1 presentan peor control metabólico de la enfermedad en la pubertad, pero su control lipídico se puede considerar aceptable. Existe una correlación inversa de los marcadores de formación ósea con el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, así como con el control metabólico. Conclusión. Los marcadores de formación ósea se encuentran correlacionados de forma inversa con el porcentaje de hemoglobina glicosilada y con el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes. En estos pacientes, el perfil lipídico y el óseo son más favorables cuando existe un buen control metabólico de la enfermedad.

Introduction: We present a series of six cases whose clinical presentations exhibited audiovestibular manifestations of a third mobile window mechanism, bearing a reasonable resemblance to Ménière’s disease and otosclerosis. The occurrence of these cases in such a short period has prompted a review of the underlying causes of its development. Understanding the pathophysiology of third mobile window syndrome and considering these entities in the differential diagnosis of conditions presenting with vertigo and hearing loss with slight air-bone gaps is essential for comprehending this group of pathologies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective cohort study of six cases diagnosed at a tertiary center. All of them went through auditive and vestibular examinations before and after a therapeutic strategy was performed. Results: Out of 84 cases of dehiscences described in our center during the period from 2014 to 2024, 78 belonged to superior semicircular canal dehiscence, while 6 were other otic capsule dehiscences. Among these six patients with a mean age of 47.17 years (range: 18–73), all had some form of otic capsule dehiscence with auditory and/or vestibular repercussions, measured through hearing and vestibular tests, with abnormalities in the results in five out of six patients. Two of them were diagnosed with Ménière’s disease (MD). Another two had cochleo-vestibular hydrops without meeting the diagnostic criteria for MD. In two cases, the otic capsule dehiscence diagnosis resulted from an intraoperative complication due to a gusher phenomenon, while in one case, it was an accidental radiological finding. All responded well to the proposed treatment, whether medical or surgical, if needed. Conclusions: Otic capsule dehiscences are relatively new and unfamiliar entities that should be considered when faced with cases clinically suggestive of Ménière’s disease, with discrepancies in complementary tests or a poor response to treatment. While high-sensitivity and specificity audiovestibular tests exist, completing the study with imaging, especially petrous bone CT scans, is necessary to locate and characterize the otic capsule defect responsible for the clinical presentation.

IntroductionPatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and mental health disorders compared to the general population. Physical exercise might improve their brain health. The overall goal of the HEART-BRAIN randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the effects of different types of exercise on brain health outcomes in patients with CAD, and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsThis three-arm, single-blinded RCT will include 90 patients with CAD (50–75 years). Participants will be randomized into: (1) control group—usual care (n = 30), (2) aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (n = 30), or (3) HIIT combined with resistance exercise training (n = 30). The 12-week intervention includes 3 supervised sessions (45-min each) per week for the exercise groups. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome is to determine changes in cerebral blood flow assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes include changes in brain vascularization, cognitive measures (i.e., general cognition, executive function and episodic memory), and cardiorespiratory fitness. Additional health-related outcomes, and several potential mediators and moderators will be investigated (i.e., brain structure and function, cardiovascular and brain-based biomarkers, hemodynamics, physical function, body composition, mental health, and lifestyle behavior).ConclusionThe HEART-BRAIN RCT will provide novel insights on how exercise can impact brain health in patients with CAD and the potential mechanisms explaining the heart-brain connection, such as changes in cerebral blood flow. The results may have important clinical implications by increasing the evidence on the effectiveness of exercise-based strategies to delay cognitive decline in this high-risk population.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT06214624].

With the increasing recognition of the significance of arachnid conservation, it is crucial to allocate greater efforts towards implementing targeted monitoring programmes. Despite recent studies, our understanding of arachnid populations in Portugal remains limited. This study serves as the initial inventory of arachnids (Araneae and Opiliones) within the Castro Verde Special Protection Area (SPA) located in Beja, southern Portugal. The surveys were conducted during the spring of 2012 across 80 open grasslands that were grazed by cattle and sheep.A total of 71 species of Araneae and two species of Opiliones have been identified. Notably, three spider species, namely Argenna subnigra, Civizelotes ibericus and Walckenaeria cucullata, are documented for the first time in Portugal. Additionally, two harvestmen species (Dasylobus ibericus and Homalenotus buchneri) and 14 spider species (Cheiracanthium pennatum, Haplodrassus rhodanicus, Marinarozelotes minutus, Tapinocyba algirica, Agraecina lineata, Tibellus macellus, Talavera petrensis, Tetragnatha intermedia, Dipoena umbratilis, Enoplognatha diversa, Neottiura uncinata, Ruborridion musivum, Theridion pinastri and Xysticus grallator) are recorded for the first time in the Beja District. The occurrence of each documented species within the SPA, including family and species details, is presented, underscoring the significance of the Castro Verde SPA for arachnid conservation. These findings contribute novel insights into the biodiversity of the Castro Verde SPA, emphasising the necessity of incorporating this area into arachnid diversity conservation efforts.

(1) Background: Assessing phonatory disorders due to laryngeal biomechanical alterations requires aerodynamic analysis, assessing subglottic pressure, transglottic flow, and laryngeal resistance. This study explores whether the acoustic parameter, the relative fundamental frequency (RFF), can be studied using the current acoustic analysis protocol at the University of Navarra’s voice laboratory and its association with pathologies linked to laryngeal biomechanical alterations. (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with muscular tension dysphonia, organic lesions of the vocal fold, and vocal fold paralysis (VFP) at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra from 2019 to 2021. Each patient underwent endoscopic laryngeal exploration, followed by acoustic study, RFF calculation, and an aerodynamic study. Additionally, a control group was recruited. (3) Results: 79 patients and 22 controls were studied. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects for groups and cycles in offset and onset cycles. Statistically significant differences were observed in cycle 1 onset among all groups and in cycles 1 and 2 between the control group and non-healthy groups. (4) Conclusions: RFF is a valuable indicator of phonatory biomechanics, distinguishing healthy and pathological voices and different disorders. RFF in onset cycles offers a cost-effective, accurate method for assessing biomechanical disorders without complex aerodynamic analyses. This study describes RFF values in VFP for the first time, revealing differences regardless of aerodynamic patterns.

IntroductionGood syndrome (GS) is a rare adult-onset immunodeficiency first described in 1954. It is characterized by the coexistence of a thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia, associated with an increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmunity. The classification and management of GS has been long hampered by the lack of data about the underlying immune alterations, a controversy existing on whether it is a unique diagnostic entity vs. a subtype of Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).MethodsHere, we used high-sensitive flow cytometry to investigate the distribution of up to 70 different immune cell populations in blood of GS patients (n=9) compared to age-matched CVID patients (n=55) and healthy donors (n=61).ResultsAll 9 GS patients displayed reduced B-cell counts -down to undetectable levels (

We studied Liodessus diving beetles from six eastern Colombian Páramo areas, as well as from the Altiplano. We discovered a highly characteristic new species, based on male genital morphology, Liodessus santarosita sp. nov., in the Páramo de Guantiva-Rusia. Specimens from the Altiplano around Bogotá, and the Páramos of Almorzadero, Chingaza, Matarredonda, Rabanal y Rio Bogotá and Sumapaz form one clade of genetically similar populations based on mitochondrial Cox1 sequence data. The individuals of this clade are sub-structured according to their geographic distribution. The populations differ from each other mainly in terms of body size and coloration and, at most, subtly in their genital morphology. In two cases, we find putative hybrid populations between Altiplano and Páramo areas. We suggest that the different Páramo populations are in an early phase of speciation, and perhaps already genetically isolated in some cases. They are here assigned subspecies status to highlight these ongoing processes pending more comprehensive geographic sampling and use of genomic data. We refer to this clade as the Liodessus bogotensis complex, containing Liodessus b. bogotensis Guignot, 1953; Liodessus b. almorzadero ssp. nov.; Liodessus b. chingaza ssp. nov.; Liodessus b. lacunaviridis Balke et al., 2021, stat. nov.; Liodessus b. matarredonda ssp. nov., and Liodessus b. sumapaz ssp. nov.

The study of heat transfer in ground heat exchangers (GHEs) considering the fluid advection inside the pipes; the heat transfer between the fluid and the ground through the grout material; and the thermal interaction between GHEs is a challenging task. The present paper presents a new semi-analytical method that takes into account the aforementioned effects to consider both the short- to long-term effects of GHEs. The heat transfer between the fluid and grout was studied by a transient multipole expansion considering time-dependent fluid temperatures and an advection model for the pipes obtained from an energy balance on the heat carrier fluid. Thermal interactions were analyzed using an equivalent borehole method while penalizing the transient multipole expansion to include thermal interaction effects. Validation of the short-term predictions was performed by comparing the proposed model to experimental data found in the literature and to an FEA model. The proposed model was then compared with a FEA model in long-term simulations of a geothermal field comprised of 24 GHEs for multi-annual simulation. The method resulted in substantial reduction in computational time while preserving good accuracy when compared with the FEA model.

Liodessus picinus sp. nov. is described from the Páramo de Sumapaz near Bogota D.C. at 3,500 m above sea level. The species can be distinguished from the other Colombian Liodessus species by its dark coloration, discontinuous habitus, shiny surface of the pronotum and elytron, presence of a distinct occipital line, distinct basal pronotal striae, short or even faint basal elytral striae, as well as by its distinct geographic distribution and cox1 signature.

Cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines (CDA) affects cancer patients, but we cannot predict who may suffer from this complication. CDA is a complex trait with a polygenic component that is mainly unidentified. We propose that levels of intermediate molecular phenotypes (IMPs) in the myocardium associated with histopathological damage could explain CDA susceptibility, so variants of genes encoding these IMPs could identify patients susceptible to this complication. Thus, a genetically heterogeneous cohort of mice (n = 165) generated by backcrossing were treated with doxorubicin and docetaxel. We quantified heart fibrosis using an Ariol slide scanner and intramyocardial levels of IMPs using multiplex bead arrays and QPCR. We identified quantitative trait loci linked to IMPs (ipQTLs) and cdaQTLs via linkage analysis. In three cancer patient cohorts, CDA was quantified using echocardiography or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance. CDA behaves as a complex trait in the mouse cohort. IMP levels in the myocardium were associated with CDA. ipQTLs integrated into genetic models with cdaQTLs account for more CDA phenotypic variation than that explained by cda-QTLs alone. Allelic forms of genes encoding IMPs associated with CDA in mice, including AKT1, MAPK14, MAPK8, STAT3, CAS3, and TP53, are genetic determinants of CDA in patients. Two genetic risk scores for pediatric patients (n = 71) and women with breast cancer (n = 420) were generated using machine-learning Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Thus, IMPs associated with heart damage identify genetic markers of CDA risk, thereby allowing more personalized patient management.

En este artículo se investiga el valor epistemológico de la Teoría de los Recursos de Poder Sindical, redefinida, para el análisis de las estrategias sindicales en grandes empresas. Se ha elegido el caso de Correos. El análisis, basado en entrevistas en profundidad a empleados, sindicalistas y directivos de la empresa, confirma la plausibilidad sociológica de esta teoría. Los resultados indican que, a pesar de tener que hacer frente a una estrategia empresarial muy desfavorable, los sindicatos han logrado mantener unos niveles de presencia, audiencia e influencia muy superiores a la media española, y que este logro tiene como base verdaderas estrategias orientadas a la maximización de sus recursos de poder.

Abstract Low-frequency 1q21.1 distal deletion and duplication copy number variant (CNV) carriers are predisposed to multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia, autism and intellectual disability. Human carriers display a high prevalence of micro- and macrocephaly in deletion and duplication carriers, respectively. The underlying brain structural diversity remains largely unknown. We systematically called CNVs in 38 cohorts from the large-scale ENIGMA-CNV collaboration and the UK Biobank and identified 28 1q21.1 distal deletion and 22 duplication carriers and 37,088 non-carriers (48% male) derived from 15 distinct magnetic resonance imaging scanner sites. With standardized methods, we compared subcortical and cortical brain measures (all) and cognitive performance (UK Biobank only) between carrier groups also testing for mediation of brain structure on cognition. We identified positive dosage effects of copy number on intracranial volume (ICV) and total cortical surface area, with the largest effects in frontal and cingulate cortices, and negative dosage effects on caudate and hippocampal volumes. The carriers displayed distinct cognitive deficit profiles in cognitive tasks from the UK Biobank with intermediate decreases in duplication carriers and somewhat larger in deletion carriers—the latter potentially mediated by ICV or cortical surface area. These results shed light on pathobiological mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, by demonstrating gene dose effect on specific brain structures and effect on cognitive function.

En un mundo en el que los retos son globales, la única manera de enfrentarlos es desde una perspectiva de “ciudadanía global”. La universidad no puede limitar sus objetivos a la formación de profesionales técnicamente competentes: si estos futuros profesionales carecen de capacidad de análisis crítico, si no tienen las habilidades para percibir cómo sus decisiones influirán en su entorno, si no han desarrollado destrezas para cambiarlo, incluso si no han ejercitado un cierto grado de sensibilidad y conciencia social, serán los gestores de una sociedad fracasada. El aprendizaje-servicio es una metodología de enseñanza-aprendizaje que combina una mejor adquisición de conocimientos teóricos y de habilidades y competencias profesionales con un desarrollo de la capacidad para tomar conciencia de la realidad, entenderla, analizarla, saber intervenir en ella e, incluso, comprometerse a transformarla. Necesitamos grandes profesionales capaces de mejorar el mundo y, para conseguirlo, necesitamos que la universidad apueste por formarlos integralmente.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) enables researchers to quantify the transcriptomes of individual cells. The capacity of researchers to perform this type of analysis has allowed researchers to undertake new scientific goals. The usefulness of scRNA-Seq has depended on the development of new computational biology methods, which have been designed to meeting challenges associated with scRNA-Seq analysis. However, the proper application of these computational methods requires extensive bioinformatics expertise. Otherwise, it is often difficult to obtain reliable and reproducible results. We have developed SingleCAnalyzer, a cloud platform that provides a means to perform full scRNA-Seq analysis from FASTQ within an easy-to-use and self-exploratory web interface. Its analysis pipeline includes the demultiplexing and alignment of FASTQ files, read trimming, sample quality control, feature selection, empty droplets detection, dimensional reduction, cellular type prediction, unsupervised clustering of cells, pseudotime/trajectory analysis, expression comparisons between groups, functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes and gene set expression analysis. Results are presented with interactive graphs, which provide exploratory and analytical features. SingleCAnalyzer is freely available at https://singleCAnalyzer.eu.

Human WHO grade 1 meningiomas are generally considered benign tumors; despite this, they account for ≈50% of all recurrent meningiomas. Currently, limited data exist about the mutational profiles of grade 1 meningiomas and patient outcome. We investigated the genetic variants present in 32 WHO grade 1 meningiomas using whole exome sequencing, and correlated gene mutational profiles with tumor cytogenetics and patient outcome. Overall, WHO grade 1 meningiomas harbored numerous and heterogeneous genetic variants, which most frequently affected the NF2 (47%) gene and to a less extent the PNMA6A (22%), TIGD1 (16%), SMO (13%), PTEN (13%), CREG2 (9%), EEF1A1 (6%), POLR2A (6%), ARID1B (3%), and FAIM3 (3%) genes. Notably, non-synonymous genetic variants of SMO and POLR2A were restricted to diploid meningiomas, whereas NF2 mutations were only found among tumors that showed -22/22q─ (with or without a complex karyotype). Based on NF2 mutations and tumor cytogenetics, four genetic profiles were defined with an impact on patient recurrence-free survival (RFS). These included (1) two good-prognosis tumor subgroups—diploid meningiomas (n=9) and isolated -22/22q─ associated with NF2 mutation (n=7)—with RFS rates at 10 y of 100%; and (2) two subgroups of poor-prognosis meningiomas—isolated -22/22q─ without NF2 mutation (n=3) and tumors with complex karyotypes (n=11)—with a RFS rate at 10 y of 48% (p=0.003). Our results point out the existence of recurrent but heterogeneous mutational profiles in WHO grade 1 meningiomas which have an impact on patient outcome.

The HCDR3 sequences of the B-cell receptor (BCR) undergo constraints in length, amino acid use, and charge during maturation of B-cell precursors and after antigen encounter, leading to BCR and antibodies with high affinity to specific antigens. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia consists of an expansion of B-cells with a mixed immature and “antigen-experienced” phenotype, with either a mutated (M-CLL) or unmutated (U-CLL) tumor BCR, associated with distinct patient outcomes. Here, we investigated the hydropathy index of the BCR of 138 CLL patients and its association with the IGHV mutational status and patient outcome. Overall, two clearly distinct subgroups of M-CLL patients emerged, based on a neutral (mean hydropathy index of -0.1) vs. negatively charged BCR (mean hydropathy index of -1.1) with molecular features closer to those of B-cell precursors and peripheral/mature B-cells, respectively. Despite that M-CLL with neutral HCDR3 did not show traits associated with a mature B-cell repertoire, important differences in IGHV gene usage of tumor cells and patient outcome were observed in this subgroup of patients once compared to both U-CLL and M-CLL with negatively charged HCDR3 sequences. Compared to M-CLL with negatively charged HCDR3 sequences, M-CLL with neutral HCDR3 sequences showed predominance of men, more advanced stages of the disease, and a greater frequency of genetic alterations—e.g., del(17p)—together with a higher rate of disease progression and shorter time to therapy (TTT), independently of other prognostic factors. Our data suggest that the hydropathy index of the HCDR3 sequences of CLL cells allows the identification of a subgroup of M-CLL with intermediate prognostic features between U-CLL and the more favorable subgroup of M-CLL with a negatively charged BCR.

El presente estudio se encuentra en el marco de la investigación aplicada para establecer las coberturas y frames periodísticos de la violencia hacia la mujer en el Perú en los diarios El Comercio, La República y Correo. Para ello, se realizó un registro de datos de periódicos de circulación nacional en el año 2020. El método empleado fue el descriptivo, siguiendo la línea cuantitativa y el diseño fue descriptivo simple. La presentación de los datos se hizo a través de la estadística descriptiva. En la investigación se encontró que en los tres diarios se efectúa la cobertura de la violencia hacia la mujer. Sin embargo, se estableció que en el diario Correo la cobertura es mayor, respecto a El Comercio y La República. El uso del género periodístico informativo fue el más utilizado por los periódicos para sus reportes, mientras que en los frames, el que más resalta fue el de atribución de responsabilidad, y el de menor uso, el de las consecuencias económicas.

Background With about 1,000 species in the Neotropics, the Eumaeini (Theclinae) are one of the most diverse butterfly tribes. Correct morphology-based identifications are challenging in many genera due to relatively little interspecific differences in wing patterns. Geographic infraspecific variation is sometimes more substantial than variation between species. In this paper we present a large DNA barcode dataset of South American Lycaenidae. We analyze how well DNA barcode BINs match morphologically delimited species. Methods We compare morphology-based species identifications with the clustering of molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) delimitated by the RESL algorithm in BOLD, which assigns Barcode Index Numbers (BINs). We examine intra- and interspecific divergences for genera represented by at least four morphospecies. We discuss the existence of local barcode gaps in a genus by genus analysis. We also note differences in the percentage of species with barcode gaps in groups of lowland and high mountain genera. Results We identified 2,213 specimens and obtained 1,839 sequences of 512 species in 90 genera. Overall, the mean intraspecific divergence value of CO1 sequences was 1.20%, while the mean interspecific divergence between nearest congeneric neighbors was 4.89%, demonstrating the presence of a barcode gap. However, the gap seemed to disappear from the entire set when comparing the maximum intraspecific distance (8.40%) with the minimum interspecific distance (0.40%). Clear barcode gaps are present in many genera but absent in others. From the set of specimens that yielded COI fragment lengths of at least 650 bp, 75% of the a priori morphology-based identifications were unambiguously assigned to a single Barcode Index Number (BIN). However, after a taxonomic a posteriori review, the percentage of matched identifications rose to 85%. BIN splitting was observed for 17% of the species and BIN sharing for 9%. We found that genera that contain primarily lowland species show higher percentages of local barcode gaps and congruence between BINs and morphology than genera that contain exclusively high montane species. The divergence values to the nearest neighbors were significantly lower in high Andean species while the intra-specific divergence values were significantly lower in the lowland species. These results raise questions regarding the causes of observed low inter and high intraspecific genetic variation. We discuss incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization as most likely causes of this phenomenon, as the montane species concerned are relatively young and hybridization is probable. The release of our data set represents an essential baseline for a reference library for biological assessment studies of butterflies in mega diverse countries using modern high-throughput technologies an highlights the necessity of taxonomic revisions for various genera combining both molecular and morphological data.

El artículo tiene un doble objetivo. Por un lado, quiere participar en la vieja disputa acerca del papel que ha jugado la figura del hombre concebido como individuo en la construcción del orden social de la modernidad. Y, por otro, el de hacerlo a partir de las aportaciones de Andrés Bilbao sobre el tema tal y como se recogen en su obra póstuma. Con el fin de desentrañar todo su sentido contrastamos sus ideas con las del antropólogo francés L. Dumont y extraemos de esa comparación algunas conclusiones de interés. Un mejor conocimiento de los orígenes del orden social moderno redunda siempre en un mejor conocimiento de los problemas de presente.

Background: Antipsychotics modulate expression of inflammatory cytokines and inducible inflammatory enzymes. Elopiprazole (a phenylpiperazine antipsychotic drug in phase 1) has been characterized as a therapeutic drug to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in a repurposing study. We aim to investigate the potential effects of aripiprazole (an FDA approved phenylpiperazine) on COVID-19-related immunological parameters.Methods: Differential gene expression profiles of non-COVID-19 vs. COVID-19 RNA-Seq samples (CRA002390 project in GSA database) and drug-naïve patients with non-affective psychosis at baseline and after three months of aripiprazole treatment were identified. An integrative transcriptomic analyses of aripiprazole effects on differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 patients was performed.Findings: 82 out the 377 genes (21.7%) with expression significantly altered by aripiprazole have also their expression altered in COVID-19 patients and in 93.9% of these genes their expression is reverted by aripiprazole. The number of common genes with expression altered in both analyses is significantly higher than expected (Fisher’s Exact Test, two tail; p value = 3.2e-11). 11 KEGG pathways were significantly enriched with genes with altered expression both in COVID-19 patients and aripiprazole medicated non-affective psychosis patients (p adj

The high optical absorption and emission of bidimensional MoS2 are fundamental properties for optoelectronic and biodetection applications and the opportunity to retain these properties in high quality nano-sized flakes would bring further possibilities. Here, a large set of single-layer and few-layer (2–3 layers) MoS2 flakes with size in the range from 10 nm to 20 μm are obtained on sapphire by vapor deposition techniques and evaluated combining the information from the Raman phonons with photoluminescence (PL) and absorption bands. The flakes have triangular shape and are found to be progressively relaxed from the tensile strain imposed by the sapphire substrate as their size is reduced. An increasing hole doping as size decreases is deduced from the blue shift of the A1g phonon, related to charge transfer from adsorbed oxygen. No clear correlation is observed between defects density and size, therefore, doping would be favored by the preferential adsorption of oxygen at the edges of the flakes, being progressively more important as the edge/surface ratio is incremented. This hole doping also produces a shift of the PL band to higher energies, up to 60 meV. The PL intensity is not found to be correlated to the size but to the presence of defects. The trends with size for single-layer and for 2–3 layer samples are found to be similar and the synthesis method does not influence PL efficiency which remains high down to 40 nm being thus promising for nanoscale photonics.

Background and study aims The etiology of idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP) should always be defined. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) versus secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (S-MRCP) in patients with IAP. Patients and Methods Patients admitted to a single tertiary care University hospital with IAP were invited to participate in the study. Enrolled patients underwent EUS and S-MRCP in a single-blinded comparative study. EUS and S-MRCP were performed no sooner than 4 weeks after discharge. The diagnostic yield of EUS and S-MRCP and demographic variables were included in the analysis. Additional follow-up, results of subsequent serology, radiographic exams, and relevant histological analysis were considered in determination of the final diagnosis. Results A total of 34 patients were enrolled; EUS was normal in six, cholelithiasis was defined in 15, choledocholithiasis in two, pancreas divisum in three, branch-type intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT) in three, and chronic pancreatitis in five. S-MRCP identified choledocholithiasis in one, divisum in four, branch-type IPMT in three, chronic pancreatitis in two; 24 subjects diagnosed as normal by S-MRCP. Diagnostic correlation between EUS and S-MRCP was slight (kappa = 0.236, 95 % confidence interval: 0.055–0.416). EUS provided a statistically significantly higher diagnostic yield than S-MRCP: 79.4 % (CI95 %: 65 %–94 %) vs 29.4 % (CI95 %: 13 %–46 %) (P = 0.0002). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EUS and S-MRCP were 90 %, 80 %, 96 %, 57 % and 33 %, 100 %, 100 % and 16 %, respectively. Conclusion The diagnostic yield of EUS is higher than S-MRCP in patients with IAP.

Size, shape and hot spots are crucial to optimize Raman amplification from metallic nanoparticle (NPs). The amplification from radius = 1.8 ± 0.4 nm ultra-small silver NPs was explored. Increasing NP density redshifts and widens their plasmon that, according to simulations for NPs arrays, is originated by the reduction of the interparticle distance, d, becoming remarkable for d ≤ R. Inter-particle interaction red-shifts (>130 nm) and widens (>90 nm) the standard plasmon of non-interacting spherical particles. Graphene partly delocalizes the carriers enhancing the NIR spectral weight. Raman amplification of graphene phonons is moderate and depends smoothly on d while that of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) varies almost exponentially due to their location at hot-spots that depend strongly on d. The experimental correlation between amplification and plasmon position is well reproduced by simulations. The amplification originated by the ultra-small NPs is compared to that of larger particles, granular silver films with 7

A new species of Lymanopoda Westwood, a cloud forest Neotropical genus of Satyrinae, is described from the páramo grasslands on an isolated, peripheral massif in the Colombian Central Cordillera of the Andes: L. flammigera Pyrcz, Prieto & Boyer, sp. n. The genus Lymanopoda is species-rich (approx. 65 species) and its alpha taxonomy is relatively well researched. Relationships within the genus using molecular data have also been explored. The new species is outstanding for its golden yellow colour in males, not found in any other neotropical Satyrinae. Cladograms were constructed based on COI sequences of 47 species of Lymanopoda (~ 70% of the known species) including 17 from Colombia. The new species segregates in the "tolima" clade, which comprises four other high altitude Colombian species, as well as two from Ecuador. However, it is the comparative analysis of male genitalia, in particular the superuncus and valvae, which identified its closest relatives, thus confirming that genital characters can help refine molecular phylogenies. In addition to identifying species using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA barcodes), nucleotide sites with unique fixed states used to identify nine species of Lymanopoda from Colombia are also presented.

The data presented in this article are related to the research paper entitled “The biological age linked to oxidative stress modifies breast cancer aggressiveness” (M.M. Sáez-Freire, A. Blanco-Gómez, S. Castillo-Lluva, A. Gómez-Vecino, J.M. Galvis-Jiménez, C. Martín-Seisdedos, M. Isidoro-García, L. Hontecillas-Prieto, M.B. García-Cenador, F.J. García-Criado, M.C. Patino-Alonso, P. Galindo-Villardón, J.H. Mao, C. Prieto, A. Castellanos-Martín, L. Kaderali, J. Pérez-Losada). The data shown were obtained from a population of transgenic mice, MMTV-Erbb2/Neu, with different susceptibility to breast cancer and a mixed genetic background generated by backcrossing. It was observed that the aggressiveness of breast cancer negatively correlates with age, being lower in chronologically old mice, similar to what occurs in humans. Given that oxidative stress is associated with tumour susceptibility and the degree of aging, the association between the aggressiveness of breast cancer and multiple intermediate phenotypes directly or indirectly related to oxidative stress was studied. Using a mathematical model, we defined biological age and the degree of aging as the difference between biological and chronological ages. As a result, we observed that biologically old mice predominated among those that developed the disease early on, that is, those that were chronologically young. We then identified the specific and common genetic components of Quantitative Trait loci or QTL associated with different evolution of breast cancer, the intermediate phenotypes related to oxidative stress studied, the biological age and the degree of aging. Lastly, we showed that the expression pattern in the livers of biologically old mice were enriched in signalling pathways related to inflammation and response to infections; whereas the biologically young mice exhibited enriched pathways related to mitochondrial activity. For the explanation and discussion of these data refer to the research article cited above.

Abstract Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a highly prevalent pathology in our society. Due to the prevalence of this condition and to the persisting symptoms despite an appropriate medical treatment, surgical techniques are often required. Lately, minimal invasive techniques have been described, such as lacrimal diversion devices (LDDs). This technique offers a fast and convenient choice for delivery of sinus irrigation and topical medication. Objective We aimed to describe our experience with LDDs and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the procedure in patients with moderate to severe CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) and persistent symptomatology despite medical therapy. Methods A total of 7 patients underwent bilateral lacrimal stents placement in the operating room. A retrospective observational study was conducted. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) survey was performed and the score obtained was compared before and 1 month after the procedure. Results The LDDs were used for an average of 80 days. During the follow-up, only three patients had a mild complication with the device (granuloma in the punctum, obstruction, and early extrusion). The mean baseline SNOT-20 score dropped significantly (p = 0.015) from 25.85 to 11.57 (mean: - 14.29) 1 month after the procedure. Conclusion According to our experience and results, the use of LDD is a novel, feasible, and less invasive technique to treat refractory CRS. It reduces the risk of mucosal stripping, provides short-term outcomes, and the surgical procedure does not require advanced training in endoscopic sinus surgery. Moreover, it can be performed in-office under local anesthesia or sedation.

Antipsychotics are crucial for the treatment of schizophrenia and contribute to weight gain in psychosis, particularly during early phases. Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain (AIWG) might contribute to reduce the quality of life, drug compliance and to increase mortality. To characterize sex differences of gene expression related to AIWG, we sequenced total mRNA from blood samples of schizophrenia patients, before and after 3 months of antipsychotic-treatment. We analyzed schizophrenia patients according to their sex (38 males and 39 females) and their BMI increase after medication, characterizing the differential gene expression before and after medication. Individuals in each group were categorized in patients who gain weight and those whose do not gain weight. The "weight gain" groups included patients with an increase of body mass index (BMI) > 1.0 points (27 males and 23 females with a median BMI increase of 2.68 and 2.32 respectively). The "no weight gain" groups included patients with a change of BMI between < 1.0 and > -1.0 points (11 males and 16 females with a median BMI increase of 0.21 and 0.16 respectively). The males had 331 genes with significant differential expression in the weight gain group and 24 genes in the no weight gain group. The females had 119 genes with significant differential expression in the weight gain group and 75 genes in the no weight gain group. Both weight gain groups were significantly enriched with "obesity" genes (Fisher; p = 1.1E-09 and p = 0.0001 respectively), according to the Gene Reference into Function (GeneRIF) database.In conclusion, we characterized genes with differential expression associated to AIWG that are specific to males, to females and common to both sexes. These genes are good candidates to depict the biological processes involved in AIWG and provide additional evidence of the genetic links between weight gain and the immune system.

Polar instabilities are well known to be suppressed on scaling materials down to the nanoscale, when the electrostatic energy increase at surfaces exceeds lowering of the bulk polarization energy. Surprisingly, here we report an emergent low symmetry polar phase arising in nanoscale powders of CaTiO3, the original mineral named perovskite discovered in 1839 and considered nominally nonpolar at any finite temperature in the bulk. Using nonlinear optics and spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microscopy studies, we discover a well-defined polar to non-polar transition at a TC = 350 K in these powders. The same polar phase is also seen as a surface layer in bulk CaTiO3 single crystals, forming striking domains with in-plane polarization orientations. Density functional theory reveals that oxygen octahedral distortions in the surface layer lead to the stabilization of the observed monoclinic polar phase. These results reveal new ways of overcoming the scaling limits to polarization in perovskites.

The type isolates of species Micromonospora saelicesensis and Micromonospora noduli are Gram-stain positive actinobacteria that were originally isolated from nitrogen fixing nodules of the legumes Lupinus angustifolius and Pisum sativum, respectively. These two species are very closely related and questions arise as to whether they should be merged into a single species. To better delineate the relationship of M. saelicesensis and M. noduli, 10 strains isolated from plant tissue (nodules and leaves) and identified by their 16S rRNA gene sequences as either M. saelicensesis or M. noduli, based on a cut-off value of ≥99.5% were selected for whole-genome sequencing and compared with the type strains of M. saelicesensis Lupac 09T and M. noduli GUI43T using overall genome relatedness indices (OGRI) which included ANI, OrthoANI and digital DNA-DNA hybridization. Whole- and core-genome phylogenomic analyses were also carried out. These results were compared with the topologies of the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene phylogenies. Good correlation was found between all trees except for the 16S rRNA gene. Overall results also supported the current classification of M. saelicesensis and M. noduli as separate species. Especially useful was the core-genome phylogenetic analyses based on 92 genes and the dDDH results which were highly correlated. The importance of using more than one strain for a better definition of a species was also shown. A series of in vitro phenotypic assays performed at different times were compared with in silico predictions based on genomic data. In vitro phenotypic tests showed discrepancies among the independent studies, confirming the lack of reproducibility even when tests were performed in the same laboratory. On the other hand, the use of in silico predictions proved useful for defining a stable phenotype profile among the strains analyzed. These results provide a working framework for defining Micromonospora species at the genomic and phenotypic level.

Representación sindical. Mercado de trabajo secundario. Paternalismo industrial. Género y tiempos

Antipsychotic drugs are one of the largest types of prescribed drugs and have large inter-individual differences in efficacy, but there is no methodology to predict their clinical effect. Here we show a four-gene blood expression profile to predict the response to antipsychotics in schizophrenia patients before treatment. We sequenced total mRNA from blood samples of antipsychotic naïve patients who, after 3 months of treatment, were in the top 40% with the best response (15 patients) and in the bottom 40% with the worst response (15 patients) according to the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). We characterized the transcriptome before treatment of these 30 patients and found 130 genes with significant differential expression (Padj value < 0.01) associated with clinical response. Then, we used Random Forests, an ensemble learning method for classification and regression, to obtain a list of predictor genes. The expression of four genes can predict the response to antipsychotic medication with a cross-validation accuracy estimation of 0.83 and an area under the curve of 0.97 using a logistic regression. We anticipate that this approach is a gateway to select the specific antipsychotic that will produce the best response to treatment for each specific patient.

Two new species of the genus Zospeum Bourguignat, 1856 are described from caves in the Sierra de Aitzgorri (Gipuzkoa) and the Sierra Salvada (Burgos) in Northern Spain. The taxa Z. vasconicum sp. n. and Z. zaldivarae sp. n. have recently, without a formal name, been included in a molecular study of worldwide members of the Carychiidae. In the present paper, the shell morphology and variation of these species is described and illustrated.

Aim. To determine the serum prealbumin (PA), retinol binding protein (RBP), and retinol levels in adult patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to analyze some factors related to those levels. Methods. A total of 93 patients (47 women) were studied. Age, gender, BMI, duration of diabetes, chronic complications, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, albumin, PA, RBP, and retinol were recorded. High and low parameter groups were compared by Mann–Whitney U and χ2 tests. Correlation between parameters was analyzed by Spearman’s test. Odds of low levels were analyzed by univariate logistic regression and included in the multivariate analysis when significant. Results. 49.5%, 48.4%, and 30.1% of patients displayed serum PA, RBP, and retinol levels below normal values, respectively. A high correlation (Rho > 0.8) between PA, RBP, and retinol serum levels was found. Patients presenting low levels of any of them were predominantly women, normal-weighted, and with lower levels of triglycerides and serum creatinine. No differences in age, macrovascular complications, duration of diabetes, or HbA1c values were observed when comparing low and normal parameter groups. Conclusion. Low serum levels of PA, RBP, and retinol are frequent in T1D adult patients. This alteration is influenced by female sex and serum creatinine and triglyceride levels.

Between 1950 and 1980, the predominant model in the Central European countries is characterized by full-time, wage-earning and stable full employment with social guarantees. Between 1980 and 1995 the end of the hegemony of such a model of employment in the EU occurs, leading to another one with clearly different features. It is a phenomenon that has mainly to do with a gradual, but deep, change in the pattern of the social and political relations in the European Union countries. Amove away from the full employment model begins to outline, opening the way to other models that maintain high rates of unemployment, high levels of insecurity and a progressive deterioration of the minimum social guarantees. This tendency shows considerable differences among the countries of the EU depending on two main factors; in the first place they have to do with the fortress or weakness of the industrial relations system of each country; and in the second place they are concerned by the incorporation of new labour individuals in the labour force, apart form the national adult male, particularly young people, women and migrants. In general, such collectives are far away from the influence of trade unions, and, because of their distinctive features, they have probably contributed to the consolidation of flexible forms of employment, becoming thus instability as usual.Entre 1950 y 1980, el modelo predominante en los países europeos centrales era el de pleno empleo estable, asalariado, a tiempo completo y con garantías sociales. Entre 1980 y 1995 se produce en la Unión Europea el fin de la hegemonía de ese modelo de empleo para dar paso a otro de características y rasgos netamente distintos. Es un fenómeno que tiene que ver, ante todo, con un cambio paulatino, pero profundo, en la configuración de las relaciones sociales y políticas en los países de la propia Unión Europea. Se empiezan a dibujar otros modelos que mantienen tasas altas de paro, grados importantes de inseguridad y un deterioro progresivo de las garantías sociales mínimas. Esta tendencia se presenta con grandes diferencias entre los países de la Unión. Esas diferencias tienen que ver con un doble orden de factores: en primer lugar con la fortaleza o debilidad del sistema de relaciones laborales de cada país; y en segundo lugar con la incorporación al empleo de nuevos sujetos laborales distintos del varón adulto nacional, en particular jóvenes, mujeres e inmigrantes, grupos en general muy alejados de la influencia sindical y que, por sus peculiares características, han podido contribuir a que formas flexibilizadas de empleo se acaben consolidando como habituales.

Este artículo tiene un doble objetivo. En primer lugar, presentar un diagnóstico de las políticas empresariales de mano de obra y de sus efectos en la configuración de las condiciones de trabajo y empleo, tomando como base informativa las investigaciones que ha realizado la sociología española sobre este tema en los últimos quince años. En segundo lugar, plantear y defender la tesis de que esas políticas sólo pueden entenderse plenamente si se analizan como parte de un determinado contexto económico, social y político. Este contexto se hallaría constituido por la articulación interactiva de varios conjuntos de prácticas sociales recogido bajo el concepto de Régimen Social de Empleo.